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墨書 Inktalez
Qing Wu walked to the table and took a glance.
The noodles in the bowl were thin and long, unlike what one would typically eat; they resembled...
"Those are Longevity Noodles."
A boy's voice suddenly rang out from behind her, startling her and causing her to instinctively take a step back.
Unexpectedly, she fell into a warm embrace.
Before Qing Wu could react, Huo Yun'ai had wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"Today is the Grand General's birthday. After she passed away, Father has cooked noodles for her every year on this day."
Unfortunately, he only managed to do so for two years. By the third year, before the end of the year arrived, she had passed away that winter.
Only then did Qing Wu understand the origin of these Longevity Noodles. After some consideration, she asked, "Have you continued this tradition?"
"No," he gently shook his head, gazing out at the darkening sky.
That represented the Emperor's own feelings. He had not continued this practice.
"The Emperor had a deep affection for the Grand General. However, there were some things he never expressed to her. Until she suddenly passed away in a distant place, without even seeing her for one last meal, he regretted not speaking up sooner. He worried day by day, and as a result, fell seriously ill."
In just a few short sentences, Qing Wu carefully pondered over Huo Yun'ai's words and suddenly understood their meaning. She couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine.
She had heard about the Grand General and the Former Emperor.
They only knew that the two of them were friends who had fought together before. They also knew that after the death of the General, the Former Emperor had fallen ill. However, they never expected that there were such entanglements involved.
"After you left earlier, I thought about today's events and recalled how my father was back then... Only now do I suddenly understand the feelings he must have had when he insisted on cooking noodles for the General." And then, there were these two bowls before them.
The young man gently recounted the past, while Qing Wu listened quietly, sighing inwardly.
Just as she was feeling emotional about the matters concerning her two elders, she suddenly heard the Young Emperor change the subject and ask, "After the New Year, you will be twelve, right?"
"Yes." Qing Wu had just answered with one word when Huo Yun'ai took her hand and led her to the table. Once she stood steady, she continued, "On the sixteenth."
When she first arrived at Liu Residence, she looked to be about five years old. However, no one knew exactly how old she was or when her birthday was. Considering the girl's petite stature, it was possible that her actual age was slightly older than she appeared.
Once the New Year passed, she would turn a year older.
That year, just as everyone was preparing to celebrate Lantern Festival, they received notice of Liu Fangyi's appointment to the northwest.
There would be no celebration for Lantern Festival. The whole family was hurriedly packing up for a long journey.
Everyone was most worried about the well-behaved girl who had just arrived in their home.
Her health was not good, and she would have to endure a long ride and a long journey. They were unsure if she could handle it.
While everyone was deeply concerned for her, Second Brother Liu An Ting suddenly said, "Why not set Qing Wu's birthday on the sixteenth? Her sixth birthday on the sixteenth of the first month would wish her a lifetime of smooth sailing. Moreover, we can celebrate her birthday before we set off. It would add some good fortune to this journey."
His suggestion received unanimous approval from the family.
Due to Qing Wu still being in mourning at that time, everyone only prepared Longevity Noodles for her. It wasn't until later, after the mourning period ended, that they could properly celebrate.
But this day was set.
Huo Yun'ai held Qing Wu's hand with one hand and picked up a wine jug with the other, walking to the large table by the window, where they sat side by side.
This seating arrangement was casual, without regard for direction or status.
Qing Wu was not a rigid person; she noticed this briefly and then dismissed the thought, not dwelling on it further.
Huo Yun'ai, however, was silently counting "twelve" in his heart. He took two wine cups and poured a drink for both of them, placing them in front of each.
In fact, he made this noodle dish today partly out of sorrow for his family and partly as a warning to himself.
His father had once hesitated and delayed making decisions, resulting in lifelong regrets.
He would not allow the same thing to happen to him.
Since he had decided on her, he must cherish her well.
Huo Yun'ai lowered his gaze in contemplation; Qing Wu had no idea what the young man beside her was thinking at that moment.
As soon as she saw the wine cup in front of her, she felt embarrassed. She quickly pushed it aside, even spilling some of the fine wine without caring about it.
"I can't drink. I just can't."
Huo Yun'ai slightly tilted her head and looked over at her with a faint smile, saying, "Just one cup. It's nothing." She placed the cup back in front of her.
"No way," Qing Wu replied, blushing. "Not even one cup. You saw how I was last time; I don't handle alcohol well. Today is New Year's Eve. I think I’ll just... not drink."
Huo Yun'ai was surprised and slowly said, "When did you ever handle alcohol poorly?"
"Then why don’t you let me drink in front of others?" Qing Wu asked curiously. "If you think I can handle it, then I could have a little on ordinary days too?"
