Pear and apricot blossoms drifted down like snowflakes outside the carriage window, blanketing the long avenue.   Wooden wheels rumbled over the paved road amidst fallen petals towards the imperial Eastern Palace’s lotus pond. Lotus buds tipped with sharp points dotted the water while tender shoots in varying hues of pink and white pushed through…

“I remember when this person first appeared in the martial world…” Ah Rong recollected, “he took over a business deal from me. My impression was that he was quite young back then.”   Zhu Zi’an gave a slight nod. “As you know, those who work as brokers in our world typically conceal their identities. The…

The fiery clouds slowly faded as sounds of fires crackling and food frying came drifting in through the window, distant as ocean waves.   The girl inside the house yawned lazily with the quiet breathing of her beloved beside her, gentle and soothing. Coal embers flickered warmly in the brazier, tinging his hair a cozy…

“Do you remember now?”   “Mm.”   The clamor from the streets drifted faintly into the courtyard, muted to a distant hum. Birds twittered and chirped amidst the rustling tree branches outside while the brazier crackled softly within. A lone droplet trembled on the edge of a snow-cloaked plum blossom by the window, threatening to…

A night breeze blew in through the porthole window and he gave a faint shiver, murmuring again, “It’s so cold.” His breathing grew ragged, warm puffs of air brushing her cheek. She looked anxiously at him, leaning over to press her forehead to his and realized with a start that he was burning up. “You…

In that moment, the winds ceased and snow stilled as all things held their breath.   Brilliant light poured from the clouds like waterfalls, spilling fragments of gold over them.   He gently carried her in his arms, striding through the snowy fields and motionless weapons, walking towards the rising sun.   “Do you remember…

“Xiao Man.” After a while, he called her.   “Hmm?” She looked up at him in his embrace.   “We have to go,” his voice tinged with a hint of helplessness. “Could you let go first?”   “You first,” she pouted.   “You first,” he softly sighed by her ear. “I can’t bear to.”  …

Dappled shadows swayed as snowflakes drifted down silently.   The person at her side glanced up, gazing at the bright moon overhead.   After a long while, he asked softly, “Even if you knew he was someone close to death?”   Head bowed, she answered gently, “Mm-hmm.”   “Even if…” He lowered his eyes. “You…

Zhu Zi’an also had some wine. Next to her words he replied: “Half a day.”   They wrote using a secret code agreed upon between them, appearing as meaningless scribbles to others.   After a quick exchange the two, Jiang Kui turned and saluted the innkeeper. “Please lead the way.”   The innkeeper was silent…

The sound of waves rose and fell like the tide outside the window, one after another, falling into her ears.   In almost an instant, she understood his unusual behavior today – the silent sadness in his gaze towards her, as well as the ups and downs of his emotions.   Her lips parted slightly,…