“Young master, if you leave like this, will Jun Manor be alright?” Chuxia looked at the garden with its first hints of green, feeling uneasy.
“We’ll all leave; only then will it be safe here,” the young master called Chuxia over, speaking softly, “I know you’re reluctant, fearing this journey might be dangerous, right?”
Chuxia, caught in her thoughts, awkwardly smiled, “I’d love to see more of the world.”
“Baixue is willing to follow me, see, she’s not afraid,” the young master’s smile held a deeper meaning.
This time, Chuxia didn’t argue, only sighed softly, “Doesn’t the young master know? As long as one is with their beloved, they fear no peril.”
The young master “oh-ed,” his tone slightly raised, half-smiling, “Sounds like you’re envious?”
Chuxia paused but did not deny it, “Yes.”
The young master set down his pen, looked at her intently, as if re-evaluating her, but said nothing for a long while.
This early spring journey from Cangzhou westward to Luoyang was indeed picturesque. The young master seemed unhurried, riding alongside Baixue, occasionally pointing out scenic views, enjoying the scenery. Meanwhile, Chuxia and Qinglong, following behind, couldn’t help but bicker, with one of them inevitably riding forward to tattle. The young master, watching their grumpy faces, showed no favoritism, making the journey lively.
“Young master, there’s a town ahead; shall we have lunch there?” Chuxia, feeling the cold of the ‘returning spring chill,’ longed for a cup of hot tea.
The young master looked at the sky, pondering, “It looks like it might rain.”
“Yes, this spring is indeed strange,” Baixue agreed.
“Ah—” Chuxia’s horse slipped, and she nearly fell off, but the young master, without visible effort, reached out, lightly lifting and pulling her in front of him. Chuxia, her face pale with fright, watched as Qinglong dismounted to check the horse’s hooves, confirming a loose horseshoe.
The sky, now gray, began to rain softly. The young master, frowning at the sky, told Qinglong, “We’ll head to the town ahead; you follow with the horse.” Qinglong responded with a grunt, and the young master let out a clear command before they ventured forward into the drizzle. Chuxia and the young master shared a horse, which felt quite awkward for her. The young master held the reins with one hand while his other arm encircled Chuxia’s waist. Despite carrying two people, the horse named Electric Light was still very swift, soon overtaking another horse ahead. “Young Master, would it be better if I switched with Lady Baisue?” Chuxia shouted over the noise of the wind and rain. The young master seemed not to hear, instead leaning close to her ear and whispering softly, “Don’t move.” His warm breath brushed her ear, and without realizing it, he wrapped her in his cloak, holding her even tighter. Chuxia suddenly felt the warmth of his embrace, perhaps even warmer than the most expensive fox fur… After a while, she said softly, “Young Master, I can’t breathe…” This time, her voice was so light, yet the young master heard it, loosening his grip slightly, his thin lips brushing past her cheek, causing Chuxia to stiffen, and she indeed stopped moving.
After riding for about an incense stick’s time, they arrived at a small town. The town was tiny, with only one restaurant. When the young master dismounted, he naturally extended his hand to help Chuxia down. However, Chuxia, after glancing at Baisue who had just arrived, silently climbed down from the other side. An attendant took the horses to be fed, and soon after, Qinglong caught up. The young master glanced at him and asked casually, “All set?” Qinglong scratched his head, his expression meaningful, “The blacksmith in this town was hard to find… took a bit of effort.” The young master nodded slightly, “Let’s eat first.” Seeing Qinglong’s pale face, Chuxia rubbed her hands together and said, “Damn, it’s so cold!” The smile on the young master’s lips faded slightly as he gave her a subtle look. Chuxia, unaware, poured tea for the young master and Baisue, then muttered to Qinglong, “Damn, I’m starving.” Qinglong glanced at the young master’s expression and subtly nudged Chuxia under the table. Chuxia shot him a glare, only to find all three at the table staring at her with odd expressions, “Why are you all looking at me?” The young master’s face was as cold as frost, “Chuxia, who taught you to speak like that?” Chuxia exclaimed in confusion, “What words?” Qinglong, restless, nudged her again. The young master said lightly, “Damn.” Uh, why did it sound so strange when the young master said it? Chuxia looked at him seriously, “Young Master, that’s not how you say it.” The young master’s expression softened, “How should it be said then?” “You need to speak with full vigor, quickly. Cough, like this, Young Master.” Chuxia slapped the table and shouted, “Waiter, damn it! Why is the food so slow?” “Pfft—” Qinglong sprayed out a mouthful of hot tea. The young master’s phoenix eyes narrowed as he looked at the spirited Chuxia, wanting to say something but only pressed his lips together, his eyes filled with helplessness. The waiter brought the dishes, cautiously eyeing Chuxia, muttering, “Here it comes! This little girl talks like a female king…” Qinglong stole a glance at the young master and braced himself, “Young Master… I was just joking around. She learns too quickly—” Baisue, who had been silent, suddenly coughed several times. The young master looked at her, “Why are you coughing so much?” “It’s nothing, probably just caught a chill earlier,” Baisue smiled slightly, “It’s not a big deal.” The young master’s tone was full of concern, “Well, the rain is getting heavier, let’s stay here for a day.” Seeing the young master drop the subject, Qinglong breathed a sigh of relief and buried his face in his bowl, eating heartily.
