BXG - 118

◎New Year◎

“It’s said that Lin’an hasn’t seen snow in many years.”

“Outside, it sounds like fireworks…”

“Happy New Year.”

Qu You, wrapped in a crimson cloak, pushed open the door with a lantern in hand. Snowflakes followed her inside, melting instantly.

Inside, the hearth burned warmly. Zhou Tan sat across from Jue Ming Zi, drinking tea.

Zhou Tan sat upright on a cushion, his back straight, holding the teacup delicately with three fingers. Every movement was precise and composed.

In contrast, Jue Ming Zi was far more casual. He lounged by the fire, gnawing on a chicken leg while gulping down the tea Zhou Tan had meticulously brewed for two hours. Smacking his lips regretfully, he commented, “No flavor.”

A vein twitched on Zhou Tan’s forehead, but his expression remained calm as he replied, “I’ll make it stronger next time.”

Seeing him like this, Qu You couldn’t help but smile. She hurried over and asked for a cup to taste.

After drinking, she pretended to evaluate it solemnly. “Snow water and plum blossoms brewed in winter—what an elegant aroma. My husband truly is a man of refined tastes.”

Zhou Tan reached out to ruffle her hair, teasing lightly, “There were no plum blossoms today.”

Qu You was momentarily at a loss for words, but Jue Ming Zi, oblivious to their playful banter, happily finished the last bite of his chicken leg.

He wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, then suddenly stood up. “It’s snowing in Lin’an today—how wonderful! Tomorrow, I’ll stroll through the snow. What elegance!”

Qu You was surprised. “Master… you’re leaving?”

“The old year has passed. There’s no point staying just to freeload,” Jue Ming Zi casually checked Zhou Tan’s pulse, smiling. “You’re recovering well. Remember to keep taking the medicine I left.”

Qu You still felt uneasy. “Is the poison completely gone?”

Only after Jue Ming Zi’s arrival did she understand why Bai Ying’s poison had gone undetected by everyone—from the Imperial Medical Academy to local physicians. Jue Ming Zi, the author of Nanshan Caolu , was an expert in poisons. His concoctions were impossible for ordinary people to detect.

“From spring until now, with snowfall, I’ve stayed this long. How could the poison remain?” Jue Ming Zi yawned. “If you have any more questions, ask quickly. It won’t be easy to find me again in the future.”

________________________________________

The next morning, Qu You saw Jue Ming Zi off, gifting him a spacious carriage. Even doctors feared catching colds in snowy weather.

Zhou Tan didn’t come out to see him off but instead played a tune from inside the house.

Qu You assumed someone like Jue Ming Zi wouldn’t appreciate music, but to her surprise, he sat motionless for a while before cheerfully boarding the carriage. “Your husband…”

“Yes?”

Jue Ming Zi shook his head sympathetically. “Marrying someone so perceptive must be difficult for you… Fine, since you came out to see me off, I’ll give you something.”

As he spoke, he casually pulled a letter from his chest. The letter looked worn, its edges rubbed smooth.

Qu You took it and immediately noticed five characters written on it—To My Unfilial Master.

This was… Bai Ying’s letter.

Her breath caught as she read:

“Two years apart, is my master well? I have committed grave sins and cannot turn back. In my dreams, I often see the ignorant child I once was, plagued by guilt… Thanks to your compassion, Master, I’ve survived this long, though I feel my days are numbered… This life has been bitter, but death will bring peace.”

“…Life is fleeting, like morning dew. Yet one thing lingers in my heart: my friend Zhou Tan, a virtuous gentleman who does much good… I acted out of necessity, filled with regret. Knowing I am dying, I entrust him to you. If he leaves the capital, please cure his throat poison so he may live freely.”

“Like a mayfly, I’ve lived too long. I depart now, burdened by my failures. Spare no rituals for me. Burn this letter after reading it. Respectfully, twice.”

The letter was hastily written. Just as Qu You finished the last word, Jue Ming Zi snatched it back and tucked it into his worn-out pocket. “Finished? Good. Return it—I’ve nothing else from my wretched disciple. Next year, I’ll rely on these memories again.”

Qu You’s lips trembled, but before she could speak, Jue Ming Zi glanced at her and sighed. “He didn’t want you to see this. I insisted on showing it.”

“He told me, with his last breath, that all of Zhou Tan’s ailments were his doing…” Qu You blinked, wiping away a faint tear. “I thought I misunderstood him, but in the end, he couldn’t be entirely wicked.”

Jue Ming Zi fell silent, finally sighing. “…Ah, it was his choice. As long as he doesn’t regret it, that’s all that matters.”

The carriage bells jingled softly, growing fainter as it disappeared into the distance.

Qu You stood still, watching it fade. The sound of the bells brought back memories of Bianjing years ago, when she first traveled with Zhou Tan. The carriage bells had chimed brightly amidst the bustling streets.

Back then, she hadn’t yet encountered the case of the falling girl or grown close to Zhou Tan.

How strange fate was. Hearing the bells again now, everything had changed—she didn’t know whether to feel joy or sorrow.

Zhou Tan appeared behind her without a sound, still carrying his familiar scent of still water. He silently held an umbrella for her, speaking only after a long pause. “Another year has passed.”

Qu You reached out to catch the drifting snowflakes. “Yes… After this year, everything feels different.”

Zhou Tan placed a hand on her shoulder. “There’s something I’d like you to do with me after the snow stops.”

