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 you promised me three things before?” He said while walking.
“I remember,” she nodded against his chest. “First is forbidding injuries. I’m not injured… at most some scratches. The blood on me is the enemies’.”
“Good. You’re unhurt.” He smiled helplessly then continued. “I’ve decided, the second thing is forbidding sadness.”
“I won’t be sad,” she pouted.
“Alright then, no anger allowed,” he mused.
She gave a soft humph. “What are you trying to do?”
“Confess to you. Although you already know…” He whispered by her ear. “Zhu Zi’an is me, Xie Wuyang is also me.”
She froze then laughed. “You finally admitted it!”
“It’s you,” she said after a while.
It’s you, she thought faintly. It was you at the river bend, you who teased me at the bookstore, you who drank with me, you who held me in the storm.
Of the vast world, you’re the one who came for me. It has always been you.
She smiled silently, raising her head in his embrace to meet his gaze, filled with laughter that reflected the bright skies, all traces of her within.
“Deceived you for so long, I’m sorry,” his low laughter sounded. “How shall I make up for it?”
“You’ll be punished,” she stated.
He bowed his head slightly. She lifted a hand, flicking his forehead thrice with her fingers before letting it drop to wrap both arms tightly around his neck.
“Fool Xie Kang,” she mumbled into his neck. “Too dangerous. You shouldn’t have come.”
“Fool Jiang Xiaoman,” he whispered by her ear. “How could you make me leave?”
He paused before continuing softly. “I’ve spoken with the Governor of Huai Zhou. He agreed to withdraw the troops and return if the White Stone bandits disband on location, with all personnel registered as civilians. A compromise.”
“The gang likely matters little to him now. Capturing me, the crown prince, is the greatest war trophy,” his tone was blithe.
She frowned. “The Governor intended rebellion with you as hostage. How will you return safely to Chang’an?”
“Don’t worry,” he murmured. “I made arrangements.”
Carrying her he entered a military tent and gently set her on the recliner, dropping the curtains as he turned towards a yellow pearwood medicine chest. Opening a drawer he took out a jar of golden wound plaster, leaning down to check her injuries.
She held his hand firmly. “I’m not hurt. You sit down.”
After a pause she asked softly, “About to collapse?”
His fingers faintly trembled, tone wry. “You noticed.”
No longer pretending, he coughed lightly while supporting himself to sit by the table. Leaning weakly against the recliner he closed his eyes, breathing heavily as his neck pulsed erratically. She bit her lip, loosening his lapel to reveal seeping wounds.
“Pushing yourself again,” she said angrily, snatching away the plaster to treat him herself.
Eyes shut he quietly allowed her ministrations, hearing her soft grumbles by his ear. “Zhu Zi’an is fake, Xie Wuyang is fake too. What is the real you like? Stop lying. Let me know the true you.”
“Alright,” he whispered.
“Jiang Xiaoman,” he called her name softly.
“Hm?” She was startled.
“Hug me a bit.”
He reached for her, drawing her close as he leaned by her ear pleading faintly. “Wife, I’m exhausted. Hold me a little.”
She stiffened as he suddenly embraced her tightly against him. Shallow pants sounded by her ear. His arms were gentle yet firm around her, like swathes of lush white blossoms engulfing her entirety.
“Jiang Xiaoman,” his murmur held a smile. “Miss you…love you lots.”
Muffled words rumbled low in his throat, obscure yet pleasantly warm and dulcet.
“Me too,” she mumbled into his arms. “Love you so much.”
Eyes shut he gave a soft “Mm”, resting his chin atop her hair. She watched his wan complexion worriedly. “Sleep awhile.”
“Can’t sleep,” he coughed lightly. “Waiting for someone.”
“We’re virtually under house arrest. If I fall sleep now we likely can’t return to Chang’an,” his tone was bleak.
“Wife, help me. Don’t let anyone see my current state.”
“Alright,” she nodded, holding him close.
She channeled inner energy into his body, mending damaged meridians. Ensconced in her embrace he shut his eyes again. Twin forces joined to staunch the years-long chill inside him.
“Does this help?” She asked softly.
“Very much so. I always feel much better after you do this,” his coughs continued. “Hug me more everyday.”
A faint laugh escaped him as he mused, “I sound like I have ulterior motives… Perhaps I do. I really love holding you.”
“Me too,” she murmured.
In the flickering light they held each other listening to the winds outside.
Before long, a voice called from beyond the curtains. “Your Highness, Minister He requests an audience.”
Xie Wuyang replied evenly within the tent. “Very well.”
He slowly got up, the girl by his side surreptitiously supporting him. He gave her hand a quick squeeze, whispering “Await Mister Goat’s message” before brushing past the parted curtains.
