Swallows came as spring waned, secret longings lost among gates and lanes - Guan Pingchao

The Nourishing Truth Pavilion where Xing Yan was staying was, in fact, a beautiful garden. That morning, when the first light glimmered in the east and a gentle breeze stirred, with white mist still drifting among the green trees and terraces, Ju Ying came to visit. Xing Yan was pondering something when the chime of jade pendants made him look up. Through the moon gate, the emperor's daughter approached with graceful steps, her high palace coiffure like billowing green clouds, her lovely cheeks as pure as freshly washed snow. Walking softly along the pebble path, she seemed a fairy descended from a painting, her light skirts trailing mist, fragrant as musk and orchids. Before she drew near, her subtle perfume had already reached him, refreshing his heart.

"Xing Yan, you're up?"

Before Xing Yan could speak, Ju Ying asked solicitously:

"Did you sleep well last night?"

"Yes!"

At her question, Xing Yan answered with a smile:

"I slept well enough. But... before bed, I was thinking hard about something, and I tossed and turned for a long time before falling asleep."

"Oh? What was it?"

Although Xing Yan was still smiling, Ju Ying could not help asking anxiously:

"Is something troubling you? Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Ha, thank you. It isn't really a problem, though doing it certainly won't be easy."

Xing Yan said:

"Ju Ying, before going to sleep last night, I thought back over these past few years of cultivation and discussions of the Way on Mount Luofu, and suddenly gained some understanding. I wondered whether I might write those insights down-the first book I've written since becoming Four Seas Hall Master-so that the hall's disciples can read it in the future!"

"...Why, that's a wonderful thing!"

Only then did Ju Ying feel completely