After entering the midsummer heat, each day grew hotter than the last. The scorching sun seemed intent on peeling off a layer of skin from anyone under its blaze, so people took great care to stick to the shaded paths when heading out.

With the heat came swarms of mosquitoes. Zhou Song, with his rough skin, wasn’t bothered much, but poor Shen Qingzhu was suffering. His fair skin was riddled with mosquito bites, keeping him from getting a good night’s sleep. Seeing this, Zhou Song felt a pang of heartache and went up the mountain to gather herbs, which he used to make herbal sachets to hang around their home. It helped, at least a little.

The old sachets from a few days ago had lost their effect, so today, Zhou Song went up early to gather more herbs.

When he returned, Shen Qingzhu was still asleep in their room. The night before, he had tossed and turned till late, unable to sleep. Finally, Zhou Song had to fan him until he could fall asleep peacefully. It was rare that he had the day off and didn’t need to go to Qi Shan School, so Zhou Song chose not to wake him, wanting to let him rest well.

After putting down his bamboo basket, Zhou Song sat under the eaves, sorting the herbs he’d brought back. In the quiet of the summer day, cicadas chirped all around, and the shadows cast by the tree branches gently swayed in the breeze.

The sunlight hadn’t reached its peak yet, so it wasn’t scorching. The earth hadn’t started radiating heat, and sitting in the shade was still quite comfortable.

As he worked, Zhou Song’s thoughts wandered. He realized he’d need to bring back some mugwort to burn, not just for their house but also for the cowshed out back. Their yellow cow had recently been troubled by mosquitoes, becoming agitated.

However, mugwort smoke was pungent, so he’d have to wait until Shen Qingzhu left for school tomorrow. By the time he returned, the smell should have mostly dispersed.

He thought he’d ask Lin Erzhu to join him. Just yesterday, Erzhu had complained about Xiaobao getting bitten at night. Aunt Qian was so heartbroken she spent the entire day at home swatting mosquitoes. But, with all the livestock in their backyard, it attracted mosquitoes in droves; swatting them all would be impossible.

After he finished sorting the herbs, Zhou Song placed them in a small, clean basket to dry before turning them into more sachets to hang around the house, especially in the study where it was time to replace the old ones.

Having kept himself busy for a while, Zhou Song’s hands were covered in dirt. He clapped his hands, went to the kitchen to fetch some water to wash, and even cleaned the dirt from under his nails.

Shen Qingzhu loved cleanliness, so over time, Zhou Song had come to care more about these things, always feeling that he needed to be clean to approach him.

Just as he poured out the used water, there was a knock at the courtyard gate.

He instinctively glanced toward the room, worried about waking Kun Ze.

Not hearing any movement inside, he set the basin down and wiped the water off his hands on his clothes before going over to the gate.

When he opened it, he found a figure standing to the side, glancing around. She had her hair tied high and wore dark, practical clothing, looking sharp and neatly put together. Beside her was a chestnut-colored horse. Despite her bold appearance, she had an energetic beauty about her. Her slightly raised eyes gave him a sense of familiarity.

When she met his gaze, she smiled and clasped her hands in greeting. “Sorry to bother you. May I ask if you are Zhou Song?”

Zhou Song looked her over, certain he hadn’t met her before. He nodded cautiously, “I am. May I ask what brings you here?”

“That’s right…” She murmured to herself, then examined him more closely before saying, “I’m here to see Shen Qingzhu.”

Here to see Shen Qingzhu? Zhou Song was a bit surprised. He was aware of Kun Ze’s family circumstances—he had no close relatives left, so it was unlikely anyone would come looking for him. Unless…

A sudden thought crossed Zhou Song’s mind, and he looked again at the person standing at his gate. Those familiar eyes, weren’t they just like Shen Qingzhu’s? “You… you’re…”

“I’m his sister,” the woman replied with a smile. “My name is Shen Qinglan.”

Hearing his guess confirmed, Zhou Song tensed up, immediately stepping aside to let her in. “Please, please come in.”

“Thank you.” Shen Qinglan nodded and gestured to her horse, “I’m not sure where to…”

“Bring it in, and I’ll fetch it some food and water,” Zhou Song said quickly, taking the reins from her.

Close up, he caught a faint scent of strong liquor and noticed that she was tall, almost eye-level with him. Only then did he realize Shen Qingzhu’s sister was actually a Qian Yuan.

Though surprised, he kept his composure. He tied the horse to a shaded spot near the courtyard gate, poured some water for it, and then politely invited Shen Qinglan into the main room. There, he poured her a bowl of cool water from a clay jug kept for hot summer days. “Please, have a drink to quench your thirst. I’ll boil some water to make tea.”

“No need; water’s fine. I’m not much for tea.” Shen Qinglan took the bowl, drank it in a few hearty gulps, and set it down without fuss.

