They continued walking through the grasslands until they approached the original settlement’s location, where a person surnamed Qiu still lived. He had never migrated and remained alone in his tent, guarding a flock of sheep and several fierce herding dogs. Now that everyone had returned, they had formed a small settlement again.
Wei Linxia’s heart had never truly settled until she saw him alive.
“Okay, it’s clean now,” Xi Linxuan said, washing a handkerchief and wiping her face. “Clean your face, and I’ll apply something good so you don’t become a yellow-faced woman.”
Wei Linxia tilted her face up, adjusting her robe while enjoying his service. “What good thing?”
Xi Linxuan took something from his chest, poured it on his hand, and gently patted her face. The strong scent of milk mixed with a slightly pungent smell filled the air. Wei Linxia accidentally licked Xi Linxuan’s palm, confirming it was sheep’s milk.
“It’s just sheep’s milk, why be so secretive? This will need to be washed off later, or it’ll smell,” Wei Linxia said.
“No need. Go to sleep. I’m not afraid you’ll stink me up,” Xi Linxuan replied.
“Who would stink you up? Just turn over.” Wei Linxia wiped her legs and washed her feet as Xi Linxuan lit the candle.
The grassland night was quiet, without unexpected sounds or disturbances.
Wei Linxia had slept soundly during the day but found herself staring at the tent ceiling.
“This pillow looks new,” Wei Linxia noted.
“Newly replaced,” Xi Linxuan replied, holding her tightly as if fearing she might run away.
“What about the old one?” she asked.
“Thrown away. I knew you’d struggle to sleep after a long day,” he said, patting her.
The next morning, Wei Linxia woke to bright light in the tent and found Xi Linxuan gone. As she dressed, she heard unfamiliar voices outside, mingled with Xi Linxuan’s, but she couldn’t understand them.
Xi Linxuan returned, bringing coolness with him. He placed his whip by the door and carried a nearly lifeless goose.
“Where did this come from?” Wei Linxia asked.
“Hunted it last night. They’re having a bonfire party to welcome you, and this is our contribution,” he explained.
“Welcoming me? The grassland people are so hospitable,” Wei Linxia replied with a smile.
