The hazy mist obscured his slender silhouette by the window.   “Stay…behind?” Her bewildered voice drifted out.   “Mm,” he affirmed. “No need to rush back and forth from the Eastern Palace. Storming the execution grounds will be extremely hectic the next few days.”   After a brief pause he appended teasingly, “Besides, Xie Kang’s…

The wind swept through the alley stirring the faint rustling of leaves.   The youth before her gazed down steadily, eyes bright yet piercing as starlight upon still waters.   Slightly stunned she blinked blankly. “…Storm the execution grounds?”   “Mm,” he nodded. “We’ll go together.”   “But—”   As realization dawned she abruptly glared…

The ground was covered in shimmering starlight.   Almond blossoms swirled down, blanketing everything in what seemed like endless snow.   Jiang Kui looked up at Xie Wuyang in his embrace, smelling the herbal scent on him, the sandalwood fragrance, and the misty dampness. His hug was unbelievably pure, light as a gust of wind,…

Xie Wuyan gave a soft cough.   He seemed to have some difficulty catching his breath, worrying Jiang Kui who poured him a cup of hot tea.   She rose to sit at the edge of his bed, turning to face him. Leaning back against a pillar he cradled the tea, head lowered as he…

Starlight and petals fell together into the girl’s hair beneath the tree, highlighting her flushed, shy cheeks.   Dizzy from the wine, she closed her eyes and rolled over, nuzzling into Zhu Zi’an’s embrace. Drowsily resting her head on his chest, she murmured: “Zhu Zi’an.”   “Mm,” he replied.   That voice rumbled from his…

Amidst the tide of chatter, Jiang Kui was escorted into the Drum Tower tavern by the Beggar Sect members.   The clamor faded away and a momentary silence fell outside the tavern, only the sound of wind stirring fallen leaves echoed from the alleyway.   Luo Shiyi jumped down from the carriage and ducked inside…

The flames in the brazier crackled and danced.   Zhu Zi’an continued wrapping white gauze around his fingers, casually saying: “What relationship could I have with him?”   Jiang Kui stared at him. “But you’re always asking me things about him.”   “You’re my senior sister. Now that you’re married, of course I’d care about…

Just then a gust of wind blew some flowers to the ground. The pitter-patter of raindrops striking the carriage canopy rang out crisply.   A rain-soaked petal floated in, carried on the gentle breeze through the window curtain. It landed amidst the hair of the young maiden sitting in the carriage.   Both their robes…

The sounds downstairs were as distant as the tide.   The two people in the elegant room were very close, close enough to hear each other’s breathing and heartbeats.   One after another, echoing in each other’s ears.   “Zhu Zi’an,” she said.   “Mm,” he answered.   An extremely quiet yet extremely noisy moment.…

In the next moment, a long spear fell from the skylight above!   “Young Master Jiang!” Luo Shiyi’s voice called down. “Your spear!”   Jiang Kui caught the spear, peering up to loudly respond, “Thanks a bunch!”   Poised beneath a beam of light holding her weapon, she shook off the ermine coat draping her…