April’s spring breeze blew swiftly, the emerald smoke swaying gently.
The beauty had already left, replaced by the cold clear wind, yet the warmth once held close was hard to forget.
Still recalling those tender moments, it was difficult to dismiss the soft cries of that beloved one.
Old verses, both new and worn, stirred a restless longing, and the cherished memories lingered like the ever-present green mountains.
It had been five days since the lady left without a word.
Though these five days seemed no different from before, the small courtyard inevitably felt a bit colder, missing some of its usual warmth.
Still, thankfully, the courtyard hadn’t reverted to the lonely state it once was, when he was truly alone.
If it had come to that, he doubted he could have stayed.
“Master, today is a rare day of good weather. How about we go out for a little excursion?”
Li Yuer’s complexion was far better than in previous days.
Now, if one didn’t look closely, one could hardly see any trace of illness.
Though her skin was still somewhat pale, it carried a hint of vitality,
making her look all the more endearing.
“An excursion… huh?”
Xu Ping’an gazed at the distant white clouds and blue sky, his expression calm.
“Come to think of it, you’ve been here for almost half a month now, haven’t you?”
“Yes. Thanks to Master Xu’s Sage’s Rejuvenating Hands, my body has recovered a lot.”
The crystal-clear light in Li Yuer’s eyes was filled with unspoken emotion as she looked at Xu Ping’an.
“Mm, it’s time for you to get some exercise.”
Before, Li Yuer’s vitality was weak, and it wasn’t suitable for her to move recklessly.
But now, her body was gradually adapting to the pure Yang energy brought by the Mountain Lord Inner Core.
Her yin and yang were coordinated and orderly.
Though her Yang energy was still faint, it was enough for her to start moving about.
And moving alone also helps to stimulate the flow of Yang energy.
This explained why those who exercised often appeared full of vigor and spirit.
“Alright then, tell Old Zhao we’re going on an outing. There’s a place nearby called Weinan Lake. Let’s go there.”
In truth, such days were rather pleasant for an excursion.
Grass growing and flowers blooming, pink petals scattered across the hillsides.
The group of four left the small courtyard, heading south.
Before half an hour had passed, they could see a large lake in the distance.
The water rippled and shimmered like dragon scales, waves overlapping, rising and falling in turns.
“What a huge lake~ Master, I didn’t expect such a beautiful sight so far from the courtyard.”
“Yes… When we chose this place at the foot of the mountain, it was partly because of the good scenery nearby.”
Xu Ping’an smiled faintly, though his mind still lingered on Pei Qingxuan. But life had to go on, and he hadn’t yet made up his mind about seeking her out.
Still, where there was happiness to be found, one should live joyfully.
This lake was shaped like a gourd, surrounded by two mountains. Legend had it that immortals once fought here, resulting in this unique formation.
In the distance stood a lakeside pavilion, where wealthy young people gathered.
Ordinary folk would probably find it hard to enter that pavilion when out for spring outings.
But she had no interest in going there. Perhaps in her eyes, as long as Master Xu was by her side, anywhere was the safest place.
“Master, I think this spot is fine. Why don’t we stay here?”
“Alright.”
Xu Ping’an looked around; the hills were dotted with cherry blossoms, adding touches of pink to Changqing Mountain.
Zhao Pingzhi quickly unloaded items from the carriage: a simple iron stove and some charcoal.
Most importantly, they had brought some wine today.
Wumei Brew.
Looking at this breathtaking scenery, Xu Ping’an’s eyes seemed to faintly reveal that figure again, gracefully playing among the cherry blossoms.
“Ah, I had planned to bring her to see this.”
“Master…”
Li Yuer’s eyes shifted, gazing toward the lakeside pavilion where several young men and women appeared to be composing poetry.
“Master, look, it seems lively over there.” To prevent Xu Ping’an from sinking too deeply into melancholy, Li Yuer quickly pointed and diverted his attention.
“Mm, it is indeed lively. I heard that every April, youths from Yucheng come here. That must be where the Sakura Festival is held — a gathering of the region’s talented youths and beauties.”
“So the Sakura Festival of Yucheng is held here?”
Li Yuer was quite curious.
The Sakura Festival was a major event for Southern Prefecture, opening every April.
Young talents and beauties from all corners of Southern Prefecture would come here to attend.
There were many activities: spring outings, cuju (ancient football), touhu (pitch-pot), composing poems, enjoying flowers and moonlight.
A variety of pastimes filled the month-long festival, making Yucheng quite lively during this time.
As the heir of the Duke of the Southern Border’s Residence, she had never been to the festival due to her health.
But many who had gone spoke of the talented beauties they met, stirring a longing in her heart.
After all, as a young woman in her prime, she too dreamed of a handsome scholar.
Yet now, she found herself dismissive of those handsome talents, because standing beside her was, in her eyes, the brightest person in all Great Qi.
Even if he lacked fame, he remained the best to her.
He wasn’t particularly handsome — among ordinary people, he might be considered fairly good-looking, but compared to those charming talents and beauties, he somewhat fell short.
Yet, that rugged face and those eyes filled with calm and serenity still held her gaze, making it impossible to look away.
“Miss, the stove is set up~ Master really is talented, to think of making such a stove~ From now on, let’s make a few more like this. It’ll be convenient for future outings.”
In truth, the stove was just some iron plates joined together with mortise and tenon joints, then assembled.
It was lightweight and practical.
Li Yuer glanced back at the little maid’s joyful smile and chuckled softly.
“What are you doing? Isn’t one of Master’s stoves enough?”
Xiao Jing’er nodded earnestly.
“That’s true. With Master’s stove, we don’t have to make any ourselves.”
Xu Ping’an’s mouth twitched — he felt like he wanted to say something but couldn’t quite.
What did that mean?
They really intended to rely on his stove forever?
He chuckled softly and shook his head helplessly.
“Alright, alright. Zhao, have all the things been taken out?”
“Master, everything’s ready.”
“Mm… Xiao Jing’er, go fetch some water.”
“Yes, Master.”
Xu Ping’an rolled up his sleeves and was about to start when Li Yuer stepped forward, her delicate hands gently smoothing his sleeve.
“Master, you are the Divine Physician of Nan Prefecture. Even on a countryside outing, you mustn’t lose your manners. Rolling up your sleeves like that might make others think you have no women in your household~”
Uh…
How did that sound so strange?
Li Yuer didn’t notice Xu Ping’an’s gaze and carefully folded his sleeve layer by layer, each fold neat and tidy.
Like a virtuous wife arranging her husband’s clothes, a happy smile lingered on her lips.
“All done. You may begin, Master.”