CHAPTER 371: 0235 BEAUTIFUL THINGS (2-IN-1)

What is it like to go out together on a snowy day?

Xu Chang’an had never thought about such things before, as Miss Yun had a weak constitution. Before she began her cultivation, he dared not let Yun Qian venture outside in the snowy weather... So, even when she got up at night to pick flowers, he would take care of her from the warm room, never allowing her to go out alone for fear of catching a cold.

But now... there is an opportunity.

He now possesses cultivation and can use Spiritual Qi to shield Yun Qian from the biting wind.

Thus, Xu Chang’an was moved at the thought of sharing the experience of snow-gazing with Yun Qian. After all... it’s their first time together, worthy of a keepsake.

However, since it’s a dreamscape, deep down he treated it as a rehearsal, a preparation to ensure a better outing experience for her in the future.

With this in mind, Xu Chang’an found himself freed from any emotional burden of traveling with a "fake Yun Qian."

Of course... Miss Yun’s rare youthful sentiments must be guarded carefully.

——

As the snow fell more heavily, the figures gradually blurred.

It took less than half an hour for the island to be covered in silver. Soil, rocks, the Library Pavilion, beams, and plants were all blanketed with a thick layer of "cotton."

The chill pervaded as the wind arose.

The coldness struck against the Spiritual Barrier created by Xu Chang’an, diluted by eighty percent.

"Creak... creak..."

Through the flurry of snow, their slow-paced steps, sturdy boots, and embroidered shoes firmly pressed upon the thin layer of snow.

The sound of treading snow in the courtyard grew increasingly crisp and clear. Listening carefully to the rhythmic "creak... creak..." was enough to calm one’s mood.

Xu Chang’an held an umbrella, wrapping an arm around Yun Qian as they strolled through the snowy courtyard, pausing as they passed a green bamboo grove.

The bamboo grove was very tranquil, standing amidst the snow as if covered by a veil, exuding mystery.

Due to Xu Chang’an’s pause, Yun Qian followed his gaze, though she seemed to feel a bit cold after stopping. Yun Qian practically clung to Xu Chang’an, so much so that from a distance, one might assume she was a young girl affectionately leaning on her husband.

Yet Yun Qian’s expressionless face betrayed not a hint of coquettishness.

"Miss, do you have a fondness for bamboo?" Xu Chang’an recollected.

"You planted it," Yun Qian responded.

Bamboo is quite practical; it can be made into chopsticks, water flasks, and Xu Chang’an even crafted a bamboo chair for her to rest on.

At that time, she lay on the bamboo chair reading, with a breeze carrying a pleasant fragrance, naturally making her fond of it.

"You have a deep liking for it too," Yun Qian recalled something, saying, "Every day you tend to this area diligently, the bamboo grove and the flower beds alike."

On the southern mountain lies an extensive bamboo forest, while these small clusters before them were relocated here by Xu Chang’an as a place for cool shade, maintained by him, thereby allowing Yun Qian to appreciate his attentiveness to the bamboo grove.

"As the caretaker, whether I like it or not, I must tend to them." Xu Chang’an lowered his gaze, noticing his arm tightly embraced by Yun Qian, his eyelids twitching slightly.

He had informed the lady about the Spiritual Qi enveloping her, yet why did she still fear the cold?

In truth, if she relaxed her mind, she wouldn’t feel the chill; this simple fact he had explained to Yun Qian... though evidently without effect.

Forget it, these trivial matters are unimportant.

Snowflakes landed on his face, turning to water; the gentle chill revitalized Xu Chang’an’s spirit. His hold on Yun Qian’s waist grew a bit firmer until she glanced over, prompting him to clear his throat.

"Miss, do you know... why I moved this Zither Silk Bamboo from South Mountain here?"

"Because you like it," Yun Qian answered without hesitation.

"That’s not the entire reason," Xu Chang’an shook his head.

"Then..." Yun Qian looked at Xu Chang’an’s hand resting on her abdomen, raising her head to say, "Is it because I like it?"

"Not quite," Xu Chang’an blinked.

"Then I’m unsure." Yun Qian knew she was never the cleverest in front of her husband.

Xu Chang’an gazed at the bamboo grove, thinking that back then he imagined if he could stroll in the forest with Miss Yun, it would certainly be quite romantic.

Sigh.

"I wanted to take good care of this place to frequently come here with you and enjoy, but as you know, Miss prefers the western flower beds over this location," Xu Chang’an turned the oil-paper umbrella slightly, watching the snow fall from either side, his sigh transforming into a smile.

Yun Qian usually prefers lounging indolently and dislikes walking; naturally, Xu Chang’an wouldn’t actively suggest going out for a stroll. Occasionally getting her to bask in the sun is the limit.

"At that time, I overestimated your constitution." Xu Chang’an glanced back at the trail of footprints, his eyes directed toward the small hill, lamenting, "The bamboo grove on the mountain is too distant, and climbing would tire you out. I thought transplanting it to the courtyard would make you visit more often. In fact... I was naive."

Seeing Xu Chang’an’s lamentable expression, Yun Qian’s eyes softened considerably, she shuffled her feet and softly said, "I never thought about this."

For her, being together with Xu Chang’an is the greatest joy, regardless of whether they are admiring rain or snow, whether wandering in a bamboo forest or trudging through muddy paths.

Hence, since Xu Chang’an never mentioned it, Yun Qian, who wouldn’t pry into his thoughts, naturally didn’t make the suggestion to go for a walk.

"Is it still possible to go for a walk now?" Yun Qian tugged at the corner of Xu Chang’an’s clothes, pointing at the exquisite bamboo grove before them.