The street’s snow had been trampled solid, and the carriage wheels wrapped in cowhide made hardly any sound. Xi Linxuan lifted a corner of the curtain to look at the market.
Huo City was not as prosperous as the capital, and with the snow, it appeared somewhat desolate. Xi Linxuan briefly poked his head out, unable to see Wei Linxia. When he had been escorted out by the eunuchs, she had already been seated in the carriage, greeting him through the curtain. He imagined she must be happy, anticipating the reunion with her beloved.
Regretful of agreeing to Yan Junzhu’s request, Xi Linxuan felt he inadvertently benefitted Wei Linxia.
Their meeting place was a pavilion halfway up the mountain, likely Xi Zhaoting’s idea. On the way up, they saw hardly anyone. Upon arrival, Xi Zhaoting and Li Weiheng awaited them, seated by the window. Li Weiheng, in an orange-red dress, appeared lively, while Wei Linxia, dressed in a mustard-yellow outfit, seemed to blend with the withered surroundings. Li Weiheng observed, “Sister Shenbei, I think I’ve seen this outfit before.” Wei Linxia replied, “It’s my mother’s old shirt. You last saw it when she was sorting her wardrobe.”
The others remained silent. Eventually, Yan Junzhu remarked, “Madam Wei is truly thrifty. Come, it’s so cold that riding here has nearly frozen me.”
Quick, pour me some hot wine to warm up.” Soon, wine was poured and sipped slowly, accompanied by delicate pastries. The conversation became more relaxed. Li Weiheng, cracking hazelnuts with a small copper hammer, asked, “Sister Shenbei, did Uncle Wei let you out because you’re recovered? Does that mean you can go to school with us now?”
Except for Wei Fengzhi, the others perked up their ears. Wei Linxia smiled and said, “I can recognize characters now. I want to learn qin, chess, and painting.”
Li Weiheng wrinkled her pretty face. “Sister Shenbei, you’re already so good at qin. What about me?”
Yan Junzhu comforted her, “Don’t worry, apart from recognizing characters and using a whip, I can’t do anything else.” Wei Linxia and Xi Linxuan glanced at Wei Fengzhi before lowering their heads.