The interior sank into silence after his fading silhouette. The girl on the recliner propped up her chin listening to the water clocks outside, counting the drips to calculate the time.
Tick tock, each drop fell away.
At high noon the winds and snow calmed. A shaft of sunlight entered the tent illuminating scattered books on the table. A servant delivered lunch but she ate alone, Xie Wuyang still absent.
A sliver of concern rose.
Like waterfalls, brilliant sunlight flooded every corner. She lingered by the windows, parting the thin gauze curtain with one hand clenched tightly around her spear.
Just then, a clear bugle call echoed from the skies.
She gazed afar to see a plume of dust swirling over the snowy horizon.
Galloping nearer was a cavalry detachment churning up sprays of powdered snow. At the fore rode a scholarly looking gentleman wearing a tall hat, the black-clothed youth by his side gripping a sword ??— none other than Mister Goat and Luo Shiyi.
Mister Goat reined his horse before the great camp, cupping his fists in salute as he announced loudly. “Bearer of the Court Commission of Transportation reporting for duty with a thousand cavalrymen to welcome the Crown Prince by decree.”
Two figures exited the main tent of the great camp, Crown Prince Xie in crimson robes and fur coat gave a faint smile. Behind him was the stony-faced Governor He, who saluted the newly arrived Mister Goat.
Jiang Kui slowly stored her spear and picked up the white cloth bundle before exiting the tent to stand silently by Xie Wuyang’s side, discreetly supporting him as they boarded the awaiting carriage. After settling in she drew the curtains, blocking outside eyes.
The carriage slowly proceeded onto the official road flanked by cavalry guards. Xie Wuyang slumped against the carriage wall with eyes shut, breathing harshly. The girl beside him gently embraced him, channeling energy into his body.
“You were gone for very long,” she said softly. “What did you two discuss in the tent?”
“Mostly confirming our shared intention to eliminate one another,” his tone was nonchalant, hinting a smile. “He likely thought the same.”
He leaned on an elbow, gazing down pensively. “He Quan was my imperial tutor’s student. He seeks military power backed by eunuchs of the Northern Office. While Imperial Inspector Buyang reigned in Huai Zhou he suppressed He’s ambition. After Buyang’s recall to court last year, He immediately made a move.”
His voice lowered. “Huai Xi protects the passage transporting taxes hence is vital militarily for all provinces. Upon returning to Chang’an I will immediately petition Father to strip the Inspector of troops.”
She pondered briefly. “Since he already raised armies it’s clear he intends to force the court to expand his power. Cutting his troops would induce rebellion in Huai Xi.”
“Rebellion is already afoot. Best to eliminate the threat directly,” his tone brooked no dissent. “News of my covert visit reaching the Northern Office will spur action at court. We shall see who is quicker.”
“And now…” He suddenly leaned towards her. “Wife, let me rest a while.”
Before she could react he slumped heavily onto her with a dull thud, head burrowing into her embrace as he swiftly fell asleep.
She froze for a second before resigning herself to hugging him close with a rueful chuckle by his ear. “Wriggling into my arms, you did that on purpose?”
Outside, sedate hoofbeats gradually sounded followed by a refined voice. “Lady Jiang, may I take a look at His Highness’ injuries?”
“Please, Mister Goat.” Jiang Kui opened the curtain. “He’s asleep.”
The carriage stopped under an ebony tree as Mister Goat saluted before entering to check Xie Wuyang’s pulse. Jiang Kui moved aside looking on curiously. “Sir claimed the position of Court Transport Commissioner. What exactly does that entail?”
“It’s an official post I occupy at court,” Mister Goat smiled. “Previously I hid that from you, my mistake. His Highness and I both knew of each other’s other identities. We first met within court circles where he strongly recommended me into this position.”
Jiang Kui immediately recalled, “When we met on the river sir did not recognize His Highness at first.”
“Correct. I rarely see him in disguise so I didn’t realize.” Mister Goat nodded. “Interactions between us were mostly through letters. Although I gained this transportation commissionership I seldom go to Chang’an, mostly overseeing Huai River transport.”
His mood darkened briefly. “Those military supply warehouses built two years ago were originally my idea. I never expected weapons smuggling to exploit those routes.”
Jiang Kui continued asking. “Where did you get the cavalry?”
“His Highness sent Luo Shiyi with a letter and I borrowed troops overnight from Song Zhou,” Mister Goat explained. “Thankfully they arrived in time… Otherwise given his state, I fear he wouldn’t have lasted much longer.”
Jiang Kui paled slightly. “How is he now…?”
