The rhythmic beat of horse hooves on the road was slow and languid. Hēiláng (黑狼) with his eyes closed and his arms wrapped around his beloved, was intoxicated by the scent of her hair; he had loosened the reins, allowing the steed to wander at a carefree pace. Hàn Yuè (汉月), held captive within his powerful arms, could feel the warmth of his breath.
She turned her head slightly and asked softly,
"Are you... not hungry?"
As if waking from a sweet dream, Hēiláng smiled.
"Ah, you are quite right. Sorry for dragging you all this way on an empty stomach. There is a local eatery just ahead. Will you eat some Bāozi (包子) [Steamed stuffed bun]?"
Han Yue's reply was brief and eager: "Oh, of course I will."
The eatery was a simple shack with rough wooden tables and chairs. There were no golden palace vessels or a multitude of servants to be found. A pleasant woman placed a wooden basket on the table, steam billowing from its seams.
"Please, help yourselves," she said softly, "eat while it is hot."
The Bāozi were arranged in cheap earthenware bowls, ordinary food, suited to the modest means of the local folk.
With her right hand, Hàn Yuè pulled up the wide sleeve of her opposite arm to avoid any hindrance. She picked up a chopstick with her left hand and took the first bite. It was hot, but the flavour of the pork meat, mild spices, and garlic was delicious. Hēiláng sat beside her, watching with palpable pleasure. The eatery was nearly empty; the last customer, who had been sitting alone in a corner, swallowed his final morsel and hurried out.
Eating with calm elegance, Hàn Yuè glanced at Hēiláng.
"I never told you I was coming to see that play! So, how did you find me?"
"Well... there is something between us, We are one soul in two bodies," Hēiláng replied. "I will always find you, wherever you may be. I know you adore that play and that love story. You once told me, 'Let us run away together!' Do you remember? It is all because of that old story you live within." He offered a peculiar, tender smile.
Hàn Yuè swallowed her bite and smiled back.
"Hēiláng... you are far too clever; you always read my thoughts."
She continued, "But I truly thought you had forgotten me... when you sent no letters. Do you know how many months have passed since our last meeting?"
Hēiláng arched his brows playfully.
"And yet, I doubt I am more forgetful than you! Only moments ago, you were nearly killed by that drunken madman, and you have already forgotten who saved you!"
The chopsticks froze in Hàn Yuè's hand. She paused for a moment, then suddenly broke into a laugh.
"Oh, sorry! I quite forgot to thank you, my Hēiláng. It is your own fault for shocking me so!"
Hēiláng leaned against the table, his heavy-lidded eyes fixed upon her.
"A mere thank you is not enough. You must give me a reward!"
He tapped his right cheek a few times with his index finger, a clear gesture accompanied by a mischievous glint.
Hàn Yuè's cheeks flushed crimson. She looked around frantically. "But... not here!"
"There is no one here but us," Hēiláng whispered. "Be quick!"
Hàn Yuè surrendered to that piercing gaze. After a pause, she closed her eyes and leaned gently towards his face. At that precise, critical moment, Hēiláng turned his head with cunning speed so that her kiss landed exactly upon his lips. A brief, sweet kiss... suddenly shattered by a voice from afar.
"Are you here, Your Highness?"
The two sprang apart as if struck by lightning. It was Mùyě (牧野). Catching sight of the scene, his face turned as red as a beetroot. He stood rooted to the spot, swiftly turned away, and began a series of feigned coughs.
Hēiláng growled with frustrated irritation, "Ugh... the perpetual nuisance!" He then gestured with his hand. "Come forward."
Hàn Yuè kept her head bowed so low it seemed she wished to vanish into the table, nibbling shyly at her lip. Mùyě stepped forward and performed a zuòyī (作揖) bow.
"Forgive me for intruding, Your Highness ."
"Are you stalking me?" Hēiláng asked venomously.
"You did not inform me that you intended to go so far afield with the Lady Hàn Yuè. I have searched far and wide for you and when there was no word from you, I grew concerned."
Hēiláng closed his eyes and took a deep breath to stifle his rage. Mùyě, sensing he had overstepped, lowered his head.
Hàn Yuè intervened to soften the atmosphere.
"It is quite alright, Officer Mùyě. Please, tell me where my handmaid is? If she returns to the manor without me, she will surely be punished."
Mùyě replied, "My Lady, I told her to report to your father that you are with Prince Hēiláng."
After a moment of silence, Hēiláng spoke.
"Well... we know our own way back to the manor. When I arrive, I wish to meet with His Excellency Liángwáng (良王). Now... do you intend to leave?"
Mùyě, catching the dismissive tone, bowed frantically.
"Yes... yes, and I shall certainly convey your message to him." He retreated quickly.
Hàn Yuè, now somewhat calmer, asked,
"Hēiláng, by the way, I heard you have become the Commander of the Palace Guards. How is it that you have come to Hǎilán (海蓝)?"
Hēiláng's expression suddenly turned stony and grave.
"The barbarians. They will soon attack the Northern border of Lán (嵐). In this war, they shall face me for the first and final time!"
Terror flickered in Hàn Yuè's eyes. The chopstick in her hand went limp.
"That is truly frightening! Why on earth would they do such a thing? Is there a danger looming over us?"
Hēiláng stared deep into her eyes.
"Fear not, darling. Well, to be honest..." He paused, then continued in a softer tone, "Let us not ruin our day with such political talk. I shall tell you everything later. Leave all the world's troubles to me. Do you not trust me?"
She gave a sweet smile.
"How could I not trust you, my lovable fool!"
He suddenly leaned in and whispered to her,
"Do you think that meddlesome guard of mine saw us at that moment?"
Hàn Yuè burst into laughter.
"I am certain of it! Did you not see how the poor man lost his wits?"
Hēiláng gently ran a hand through her hair, his eyes flashing with that dangerous spark once more.
"Then... perhaps before I sever the heads of the barbarians, I ought to cut out the tongue of my own guard!" "Don't you think?"
They looked at each other and dissolved into a long, romantic laughter, a laughter that seemed to stifle the distant sound of war drums.