Emperor De, in his benevolence, ensured Zhou Tan’s journey to Ruo Prefecture was a demotion rather than exile. Unlike Peng Yue, he wasn’t placed under the watchful eye of the Ministry of Justice but simply stripped of his official title and permitted to delay departure until spring.

The winter of the fifteenth year of Yongning was unusually brief.

Qu You wore a brand-new cloak, cradling a cat in her arms, while Zhou Tan, clad in a pale blue crane-patterned overcoat, held an umbrella for her, allowing snowflakes to settle on his unsheltered shoulder.

As they approached the entrance of Qifeng Courtyard, the faint scent of medicinal herbs wafted through the air.

Ai Disheng hurried to open the door, explaining softly: “Doctor Bai said... A Luo might not survive until New Year’s Eve.”

It was said that when Emperor De massacred the entire Jing Wang household, a loyal servant had swapped his own child for Song Shixuan, escorting him out of Bianjing. However, before they could escape the city, the servant was killed by imperial forces, leaving seven-year-old Song Shixuan to fend for himself amidst the streets.

Fortunately, the emperor believed the Jing Wang heir had perished, and Song Shixuan’s unfamiliar face kept him safe during his brief stay in Bianjing.

It was during those days that he met A Luo.

Qu You extended the soft paw of the cat to touch the girl’s hand. A Luo weakly opened her eyes, brightening at the sight of the feline before coughing twice: “...So you really do have a cat.”

Song Shixuan replied hoarsely: “I wouldn’t lie to you.”

A Luo herself didn’t know where she came from. From her earliest memories, she’d lived with her younger brother under the care of an elderly man, often disguising herself with soot to avoid unwanted attention due to her beauty. Clever and sociable, she helped Song Shixuan endure many hardships.

Later, during a government raid, A Luo moved with her brother, losing track of Song Shixuan in the chaos. He searched tirelessly but found no trace of her in the vastness of Bianjing, unwilling to involve the authorities. It wasn’t until the incident of delivering a letter that he finally located her.

The elderly man had died the previous winter, along with A Luo’s younger brother. Their family seemed cursed with a hereditary illness even Doctor Bai couldn’t cure. Years of hardship had weakened her constitution, and despite the best medicines, her life could not be prolonged.

Song Shixuan turned to Qu You and Zhou Tan, bowing respectfully: “Has Master given it a name yet?”

Recalling her offhand suggestion of “Snowy Snowy,” Qu You flushed, embarrassed. Zhou Tan, remembering her fondly calling the cat “Meow-sama,” chimed in simultaneously: “No.”

She quickly covered her embarrassment: “Let Ziqian name it.”

Song Shixuan glanced over as A Luo struggled to grasp the cat’s paw, shaking it gently: “Let’s call it... A Luo. When I’m gone, there will still be a little cat to remember my name...”

Song Shixuan immediately agreed: “Good.”

On the eve of New Year’s Day, Bianjing was blanketed in snow.

A Luo passed away silently amidst the heavy snowfall, indistinguishable from the countless beggars scattered throughout the city. Despite a fleeting stroke of luck, her life slipped away just the same. Song Shixuan buried her beneath the elm tree behind Qifeng Courtyard, facing the creeping green vines on the wall. Come spring, vibrant greenery would bloom once more.

On New Year’s Eve, Ai Disheng prepared a modest feast in the main hall. As Bai Ying chatted idly and hummed a tune while polishing glasses, Bai Shating brushed snow from his hair and entered cheerfully with Ye Liuchun: “Little Ai, what a heavy snow today...”

Before he could finish, he met Bai Ying’s startled gaze. Slapping his thigh, Bai Shating exclaimed: “Eleventh Brother!”

Bai Ying shot up, turning to flee: “After all this time hiding, you’ve finally found me!”

Qu You lifted the curtain to enter, spotting Zhou Tan playing chess with Su Chaochi by the window. Unfazed by the commotion, they remained focused and silent.

Watching them for a moment, Qu You tugged Zhou Tan’s sleeve: “No wonder they looked familiar—Doctor Bai is also from the Bai family? That explains why he swore not to treat nobles when we first met. He must’ve feared encountering the wandering Master Shisan...”

