Winter in Eastern Liang Commandery was much milder than in the Yong Capital. Perhaps because it lay close to the Yong River and the air was heavy with moisture, the night sky here was nowhere near as clear. Yet that lent everything a hazy beauty, blurring the outlines of every blade of grass and every tree, and making the night feel especially gentle.
The moon seemed draped in a thin veil. Who knew where the stars had fled?
Visa stayed behind that evening to look after Hong Lingxue, while Hu Xiaotian and Long Xiyue attended the Welcome Banquet that Li Mingcheng, the governor of Eastern Liang Commandery, had arranged especially for him. Hu Xiaotian took the opportunity to share a reunion dinner with all his subordinates. As the guest of honor, he naturally drank quite a bit and was already tipsy when he left.
Long Xiyue accompanied him back to the residence, where they discovered that Huo Shengnan had not returned either. She had left word that she would be inspecting the garrison that night. In truth, she was giving Long Xiyue and Hu Xiaotian some time alone.
Hu Xiaotian realized how fortunate he truly was. All the women close to his heart knew how to consider others.
Long Xiyue supported him back to his room, then personally fetched hot water to wipe his face. "Wait here," she said softly. "I had someone make you some sobering soup. It'll be ready soon."
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "I'm not drunk. I don't need any sobering soup." He took her delicate hand and drew her down beside him.
Long Xiyue lowered her head, her pretty face faintly flushed. "You drank so much tonight. You were even swaying when you walked."
"I was pretending to be drunk," Hu Xiaotian said. "How else could I