If you are weary, then forget about me.

Evening, on the meadow

It was already the second day since their return to the capital, and Zhao Chengxian was eager to see Yue’er. He wrote her a letter and sent someone to deliver it, and the letter read: “Little Moonbeam, I believe no one calls you this but me. Only after meeting you did I understand what longing truly means. That saying, ‘one day apart is like three autumns,’ perfectly describes it. I know our chances to meet are few, so tonight at sunset, let’s meet at our usual place. I won’t leave until you arrive. No signature!” Zhao Chengxian didn’t want to bring any trouble to Yue’er; since their love was hidden, he would keep it secret to the end. He trusted Yue’er would know it was from him.

As early winter approached, the temperature gradually dropped, and the wildflowers on the meadow began to wither. All things needed to rest through winter; such was nature’s law. Zhao Chengxian sat on the grass, waiting for his beloved. Yue’er, after reading the letter, ran over to him. She didn’t know when Zhao Chengxian’s figure had taken root in her heart, never to be erased. If they hadn’t been separated, they would never have realized the importance of each other. Though they still had to meet in secret, nothing could dampen their sweetness.

Arriving at the meadow, Yue’er saw Zhao Chengxian sitting on the grass. She crept up silently and covered his eyes with her hands, lowering her voice, “Guess who I am?” In front of Zhao Chengxian, Yue’er was playful and adorable. Indeed, no matter how strong a woman is, she always reveals this side to the man she loves; it was a part of being a girl.

Zhao Chengxian took hold of Yue’er’s hands and pretended to be frightened. “Who is this bold wanderer? I have nothing on me worth stealing, but if you wait a bit, perhaps a girl will come—she’s your height, your age, and even looks just like you. You could rob her instead!” His little Moonbeam loved to tease him.

Yue’er didn’t let go but continued, “No need, I don’t want to rob her. I want to rob you. Quick, hand over anything valuable!” She knew Zhao Chengxian would guess it was her.

With a roguish smile, Zhao Chengxian asked, “Miss Bandit, do you really want what’s most valuable to me?” He already knew what it was.

Yue’er deliberately acted tough. “Enough nonsense, hand it over!” She didn’t expect Zhao Chengxian to suddenly pull her hands from his eyes and kiss her lips, darting away before she could get angry. Yue’er, her cheeks flushed, shouted, “Bookworm, are you playing tricks on me?” She chased after him, and both had agreed not to ride horses when coming here.

Zhao Chengxian felt as if he’d returned to his boyhood, running and laughing. “That’s my most valuable thing! You asked for it, so I gave it to you—what more do you want?” He hadn’t realized he had a knack for mischief.

Yue’er called out, “You hardly seem like a prince, more like a scoundrel! Did you swap places with someone to become the master of the Jun Prince’s residence?” How could he do this? She’d asked for his most valuable thing, but never expected he’d steal her precious first kiss. Unbelievable…

Finally, Yue’er caught Zhao Chengxian, but he wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his head gently on her shoulder. In her ear, he whispered, “Little Moonbeam, don’t go back to the palace. Let’s stay like this together forever!” It was only a sudden impulse; he couldn’t bear to part from Yue’er and wished time would pause at this moment.

Yue’er understood Zhao Chengxian. She knew it was merely a fleeting thought. If they really acted on it, they would regret it—neither of them could disregard the lives of their families and friends. She turned to Zhao Chengxian, offering a wry smile. “Bookworm, promise me you’ll never say that again. I might be tempted. When I was in Zhuxin Village, I considered staying and not returning, but if we ignore the lives of our loved ones, we’d regret it forever. How could we enjoy happiness with a clear conscience?” Yue’er nestled into Zhao Chengxian’s arms, tears glistening in her eyes. “If you find this all too exhausting, then forget me. Having your love these past months has been enough for me. I shouldn’t let you suffer the pains of longing with me any longer.” But love cannot be forgotten simply because one wishes it so; sometimes, a lifetime is not enough to erase what was felt in a few months.

Hearing Yue’er speak so, Zhao Chengxian felt a pang in his heart. He held her tightly and laughed softly. “Little Moonbeam, you’re like a slow-acting poison; I’m already addicted, and will never recover. So you must take responsibility for me all my life!” He gave Yue’er his answer, and the two stood silently in each other’s arms. Even if their fate was destined to end in separation, at least they possessed this moment.

Ladies, gentlemen, young and old, and those in between—hurry and shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back; let the storm rage even fiercer!