The night was as dark as ink, and a full moon hung high in the sky, spilling its silvery light over the Xiao Family courtyard and cloaking it in a hazy frost.
The evening breeze drifted past the flowers and trees by the pavilion, carrying a faint floral fragrance mingled with the delicate scent of lotus and the rich, alluring perfume that clung to Ya Fei. It lingered in the quiet night air. The servants had long since disappeared from the grounds outside the pavilion. Only the low murmur of insects remained, making the little pavilion feel all the more peaceful.
Ya Fei rose gracefully to her feet. Her purple dress shimmered faintly in the moonlight, and her figure was lithe and graceful. That bone-deep tenderness and charm still lingered between her brows.
She looked gently at Xiao Yan, a trace of reluctance and attachment hidden in her eyes. She dipped into a curtsy and said softly, "Master, it's late, and the hour is getting on. I shouldn't impose on you any longer, so I'll take my leave."
Now that the three great families had all come under his command and their affairs had been settled, she had wanted to spend a little more time by Xiao Yan's side. But she knew that men and women should keep their distance, and being alone together so late was hardly appropriate. Besides, Yun Yun, the refined and otherworldly sect leader, was right there with them. Ya Fei had always known exactly where to draw the line.
Xiao Yan gave a slight nod, his gaze resting on her beautiful face. "The paths are slippery at night. Be careful on your way back. Get some proper rest when you return. Don't overwork yourself with the family's affairs; take things one step at a time."