Moonlit Reunion [子夜归]

Chapter 28

After realizing the young gentleman actually wanted to see her too, Wu Zhen began to look for Mei Zhuyu every time he had a day off, inviting him to go out together. Though it was somewhat improper for an unmarried man and woman to go out alone, Wu Zhen wasn't one to follow rules, and the rule-abiding gentleman from the Mei family would throw all propriety aside when he saw her, utterly entranced by her smile, unable to resist her.

Without either of them noticing, this became a mutual understanding; they didn't need to plan ahead but would simply meet with their horses on his rest days and set off together.

Having been in Chang'an for only a year, Mei Zhuyu wasn't familiar with many places, but Wu Zhen, who had grown up here, knew exactly where the best food and entertainment were. However, considering Mei Zhuyu's reserved nature, she didn't take him to her usual haunts but instead led him to quieter, scenic spots—like Linjing Temple.

These places didn't offer much in the way of amusement, but Wu Zhen found new enjoyment in Mei Zhuyu's reactions. Her feelings toward her future husband were complicated; when she approached him as a cat, he appeared indifferent, but when she approached him in earnest, he looked at her with infatuation. In the morning, he'd cast a casual and distant glance at the cat leaping onto the windowsill; by afternoon, he'd gaze at her atop her horse with bright, adoring eyes.

So Wu Zhen couldn't resist teasing him, enjoying the bashful expressions that revealed his inner struggle.

When they returned together from Linjing Temple, they arrived first at the Duke of Yu's residence, where several carriages had just pulled up, and servants were carrying items inside. Wu Zhen, noticing a small glass lantern hanging from one of the carriages, immediately knew who was inside.

"Cousin Pei, why've you arrived so early without sending a message to let me greet you?" Wu Zhen dismounted and went over, tapping on the carriage door with a smile.

The door opened, revealing a handsome face, though slightly weary from travel. Seeing Wu Zhen leaning against the door, he returned her smile, saying, "Zhen, you're still just the same."

Wu Zhen replied, "Cousin, come down quickly; surely it's more comfortable outside than in the carriage."

This cousin, named Pei Jiya, was the only nephew of Wu Zhen's mother. Several years older than Wu Zhen, he had a refined appearance and a gentle demeanor. Due to circumstances, he had stayed at the Duke of Yu's residence for two years in his youth, forming a close relationship with Wu Zhen. He had always been somewhat frail and had been recovering in Kunzhou; upon hearing his cousin was getting married, he traveled a great distance to celebrate with her.

As Pei Jiya dismounted, his tall, elegant figure stood out in a wide-sleeved robe, quite distinct from the narrow-sleeved Hu-style attire favored by young men in Chang'an, giving him the charm of noble youths from bygone days. The Pei family, once esteemed in the previous dynasty, had migrated south and, despite the changes in dynasties, still upheld its traditions.

For Wu Zhen, this cousin from Kunzhou was a celebrated and refined gentleman, and his visit moved her deeply. After years without seeing him, she welcomed him without reservation, introducing him to Mei Zhuyu, who stood nearby.

"This is my cousin, Pei Jiya of the Pei family from Kunzhou."

"And this is Mei family's eldest son, Mei Zhuyu, my future husband."

Only after Wu Zhen's introduction did Pei Jiya properly look at Mei Zhuyu. Mei Zhuyu frowned slightly upon meeting his gaze. Though subtle, he sensed a hint of hostility from this man.

Moreover... just now, Mei Zhuyu had also noticed Pei Jiya's gaze lingering on Wu Zhen, a look that made him uncomfortable.

Pei Jiya greeted Mei Zhuyu with a friendly smile and a gentle tone, showing no trace of animosity. For a moment, Mei Zhuyu wondered if he'd misjudged. After a pause, he returned Pei Jiya's greeting, though his response was far less cordial in comparison.