Zhou Song quickly refilled her bowl.

This time, Shen Qinglan didn’t drink immediately. Instead, she looked up at him and asked, “Where’s my younger brother?”

“Qingzhu is still sleeping,” Zhou Song replied, hesitating as he glanced outside. “I can wake him if…”

“No need, let him sleep.” Shen Qinglan waved her hand dismissively. “You sit down too. No need to stand.”

Zhou Song took a seat across from her.

Shen Qinglan’s gaze settled on him, noting his slight tension. “Lord Wen mentioned quite a bit about Qingzhu in his letter to me, and I know you two are married.”

Zhou Song sat up a bit straighter. Although he and Kun Ze were rightfully wed, he couldn’t help feeling somewhat self-conscious in front of Qingzhu’s family.

“No need to be nervous. I didn’t come here to cause trouble,” Shen Qinglan reassured him with a smile. “In fact, I came to thank you for taking care of him.”

Due to the limited information Lord Wen had about Shen Qingzhu’s situation, Shen Qinglan had been quite worried upon hearing that her beloved younger brother had gotten married. This was why she stopped by to check on him on her way back to the capital.

Seeing how late in the day it was and that her brother was still peacefully sleeping showed her that he was well cared for.

Besides, she knew her brother’s character well. Though he looked soft and gentle, like a little white rabbit, he was cunning as a fox. Anyone who could win his affection certainly wasn’t some worthless person.

Hearing her words, Zhou Song immediately cupped his hands, “Miss Shen, you’re too kind. Taking care of Qingzhu is my responsibility; no thanks are necessary.”

“Miss Shen?” Shen Qinglan waved her hand dismissively. “Since you’ve married my brother, you should call me ‘Sister’ just like he does.”

Hearing this, Zhou Song relaxed a bit and put down his hands, “Yes, Sister.”

Shen Qinglan appreciated his straightforwardness. She picked up her cup and was about to ask him about her brother when a faint sound came from the room next door.

“Zhou Song?”

Hearing Kun Ze’s voice, Zhou Song immediately stood up and went to the doorway, “I’m here.”

Shen Qingzhu was still a bit drowsy, his long hair hanging loose and uncombed. Seeing Zhou Song, he walked over, “It’s already so late. Why didn’t you wake me?”

“You didn’t sleep well last night, so I thought I’d let you sleep a bit longer.” Zhou Song put an arm around him, guiding him into the main room. “Look who’s here.”

Shen Qingzhu thought it might be Aunt Qian or someone else familiar, but as he looked up and saw the figure standing there, he froze.

“Qingzhu, it’s been a long time,” Shen Qinglan said, studying him from head to toe. His complexion had improved, and he looked much healthier.

Shen Qingzhu’s stunned expression showed disbelief, his eyes wide.

Seeing this look, Shen Qinglan felt a pang in her heart. She walked over and scooped him up by the waist. Surprised, he instinctively held onto her shoulders, his hair brushing against her face, carrying a familiar scent of orchids mixed with a faint aroma of pine wood. Her eyes reddened slightly as she smiled, “My dear little brother, you’ve grown up… and gained a bit of weight too.”

Whenever she returned from campaigning with their father, she would hug her little brother like this, checking to see if he had been eating well and staying healthy at home.

The familiar gesture finally brought Shen Qingzhu back to his senses. He tightened his grip on her shoulders, his eyes growing red as he spoke hoarsely, “You know I’m grown now. You’re a Qian Yuan; you shouldn’t be hugging me like this. You should be more proper—my husband’s watching.”

“You’re right,” Shen Qinglan chuckled as she gently set him down, giving his head a light pat. “You’re married now. I suppose I can’t treat you like a child anymore.”

Shen Qingzhu looked up at her, not blinking, and lifted a hand to touch the scar on her forehead, his eyes growing redder. “Sister, you’ve grown thin, tanned… and quite ugly. I’m afraid there won’t be any Kun Ze willing to marry you now.”

Shen Qinglan clicked her tongue and lightly flicked his forehead, “Can’t you say anything nice?”

Shen Qingzhu broke into a smile, but a tear slipped from the corner of his eye.

Shen Qinglan gently wiped it away with her finger, her expression soft. “Our dear Qingzhu, still as beautiful as ever.”

Shen Qingzhu’s smile faltered, his brows knitting together, and he finally couldn’t hold back any longer, throwing himself into her arms.

“And you said you weren’t a child…” Shen Qinglan held him, her hand smoothing his hair, her lowered eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Zhou Song stood quietly nearby, respecting the reunion between the siblings.

In his sister’s embrace, breathing in the familiar scent of liquor, Shen Qingzhu’s emotions began to calm. He wiped away the dampness at the corner of his eyes on her collar and took a step back. “You Qian Yuan people… always feel like furnaces.”

