Zhuo Qing and Gu Yun walked side by side along the quiet street, the cool night breeze brushing gently against their skin. The moonlight bathed them in its silvery glow, casting a dreamlike haze over their figures. After a long, companionable silence, Zhuo Qing suddenly spoke in a hushed voice, "Yun."
"Hmm?" Gu Yun murmured softly, waiting for her to continue.
Another pause followed, before Zhuo Qing finally let out a faint chuckle and said, "I've… decided to marry Lou Xiyan."
"Really?" Gu Yun came to a sudden halt, then chuckled. "Not even three months, and you're already diving into a whirlwind marriage. You're fast."
Zhuo Qing arched her brow slightly. She hadn't expected it to happen so quickly either. Perhaps it was simply because the person in question was Lou Xiyan. The unmistakable joy radiating from her eyes made it clear to Gu Yun—she had truly fallen in love.
Lou Xiyan was an exceptional man, and he and Zhuo Qing made a fitting pair. But Gu Yun couldn't ignore a pressing concern. She didn't want to dampen her friend's happiness, yet she had to ask, "Have you thought this through? What if we find the Eight Trigrams Plate and have the chance to return? Would you still stay here? Choosing would be one thing… but what if, like last time, you're inexplicably thrown back to your old life? Have you truly considered this?"
Zhuo Qing, typically aloof perhaps due to her profession, was in fact a deeply sentimental and tender person. If she were to marry Lou Xiyan only to be wrenched away by fate once again, Gu Yun feared the damage it would cause.
Turning slightly to face Gu Yun's worried expression, Zhuo Qing replied with quiet determination, "Yun, the future is riddled with uncertainty. I don't want to lose the happiness I can grasp now for the sake of something so unknown."
Is that so? Well… her own emotional intelligence had never been particularly high. In matters of the heart, Zhuo Qing had always been far braver and more mature. Since she had made up her mind, all Gu Yun could do was offer her blessing. Placing a hand lightly on Zhuo Qing's shoulder, she smiled warmly, "Congratulations on your wedding."
"Thank you." Zhuo Qing beamed with joy—Gu Yun's blessing meant the world to her. She was her dearest friend, and she wanted to share this happiness with her.
As they continued chatting and laughing, heading toward the Prime Minister's manor, a tall figure emerged from the stillness of the street. Gu Yun's gaze sharpened with caution, while Zhuo Qing narrowed her eyes to get a better look. That man was...
"Mo Bai?"
What was he doing here?
He strode over to them, the same cold expression on his face, though his voice carried a rare urgency: "The Master's condition has worsened."
Zhuo Qing's heart skipped a beat. She instantly thought of Lou Xiyan's pale face and labored breathing when his illness struck. Turning swiftly to Gu Yun, she said, "I have to go."
"Go," Gu Yun nodded, watching her friend's hurried departure with a sigh. This time, Zhuo Qing was clearly in too deep…
Fortunately, the manor wasn't far. After a brief dash, Zhuo Qing arrived at the Moonview Pavilion. A crowd had already gathered in the courtyard—likely because Lou Mu Hai was present, Lou Xiyu and Xue Xianxin had not erupted into another shouting match.
Zhuo Qing's sudden appearance drew all eyes. Xue Xianxin was especially pleased to see the flicker of disgust flash across Lou Mu Hai's face.
Just as Zhuo Qing was about to pass her, Xue Xianxin stretched out an arm to block her path and snapped, "The Imperial Physician is still working inside. Don't create more trouble."
Zhuo Qing, her mind wholly focused on Lou Xiyan, had no patience for this meddlesome woman. Her voice was ice-cold as she replied, "Out of my way. I have no time for your nonsense."
Xue Xianxin pouted dramatically, glancing toward Lou Mu Hai with a look of grievance. "My lord, look at her! So utterly ill-mannered!"
She could not allow this wild woman to become the official wife—not if she hoped to enjoy any peace in the future.