The girl's expression was serious yet confused. The young man paused for a moment, his cheeks flushed, and he mumbled a response without saying more on the matter. He simply filled his own wine cup again and frequently poured her more tea.
Neither of them was particularly talkative.
As usual when they practiced calligraphy together, most of the time they were silent, only occasionally exchanging a few words. They might comment on the quality of the dishes or express curiosity about how the snacks were made.
The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant.
In such circumstances, Qing Wu felt it inappropriate to bring up Dou Mama's matter. After hesitating for a while, she decided to hold her tongue and wait until tomorrow.
Uncertain if it was due to the joy of fulfilling her wishes today or the high alcohol content of the fine wine, Huo Yun'ai became somewhat tipsy after not drinking for long.
Once he was drunk, he wasn't noisy or irritable. He simply draped his arm around Qing Wu's neck and rested his head on her shoulder, remaining still.
Qing Wu thought that sitting like this wasn't quite right.
Unfortunately, the palace doors were tightly shut, and shouting wouldn’t be heard much outside. Moreover, Huo Yun'ai had instructed people earlier not to disturb them...
She pushed him, hoping to get him to lie down on the table for a moment so she could go out and call someone to help him to bed.
Little did she know that as soon as she exerted some force, he smiled at her with a charming glint in his eyes, revealing a captivating allure.
Then...
He firmly wrapped his arms around Qing Wu's neck and refused to budge an inch.
Qing Wu sighed silently, realizing she couldn't escape to call for help and resigned herself to supporting him alone.
Fortunately, although he was drunk, he wasn't particularly heavy. His weight on her delicate frame didn't make it too difficult for her.
Qing Wu swayed as she moved forward with him, occasionally reaching out to steady his body until they finally reached the palace door. After adjusting him once more, she knocked on the door with her foot.
At that moment, Uncle Yu was stationed outside.
Seeing Huo Yun'ai in this state startled him. Upon closer inspection, he felt a bit relieved. After pondering for a while, he hesitantly extended his hand to help Qing Wu get him to the side of the Dragon Bed.
Even when they reached the bed, his tight grip around her had not loosened.
Qing Wu was already somewhat exhausted from supporting him all the way. Now lying on the bed, she realized her body ached all over. She wanted to go back and rest, but he wouldn't let go.
With no other choice, she had to curl up beside him and settle for a short nap.
Little did she know that when she opened her eyes again, the person beside her was already gone.
Looking at the somewhat familiar yet strange ceiling, Qing Wu felt a moment of confusion before waking up. She quickly sat up.
After taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she got out of bed.
She was still wearing the same outfit from yesterday, though it was a bit wrinkled, likely from sleeping.
It was still dark outside. Standing guard at the door was Li Zi.
Upon seeing Qing Wu come out, he quickly bowed and greeted her, "Uncle Yu has already sent everyone away. Now, only those here are serving. Miss... do you have any instructions?"
Qing Wu noticed that Li Zi was much more respectful towards her and didn't think much of it. She asked him to fetch water for a simple wash and then inquired, "Where is His Majesty now?"
Hearing her ask about Huo Yun'ai, Li Zi visibly relaxed and replied, "His Majesty is practicing martial arts."
"Practicing martial arts?" Qing Wu glanced out the window.
"Yes. His Majesty practices at this hour every day before attending the morning court."
Qing Wu was still concerned about Dou Mama's matter. After hearing this, she pondered quietly.
As the year-end approached, in just a few days the spring break would be sealed off, and there were many matters to attend to. It was uncertain when the morning court would conclude.
Since that was the case, it would be better to take advantage of the time after he practiced martial arts but before he went to the morning court to discuss things with him first. Regardless of how things turned out, it would be reassuring to have some clarity.
With her decision made, Qing Wu wasted no time and immediately asked Li Zi to lead the way toward the courtyard where Huo Yun'ai practiced martial arts.
She circled around the Zhaoning Palace and passed through an alley to arrive at an archway.
Li Zi dared not go any further and stopped at the entrance, saying to Qing Wu, "Your Majesty is practicing martial arts, and no one is allowed to disturb him. Only General Qin can come over for a word when necessary. We cannot proceed any further."
Although Qing Wu had never been to Huo Yun'ai's training place, she had heard of this custom.
So she replied, "If that's the case, then I won't get any closer. I'll just wait here at the entrance."
With that, she stepped inside but did not go deep, only stopping on the inner side of the entrance.
Once she steadied herself, she looked up and was momentarily stunned.
Under the candlelight, amidst the bamboo forest, a tall and graceful young man was dancing with his sword. The light of the sword flickered as bamboo leaves fell.
It was truly…
An extremely pleasing sight.
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