Already surprised by the cold bedding, I now see the windows brightening.
The first snow of Shengjing arrived gracefully in mid-December.
Qin Yuchuan rose early to practice martial arts as usual, finding the courtyard blanketed in white.
Last night's snowfall had been heavy, covering fallen leaves. His steps made soft sounds as he walked across the snow.
The sword-wielding figure in the snow wore thin clothing, seemingly impervious to the bitter cold.
Snowflakes landed on his hair and clothes, melting into water in moments.
Half an hour later, Qin Yuchuan connected a video call to Feng Qingyi.
"Time to wake up. I'll show you the snow."
Excited at the mention of snow, Feng Qingyi asked, "Has it snowed?"
She quickly climbed out of bed and pulled open the curtains, only to find no trace of snow at all.
"There's no snow here at all!"
Qin Yuchuan's cool voice chimed in, "I wanted to show you the snow in Shengjing together."
Feng Qingyi picked up her phone and saw Qin Yuchuan's face.
Every time she saw his face, she couldn't help but marvel at how someone could look so noble and jade-like.
"Didn't you say it's snowing there? Aren't you cold wearing so little?"
"You should put on the down jacket I bought for you earlier."
"It might attract a bit of attention if you wear it out, but it's warm. Definitely warmer than the fur coats you have there."
Hearing the girl's words tinged with concern, Qin Yuchuan's lips curved into a slight smile.
"I don't feel cold. Let me take you to see the courtyard."
Qin Yuchuan switched the phone camera, and Feng Qingyi saw snowflakes drifting down from the sky.
The snow had already piled up thickly in the courtyard, but the sky showed no signs of stopping.
"I haven't seen such heavy snow in a long time. Last winter, the snow wasn't even enough to build a snowman."
"Qin Yuchuan, please put on the down jacket before showing me more of the snow."
Qin Yuchuan: "Have you forgotten that you have classes today?"
"...Oh, I almost forgot. But by the time I finish class, the snow at your place will have stopped, right?"
She really wanted to experience the snowy capital of ancient times, and it would be even better if she could see the imperial palace.
Qin Yuchuan said, "It will snow for several days. We'll talk more in detail tonight."
"When you go to court, can you take some photos for me?" Feng Qingyi asked.
Qin Yuchuan had learned how to use the phone's camera function, but he didn't think there was anything worth photographing.
"You like the imperial palace?"
Feng Qingyi explained, "I like that kind of traditional Chinese architecture, and I especially love the atmosphere when it snows."
"You might not understand what I mean, just take a few random photos and send them to me."
"Alright," Qin Yuchuan agreed. It was a simple enough task.
Since she liked it, he decided he would take more photos in the future, as a way of sharing what he saw with her.
After the morning court session, Qin Yuchuan took out his phone and started taking photos outside Xuanzheng Hall.
Na Muqi and the newly appointed Prime Minister Yu Hongye were having a casual conversation when they looked up and saw Qin Yuchuan standing in the distance, doing something they couldn't quite make out.
"Does Lord Na know what General Qin is doing?" Yu Hongye asked.
Na Muqi could see the object in his hand from afar.
"I'm not sure. Lord Yu, let's continue our chat another day. I'll go over and take a look."
Na Muqi walked towards Qin Yuchuan's location. As he got closer, he asked, "General, what are you doing?"
"Taking photos," Qin Yuchuan replied simply.
Na Muqi pondered for a while, not understanding what "taking photos" meant.
"General, what is 'taking photos'?"
Qin Yuchuan had no intention of answering him and simply took another photo of the surrounding palaces.
Na Muqi, standing at eight feet tall with excellent eyesight, clearly saw what Qin Yuchuan was doing from behind him.
He also saw the photos he had taken and was extremely shocked.
"This is even more lifelike than the paintings of the court artists. Is this what's called 'taking photos'?"
Qin Yuchuan put away his phone and asked, "Do you have any business?"
"No..."
Before Na Muqi could finish speaking, Qin Yuchuan had already walked away.
...
After a full day of classes, Feng Qingyi returned home and eagerly called Qin Yuchuan.
She wondered if he had taken the photos she asked for, and if the snow had stopped there.
The call was answered after just two rings.
Qin Yuchuan, wearing the black down jacket she had sent him, was sitting in a pavilion.
"That jacket suits you well!"
"You have good taste."
Feng Qingyi quickly asked, "Has the snow stopped there? And did you take the photos I asked for today?"
Qin Yuchuan: "The snow hasn't stopped yet. I've taken the photos."
"What are you drinking? The cup looks different from the one you usually use for tea."
Feng Qingyi was attracted by the steaming cup in Qin Yuchuan's hand. The cup was small and exquisite, looking like a piece of art.
Qin Yuchuan slowly replied, "Wine."
"Can I have a cup?" Feng Qingyi asked.
Remembering Feng Qingyi's drunken state from before, Qin Yuchuan firmly refused, "No."
"...I don't mean the wine, I mean can you give me one of those cups?"
She couldn't help being drawn to beautiful things, and this glazed cup was simply captivating.
Qin Yuchuan looked at the wine cup in his hand. It was worth only a few taels of silver and didn't seem to be anything particularly precious.
"Why do you want the cup?"
Feng Qingyi answered matter-of-factly, "It's beautiful. Don't you think so?"
He should have known; young girls always liked these fancy things.
"There are many more at home. I'll give you one later."
Feng Qingyi: "You only need to give me one. I just want to look at it, that's all."
"Alright." This was the first time she had asked him for something. Did it mean their relationship had progressed further?
"General, the evening meal you requested is ready," Yan Yang approached carrying a food box.
Qin Yuchuan: "Put it here."
"Is that Yan Yang?" Feng Qingyi thought the voice sounded familiar.
Yan Yang also heard Feng Qingyi's voice and responded, "Hello, Miss Qingyi!"
"Long time no see, how have you been lately?"
Although she had only spent one day with Yan Yang, Feng Qingyi had a good impression of him, so she greeted him warmly.
Qin Yuchuan, hearing Feng Qingyi's enthusiastic greeting to Yan Yang, felt a bit displeased. "He has other matters to attend to."
"...Miss Feng Qingyi, we'll have a chance to chat again later. I'll take my leave now."
The general's possessiveness was too strong; he had merely exchanged a few words with Miss Feng Qingyi.
On such a snowy day, to appreciate the scenery and drink in this pavilion was truly innovative, though one might worry about catching a chill.
Qin Yuchuan passed the steaming porridge and pastries from the food box to Feng Qingyi.
Ever since Qin Yuchuan had taken charge of dinner, Feng Qingyi found that snacks weren't as appealing as they used to be.
