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In that moment, it seemed that the cozy Jing-An Ducal Residence had been brought back.

Nothing had changed.

His father and mother, his home and his determination to protect all of them were there.

The days had not passed; the seasons had not changed, and death was non-existent.

He Xia's sword swung, easily waving back the heavy imprints of his past.

The freezing north wind was unable to stop He Xia's pride after finishing the dance. He was soaked in sweat as he used his sleeves to rub his forehead. He laughed, "Again!" The sword began to float up again, suddenly stopping. Its style appeared to change. It was a dragon, ready to take off to the skies. It had been Pingting's favourite Jing-An sword technique back then.

Ping!

As the dragon of the sword walked in the four directions, an unexpected qin sound began to ring, momentarily jolting the sword.

He Xia was delighted by this. His actions continued without pause. He turned, the sword's direction changing once more. The qin sound became louder like the call of a dragon but higher pitched.

The sword danced to the qin with the greatest accuracy, flawless.

After the entire set of Jing-An sword techniques had been danced, Pingting entered with the finale, "Nine Days."

At the final cut of the sword, the qin sound stopped too.

Two pairs of deep eyes clashed in midair as the complex yet familiar feeling came crashing back.

Dear Pingting, you're the same as me, unable to forget the past.

Your heart still has the Jing-An Ducal Residence, still has the Marquess of Jing-An!

Apart from Chu Beijie, there is no one else who can shelter your heart, right?

You're still the same!

On the white world, silence suddenly fell.

No one knew how long before the the gazes in the air separated. Pingting's pupils shifted until they rested on the ground beyond He Xia.

He Xia seemed to notice and turned back.

An elegant figure jumped into his eyes.

Yaotian was dressed in a gorgeous grand purple dress, coupled with a pure white mink coat that draped over her shoulders. Her complexion was like pearls. A complex coronet had been placed on her head. Several gemstone necklaces had been put tightly around her neck.

Her lips were cheery red; her eyes were as bright as stars.

Eight maids had their heads lowered, attending behind her.

He Xia turned around, Yaotian smiled. She praised, "This is the first time I have seen Prince Consort dancing in the snow." Her gaze shifted beyond He Xia. Her voice was soft, "As expected of one of Gui Le's two famous qin players. I have heard of your fame, Miss Bai."

"Princess." Pingting's jade hands had left the qin as she slowly stood up from her chair, leaving the pavilion. She bowed at Yaotian who was standing behind the fake mountain.

He Xia's expression changed, quickly pasting a smile. "Why has Princess come at such an hour?" He packed the qin away, walked towards Yaotian and took her hand. "Why did you not call for me and stand on the snow in such cold weather?"

"To sword dance in the snow accompanied by qin is such a beautiful and rare scene. Why would I willingly break it?" Yaotian submissively let He Xia hold her hand.

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