The light filtered through the window lattice, casting the shadows of Xu Chang'an and Yun Qian intertwined, as the remnants of rain slowly dripped from the eaves, splashing onto the stone pavement below.
Xu Chang'an stared blankly at Yun Qian.
Yun Qian had repeatedly asked how often he could come to see her in the days ahead, so he thought she would be reluctant to see him leave.
But as Xu Chang'an watched his wife wave her small hand to bid him farewell, he confirmed once again that the one truly lacking resolve was not Yun Qian, but himself.
This tender tranquility is indeed too warm and soft, like a great millstone dulling one's mind, making one reluctant to face the relatively harsh world outside.
Even though that's what he thought, Xu Chang'an's gaze remained resolute, without the slightest hint of wavering.
...
As he walked to the small courtyard, seeing Yun Qian following him to the door, Xu Chang'an stopped in his tracks.
