Alternating between joy and sorrow.

The Qiqiao Festival this year was exceptionally grand, with the streets teeming with vendors selling sachets and fresh flowers. It was whispered that lovers who exchanged sachets on this day would grow old together, never to be parted.

Chen Xianzhi felt a flutter of nervousness. He tightly clutched the hairpin in his hand, a piece he had labored over all night, discarding several failed attempts before finally completing it. Beside him, Shi Xu wore no makeup, yet her natural beauty was exquisite; her profile was as flawless and luminous as the finest mutton-fat jade.

As Shi Xu gazed at the dazzling array of goods on the stalls, she remained entirely oblivious to Chen Xianzhi’s anxiety. Suddenly, she felt something being tucked into her hair. She turned to look at Chen Xianzhi, a look of profound bewilderment in her beautiful eyes.

Her gaze made Chen Xianzhi even more nervous, and he stammered, "This—this is a hairpin I made myself. It suits you well."

Upon hearing this, Shi Xu touched the hairpin with delight. It was shaped like a lily, and though the craftsmanship was somewhat crude, to her, it was perfect. She smiled at him, her tone filled with joy. "Thank you, I love it."

Hearing her words, Chen Xianzhi’s anxious heart settled. He cupped his face in his hands, trying to cool the flush rising to his cheeks. It was then that Shi Xu noticed the many tiny, fresh scratches on his fingers, some of which were still weeping faint traces of blood.

Without a word, she grabbed his hand. Chen Xianzhi felt as if he had been struck by lightning; he froze, his mind unable to process the moment. A faint glimmer of light flashed, and his palm was instantly restored to its usual state.

Seeing the small wounds vanish, Chen Xianzhi finally regained his composure. He said with great solemnity, "Shi Xu, from now on, no matter who is around, never reveal your spiritual powers."

Though confused, Shi Xu nodded obediently, yet she asked in her gentle voice, "Not even to you?"

Looking into her clear, steady eyes, he nodded firmly. "Yes, not even to me."

***

Seeing her nod, Chen Xianzhi felt a measure of relief. Afterward, he took her to browse many more stalls, finally stopping at one that sold sachets. Shi Xu was drawn to a pair hanging on display: one embroidered with a charming little tiger, the other with a graceful white deer.

Seeing how much she liked them, Chen Xianzhi bought them immediately. The vendor, noting his generosity, offered auspicious blessings: "May you two lovers grow old together and never be parted."

At these words, a deep crimson spread from Chen Xianzhi’s ears to his face. Just as he opened his mouth to stammer an explanation, he saw Shi Xu holding out the sachet embroidered with the white deer. Before he could exchange his own, a servant came rushing up, breathless, informing them of an emergency at home.

Chen Xianzhi could not spare another moment and hurried back with Shi Xu. The moment he stepped through the gates, he realized an imperial decree had arrived. He joined his parents to receive it.

"By the grace of the Emperor: The borders are in turmoil, and enemy forces have invaded, troubling our people and disrupting the order of the court. I hereby command Marquis Zhongyi, Chen Yi, to lead the army to repel the invaders. You possess great vision and unmatched courage; it is your duty to secure the state and protect the people. I expect you to sharpen your weapons, live up to my expectations, and return with news of victory. Thus it is decreed."

Once the eunuch finished reading, Lady Qi discreetly offered a pouch of silver. After Chen Yi accepted the decree and saw the official off, Chen Xianzhi rushed to his father’s study.

"Father, this journey is fraught with peril. In the past, such conflicts were settled through marriage alliances; why are they sending you now? It must be because your influence is too great, and the Emperor can no longer tolerate you." Chen Xianzhi looked at his father, noting the new gray hairs at his temples.

"The Emperor's command cannot be defied. Even if it leads to a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, I must go." Chen Yi, looking at the son he had always considered wayward, felt a sense of comfort seeing him grasp the political situation so clearly. "Take care of your mother. If I do not return, I will still protect you both from beyond."

Chen Yi lowered his voice, his own throat tightening as he looked at his son’s reddened eyes.

"Father, is there really no way to avoid this?" Chen Xianzhi choked out.

***

"To refuse is to place us all in the position of treason." Chen Yi stood up and patted Chen Xianzhi’s shoulder. Looking at his son, who now stood taller than himself, he added with lingering concern, "After I am gone, do not neglect your martial arts. Keep the long sword I gave you close; never let it leave your side."

Chen Xianzhi’s nose turned red. He wiped away his tears with a look of firm resolve and nodded.

"Go now. I wish to sit alone for a while."

Chen Xianzhi walked away, his soul seemingly adrift. Wansheng, his servant, seeing his young master in such a state, could not bear it; after a moment of hesitation, he turned and ran off.

When Shi Xu arrived, she found Chen Xianzhi sitting blankly in the pavilion. She approached him with the lightest of steps. Chen Xianzhi looked up to see her and scrambled to dry the tears at the corners of his eyes.

Shi Xu sat quietly beside him. She asked nothing, simply remaining there. They sat in silence for a long time.

Finally, Chen Xianzhi spoke in a strained voice. "Shi Xu, did you know? My father commands one hundred thousand troops and holds the respect of the people. For a subject, this is both a blessing and a curse."

Shi Xu did not speak, only listening in silence.

"I thought that as long as I remained unremarkable in both literature and martial arts, the Emperor would think the House of Marquis Zhongyi would only flourish for a generation. I never imagined it would become a thorn in his side." Chen Xianzhi’s voice trembled with suppressed emotion.

Shi Xu placed her hand over his, gripping it tightly. Chen Xianzhi felt the warmth radiating from her palm. He looked up into her eyes—a gaze that brought him peace and stillness.