The winter of this year seemed exceptionally long and cold, with snow falling continuously, making it feel as though spring would never return.
The war on the frontier had its ups and downs. In court, there was significant debate about the Emperor's suppression of the Five Great Clans, which had unsettled the government and the populace, allowing foreign invaders to exploit the situation.
At this critical juncture for the Great Wei, the scions of the Five Great Clans demonstrated remarkable leadership, particularly those from the Cui and Li families. This led many court officials to believe that the Emperor's actions against them had been a mistake.
The Emperor, already in frail health, fell ill under the immense strain. With the frontier in turmoil and the Emperor now sick, the officials were deeply worried. A single misstep could plunge the realm back into chaos. It was during this precarious time that Xiao Che was appointed to oversee state affairs.
By the time Yu Mingyue emerged from the Dali Temple, night had fallen. Zhu Yu held a lantern, carefully guiding Yu Mingyue.
As she was about to board her carriage, Yu Mingyue spotted a familiar figure. Despite the dim light, she recognized him instantly – it was him, her Jia Yan Gege.
Yu Mingyue changed direction and suddenly ran off. Zhu Yu, unsure of her mistress's intentions, hurried after her, "Miss!"
Yu Mingyue had already reached Xie Jia Yan. "Jia Yan Gege, when did you return to the capital?"
"Yesterday!"
Hearing that he had returned yesterday, Yu Mingyue knew it was due to a secret imperial decree and asked no further questions. She nodded. "Was the journey smooth?"
Given the urgent summons, he must have traveled day and night. In this deep winter, the rivers were frozen, forcing him to travel by horse, and the hardship was considerable.
"It was fine. I was passing by and remembered I promised to treat you to a meal at Wuwei Ju, a promise I never fulfilled. I have some free time today," Xie Jia Yan said with a smile.
Even in the biting cold, his smile was as warm as ever, making one feel as if bathed in spring sunshine.
Yu Mingyue seemed lost in thought, as if transported back to a spring day. She had said that if he, as she suspected, became the top scholar, he would treat her to a feast at Wuwei Ju, the best and most expensive meal.
Later, he was indeed appointed the top scholar by the Emperor, parading through the streets in his red robes, full of youthful vigor.
Time had flown by so quickly. If he hadn't mentioned it, she might have forgotten. He still owed her that feast.
"I haven't had dinner yet. Jia Yan Gege's treat is perfectly timed. Zhu Yu, go back and tell my mother I won't be home for dinner tonight," Yu Mingyue dismissed Zhu Yu.
With him here, he wouldn't let her come to harm.
Zhu Yu, always obedient to Yu Mingyue's commands, bowed and drove the carriage back to the Duke's mansion herself.
Wuwei Ju lived up to its reputation as the finest restaurant in the capital. Even under the current circumstances, it was still bustling with patrons.
Xie Jia Yan had already reserved a private room, so they could go straight upstairs.
It was the same private room as that year, Wuwei Ju's best. From the room, one could see the bustling streets, and on a clear day, the beautiful scenery of the Luoshui River from the window.
Yu Mingyue instinctively opened the window. The wind rushed in, chilling her and making her shiver.
The scene from that day washed over her like a tidal wave. Back then, they were a group of carefree youths filled with aspirations, and she could almost hear the music from the Luoshui River that day.
They were all there then. Now...
Yu Mingyue's nose tingled slightly, and she took a sharp breath. Xie Jia Yan walked over and closed the window. "It's windy, be careful not to catch a cold."
Yu Mingyue sat down at the table. The waiter had placed the dishes on the table at some point, all of Wuwei Ju's signature dishes. In addition, there was a steaming hot pot, its soup bubbling merrily over the charcoal stove.
It was amidst this misty warmth that Yu Mingyue spoke first. "Jia Yan Gege, you have something to say, don't you?"