Chapter 39: White Snow Like a Dream, Splendid Clothes Like a Torch

The sedan chair emerged from the gray mist, accompanied by the sounds of orioles singing, swallows dancing, laughter, and joyous voices.

A cold wind lifted the sedan's curtain, and Ning Changjiu's gaze did not waver. The face was very young, appearing to be only seven or eight years old. Yet, despite her youth, she wore light makeup, her eye corners brushed with red, and three floral patterns adorned her brow, like delicate spring flower buds.

The curtain quickly fell, and Ning Changjiu watched the sedan chair disappear into the distance, his brow furrowed.

That was Ning Xiaoling.

The noble air in her eyes was not Ning Xiaoling's, nor was the delicate youthful makeup on her cheeks, nor the luxurious gown embroidered with swirling phoenixes.

But he was certain it was Ning Xiaoling.

He followed.

The sedan chair proceeded towards another grand mansion, which appeared to be a luxurious estate. Its courtyard walls were neither too high nor too low, and a wooden plaque on the gate bore the four characters "Brocade Grotto-Heaven." The sedan chair traveled a long distance, then stopped at the entrance. A young girl in a luxurious gown stepped down, assisted by a maid. She rubbed her cheeks and walked into the garden.

Ning Changjiu lightly ascended, silently crossing over the courtyard wall, his gaze fixed on the young girl.

Ning Xiaoling walked through the garden, the tips of her tiny shoes occasionally peeking out from beneath her skirt. Her footprints were evenly spaced in the snow, as if a nimble kitten had passed by.

To his surprise, this garden was not shrouded in gray mist. Within it, slender bamboo and snow-laden pines were visible, as were wooden pavilions in the distance with upturned eaves like bird wings, and lotus-leaf shaped stone steps gracing the pond.

Ning Xiaoling strolled leisurely through the garden, her gaze occasionally falling on the winter plums laden with snow on the branches, and sometimes on the dark tiles of the red pavilion. She seemed familiar with everything here, showing no unfamiliarity.

Finally, she arrived at an old well and peered down into it.

In winter, only the well water remained unfrozen. She leaned over and looked, gently patting her cheeks as if admiring herself in a mirror. The maid beside her, seeing this, quickly pulled her away, seemingly fearful the young girl might lose her footing.

Everything seemed quiet and ordinary.

She spent some time playing around in the garden. Afterwards, she took the sedan chair to a nearby temple, where she burned incense and offered prayers. The little girl seemed to be a regular visitor to the temple, as all the monks showed signs of joy upon her arrival. A slightly portly monk came forward, smiling and saying something. The little girl nodded lightly, and the maid beside her then reluctantly opened her purse.

Ning Xiaoling drew a fortune stick from the monk's container. Ning Changjiu's gaze fell upon the stick, and he was momentarily stunned.

"To live as long as heaven, a Daoist family?"

Why would a temple fortune stick have such a phrase written on it?

The little girl returned the fortune stick.

He followed her into the hall. Pretending to be a worshipper, he subtly bowed.

Soon after, Ning Xiaoling left the hall. He straightened his collar and quietly followed her.

Perhaps coincidentally, the sedan chair turned around and returned to the narrow alley. The small, dark girl he had seen earlier climbed up from the ground and again walked towards the well with a bucket.

Ning Xiaoling stepped down from the sedan chair. She and the poor girl seemed to have known each other for a long time. She took something from her sleeve and gave it to the little girl, but the maid beside her frowned, trying to stop her.

The little girl stared blankly at the slightly older girl. For some reason, she suddenly started crying, then turned and ran back towards her home, carrying her empty bucket.

Ning Xiaoling watched the girl in the old padded jacket walk away. She lightly sighed and tucked the piece of silver, which she had intended to give away, back into her purse.

She turned her head and looked behind her. Ning Changjiu's heart stirred; he knew she had seen him.

At this moment, Ning Xiaoling's hair was styled with a half-circular fringe across her forehead, while her dark hair cascaded down her back, tied only with a red string. She looked very well-behaved and cute.

