Volume II, Big Summer Dynasty Chapter 16: Uehara Snow Night

The horse quickly ran as the cold wind whistled past its ears. The horse was noisy at first, but gradually the sound of its hooves faded. The little red horse, though small, was of a fine breed. It dashed forward like lightning, exuding an unstoppable energy. Chu Qiao clutched the horse's mane with her small hands, her body low as she balanced herself on the galloping horse. She calmly scanned the terrain, her small head moving swiftly as her thoughts raced.

Jing Yuer, still small in body, knew she wouldn't survive the pain of falling from such a height. She had to find another way to escape.

Suddenly, the sound of hooves approached from behind, and a young boy quickly caught up to Chu Qiao, the two now riding side by side.

"If you beg me, I'll save you!"

His voice, cold as the wind, was harsh and mocking as it reached Chu Qiao's ears. Her pale face hardened, and she shot a fierce glare at the boy, who seemed to take pleasure in her peril. Her eyes were tough, showing no sign of panic.

"Tell me what those gestures mean, and I'll save you!"

The night wind grew colder, the moonlight sharp as a knife. The little red horse, knees deep in snow, began to slow down but showed no sign of stopping. As the moment passed, Chu Qiao suddenly loosened her grip, unable to control the pony. In a blink, the boy beside her made a quick leap.

A sharp sound echoed. The child's body was flung off balance, and the boy rushed toward her, exclaiming, "Le Ma!" (which means "hold the horse"). But it was too late. They both tumbled down, rolling in the snow, while the dark horse, now riderless, raced off into the night, indifferent to its master's struggles.

"Blast!" the boy shouted, frustrated. His eyebrows furrowed as he called after the runaway horse. Too late to dust off the snow from his body, he staggered to chase after the horse, but it was in vain.

"You let the horse go, and now neither of us has anything to ride!" Chu Qiao rose from the ground, brushing off the soft snow. After checking herself for injuries, she found none.

Yan Xun glared at Chu Qiao and angrily said, "Blast is my father's prized horse. He hunted it down in the northern mountains and gave it to me as a gift. It's only been with us for half a month, unfamiliar with these snowy trails. And you—how dare you let go of my horse! What punishment should you face?"

Chu Qiao scoffed with disdain. "Did I ask you to follow me? Your horse couldn't see clearly; how is that my fault?"

"Do you dare speak to me like that?"

Chu Qiao frowned and shot a contemptuous look at the boy, whose grumbling demeanor made him appear more like a disgruntled young prince than a capable rider. She turned and started walking toward the city.

Yan Xun, surprised that she brushed him off so easily, hurried to catch up. "Where are you going?"

Chu Qiao's eyes narrowed slightly. "Back home, of course. Is there anything here worth staying for overnight?"

Chu Qiao's knees sank deep into the snow, her legs struggling in the shallow drifts. Yan Xun, still upset over his horse, found himself distracted by her determination. As he watched her, he couldn't help but smile. Walking side by side, the mood was somber, their footing unsteady. Suddenly, without time to react, both of them fell into a large snow hole.

A loud thud echoed as they landed. Chu Qiao instinctively grabbed Yan Xun's arm, but his weight was too much for her. In a moment of helplessness, they fell deeper into the snow.

"Yan... are you okay?" Chu Qiao asked. Yan Xun, lying beneath her, was covered in snow. He pulled her out as if she were a carrot being dug from the earth. When she was free, he shook his head and muttered, "You're not dead?"

"Let go," Chu Qiao said coldly. Yan Xun frowned at her harsh tone. As she tried to stand, she realized her foot was injured. Yan Xun noticed her pain, his brow furrowing with concern.

"Are you hurt?" he asked.

Chu Qiao looked up at the height of the snow hole. "Can you climb up?"

Yan Xun assessed the situation, then shook his head. "The snow's too soft. If we try to jump, we'll only sink deeper."

"Then we'll freeze to death here tonight," Chu Qiao murmured. She stood up and said, "Step on my shoulders and climb out. Then you can find someone to help me."

Yan Xun shook his head. "No, I should send you up first. Then you can find help."

Chu Qiao hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Fine."

After a few tries, Chu Qiao finally reached the surface. Looking down at Yan Xun, still stuck in the hole, she called out, "I'm waiting. Don't take too long!"

Yan Xun smiled and waved. "Off you go!"

She limped away, her ankle throbbing with pain. After a few steps, she paused, her eyes narrowing as a cold realization set in. If she left him here in this remote wilderness, Yan Xun would surely die tonight. If so, would they be even?

Memories of their first meeting flashed before her eyes: the hunting field, the arrows, the blood. Despite his flaws, Yan Xun had once saved her life. She sighed and shook off the thought.

Bang! A tall branch was thrown into the snow cave, nearly hitting Yan Xun's head. Startled, he roared in anger, "Are you trying to kill me?"

Chu Qiao rolled her eyes. "If I wanted to kill you, I wouldn't need to waste so much effort. Now hurry up."

With surprising skill, Yan Xun climbed up, dusting himself off. Grinning, he looked at Chu Qiao and said, "I thought you'd leave me behind, like last time."

Chu Qiao glared at him, her voice irritated. "I blame myself for not being cruel enough."

Yan Xun chuckled and walked ahead, laughing. "Come on then. Since you spared me, name your reward."

Chu Qiao eyed him suspiciously. "Even though you lost your horse because of me, you're still willing to reward me?"

"The world's in a good mood," Yan Xun replied, grinning at her.

Chu Qiao fell silent, but as she limped, her body betrayed her weakness. Yan Xun, noticing her fragile state, caught her before she could fall. For a moment, his heart raced, feeling awkward and restless as he held her.

"Honestly," Chu Qiao muttered, "I want to fall."

Yan Xun was taken aback by her honesty, but without another word, he carried her on his back. As they walked through the snowy wilderness, the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat echoed in her ears.

"Hey, how far do you think we are from where we started?" Yan Xun asked.

"Less than the time it takes to burn a stick of incense," Chu Qiao replied calmly. "If we head back, it'll take about an hour."

Yan Xun nodded. "They call you Star Child?"

"How do you know?"

"I overheard the maids framing you the last time," Yan Xun said quietly.

That night, Yan Xun's mood was surprisingly good, and Chu Qiao wasn't as sarcastic as usual. He continued asking, "What's your real name?"

Chu Qiao hummed softly, resting against his back. "Why should I tell you?"

"Fine, don't say it. But one day, you'll beg me to listen."

"In your dreams. You'll wait a long time."

Yan Xun frowned. "You're a child. Why do you sound so old?"

Chu Qiao twitched her mouth and retorted, "And you? You're just a big nut, always acting tough."

Yan Xun laughed. "My lady, you're really unforgiving."

Chu Qiao's voice turned cold, indifferent. "If you don't hold a grudge, it's because you've never been on the receiving end of an arrow."

The snow wind howled, and Yan Xun suddenly felt a chill. He wanted to say more, to argue, but something in her words struck him silent. They continued walking through the cold, moonlit night, two young figures alone in the wilderness. Yan Xun, sturdy like an oak tree, carried Chu Qiao on his back—his third time saving her life.