But this was not the time to argue about propriety. Zhuo Qing shoved her hand aside and strode directly toward the inner room. Xue Xianxin made to protest again, only to find Mo Bai's towering figure blocking her path.
"Second Madam," he said flatly, his icy blue eyes emotionless, "she can cure the Master."
A chill crept into Xue Xianxin's heart. Without realizing it, she stepped back toward Lou Mu Hai's side. Lou Mu Hai watched the slender figure entering the room. Just what was it about this woman that even Mo Bai treated her with such deference?
Zhuo Qing quietly pushed open the door and slipped into the inner chamber. Fearing she might interrupt the Imperial Physician's treatment, she remained behind the screen, silently observing Lou Xiyan.
He lay semi-reclined on the bed, his eyes half-closed, clad in a thin inner robe soaked through with sweat. His chest heaved erratically, breath still uneven. The physician was just packing away his tools—he had likely just finished the treatment.
Zhuo Qing stepped quietly to the bedside and sat down gently, not daring to speak. Lou Xiyan slowly opened his eyes, and upon seeing her pale and anxious face, reached out and clasped her hand.
His palm was damp with sweat, but his fingertips were cold as ice. Their fingers intertwined tightly. Zhuo Qing stared at the man before her, haggard and colorless from illness, and an unfamiliar ache tugged at her heart.
"I'll go prepare the medicine," the Imperial Physician said tactfully. Glancing once at their tightly clasped hands, he excused himself and left.
Zhuo Qing's worry and pain were transmitted through the warmth of their joined hands. Lou Xiyan gently rubbed her palm, took a deep breath, and murmured, "I'm… fine."
By candlelight, his eyes were soft as spring water, though his face remained ghostly pale. Sensing his hidden unease, she tightened her grip, whispering, "Mo Bai."
The door creaked softly as Mo Bai entered.
"Cut down the kapok trees in the courtyard," Zhuo Qing ordered.
She should've dealt with them earlier, but had been preoccupied with the gold case. Kapok trees shed floating fibers after blooming—easily a trigger for asthma. Her oversight could have cost him dearly.
Mo Bai didn't move. He looked instead toward Lou Xiyan.
"They were a gift from the Empress Dowager of the West," Lou Xiyan said after a pause.
So what if they were bestowed?! Zhuo Qing grew angry. "Those trees could kill you!"
Her face flushed with frustration, beautiful eyes glaring fiercely at him—yet within them shimmered irrepressible fear. Their hands still tightly clasped, warmth seeping into her trembling palms. She was frightened for him.
Lou Xiyan suddenly chuckled, his voice laced with tender indulgence. "Since my lady has spoken, then so be it—have them cut."
So many years had passed. Whatever was destined to come, let it come. His body grew weaker with every relapse. He could no longer bear to see his beloved Ling'er live in constant worry.
Mo Bai turned to leave but had barely taken a few steps when Zhuo Qing called out, "Wait."
He turned back, confused, while Lou Xiyan gazed at her with gentle eyes.
"Don't cut them," she said after a moment's thought. "Send someone to remove the fibers from the flowers. When the trees bloom each year, pluck the blossoms early."
"…Understood." Mo Bai hesitated, then bowed and left.
Imperial gifts and what they symbolized meant little to a modern soul like hers—but perhaps they carried weight for the Lou family. Court politics were intricate and perilous. One misstep could mean utter ruin. Now that her anger had faded, reason took its place. She gently wiped the sweat from his brow and sighed, "You must have had your reasons for keeping those flowers… But I cannot sit by and let them endanger your life."
Heaven had not been unkind to him—it had sent her. Once more she clasped his hand tightly, and Lou Xiyan looked at her with grave seriousness. "The Festival of Blessings is approaching. I'll be busy until then. But once it's over, we'll be married. I'll give you a grand wedding."
Zhuo Qing chuckled softly and shook her head. "Lavish or not, it doesn't matter. Just keep your promise."
Fingers intertwined, Lou Xiyan murmured solemnly, "I vow to spend this life with you—and only you."