Lying down with a restless mind, Cheng Mo quietly listened to the soft and distant melody and singing of Xiang Bei.
"When will the bright moon appear? With wine in hand, I ask the azure sky.
I do not know in the celestial realm, what year it is tonight…
Turning around the vermilion tower, peering through the embroidered window, I illuminate my sleepless night..."
(Regarding the interpretation of this ancient poem:
Since when has the bright moon been appearing? I raise my wine cup and ask the heavens from afar. Unsure of the celestial palace, what year or month it is. I long to ride the pure breeze back to the sky, yet I fear the lofty halls of jade, unable to endure the cold of the high heavens. Dancing gracefully, admiring the moon's clear reflection, it feels as though I am not of this world.
The moon turns around the vermilion tower, hanging low on the intricately carved window, illuminating myself who cannot find sleep. Should the moon bear any resentment towards people? Why does it only appear full when lovers part? Humans experience the changes of joy and sorrow, separation and reunion, just as the moon goes through its phases, a cycle that has been difficult to comprehend since ancient times. I only wish for the safety and health of all loved ones in this world, even if they are thousands of miles apart, to share in the beauty of this moonlight.)
This moment, Xiang Bei didn't know why, she just wanted to sing this song, feeling that the ancient poem by famous poet Su Shi, combined with the modern singer Faye Wong's feel, could comfort the low-spirited Cheng Mo.
As Cheng Mo's mood gradually calmed down with the ethereal voice, he fell into a peaceful nap. Upon waking up, he took out the zither entrusted to Xiang Bei by uncle Zhong for the carriage ride and, guided by memory, transcribed the music tune, starting to play it.
The melodious sound of the zither awakened Xiangbei．The silver-clad man sitting cross-legged opposite her, with bowed head, playing the zither, was imprinted in her eyes as she just began to wake from her slumber, leaving her intoxicated and unable to wake up from then on. He sat with an upright posture, his gaze gentle, his slender and fair fingers gently plucking the zither's strings on his knee. Fully immersed in the music, his face revealed a serene smile of contentment, as if dancing with the ancient instrument, accompanied by musical notes.
"Madam, are you awake? We've reached Willow River Town ahead. We'll stay at the South Seas Inn here. This town is bustling with merchants trading from the South Seas, bringing back plenty of exotic goods. Once settled, I'll take you for a stroll around town." Previously, Cheng Mo had introduced several important towns along the way southward to the coastal defense HaiFang City, and the Willow River Town, located at the intersection of land and water, was just as prosperous in commerce as East Coast Town.
"Sure. But, could you tone it down a bit? And please, can you stop calling me 'Madam' when no one else is around?" Xiangbei was getting tired of Cheng Mo's constant theatrics, but she made one last effort to persuade him.
"I'm afraid not. We're pretending to be husband and wife, and we must remain vigilant to avoid any slip-ups, lest someone—"
"Alright, enough. We get it. Let's just keep up the charade, okay?" Xiangbei cut him off, feeling too exhausted to argue this further.
The South Seas Inn was established by several seafaring merchants, hence the presence of North-South goods and overseas commodities displayed in a small counter and a dedicated trading area. Xiangbei couldn't help but admire the impressive business setup of this ancient inn.
"Master, Lady, Room No.1 has been prepared according to the mansion's standards. Hot water and meals will be served shortly. I'll go attend to the carriage." Shadow guard Yin 13 Yinchushi's immersion into the role was impeccable, portraying the coachman of a wealthy household with remarkable finesse.
"My wife, that lad today saw us sleeping soundly and didn't wake us until we'd passed Quan Tang Town and arrived directly at Willow River Town. If we can continue traveling without fear of the bumps along the road in the carriage like this, it won't take more than five days. We only need to spend two more nights on the road, and by the evening of the third day, we'll reach the coastal defense city. We'll surely catch up with Brother Qiao." Cheng Mo was extremely satisfied with the spring mattress.
"That's great. So, let's make the most of this night and explore the town, try some local delicacies. Husband, can we just dine out on the street tonight?"
"Of course, let me assist my wife in changing and bathing first, shall I?" Cheng Mo teased Xiangbei playfully.
"Get lost, taking advantage of me and enjoying it, huh? Wash up yourself, I'm out of here." Xiangbei didn't waste a moment and vanished into the space.
Although he had known it beforehand, Cheng Mo was still amazed to see someone disappear right before his eyes. He couldn't recover for a while, until the water started to cool down a bit, then he chuckled, shook his head, undressed, and stepped into the bath.
Dressed in fresh clothes and long hair flowing, Xiangbei just emerged. The sight that greeted her was a breathtaking image of a handsome man just out of the bath, her nose tingled with heat, oh no, she must be about to nosebleed. She turned and rushed to the bronze mirror, using a silk handkerchief to wipe herself down, looking rather disheveled.
Xiangbei watched as Cheng Mo, reflected in the mirror, slowly approached. He picked up the horn comb from the dressing table and tidied up her long hair behind her, gently gathering them up with his tender fingers, styling them into a bun.
Cheng Mo focused on the black hair and the bun before him, while Xiangbei gazed fondly at him in the mirror. This must be their promise to each other in this lifetime.