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 the surface. Dappled sunlight filtering through overhanging branches shimmered brightly across the tranquil surface.
Inside, Xie Wuyan had dozed for quite some time before Jiang Kui finally roused him. Still muzzy-headed, he let her tug him towards a secluded hall where they swiftly changed into fresh garments. Darting outside, they slipped into a carriage with pale green curtains and a white steed in harness.
Flicking the reins sharply, the black-clad youth in the driver’s seat guided them along a hidden path leading towards the bustling Changle district enveloped in trailing smoke.
In Changle’s winding alleys, rhythmic drumbeats ebbed and flowed like ocean tides as evening fell. Myriad shadows flitted busily to and fro.
Within a small smithy tucked in a quiet corner, resonant clangs echoed nonstop amidst the sizzling sparks flying near the smelter’s gaping maw. Hot gusts stirred the gauzy canopy as a slim maiden worked the billows, snowy sleeves neatly rolled to her narrow waist and bound off in a practical knot.
Master swordsmith Bai Ying set aside her hammer, lifting her head to call out cheerfully at the passing girl peeking under the parted curtain, “Xiao Man! What wind blows you here today?”
Her gaze slid behind the youth in green robes to alight on his tall companion. “And Master Puliu too?”
Smiling faintly, Xie Wuyan inclined his head in greeting, absently clasping the girl’s hand. “Master Bai. It’s been awhile.”
Bai Ying eyed their joined hands speculatively before blinking up at her friend in confusion. “What’s all this about, Xiao Man? You’re a married woman yet here you stand holding hands quite brazenly with Master Puliu. Does your husband the Crown Prince not care his head’s gone green from sprouting horns?”
Xie Wuyan muffled an amused huff behind one wide sleeve as Jiang Kui drew him into the smithy. “He is my lord husband in truth,” she informed Bai Ying calmly.
Bai Ying goggled, momentarily struck speechless. “But isn’t your husband…”
She swayed alarmingly without finishing her sentence. “Xiao Man, catch me…”
Thoroughly nonplussed, Jiang Kui obligingly moved to support her wavering form before comprehension abruptly dawned. “Ah! I think I mocked him once for failing to become a court scholar?”
“Mocking the Crown Prince is surely an offense punishable by death,” Bai Ying mumbled faintly to herself.
Xie Wuyan chortled helplessly off to the side as Jiang Kui propelled him before the dumbfounded girl, scowling. “Does he resemble royalty in the slightest?”
Still utterly flabbergasted, Bai Ying peeked out between tightly clamped fingers. “I’ve heard gazing directly upon sages risks blinding radiance.”
Jiang Kui heaved a long-suffering sigh. “All those vulgar rumors on the streets again…anyways, it’s not even his true semblance.”
Lifting her chin challengingly towards Xie Wuyan, she continued, “In fact, a certain someone claimed he normally looks hideous enough that I’m allowed to beat him black and blue if I ever glimpse it.”
Xie Wuyan quickly dodged the incoming fist with an easy twist of his body before straightening with a quiet chuckle and obediently inclining his head for her admonishing tap.
Bai Ying scrutinized him intently for several moments as reluctant acceptance slowly dawned. The unassuming gentleman with his ready humor and genial warmth somehow exuded innate nobility without a shred of accompanying arrogance. Though half-immersed amidst the grime and sweat inherent to manual smithing labor, he remained untainted by the dust of vulgar mortal toil.
Smoothing down her flyaway strands, the petite swordmaker drew herself up with renewed purpose once recovered from her initial shock. “Then I suppose my role in your affairs renders me practically akin to a matchmaker.”
She hesitated briefly over the formal style of address before barrelling on cheerily. “In that case, shouldn’t I expect lavish feasts in recompense, Your…er…Highness?” Nearly tripping over her own tongue again, she shot Jiang Kui a pleading look.
Bemused, Jiang Kui obliged her silent appeal. “I can’t seem to grow accustomed to that myself either. Just keep addressing him the same as always.”
“In that regard, Master Bai, it is you who should be treating us to a meal instead,” Xie Wuyan remarked lightly. “We currently bear missives from the young master of Mount Duan.”
Jiang Kui retrieved a small lacquered box from her sleeve and presented it to Bai Ying with both hands. “From my eldest brother.”
The container had been carefully wrapped in light green silk and fastened by a pristine white cord tied off in an intricate bow. Judging from the neat symmetry, one could easily envision the graceful hands that had gently looped and secured the elegant knot.