She smiled modestly, giving a slight curtsy. She then asked the youth in white, in a childish voice: "Who is this young master? Why have you been following me since I left my mansion? You followed me to Brocade Garden, you followed me to the temple to worship Buddha, and now you're still following me. You don't seem like a bad person, young master. What are you trying to do?"

Ning Changjiu asked, "What is your name?"

Ning Xiaoling pouted and said, "You are truly rude, young master. Who asks a lady for her given name right away?"

The two maids beside them stepped forward slightly and admonished, "Which family's scholar are you? What do you want with our young lady?"

Ning Changjiu calmly replied, "It's none of your business."

The maid immediately looked angry. "Where did this scoundrel come from?" she exclaimed. "Young lady, ignore such a person. Our master will be angry if he finds out."

As she spoke, she quickly shielded Ning Xiaoling's eyes with her hand. Ning Xiaoling obediently turned and entered the sedan chair.

Ning Changjiu looked at the exquisite and graceful character "Ning" behind the sedan curtain. He frowned slightly.

This time, he did not follow. Instead, he walked forward, following the footprints the little girl had made on the ground earlier.

But then, the sedan chair followed him.

"Hey, wait!" Ning Xiaoling stepped down from the sedan chair and asked, "Where are you going?"

Ning Changjiu calmly replied, "I originally thought I was looking for you, but it seems I'm not."

Ning Xiaoling asked curiously, "What are you talking about?"

Ning Changjiu said, "I still can't be sure who you are, but you are definitely not Ning Xiaoling."

Ning Xiaoling's delicate cheeks puffed out, and she said indignantly, "You do look quite a bit older than me, but my teacher also said that those who flaunt their age are the most detestable. My parents, who gave birth to me and raised me, decide who I am, not you!"

Ning Changjiu smiled slightly. "Then, will you take me to see your parents?"

Ning Xiaoling suddenly understood. "Oh, I see. You must be a failed scholar taking the imperial examination, trying to curry favor with my father, which is why you've been following me. Many poor scholars have wanted to meet my father over the years, but my father has very high standards; he truly doesn't care for ordinary poetry. Do you have any poetry? Recite some for me."

Ning Changjiu thought for a moment and said, "I actually do have a line."

Ning Xiaoling asked, "What is it?"

Ning Changjiu said, "An immortal's dwelling, to live as long as heaven, a Daoist family."

Ning Xiaoling's expression changed slightly, and she said angrily, "That's a line from a book! Though I am a girl, I have attended a private school. Don't try to fool me."

Ning Changjiu looked at her delicate, youthful face, and a feeling of pity suddenly arose in his heart. He asked, "Anyway, it's not time yet. Would you like to walk around the city together?"

Ning Xiaoling frowned and shook her head. "Is there anywhere in this city that compares to my home?"

Ning Changjiu said, "Just a casual stroll. It's fine if you don't want to."

Ning Xiaoling should have refused, but after a moment of silence, she unexpectedly said, "Alright, I'd like to see what tricks you're up to."

The maids beside her were all greatly alarmed upon hearing this and tried to dissuade her. Ning Xiaoling rubbed her ears, looked at Ning Changjiu, and asked, "Can my two elder sisters come along?"

Ning Changjiu nodded. "As you wish."

So the sedan chair bearers first carried the sedan chair back to the mansion. Ning Changjiu and Ning Xiaoling walked in front, chatting back and forth, while the two maids followed behind, looking worried.

Ning Xiaoling asked, "Young master, do you know me?"

Ning Changjiu nodded. "Yes, I do."

Ning Xiaoling smiled, pressing her lips together, and whispered, "Of course, who in this city doesn't know me?"

Ning Changjiu asked, "Are you very famous here?"

Ning Xiaoling looked at him with some surprise. "I am the young miss of the Ning family; who wouldn't know me?"

Ning Changjiu smiled slightly. "I, Ning, have just arrived. May I trouble you, Young Miss Ning, to show me around the city?"

Ning Xiaoling lightly snorted, giving him a distrustful look. "Your surname is Ning too?" she said. "Don't even think about getting close to me."

With that, she took small steps, walking ahead in the snow.