Shen Qinglan glanced at the wet spot on her collar, “And you’ve wiped your tears on my clothes?”

“The fabric’s rough; it scratched my face,” Shen Qingzhu muttered softly, rubbing his cheek. “Couldn’t you get yourself some decent clothes…”

“Fine, next time, I’ll buy something smooth and silky.” Shen Qinglan fixed a stray strand of hair on his forehead.

Shen Qingzhu took her hand, feeling the calluses on her palm, his heart aching. He stayed silent for a moment, not asking about her hardships but simply saying, “Sister, from now on, let’s just live peacefully here.”

Shen Qinglan paused, then took his hand in hers. “Qingzhu, I’m here because I received an order to return to the capital. There’s another war at the border, and I have to lead the troops…”

“You’re going to war?” Shen Qingzhu interrupted her, “Didn’t Lord Wen clear your name?”

Shen Qinglan lowered her gaze, silent for a moment, then said, “Yes and no. I think you know well enough that no matter how much evidence surfaces, as long as that person doesn’t speak up, it won’t matter.”

“So…” Shen Qingzhu’s expression grew cold. “It’s because there’s a war, and they need you, that he’s willing to overlook it all…?”

Shen Qinglan didn’t respond.

Shen Qingzhu scoffed bitterly, “When not needed, he’s wary of power; when needed, all charges are forgotten. Truly…”

“Qingzhu,” Shen Qinglan cut him off, “be careful with your words.”

Shen Qingzhu pressed his lips together, his reddened eyes meeting hers. “Is that the kind of ruler you truly want to serve?”

Shen Qinglan shook her head, smoothing his hair as she spoke gently, “Qingzhu, I’m loyal not to the ruler, but to the people.”

Shen Qingzhu’s expression softened, and he lowered his gaze in silence.

“The people of the border are suffering; how can I turn a blind eye?” Shen Qinglan understood his anger—she shared it. But the safety of the people always had to come before personal feelings. “I believe Father felt the same way.”

Shen Qingzhu didn’t respond, but he held her hand tightly.

Shen Qinglan lifted his face, making him look at her. “I heard you’ve opened a school in the village, teaching and guiding the children. Willing to take on such a tiring role, aren’t you doing the same thing? Our Shen family has always lived with honor.”

Shen Qingzhu knew he couldn’t argue against her, nor could he stop her. He sighed and asked, “When do you leave?”

“The situation at the border is urgent. I need to return to the capital immediately. I only stopped here to see you,” Shen Qinglan replied. Had it not been for her concern for her brother, she would have gone straight to the capital.

“This soon?” Shen Qingzhu felt a pang of sorrow; he thought she’d at least stay for a day. “Aren’t you going to see Aunt Wu?”

“No.” Shen Qinglan shook her head. “Seeing her would only leave her worried. It’s better if I don’t. When I’ve secured peace at the border, I’ll come back and reunite with everyone.”

Shen Qingzhu looked down sadly but forced himself to smile. “Alright, we’ll be waiting for you.”

She patted his head, then turned to Zhou Song, who had respectfully kept his distance. “Dear brother-in-law, please take care of him.”

Zhou Song cupped his hands solemnly, “I will. May you return safely.”

Shen Qinglan nodded at his promise, then turned back to her younger brother. Her almond-shaped eyes softened, and she pulled him into a hug. “Take care.”

Shen Qingzhu said nothing, leaning his head against her shoulder, his eyes red. After a long moment, he murmured, “Mm.”

Shen Qinglan loosened her hold, refraining from looking back as she strode out the door.

Seeing Shen Qingzhu standing with his head lowered, Zhou Song followed Shen Qinglan out to see her off.

Outside the gate, Shen Qinglan mounted her horse, holding the reins. “Zhou Song, next time I come, let’s spar.”

Zhou Song chuckled, “I’d like that.”

Shen Qinglan returned his smile, cast one last glance at the courtyard, and turned her horse with a sharp tug. “Hyah!”

She rode off with a commanding presence, her posture proud, her hair flying as she set out for the battlefield.

Zhou Song turned back toward the house, where he saw Kun Ze standing by the main room entrance. He walked over and stopped in front of him, “Don’t worry. Sister will come back.”

Shen Qingzhu said nothing, leaning silently into Zhou Song’s embrace.

Zhou Song lowered his head and kissed his hair.

“Husband,” Shen Qingzhu looked up, smiling, “I’m hungry. I’d like some dumplings.”

Zhou Song gently touched his reddened eyes and replied softly, “Alright, I’ll make some for you.”

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Author’s Note:

And that’s the end of this story!

Thank you so much to everyone who’s followed along, and especially to those who commented on each chapter. I’ve read every one! Your support is my biggest motivation—love you all, sending hearts your way!

Next, I’ll start a new story—probably a fan-favorite reunion one. Hope you all support it when it comes out. See you then!