“This young miss thanks you for this kind offering of aid. I hope to honour our old friendship again, going forward.” There was a hint of pity that she knew to conceal from them because Madam Niè was very much aware of the growing tension between the Imperial Family and the ever-growing military nobles who held too much power and only kept rising. It was even worse in the years of peace because, in the minds of rulers, that was the best time to consider moving.
“Luò Fūrén is greatly admired for having gained her position without anyone’s help. Yet most are not as fortunate. Why not give them a chance as well? I am the last of my family; for me, there is nothing left to lose, and the reason why there never was a match between the Niè and the Luò family, despite our long friendship, I deem maybe so, Luò Lǎoyé is aware of, feels less of a concern to me.” It would have been suicidal for two families who both aided the founding of their nation to come together in a marriage alliance. “There also have been attempts on my life; I might selfishly desire to bring up one that is indebted to me, who will grow enough in name to have people reconsider if they dare to test the alliance forged from it.”
The woman performed a bow: “I shall not take more of this family’s time. I thank you for your kind hospitality. Shall the heavens bless your further efforts to protect our nation.” Yǔwén turned around, her eyes meeting Kǒng Xī, who had awaited in silence at the edge of the tent, opening it for her lady, who paused.
“My consort aunt mentioned that Huánghòu Niángniáng hopes Luò Fūrén also thinks humbler matches would not bring any shame to the family name. A mother shouldn’t strive too high.” With that, she left. She slightly lifted her skirt as she stepped through the mud. “I don’t think the Luò family cares much for political warnings,” the aide spoke by her side. Yǔwén didn’t comment.
“Just all of the evening and the night. It is not very late, but we likely will need longer to return to camp in a carriage. However, there is no way to argue about it. The physician strictly refused the idea of letting you sit on horseback.” He had considered sharing a saddle, but then he forgot that it was still considered an offense even in this generation; a lady must not sit with a man on horseback unless they were wed. While the realms of hell had ridiculous laws too, he found many of its younger generation to be more rebellious to uphold all of them.
Lǐ Zhěn moved slowly to sit by her side, and while he dared not to embrace her, it was still closer than proper for a man and a woman who held no official ties other than a self-proclaimed devotion of love. His fingers brushed over her soft hair, and he placed a small kiss on top of it. Why was it that he always chose the forbidden love stories?
“Mh, dreams often speak of something we are thinking about. I found you in the stables, maybe that is why you dreamt of it.” In the end, not even the immortal would be able to make sense of dreams. Their meanings were often hidden from those who ventured into them. “Mh, she is quite alright. I take it maybe she just sensed the storm and, being in unfamiliar surroundings, did not like it too much.”
“Do not worry about it, there are no injuries at all. I will lead her down carefully. Once we are back, it will be wiser for me to withdraw. I decided to accept Hé Fūrén's offer. She originally invited me to remain within the family estate, but I felt it would have been distasteful how she buried her brother and asked the man to inherit her home next to be at one spot.” An excusable story, and not quite a lie; she did offer, and he rejected.
“I will not be able to stay much longer anyway. Dà Jiāngjūn gave me those months off because of a minor injury, but I know he also hoped I might reconnect with the family here. I know the Southern Hé branch gives him a hard time; they cannot wait for him to die to take his place. If this swordsman can cut the ill fate for him, I must find out.” He couldn't get back from that story he told her, or it would be suspicious. “I also hope to return before I fear your parents might write him off their displeasure. I know if I make him know my feelings, he will understand and not be harsh for me to have left such an impression on his men with the Northern Army.” He kissed her nose.