Zhou Tan, unperturbed, replied: “I knew when you asked him to treat me. Why else would I trust him or let you associate with him freely?”

“And...?”

“Doctor Bai’s mother wasn’t a legitimate wife, and her death was suspicious. Over the years, he likely harbored resentment toward the Bai family. Among his peers, he was ostracized, save for the Master Shisan, who befriended him. The master even followed him to Bianjing.” Zhou Tan paused. “Their quarrel is none of my concern.”

As he spoke, Bai Ying raced past the window clutching a porcelain bowl, cursing: “Lady Zhou, this is your fault! If I hadn’t treated your husband, I wouldn’t have met Boss Ai or ended up here! You’re a pair of black-hearted spouses...”

Bai Shating chased after him: “Lady Zhou, so that person you mentioned earlier is him! Changing his surname fooled me! Sanjing, stop running! And Lord Zhou, how could you not tell me? You’re as mischievous as your foolish younger brother...”

Su Chaochi frowned, focusing intently on the chessboard: “Every scion of the Jinling Bai family behaves similarly. How are you so different?”

Zhou Tan calmly responded: “I’m simply smarter.”

Qu You fetched a pot of tea, then joined Ye Liuchun in conversation. Zhou Tan glanced outside the window, asking: “When will you resume office?”

Su Chaochi replied: “After New Year’s Eve.”

The snow reflected the sunlight brighter still, while incense smoke drifted upward between them. After a pause, Zhou Tan murmured: “Perhaps we can drink tonight.”

Su Chaochi remained engrossed in the game: “Very well. It’s been a long time since we last shared a drink.”

He poured a cup of tea, passing it over: “Your journey to Ruo Prefecture will be long. Take care. Fu Qingnian was a formidable opponent; only bold moves secured today’s outcome. The emperor’s decision to send you away offers respite. Rest assured, I’ll carefully pave the way for Ziqian in court.”

Zhou Tan drank the tea: “I trust you completely.”

That night, fireworks lit up Bianjing. Zhou Tan drank more than usual, stumbling slightly as they left Qifeng Courtyard. Qu You helped him into the carriage, noticing the lingering scent of alcohol.

Though fewer people were out due to the late hour, the streets remained lively. Passing through Bian River Street, they could still hear vendors shouting and children playing. Only after midnight would these revelers return home to celebrate the new year.

Qu You lifted the curtain to glance outside, then turned back to find Zhou Tan leaning close.

So near, even his breath was audible. Her heart skipped a beat. She cupped his face: “I thought you never drank.”

Zhou Tan stared intently, his voice hoarse: “In my youth, I too indulged as a spoiled son of Lin’an...”

Curious, Qu You asked: “Oh?”

Zhou Tan closed his eyes, swaying slightly: “Buying flowers, drinking wine, tossing gold like water—but those days were fleeting, like shadows. Drinking always brings them back. Perhaps it’s better not to drink at all.”

His lashes fluttered. Finding him endearing, Qu You poked them, saying earnestly: “All your friends are here today. Are you happy? I hope you can feel even happier.”

Zhou Tan’s face flushed red as he exhaled: “Why do you want me to be happy?”

Qu You hesitated: “Because... you’re a good person.”

Zhou Tan chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming: “There are so many good people in this world...”

“You’re different,” Qu You shook her head, pausing. “Do you remember that day on Fan Tower when I told you I wanted to uncover the truth of this world?”

Zhou Tan tilted his head, thinking, then leaned closer: “I remember.”

“Do you truly remember?” His tolerance for alcohol seemed poor; he was already drunk despite drinking little, slumping bonelessly against her. Helpless, Qu You wrapped her arms around his neck, continuing: “You don’t know how much malice I once attributed to you based on rumors. But seeing you now, everything is different...”

Zhou Tan rested his head on her shoulder, silent for a moment before murmuring hoarsely: “You seek the truth of this world, but I am so insignificant amidst its vastness—I’m not worthy of even a glance from you.”

Qu You thought he must be drunk and decided to ignore his words. Her hand instinctively moved to stroke his back, as if smoothing a cat’s fur. Absentmindedly, she said: “History is made of people. The integrity and spirit celebrated in history exist because of good people like you. Though you may see yourself as small, others might view you with disdain, but I respect you. To me, you are like moonlight reflected in a clear stream—someone who rises above the mire. A good person forged in hardship is always more precious than one untouched by adversity.”

