Volume II, Big Summer Dynasty, Chapter 38: Cold Moon Phases
by Xiao Xiang Dong'Er | Translated and Arranged by Angel Chua
The sun had taken its place high in the sky, shining brightly. Small specks of dust constantly rose and gently floated in the air. A faint click sounded, almost imperceptible unless one listened closely; otherwise, it could easily be mistaken for the scurrying of a mouse through the grass. A child sat on the wall, eyes closed, as if she had fallen asleep. But behind her, a hand moved slowly, holding a small stone and grinding it finely against the wall.
The sun completed its daily journey and set gracefully. Outside, the hustle and bustle of the guards gradually faded as the cold night called even the bustling Emperor to rest. After their patrol, the imperial jail warden looked around twice before yawning and settling back into the hollow night, weighed down by the duty of guarding the Crown Prince prisoner. Then, suddenly, a muffled bang echoed as a large piece of tile fell onto the grass.
"Yan Xun…"
A faint voice broke the silence of the dead prison. The child approached and looked into the next cell. She saw a young man wearing a white fur cloak, stretched out on the dirty hay with his legs crossed, his eyes closed as if he were asleep.
"Yan Xun," Chu Qiao called softly, cautiously.
The teenager's eyelashes flickered. He opened his eyes, momentarily confused, then his gaze locked with the child's clear eyes. A joyful smile spread across his face, and he seemed to want to jump up. "Girl, you're really smart," he grinned.
"Fool!" Chu Qiao whispered sharply but forcefully, as though she were shouting. "Keep your voice down. The walls have ears."
"Oh," the boy replied, looking around nervously before turning back to her with a silly smile, revealing his white teeth. "Star girl, don't be afraid. My father will send someone to save us. These guys won't be able to do anything to us."
"Cool," Chu Qiao nodded faintly, not entirely convinced.
Yan Xun frowned. "You don't believe me, do you?"
"How dare I?" Chu Qiao stuck out her tongue and curled her lips. "But your father is coming to save you. I don't have such powerful relatives."
Yan Xun chuckled, his eyes sparkling like stars in the night sky. "Don't worry. I won't leave you behind. If you stick with me, I'll protect you."
A wave of warmth rushed over the eight-year-old child, and she smiled brightly before nodding. "When you get out, you'd better treat me to a good meal. I'm starving."
"No problem," the boy promised. "What do you want to eat? Whatever it is, I'll get it for you."
Outside, it began to snow. Snowflakes drifted down, carried by the cold wind that swept into the icy prison cell. Chu Qiao shivered, and Yan Xun quickly noticed. His face turned serious as he saw her thin clothes and the pale purple hue of her lips.
"Star girl, are you cold?" he asked.
"A little," she replied.
"You're wearing too little. You'll freeze to death." Yan Xun stood up suddenly. He tried to push his fur cloak through the gap in the wall, but it was too thick, and even the sleeves were too wide to fit. Chu Qiao quickly pushed the cloak back through the gap.
"Your intentions are good, but your efforts are useless," she muttered.
Yan Xun huffed. "Wait until I get out. I'll make these people pay for today."
"Why don't you focus on getting out first?" Chu Qiao mocked, rolling her eyes.
Yan Xun smiled, amused by the child's sarcasm. "Just wait and see."
As the night deepened, the prison cell grew colder. Yan Xun, leaning against the hole in the wall, suddenly said, "Star girl, give me your hand."
"Excuse me?" Chu Qiao was taken aback. "What did you say?"
"Your hand," Yan Xun repeated, gesturing. "Stretch it over to me."
Chu Qiao frowned. "Are you up to something stupid again?"
"It's not a request. It's an order!" Yan Xun said firmly. "Quickly, give me your hand."
Reluctantly, Chu Qiao extended her cold, purple hand through the gap. Yan Xun took her hand in his larger one and began rubbing them together, producing warmth through friction. He held her hands tightly, blowing warm breath onto them. His clumsy but caring efforts brought a small, warm smile to her face.
"Is that better? Feeling warmer?" he asked.
The night wore on, growing darker and colder. But in the corner of the prison cell, two children huddled together, hands tightly grasping through the gap in the wall, as they promised to escape together, to find warmth and safety in the distant land of Yanbei.
AC Afterthoughts
In this chapter, the bond between Chu Qiao and Yan Xun is deepened under the harsh conditions of imprisonment. Despite their young age, both characters exhibit a strong sense of loyalty and resilience. Yan Xun, the crown prince, shows his protective nature, while Chu Qiao, though vulnerable, maintains a sharp wit and determination. Their interaction underlines the themes of survival, trust, and the hope for a better future. The snowy setting and the cold prison serve as metaphors for their current hardships, while their plan to escape symbolizes the glimmer of hope they hold onto.
Yan Xun's longing for his homeland and the warmth of his family creates a stark contrast to the cold and treacherous environment they are currently in. His reminiscing about Yanbei not only highlights his deep love for his family and home but also foreshadows the role that this distant place will play in their future.
The chapter beautifully sets up the foundation for a strong alliance between these two characters, promising loyalty and protection, while also introducing the idea of shared dreams and hopes amidst adversity.