BXG - 74

◎ Spring Night ◎

After the ceremonial toast, the guests teased Zhou Tan and pulled him out of the bridal chamber to drink more wine.

The black-clad figure at the back lingered after everyone had left. Under Nanny Yun’s puzzled gaze, he knelt down and solemnly bowed to Qu You.

His voice was always hoarse. “I wish Master and Mistress a harmonious union, peace, and happiness.”

Since joining Zhou Tan’s side, he had been like his shadow—loyal, inseparable, and unwavering through every circumstance.

Qu You felt deeply moved and gently said, “Rise quickly.”

She heard him stand up behind her fan before continuing, “I know how much you care for Master. He considers you a brother, someone closer than family after all we’ve been through together. Today is our joyous occasion, so drink your fill.”

The black-clad man choked slightly but quickly suppressed his emotions. “Yes.”

After he left, Qu You didn’t wait long in the room before hearing the door creak open.

Zhou Tan wasn’t one for drinking, but today’s happiness had him indulging a bit more. As he entered, Qu You caught only the faintest whiff of alcohol’s mellow aroma.

He turned to close the door behind him, standing still with his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously.

Seeing him hesitate, Qu You playfully asked from behind her fan, “Why doesn’t my husband come closer?”

Only then did Zhou Tan nervously approach. He took her hand and gently moved the fan away from her face.

Gazing into her autumn-water-like eyes, he felt his usual calmness evaporate, leaving only the frantic pounding of his heart.

Qu You had carefully applied makeup today, even painting a delicate butterfly design on her forehead. Zhou Tan’s gaze followed upward, brushing lightly over her brow. “Beautiful.”

It was unclear whether he was complimenting her or the butterfly.

Though they were already the closest of intimates, in this setting, their faces flushed as they locked eyes, momentarily at a loss for words.

Instinctively, Qu You fanned herself with her fan. Seeing Zhou Tan’s evasive gaze, she steeled herself, tossed the fan aside, and grabbed the collar of his robe.

Unexpectedly, she pulled too hard, catching Zhou Tan off guard. He stumbled forward, leaning directly onto her.

Qu You fell backward onto the bed, her phoenix crown sliding off and ruining her carefully styled hair. Zhou Tan quickly supported the back of her neck to prevent injury.

Deciding to go all in, she reached up and removed the remaining hairpins, letting her jet-black tresses cascade like flowing clouds over Zhou Tan’s face.

He inhaled the quiet scent of apricot blossoms mingling with the ever-present fragrance of still water that clung to him—it was unexpectedly harmonious.

Zhou Tan felt a burning heat surge within him. Leaning close, he called her softly, “Youyou…”

Qu You laughed softly. “Why don’t you call me Aling anymore?”

Zhou Tan muttered, “Because others call you Youyou.”

“Yes, everyone calls me Youyou.”

She hadn’t had a courtesy name until coming to this world, and aside from her mother, almost no one used it.

Thinking this, Qu You tightened her embrace around his neck and whispered, “…But I’m your Aling alone.”

Zhou Tan pressed his hand against the back of her head and leaned down to exchange a deep, lingering kiss.

“Before Xiaoyan led those five thousand elite soldiers out of the city, I…imagined countless scenarios,” Zhou Tan rasped when their lips finally parted. “If Ruozhou truly couldn’t be defended, Uncle Xu and I would have personally led the remnants of Lingxiao’s forces into battle.”

During that time, she could see how restless he was, but she hadn’t known what to do. She avoided asking questions to spare him further worry.

This was her first time being so close to war. Each day in the makeshift infirmary, she witnessed amputated limbs and broken bodies. To comfort the others, she forced herself to stay composed, though nightmares haunted her at night.

Drenched in cold sweat, she would slip out of bed, open the window, and see the light hanging outside Zhou Tan’s door. Only then could she find some semblance of calm.

What she didn’t know was that on countless nights, Zhou Tan sat by the paper window, finding solace in the dim glow of that same light. As long as it remained lit, there was hope.