By the end, she wasn’t sure what she was saying. Zhou Tan seemed to have fallen asleep, and just as she thought he wouldn’t respond, she heard him murmur faintly: “Do you... only respect me?”

His voice was barely audible, like a breath. Qu You didn’t catch it: “Hmm?”

“I asked—” Zhou Tan reached out, brushing her nape, and leaned closer in the dim light. “You—”

She could already feel his heated breath against her lips when the carriage abruptly jolted, causing Zhou Tan to collide with her collarbone.

Qu You heard the driver exchange hushed words with someone outside. Then, respectfully approaching the carriage curtain, he announced: “Lady, a servant from the Gao household has stopped us. Miss Gao spotted your carriage from Fan Tower and invites you and Lord Zhou inside for a visit.”

What a pity—they had almost kissed.

Dazed, Qu You glanced back at Zhou Tan, who now sat up straight, feigning composure as if caught doing something mischievous. He cleared his throat twice: “I’ve had too much to drink. You go ahead; I’ll wait here in the carriage.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than Qu You leaned over, planting a quick kiss on his cheek.

Zhou Tan froze, instinctively raising a hand to touch his face, but Qu You had already disembarked. As she walked away, she hummed a tune he didn’t recognize: “Rest for now, my lord. I’ll return shortly.”

Gao Yunyue hadn’t entered a private room that evening. Spotting the Zhou family carriage from the third-floor railing of Fan Tower, she immediately sent servants to invite them. Not long after, Qu You was escorted over. Gao Yunyue pulled her toward the building, surprised: “Oh? On New Year’s Eve, I thought I’d be the only one wandering about. What brings you two lovebirds out tonight?”

“Why are you here?” Qu You deflected, curious. “Didn’t your esteemed father host a grand banquet at home?”

“Hmph. Father’s New Year’s feast isn’t a family gathering—it’s a political charade. Though he tries to avoid accusations of factionalism, he still invited many promising young men for me to ‘meet’ through a screen. I grew tired of it and told Mother I’d made plans with you to watch fireworks, escaping here for some peace.” Gao Yunyue rested her chin on her hand, smiling teasingly. “Imagine my surprise when I actually saw your carriage.”

Qu You raised an eyebrow, about to reply, when Gao Yunyue remarked: “Your face is flushed. Was it too hot in the carriage?”

“Not at all,” Qu You cheerfully snatched a cheese dumpling from in front of her, eating while idly musing aloud: “Yunyue, what should one do if their husband is too shy?”

Gao Yunyue shot her a glare, her cheeks reddening: “I’m an unmarried maiden! How dare you ask me such things?”

“Who else can I ask?” Qu You shrugged helplessly. “Never mind. We’ll talk about this after you’re married. Then again, judging by your attitude, perhaps you don’t want to marry at all—and that’s fine too...”

“You’re one to talk! You’re leaving for the western frontier soon—who knows when we’ll meet again?” Gao Yunyue’s eyes welled with tears, waving her handkerchief. “Marriage... I just don’t want to be used as a pawn in my father’s political games, married off carelessly. How many women find their husbands better than expected after marriage? Most discover their spouses unworthy and waste their lives away—it’s tragic.”

Qu You nodded sympathetically: “Indeed. Not everyone is as fortunate as I am.”

Gao Yunyue rolled her eyes: “Speaking of which, have you heard? After Chancellor Fu’s downfall, though Consort Zhao wasn’t implicated, she was moved to the most remote palace—practically a cold palace. Rumor has it she began fasting on her first day there. She likely won’t last long.”

Qu You gasped: “Why would she starve herself?”

“You’re naive,” Gao Yunyue chided. “If Consort Zhao dies, they’ll say it was illness. The Emperor will find a noblewoman to adopt the ninth prince, ensuring his royal lineage remains intact. If she lives, who’d dare raise the prince? It risks reminding the Emperor of old grievances.”

Ah, indeed—the deeper one ventures into the aristocracy, the darker its waters.

Despite Fu Qingnian’s efforts to protect his daughter’s life, he couldn’t account for Fu Mingran’s determination to safeguard someone else.