Wordless, Bai Ying bit her lower lip as she accepted the parcel before retreating behind the counter. She spent long moments unwrapping the package and examining its contents with breathless anticipation that swiftly shifted into pensive silence. Sinking slowly atop a rough-hewn stool, she tucked both legs against herself and buried her face within the spill of her long unbound hair.
The normally bubbly girl seemed subdued for once, gaze downcast while thick lashes veiled whatever roiled beneath the placid surface. Tip of her cute nose faintly pink, twin spots of color high on both cheeks slowly deepened to match. Still she kept her head bowed low, lips curving once.
Eventually Bai Ying carefully rewrapped and set aside the package before straightening and rounding the corner with studied nonchalance. “What other business brings you two to call upon me today?”
“My elder brother and you…” Jiang Kui started to ask before warm fingers unexpectedly sealed themselves across her mouth. She twisted around to meet the Crown Prince’s mildly admonishing look as he gently tugged her back against himself, the arm wrapped around her waist surreptitiously squeezing once in warning while his other hand briefly tapped over hers.
Getting the hint, she grumbled under her breath but held her peace, allowing the subject to drop.
Xie Wuyan patted her hair soothingly before facing Bai Ying once more. “There is another matter of import we would appreciate your assistance with, Master Bai.”
She nodded readily. “I’m all ears.”
“We’ve undertaken investigations around a shadowy figure known as the White-Haired Elder active in Jianghu circles currently.” Xie Wuyan lowered his voice. “With so many wanderers passing through this area, perhaps you may help spread certain rumors to serve as bait and flush the target into the open?”
Bai Ying quickly caught on. “So…luring snakes from their lairs for capture?”
Xie Wuyan inclined his head. “Suspecting the man as highly ranked court official. An imperial hunt draws near at month’s end – a prime chance to unmask his identity.”
“Circulating gossip falls easily within my capabilities.” Bai Ying acknowledged after a brief pause. “Leave it to me.”
She flipped the shop sign to ‘Closed’ before inviting them to take seats within and share steaming cups of fragrant tea. They spent some time freely discussing potential strategies involving the mysterious White-Haired Elder.
When night had further deepened outside, a light rain began to fall. Seated at the low table with a warm cup cradled in both hands, Xie Wuyan had drifted off again beneath the hypnotic patter against roof tiles. Catching Jiang Kui surreptitiously studying his weary profile, he yawned and rose to excuse themselves from an apologetic Bai Ying.
Sheltered briefly under the extended eaves, they dashed through the rain-drenched side alleys towards their awaiting carriage.
Inside, Xie Wuyan gave another tremendous yawn even as he directed, “Let’s stop by the bookshop first. I left some Jianghu manuscripts there previously that I need to take back for review.”
Jiang Kui eyed him in concern. “Can’t you send someone else? You’re dead on your feet again.”
“I must speak with Master Qinghe in person.” He leaned tiredly against the paneled walls, gaze clouded by exhaustion. “Another disruptive clash erupted at court today around military provisions…truly the budget remains a tangled mess requiring someone both highly skilled and impartial to resolve.”
By way of explanation, he clarified, “I mean to offer Master Qinghe a official posting.”
Rain poured ceaselessly outside. Wheels crunching through puddles, the carriage glided to a smooth halt along a quiet alley running behind the Eastern Tower bookshop.
Repeated knocks sounded sharply against wooden doors before the resident storyteller Liu Qinghe slouched over and wrenched them open with a huge yawn. “We’re closAAAAH—”
He jerked in astonishment as the polite youth at his threshold inclined into a deep bow. “Master Qinghe.”
Liu Qinghe immediately pivoted on his heels without another word.
Oblivious to the fat raindrops striking his robes and seeping into the cloth, the young man remained rooted in place. Bowing once more, he entreated gravely, “Kang humbly begs instruction from the Master’s wisdom.”
“Your Highness.” Liu Qinghe didn’t bother glancing back, merely flapping a hand in dismissal. “As previously agreed, I’m content to while away my days peacefully as an obscure shopkeeper counting silvers earned from my mediocre storytelling. Bureaucratic affairs lie far beyond my limited capabilities.”
Soundless, the prince sank down on bended knees, heedless of the cascading rainwet completely drenching his garments. Rivulets streamed into his eyes yet still he kept his formally deferential posture. Puddled water below reflected the solitary figure framed within its glassy surface, awash in a churning halo.
“Your Highness!” Liu finally whirled around, scrubbing both hands through his hair in vexation. “Pushing me towards raging wildfires now. Is that it?”