“I knew,” Qu You continued his thought. “If you led Lingxiao’s remnants into battle, regardless of victory or defeat, such a large army appearing in the west would certainly catch His Majesty’s attention. Zi Qian’s plans would fall apart.”

But Ruozhou had to be protected.

He wouldn’t gamble with the lives of an entire city.

“At the time, I consoled myself endlessly, thinking there must be another way—I could persuade General Chu or obtain the tiger tally. But deep down, I knew these ideas were too vague. Once His Majesty discovered Lingxiao’s remnants still existed, he would summon me back to Bian capital.” Zhou Tan spoke slowly. “His leniency toward me stems from my harmlessness. If I held any leverage, he would ensure my silent death in an ‘accident.’ After all these years, I understand him too well…”

Back then, Zhou Tan faced not just Jing Wang Sun’s schemes but also his own life.

With just a few words, Qu You understood his meaning. Her nose tingled, and she hugged his neck tighter. “It’s over now. Fate has treated us kindly. No matter what happens, we’ve always managed to turn misfortune into fortune.”

“Mm,” Zhou Tan rested his forehead against hers. “Before meeting you, every challenge I faced was worse than I imagined. But since you came into my life, everything feels better than I ever expected. Even in the direst situations, we’ve found ways to survive.”

“When I heard the cannon fire in the city, I was scared. But knowing you were on the walls made me feel fearless.” Qu You nestled against his arm, speaking softly. “War is cruel. The people of Bian capital can’t imagine such scenes. Thankfully, with Xiaoyan here, once we return to Bian capital and everything settles, true prosperity will come.”

She wasn’t lying. During Song Shixuan’s reign, the land enjoyed peace, the people prospered, and there were no factional disputes or border conflicts. Though the Tanghua Decree was abolished, its clauses profoundly influenced Da Yin’s laws.

The golden age Zhou Tan longed for arrived as promised.

Only they broke their promise—they both died in the old times, never living to see it themselves.

Listening to Zhou Tan’s heartbeat, Qu You trembled with determination. Since arriving here, she’d harbored no urgent wishes. But if she could change history, she’d pay any price to let Zhou Tan live a hundred years.

“Prosperity…” Zhou Tan repeated the word softly, smiling with infinite hope before leaning in to kiss her again. “Good. Everything…everything will be fine.”

Her heavy wedding gown fluttered lightly to the foot of the bed. This bridal chamber was originally Zhou Tan’s room, adorned with gauze curtains embroidered with moonlit lotus patterns Xiaoyan brought from Bian capital. Even fully drawn, the candlelight filtered through faintly, shimmering like moonlight.

Suddenly, Qu You felt a pang of fear.

Since arriving in this world, though she had parents, siblings, close friends, and confidants, she remained fundamentally alone. Everything belonged to the original owner of this body—she drowned that day, leaving everything behind for Qu You.

By some unknown fate, she crossed time and space to arrive here. Determined to honor what Qu Yilian left her, she cared for her parents and looked after the household.

Later, amidst confusion, she married and ended up by Zhou Tan’s side.

—Only Zhou Tan truly belonged to her. To the Qu You who saved his life, embraced him under misty skies atop Jinghua Mountain, and lit a lamp outside his door.

He admired the fearless woman who beat the drum in Yujie Street and saw through history’s fog to find him.

Thus, he offered his last shred of attachment and trust. From the moment he decided to love her, he revealed all his life’s secrets without deceit.

But in truth, she too was here alone, needing his love.

Through countless lifetimes, they met as though reuniting after a long separation.

It wasn’t just Zhou Tan who was fortunate.

Zhou Tan kissed away her tears and asked tenderly, “Why are you crying?”

Qu You smiled through her tears. “I’m happy. It feels like you’re finally mine.”

Her fingers brushed over his bare shoulder, spotting the faint mark she’d left there before. Unable to resist, she leaned in to bite again—but couldn’t bring herself to do it. Instead, her teeth softened into a gentle kiss.