The two lamented briefly before continuing their conversation. When the streets began to empty, they linked arms and descended the stairs.

Just as they exited Fan Tower, before Qu You could bid Gao Yunyue farewell, a figure suddenly rushed out from the shadows. Upon closer inspection, it was Ren Shiming.

Gao Yunyue let out a soft cry, hiding behind her sleeve and retreating a few steps: “A shameless rogue! Servants, drive him away!”

Qu You quickly intervened: “Wait.”

She studied Ren Shiming for a moment, then stepped forward politely: “Master Ren, are you looking for me?”

“Where’s Zhou Tan?” Ren Shiming glared past her, assuming Zhou Tan was also present. “I need to speak with him!”

Seeing no one behind her, his gaze fell on the nearby carriage. He strode toward it, but Qu You hurried after him, lifting her skirts to block his path: “Master Ren!”

“Zhou Tan, I wasn’t tortured in the Golden Hairpin Pavilion—was that your doing?”

Ren Shiming appeared drunk, panting heavily as he shouted into the carriage. Startled, Gao Yunyue ordered her maids and guards to surround the vehicle, preventing any intrusion.

Qu You hesitated to enter, fearing Ren Shiming might follow, and remained standing by the curtain.

After a long pause, Zhou Tan’s voice came from within: “If you’re unharmed, don’t dwell on it. It’s New Year’s Eve—return home early.”

Ren Shiming’s eyes reddened, and he slammed his fist onto the carriage shaft: “How dare you act the saint! This entire ordeal stemmed from you. Am I supposed to thank you now?”

“Master Ren!” Qu You blocked him, finally losing patience. “If you refuse gratitude, fine—but did you come here to accuse him?”

Ren Shiming stubbornly retorted: “Tell him to come out!”

“No need. Today, I’ll speak on his behalf—I’ve been waiting for this chance.” Qu You turned back, her emotions conflicted. “Zhou Tan owes you nothing. When he was attacked, you turned a blind eye. Later, you aligned with Chancellor Fu, obstructing him at every turn. Do you know how close he came to dying in that sickbed? Your actions nearly cost him his life!”

Ren Shiming unconsciously took a step back: “He wouldn’t die...”

“I don’t know what you hoped to hear from him today, but now that Chancellor Fu is dead and we’ll soon leave the capital, let me clarify things. Ren Shiming, if you were smarter, if you cared even slightly for him, you’d understand how difficult he endured after the Candlelit Pavilion case. His distance from your family wasn’t abandonment—it was protection!”

From behind the curtain, Zhou Tan interjected: “Enough, A Lian. Let’s go.”

Ignoring him, Qu You continued, watching Ren Shiming’s stunned expression: “Strangers may slander, but you... aren’t strangers, are you? Even if you don’t understand, even if you resent him, how could you disregard his life? Your mother once sought me out—I didn’t explain clearly then. Tell her to visit the Bai family later and ask about the money used to redeem your brother. Though the Bai family is wealthy, why would they lend it to distant relatives like you? Once she learns the truth, you’ll understand.”

Ren Shiming looked as if struck by lightning, all color draining from his face. Qu You ceased further discussion, turning to board the carriage. With a hint of apology, she addressed Gao Yunyue: “Forgive the trouble. I’ll invite you over another time to make amends.”

Gao Yunyue waved dismissively: “No harm done. Go on.”

As the carriage prepared to depart, Ren Shiming scrambled to his feet, chasing after it for a few steps before collapsing to his knees. Gao Yunyue called back her servants and attendants, preparing to leave, but paused upon hearing quiet sobs behind her.

“Brother...”

After a moment’s thought, she instructed a maid beside her to hand over a plain handkerchief.

The maid approached silently, offering it. Ren Shiming accepted absently, wiping his face before realizing his mistake. Glancing at the distant girl, embarrassed by his earlier display, he wiped his tears again and bowed deeply in thanks.

Peering cautiously from her sleeve, Gao Yunyue confirmed he had left.

“What a strange person. How does Lord Zhou have such peculiar relatives?” she muttered to herself, boarding her own carriage. Turning sternly to her maid, she warned: “Don’t tell anyone about this. Though... he wasn’t bad-looking.”