________________________________________

The next day was clear and bright. Zhou Tan took her to the apricot hill behind their retreat.

He carried a crudely carved tombstone and erected a makeshift grave at a random spot.

Qu You gently brushed the stone. Inscribed on it were the words Zhou Tan had chosen: “You and your fame will vanish together, but the rivers will flow forever.”

Zhou Tan brushed the snow off her collar and smiled faintly. “A new year, a new world. It’s fitting to bury the past here. News of my death should reach Bianjing soon.”

Emperor Song Shixuan had spared his life, but Zhou Tan couldn’t retain his influence. Only by truly “passing away” could Su Chaoci’s efforts prevent opportunists in court from exploiting his absence.

After the Lunar New Year came the Lantern Festival. Lin’an’s snow lasted only two days, and by the festival, there was a hint of spring warmth.

That night, they visited lanterns at a nearby estate. Returning late, Qu You hung a lantern outside Zhou Tan’s room as usual. Feeling the light insufficient, she lit several more to illuminate the entire courtyard.

When they opened the door, they found someone standing in the shadows.

He seemed to have waited a long time. Startled by the sudden opening, he stepped back nervously.

Rustling sounds surrounded them.

Qu You raised her lantern and recognized the face. Surprised, she called out, “Your Majes…” Catching herself, she corrected, “…Ziqian.”

Song Shixuan wore a long black cloak, hood pulled over his head, revealing only his small face. He bowed awkwardly, saying, “Madam, Teacher… I’ve come to wish you both a happy new year.”

Qu You glanced back. Zhou Tan’s expression remained calm under the flickering candlelight. After a moment of silence, he stepped aside. “It’s cold. Come in.”

Song Shixuan hurried inside, fearing Zhou Tan might change his mind. When the distant guards tried to follow, he waved them off and quickly closed the courtyard gate.

Only a young eunuch close by entered. Qu You exhaled and offered, “Sir, let me fetch some hot glutinous balls to share with the brothers outside.”

The eunuch was flustered. “It’s unnecessary to trouble yourself, Madam.”

Unexpectedly, Zhou Tan interjected. “It’s fine. I’ll go with you.”

Qu You boiled a pot of red bean glutinous balls, distributing bowls to the guards outside. There was enough left for the three of them.

Song Shixuan sat in the hall, staring blankly at his untouched bowl. When Qu You returned, she found him still lost in thought.

Zhou Tan sat across from him, acting as if nothing had ever happened. Casually, he asked, “Why didn’t Chaoci come with you?”

“He did, along with Ai Di Sheng,” Song Shixuan quickly explained. “We arrived late today and planned to visit tomorrow. But I couldn’t rest, so I came tonight. Forgive the intrusion.”

He licked his lips nervously. “Teacher… how is your health?”

Zhou Tan didn’t respond. Qu You answered for him. “He’s fine. Bai Ying’s master came recently and treated him for a while. Life here is peaceful, better than in Bianjing.”

Song Shixuan nodded repeatedly. He already knew this but struggled to find words afterward.

Finally, Zhou Tan called him. “Ziqian…”

Song Shixuan immediately responded, “Teacher.”

“How are our old friends in Bianjing?”

“They’re well, well. After the New Year, Ai Di Sheng plans to start new ventures in the west, visiting Shisan and his wife. Gao Yunyue is pregnant, so she couldn’t come this time. Zhou Yang is with Xiao Yan’s army and missed the New Year. Su Chaoci… everything proceeds smoothly in court, as you wished.”

Zhou Tan listened quietly, a faint smile forming on his face. He rose, approaching Song Shixuan, and patted his shoulder. “You’ve done well.”

At these words, Song Shixuan felt a surge of emotions. Fighting back tears, he lowered his head. “Teacher, those things I said before…”

But Zhou Tan interrupted him. “Tomorrow, join me on the apricot hill. Let’s pay respects to those who have passed—it will bring peace.”

On the apricot hill stood not only Zhou Tan’s false grave but also memorials for Bai Qiu and Zhou Shu.

His willingness to invite Song Shixuan showed he had let go.

Qu You exhaled in relief. Realizing his mistake, Song Shixuan broke into tears. “…I’m unworthy, Teacher. After that day, I’ve reflected endlessly on your teachings… I should never have doubted you.”

Zhou Tan didn’t reply, his gaze shifting to the red bean balls. “Eat quickly, or it’ll get cold.”

His eyes were red, but he pretended nothing was wrong.

Qu You quietly approached, covering his eyes with her hand.

________________________________________

The next day, Song Shixuan accompanied Zhou Tan to the apricot hill. Qu You stayed behind, waiting in the courtyard until Su Chaoci and Ai Di Sheng arrived, their faces grim.

They had woken to find the young emperor had run off alone, baffling them. Rushing over, they hadn’t yet seen him.

Qu You served them tea. Su Chaoci, visibly anxious, kept asking, “Is Zhou Tan truly alright? If anything’s wrong, don’t lie to me. I’m prepared… Did the Emperor go up the mountain to pay respects?”

Qu You chuckled. “I wrote to you, Su, with every word true—no deception.”

She noticed Su Chaoci absently rubbing the prayer beads on his wrist.

This string of five-colored beads would stay with him for life, recorded alongside him in history’s annals.

Future generations would speculate endlessly about its origins.

Until someone like her came, stepping into this fiery trial.