New Year's Eve.
It had snowed all night, and all of Suzhou City lay shrouded in a vast expanse of white, as though blanketed beneath thick layers of cotton fluff.
That morning, Huang Shaojie rode his yellow-maned horse to the small courtyard where Xiao Qiuyue lived.
Though it was only a modest courtyard with two sections, it truly felt too empty and lonely for a woman to live in alone.
Xiao Qiuyue packed a few clothes, mounted a jujube-red horse, and followed Huang Shaojie to Huang Manor.
"Father, Mother, this is Battalion Commander Xiao."
After bringing Xiao Qiuyue into the main hall, Huang Shaojie introduced her to his parents, who were sitting beside the brazier and drinking tea.
Huang Baiwan and Madam Huang hurriedly rose to welcome her, but both wore stunned expressions.
Their son had told them he was bringing Imperial Guard Battalion Commander Xiao to Huang Manor for the New Year. They had assumed this Battalion Commander Xiao was a man, never expecting her to be a breathtaking beauty.
"Qiuyue greets Master Huang and Madam Huang."
Xiao Qiuyue cupped her hands and bowed to Huang Baiwan and his wife.
"Battalion Commander Xiao, it should be this commoner who bows to you."
Huang Baiwan hastily returned the salute with cupped hands, saying with a genial smile.
His son was now also an Imperial Guard Banner Commander. Otherwise, he would never have dared to be so casual; he would have treated her with the utmost deference.
"This humble woman greets Lady Xiao." Madam Huang also hurriedly bowed to Xiao Qiuyue.
Xiao Qiuyue quickly reached out to support Madam Huang. "Madam, just call me Qiuyue. By all means, do not call me Lady."
Madam Huang chuckled softly. "How could that possibly do?"
Huang Shaojie said from the side, "Mother, Battalion Commander