Ning Xiaoling clasped her hands across her chest. Her slightly long, luxurious skirt gently brushed the snow, and the elegant, soft long hair at the back of her head, tied in a small, exquisite knot, swayed gently with her steps.

The little girl slowly stopped, dusting snow from her shoulders. She looked at the elegant small building before her and introduced, "This is the Elegant Gathering place. Tea is served on the first floor, and people read on the second. My teacher often brings me here. Shall we go up and take a look?"

Ning Changjiu glanced at the second floor and gently shook his head. "No need," he said. "I'm not in the mood for such elegance today."

Ning Xiaoling teased, "I originally thought you were a bookworm, but now it seems you're not even a scholar."

Ning Changjiu smiled but did not reply.

They hadn't walked far when a courtyard gate appeared in sight. The gate was ancient and dignified, its plaque bearing the upright four characters "Divine Inspiration for Writing." The dark brown pillars beside the gate were old and weathered, marked with deep, aged stains like watermarks.

Ning Xiaoling glanced at it and said, "This is where I study."

Ning Changjiu nodded lightly. "The characters for 'writing' are upright and meticulous," he said, "and the character for 'divine' is especially fresh, elegant, and marvelous. It's a good place."

Hearing this, Ning Xiaoling was somewhat satisfied. She nodded gently, "Of course."

Seeing that Ning Changjiu had no intention of going inside, she led him onward.

After turning through two winding streets, a song suddenly drifted through the crisp, cold snowy landscape. It was faint and ethereal, each note seeming to cling to the snowflakes, scattering and falling. The song harmonized perfectly with the sound of a wooden qin, and one could vaguely imagine slender, fair jade fingers delicately plucking the black plum-blossom scorched-tail qin.

Ning Xiaoling also slowed her steps. Following the direction of the song, she looked and saw an ornate, multi-faceted tall building. The building was brightly lit, and faint, alluring shadows of women could be seen moving within.

Beneath the tall building, a few spring trees with half-withered blossoms stood embraced by snow, appearing solitary and lonely.

Rouge Pavilion,Brocade Garden,Pear trees piled with snow, peach blossoms overflowing.Look at tonight's small building, its lantern feast,Filled with lovely couples.Dark hair coiled,Make-up changed,Cutting smoke and mist to wrap around the elbow's curve.Why envy those in feathered robes, noble ministers?I myself am in the ranks of immortals.Lotus crown,White jade hairpin,The splendor of zither and mist needs no calculation.Wait until midnight, when the jade toad hangs in the sky,Then ascend to White Cloud Temple…

"Wait until midnight, when the jade toad hangs in the sky, then ascend to White Cloud Temple…" Ning Changjiu murmured softly. As if thinking of something, his gaze slowly rose, but there were only layers of clouds and falling snow, no bright moon. He asked, "What is the name of this lyric?"

Ning Xiaoling waited until the qin music faded before answering, "'Guest of the Mortal World.' Legend has it, a romantic young master slept drunk in a singing pavilion for seven days. When he finally sobered up and spoke, everyone realized it was a woman. That woman claimed to be an immortal from beyond the world, penned these lyrics, and then stepped on clouds to depart for the moon."

Ning Changjiu nodded. "Not a guest of this world; the dream will break sooner or later."

Ning Xiaoling was unmoved and continued on her own, "This is the Water Moon Rouge Pavilion, a favorite spot for scholars and literati. A courtesan inside, named Shiyan, is especially famous; she is said to be of otherworldly beauty. That piece just now must have been played by her skilled hands, but ordinary people can't usually see her. Shall I, your young lady, take you to broaden your horizons?"

Ning Changjiu's voice was very soft, as if he didn't want to interrupt the lingering qin music. "No need," he said. "Listening to the qin music and lyrics is better than seeing the person. Let's just leave it at that. I'm a bit hungry."

Ning Xiaoling patted her stomach and blurted out, "I'll take you to eat tofu noodles and spring rolls. They'll fill you up!"

Ning Changjiu watched her quietly, a faint smile on his face.

Ning Xiaoling was slightly startled, as if realizing she had said something wrong. She immediately said, "I usually get tired of rich delicacies, so what's wrong with trying some clear noodle soup? My master often says..."