“I will redress his wounds to stop the bleeding. Arrow injuries are simple enough to treat.” Mister Goat contemplated gravely. “But exhausting himself without medicine means he will likely be comatose for a long time again.”
He added “My shipping guild controls the rivers. I pledge to give my all nursing him back to health aboard.”
“You have my deepest gratitude, sir.” Jiang Kui saluted.
Mister Goat shook his head with a smile before bending over to inspect Xie Wuyang’s injuries. A personal medicine chest was delivered to him and he took out a long silver needle, rolling up his sleeves and circulating inner energy before carefully applying it to several of Xie’s acupoints.
After a while his expression registered slight surprise. “May I ask if someone has been healing His Highness’ wounds these days, Lady Jiang?”
“It was me. We studied under the same master with identical techniques.” Jiang Kui inclined her head. “I’ve been mending him over this past month.”
“I see. Such accumulated injuries typically worsen over time.” Mister Goat sank into thought. “But seeing him now, I realize the deterioration since our last meeting is less than expected… Meaning someone has been barely keeping him alive.”
The girl beside him shuddered faintly. “Does he stand a chance…?”
Mister Goat slowly shook his head. “I cannot guarantee. We must ask Lady Shen, the court physician who has long treated him, once we’re back in Chang’an.”
Jiang Kui bowed deeply in thanks. Mister Goat quickly mirrored her gesture. After tending to the arrow wounds he remounted his horse and the party continued towards a Huai River harbor.
The docks already bustled with an awaiting fleet. Spotting the carriage the burly first mate of the lead junk leapt ashore saluting loudly. “Sir!”
Luo Shiyi frowned. “His Highness is within.”
Coldly he added “And still asleep. If you wake him consider your wages docked for a month.”
Jiang Zhao froze with a violent shudder before creeping over behind Luo to carefully shift the slumbering man aboard.
Oars splashed as drums beat slowly across the winter waters. The ships cast off sailing upstream against the currents along Huai River towards the Yellow River and back westwards along Wei River.
Xie Wuyang remained deeply unconscious the entire journey. The girl at his bedside held him nightly, mending his injuries. At times he gave the faintest cough, lashes faintly fluttering to brush her cheek, ticklish against her skin.
She sometimes wondered if he did it on purpose but glancing at his unchanging comatose expression she knew he still wandered lost in restless dreams.
“Too overboard.” She shook her head with soft laughter. “I’ll punish you properly after you wake.”
Reaching Yellow River, spring slowly bloomed across the land.
Willow lined banks gleamed verdant green. Winds rippled the ripening wheat, churning waves of gold. In the distance skeins of geese soared above the wheat fields as distant songs of cowherds wafted along.
At dusk the rosy blush of Zhongnan Mountains could be glimpsed afar. The setting sun set the snow-capped peaks aflame, fiery gold flooding down to the sprawling peach orchards of ten-mile lengths, reflecting the crimson sky.
“Spring is here,” murmured the girl within the boat. “Someone once said after both banks turn fully green, he’d gather spring herbs and fish for carp in Wei River to cook me lots of fish soup.”
She propped up her chin, cradling both cheeks as she watched the unconscious man. Brilliant clouds outside streamed rosy light into the cabin, draping a translucent shimmery veil over him, softening the angles of his face into warmth and resplendence like the blush of early spring.
“Liar,” she pouted. “Nevermind, if we can’t make it this year there’s always next spring. Alright?”
The bedded form slumbered silently on. Head lowered she smiled faintly, tucking his blankets closer before pillowing her chin by the mattress edge, slowly drifting asleep beside him.
A breeze snapped the bed hangings as the thin gauze soundlessly settled onto the bed like a diaphanous veil, enshrouding the sleeping figure within its hazy swirls.
His lashes faintly fluttered.
Gradually his eyes opened, turning his head to look upon the dozing girl. Spilled light played charmingly over her features. The haze of translucent red through the curtains seemed to frame her in soft focus, aglow with the vivid beauty of early spring.
“Wife,” he whispered, voice slightly gruff from prolonged slumber.
The bedside girl started awake though her lips soundlessly shaped words she did not speak aloud. Nearly throwing herself over him she buried her face against his chest, shoulders trembling faintly.
Still emerging from deep dreams he was rather disoriented. Yet he heard the minute quaver in her voice. “You slept for so long this time…longer than before…”
“I’m sorry,” he murmured softly.
His fingers twitched as he slowly lifted a hand, wanting to hold her close. Suddenly his eyes flickered in surprise.
“I feel… strangely warm all at once,” he mumbled bewilderedly before shutting his eyes briefly. “How odd… It’s been a long time since I sensed warmth.”
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