The Mirror of Startling Beauty: Her courtiers are everywhere

The snow was white and silent.

The world was a pristine white, except for a single camellia, its red breathtaking. A thin layer of snow covered its petals, making its vibrant color even more striking, like a tear of rouge fallen to earth, frozen yet to fall.

"Ah Xue, your hands... are so small."

Feng Zhuo held Tang Xixue's hand gently, as if holding a fragile snowflake.

"I... I don't dare to use any force... I feel like I'll crush it."

I fear that if I exert even the slightest force, the snow will shatter in my palm, turn into water, and slip through my fingers, never to be found again.

But he couldn't bear to let go.

Tang Xixue chuckled softly, "Heh, I'm not that weak. Ranzhi can hold my hand without worry."

"I...I dare not..."

Feng Zhuo held her soft hand, his fingertips tightening slightly, firmly grasping that last bit of warmth. He held it very carefully, very reverently, as if trying to etch this moment of warmth into his bones, to hide it in his soul.

Let this fleeting moment of tenderness become the only thought for countless lonely nights to come.

"Ah Xue, I just found out that you are not a member of the Tangxi royal family."

He looked up at her, his eyes filled with careful concern.

"But don't be afraid—I'll always be here for you, and I'll always be your support. You won't be without a home."

Tang Xixue smiled gently, her smile soft like a ray of sunlight falling on the snow.

"Yes, with Ranzhi here, I'm not afraid."

She could sense his careful concern and comfort.

Feng Zhuo's eyes lit up.

"Ah Xue, I can support you! Even if you leave the palace, you won't suffer." As if afraid she wouldn't believe him, he quickly added, "I have an official position, military merits, and I've been assigned duties without slacking off..."

As she spoke, her bright eyes rippled like a pool of spring water stirred by the wind. Each ripple reflected her image.

"I... I was on duty at Shanheque today, I didn't sneak out on purpose..." His voice lowered, carrying the grievances unique to young people, like a child who had done something wrong, "It's just that that butterfly was too hateful... I really couldn't stand it..."

The voice was soft and gentle, and when it fell on the snow, it seemed to melt away.

He paused, his brows furrowing slightly, a hint of guilt in his eyes.

"My brother is still covering for me; I can't stay out for too long..."

Her brows furrowed into a small knot, as if she wanted to lock all her reluctance there.

"I'll be in charge of patrolling Baiyujing for a while, so I can't be with you..." He lowered his eyes, his voice as soft as snowflakes falling on his shoulder, "I'm sorry."

"Um."

Tang Xixue responded softly. The sound was very soft and gentle, without the slightest hint of reproach.

She raised her hand, her fingertips brushing against the qilin pattern on his shoulder nail. The movement was light and gentle, like a butterfly alighting on a flower, like a spring breeze rippling across a lake. Her fingertips touched the cool nail plate, yet it felt as if warmth seeped into it, warming her heart.

"You've worked so hard, Ran." She looked at him, her eyes filled with a soft light. "You've always been very diligent, I've seen it!"

The autumn waters are clear and the spring mountains are serene.

She scrutinized him closely—the young man, dressed in fluttering red robes, held a silver spear in his hand, his brows revealing an undeniable sharpness and youthful vigor. His chainmail gleamed in the snow, its scale-like plates layered upon each other, highlighting his handsome features and making him appear even more dashing.

His presence was like a blazing fire, a light that captivated everyone's attention.

Five years apart, her Ranzhi has grown so tall.

He even said he could support her.

At this moment, she felt more clearly the fleeting nature of time and the relentless passage of life.

"Today's armor and silver spear suit my little general very well." She curved her lips into a soft smile, like a freshly cooked glutinous rice cake, so sweet it melts your heart. "Ranzhi looks so spirited and handsome."

Her voice had a touch of playfulness.

"My Ranzhi is truly a feast for the eyes."

Feng Zhuo lowered his head, not daring to look at her.

But the corners of his mouth just wouldn't stay up—they slowly curled up, high in the air. The curve was like a crescent moon, or perhaps like the joy he couldn't hide in his heart at that moment.

"Ah Xue..." he called softly, his voice carrying a silly laugh and an unconcealable sweetness.

Then, he suddenly looked up and gazed at her intently.

Those eyes were incredibly bright.

It's like hiding a blazing galaxy, as if trying to etch her into my eyes and melt her into my heart.

"Next time we meet... I... I have something I want to tell you..."

His tone was filled with anticipation, so intense it was almost palpable.

As he spoke, his fingers unconsciously tightened around her fingertips, then hastily loosened their grip. His movements were hurried and chaotic, his heart pounding wildly.

"Hmm?" Tang Xixue looked at him, a hint of interest flickering in her star-like eyes. "Ranzhi, is there something you want to tell me?"

She asked in a soft, clear voice, tinged with curiosity, like a feather brushing against the heart.

Feng Zhuo opened his mouth, then closed it again.

"I can't say now..." He shook his head, his ear tips so red they were almost bleeding. The blush made him look like a ripe shrimp, shy and burning hot.

"It won't work if you say it."

The words fell.

next moment.

Tangxi Xue was then embraced in a warm, steaming embrace.

Feng Zhuo gently pulled her into his arms. His movements were swift and hurried, as if he had mustered all his courage, or as if he was afraid that if he hesitated any longer, he would never dare to do it again.

His embrace carried the unique warmth of a young man, as warm as charcoal fire in winter or the warm sun in spring.

The armor was rather stiff, causing a slight pain.

But the sound of her heartbeat, one beat at a time, clearly reached her ears.

It was as fast as a drumbeat.

It was so fast it felt like it was going to jump out of my chest.

One, two...

The sound of his heartbeat contained all his joy, all his nervousness, all his bewilderment—and all his sincere feelings.

"Meow--!"

A cat's meow suddenly rang out.

The little white cat, Yin Kong, was squeezed between the two and let out a dissatisfied protest. Its little head suddenly popped out from the gap, its round eyes glaring resentfully at Feng Zhuo, its tail swishing back and forth in dissatisfaction, as if it wanted to whip him a few times to vent its anger.

Feng Zhuo froze instantly.

He was frozen in place, unable to move an inch.

He abruptly released his grip, his entire face turning as red as if it were about to bleed, even the corners of his eyes were tinged with a thin layer of crimson.

"I...I...I didn't mean to..." he stammered, flustered. "I didn't notice this little one..."

Then, he haphazardly shoved a package he had been hiding in his arms into her hands.

It was a packet of Star Sugar.

Wrapped in oil paper.

It still carried his body heat, warm and cozy.

He turned and ran.

He moved as fast as the wind. Snow splashed at his feet, leaving a trail of hurried footprints.

After running a few steps, he suddenly stopped.

He turned around and gazed at her from afar.

Through the snow-covered plum branches, and through the crimson petals falling from the camellia trees.

He raised his hand and waved it forcefully at her.

The movement was so large, it was as if he was afraid she wouldn't see it.

"Ah Xue—!"

He shouted, his clear voice, full of youthful vigor, echoing across the silent snow.

You look beautiful today!

"Ah Xue, that's the most beautiful scenery in Baiyujing!"

After shouting those words, he seemed to have used up all his courage.

He turned around and kept running.

This time, they really went too far.

The red figure grew smaller and smaller, fading into the white snow, until it seemed to turn into a wisp of smoke.