"Alright," Ning Changjiu said, rubbing her head and interrupting her. "Let's go, Young Miss will take me to eat tofu noodles and spring rolls."

Ning Xiaoling secretly rolled her eyes.

They took their seats. Soon, two steaming bowls of noodle soup were served. Tofu was mixed into the noodles, and a very faint layer of oil and a few specks of green onion floated on top.

Ning Xiaoling picked up her chopsticks and gently stirred the noodle soup. The hot white steam wafted onto her face, and her delicate makeup seemed to have subtly melted.

Ning Xiaoling suddenly lowered her voice and said, "The owner here is very kind. Every time I come, he hides half an egg at the bottom of my noodles."

As she spoke, she used her chopsticks to fish out the half egg, showing it off for a moment. She then looked around, re-immersed it in the soup, and began eating it in small bites.

Ning Changjiu took a bite. The tofu was a bit bland, and the soup was somewhat salty. He remembered the food prepared by his senior sister at the monastery and the inexpressible suffering on his second senior brother's face, and he couldn't help but laugh.

Seeing him laugh so happily, Ning Xiaoling felt a bit unhappy. She asked, "What are you laughing at?"

Ning Changjiu smiled slightly. "Young Miss is truly a good person."

Ning Xiaoling looked at him for a moment and said, "Everyone in the neighborhood knows that, and now you, a stranger, know it too."

Ning Changjiu asked curiously, "How do you know I'm from out of town?"

Ning Xiaoling said, "Your clothes and appearance aren't like those from here. This place is now governed by the Rong Kingdom. My father says that since their officials took over, the local customs and traditions are very different from a few years ago."

Ning Changjiu uttered a soft "Hmm," acknowledging, "I see."

Ning Xiaoling put the half egg into her mouth, took a bite, then put it back into the soup. Her voice slightly muffled, she said, "You outsider, you are really strange."

Ning Changjiu simply smiled. After a while, he finished the last sip of soup, and his expression gentle, he said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Young Miss."

Ning Xiaoling ate even faster than him. The soup was a bit salty, but she drank it all.

Ning Changjiu reached out for the spring rolls. Ning Xiaoling used the other end of her chopsticks to press down on his finger, shaking her head. "These aren't for you," she said. "My two accompanying maids are still hungry."

Ning Changjiu looked to the side and softly sighed, "But they seem to be gone."

Ning Xiaoling was startled and looked to the side. The two maids were indeed nowhere to be seen. She frowned, pouting, "When we get back, I'll definitely tell Father to punish them severely!"

Ning Changjiu softly said, "Xiaoling..."

"Hm?" Called by that name, she felt a little unaccustomed. She looked at him, waiting for him to continue, but Ning Changjiu simply continued to watch her in silence, saying nothing further.

Ning Xiaoling felt something was wrong. She glanced at her clothes and suddenly cried out in surprise.

The brocade gown embroidered with colorful phoenixes was gone, replaced by an old padded jacket. The makeup on her face also seemed to have dissolved from the steam, leaving her looking youthful and plain. On her fair, tender fingers, faint cracks from the winter cold were visible. She scrambled to her feet, stumbling backward, and after hitting a long wooden bench, fell to the ground.

Ning Changjiu stood up and walked towards her.

Ning Xiaoling stared at him with wide, terrified eyes, and sharply cried, "What illusion have you cast, you monster? Change me back! Don't come closer! Help! I'm going to report you to the officials..."

As she spoke, she looked around. The diners around them were also looking at him, their expressions varied, appearing both indifferent and compassionate.

"Who exactly are you?" she cried. "I showed you around and even treated you to good food and drink, and you're such an ingrate? I should have listened to Father..." Ning Xiaoling rubbed her eyes, which were misty with tears. "Change me back, quickly!"

Ning Changjiu took a few copper coins from his sleeve and placed them on the corner of the table. Then he walked to the girl, knelt down, and looked her in the eye. Ning Xiaoling wildly swung her fists at him, hitting his clothes.

"Stop struggling," Ning Changjiu suddenly grabbed her wrist and said in a calm tone, "Little Junior Sister, I'm taking you home."