“Without devoted stewards to tend the flames, even the beacons must eventually fail,” Xie Wuyan intoned solemnly.
Heaving another resigned sigh, Liu neatened his coarse hemp robes and slowly returned the solemn obeisance across the downpour separating them. “Then this undistinguished one shall endeavor our utmost to serve.”
Through the constant thrum of rainfall sweeping across long empty streets to splash within the myriad transient pools of gathered blossoms, a girl unfurled a oilcloth umbrella and moved to stand beside the drenched young man still rooted motionlessly outside.
“You’re completely soaked through,” she fretted with quiet exasperation.
“Merely a passing shower.” Shivering slightly, he accepted her makeshift shelter. “Nothing to worry over.”
Yet she demurred, frowning at the ground while thick lashes bore the lingering weight of raindrops. He paused before enveloping her slender frame gently within his embrace. “Very well, I shall refrain from such reckless behavior henceforth.”
Her muted huff conveyed skepticism. “Empty platitudes – how often have you promised thus?”
His soft laughter invited further protest. “But t’was necessary this once to persuade Master Qinghe.”
“So that’s His Highness’s grand strategy!” Came the sardonic declaration from within before Liu’s irritated voice continued gruffly, “These damned summer storms! Quickly inside to dry off before you both catch your deaths. Spend the night here since venturing out remains impossible.”
Xie Wuyan’s smile deepened along well-worn lines. “Our sincerest gratitude for such generous hospitality.”
Planting himself within the inner sleeping chambers, Liu pointedly slid doors shut without another word. Jiang Kui steered the Crown Prince towards the bathing quarter for a long soak while fetching glowing braziers to warm the upstairs study.
Xie Wuyan soon joined her, the plain wide-sleeved tunic he now wore paired with a strip of cloth twisted turban-style around damp locks. Beads of moisture clinging to the loose strands rendered him impossibly boyish.
Outside, the transient shower had tapered off. Solitary stars glowed defiantly through shifting cloud banks, pure radiance pooling soundlessly across the wooden floor. The girl reclined languidly upon the window seat, features softly illuminated by flickering lights below – glowing lamps swaying gently to and fro amidst narrow waterlogged lanes still fringed by sodden drifts of bruised petals.
“Does something trouble you?” He sank down beside her, noticing instantly the lingering disquiet clouding those clear depths.
She kept silent, staring fixedly outside. “Fear still plagues your heart,” she finally uttered almost inaudibly.
He hesitated briefly before sighing acquiescence. “Indeed…”
“Your health has been improving steadily these past days yet you remain anxious all the same.” She shifted towards him, still frowning. “Why?”
The barest hint of a resigned smile ghosted across his mouth. “Sheer habit by now I suppose. Can’t seem to shake this persistent conviction my time grows perilously short.”
“Even now you live as though this were your final year.” Her voice dropped to a pained whisper. “You drive yourself to relentless extremes without consideration for the future.”
She reached out entreatingly. “But the long years still ahead…you must keep faith they shall come to pass.”
His head dipped once. “I’m trying…”
“If the southern offensive succeeds swiftly once summer solstice has passed, supporting military provisions must be secured without delay.” He glanced outside, tone gently encouraging as if to reassure them both. “Then we shall proceed by autumn’s close against the Northern Bureau. With threats eliminated and my health recovered, I can then leisurely convalesce further. Perhaps even glimpse flowering apricots with you come spring…”
“Afterwards…”
“I don’t wish to wait any longer!” She interjected fiercely.
He blinked, startled by her vehemence. Fisting both hands into his collar, she hauled herself up, crushing her mouth to his.
Another swirl of wind sent petals swirling through the open casements. His startled exhale was muffled between their clinging sleeves and unbound hair. Like the breath of spring itself, her kiss proved relentless yet feather-soft, scattering the last vestiges of strained self-control from him.
Raw vulnerability surfaced briefly within shadowed eyes before he reached for her, callused fingertips brushing aside the single tear escaping down one cheek. Bracing their entwined form against nearby shelves, he angled down to capture her lips.
Their mingled sighs scattered the endless rain of petals adorning their entangled frames. Traces of half-formed dreams and desires joined the eddying currents – of questing mouths and heated flesh, plum-blossom rain, and a love viewed over and over through endless lifetimes yet never fully realized.
Ensconced within the swirling flurries, they traded ardent kisses that nonetheless remained wrapped in a profound solemnity.
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