On New Year's Eve, a night that should be for family reunions and lively dinners, the Blue Moon royal family's banquet was rather subdued.
The Second Princess played with her child, while Chu Qingge conversed with other princesses. Palace maids continuously served dishes and pastries, yet Xiao Man was nowhere to be seen.
"His Majesty is truly something. Has she forgotten she's pregnant?" the Fifth Princess complained. "Disappearing on New Year's Eve. Being Emperor like her, I've never seen the like."
"Don't you always want to be Emperor? Do you still want it?" the Fourth Princess teased.
"Spare me. I couldn't handle so many things. If I had to be busy like a spinning top every day, I'd be exhausted," the Fifth Princess waved her hands repeatedly. Her past ambition for the throne was merely to spite Lan Yuan. Now that they had reconciled, there was no need for further animosity.
"His Majesty is with child, yet always goes out. Sister-in-law, please try to persuade her more," the Second Princess said to Chu Qingge.
"I can't persuade her. She's been like this since she was young. Once she's decided on something, even ten oxen can't pull her back. The only thing I can do is support her and give her all the assistance I can." Chu Qingge understood Xiao Man's responsibilities and what she intended to do. Though worried, she could not stop her.
"Where exactly did she go?" the Third Princess asked curiously.
"She, naturally, went somewhere no one can find," Chu Qingge said softly. After all, her life was at stake. No matter how willful Xiao Man was, she wouldn't let herself fall into danger. This child, she cared about deeply.
"A place no one can find?"
"Yes, a place no one can find. At least, not me," Chu Qingge said calmly.
"That's true. If she intends to hide, no one can find her. It's just that today is New Year's Eve, and she's not here, nor is Eldest Brother. It's a bit regrettable. I remember spending New Year's Eve with the Xiao family, it was so lively," the Third Princess said with emotion.
"Won't Elder Sister be back?" the usually reticent Xiao Ling finally spoke.
"No," Chu Qingge replied decisively. "Third Miss, don't worry. His Majesty will return when she should."
"Elder Sister is due soon, isn't she?"
"Still some time away. If all goes well, the child should be born in March." Chu Qingge placed a plate of steamed ribs in front of Xiao Ling. "Steamed ribs, your favorite. Eat more."
"Thank you, Sister-in-law."
"This year, it's our first time having New Year's dinner and staying up together. It's a memorable day. Let us raise our glasses for peace in the world."
"For peace in the world."
In a secluded mountain valley, it was very warm. Even in the biting cold of mid-winter, the place felt warm. Green grass carpeted the entire valley, like a verdant velvet rug, interspersed with colorful wildflowers swaying in the night breeze.
Deep within the valley stood a wooden cabin, its windows glowing with a dim yellow light, adding a touch of life to the quiet landscape.
Knock, knock, knock. Someone knocked on the wooden door. The owner of the cabin looked towards the entrance. The door, without warning, swung open, letting in a gust of cold wind. A person stood at the threshold, covered in dust from their journey.
The door opened and closed again. The visitor sat at the table. "I knew you'd be here."
The owner of the wooden cabin was none other than Xiao Man, and the visitor was Nangong Yu.
"Why have you come here?"
"When I heard you were missing, I knew you were hiding." Nangong Yu's gaze fell upon Xiao Man's swollen belly. "With such a large belly, you still ran off here. You're too willful. You must be due soon, right?"
"Still some time away. If all goes well, it should be in March," Xiao Man said softly.
Nangong Yu looked at the steaming food on the table, then went to the kitchen as if he belonged there, retrieved a set of bowls and chopsticks, and sat down with Xiao Man to share their New Year's Eve dinner.
"Your cooking is as good as ever. I still remember the first time I ate your food. I could hardly believe that a pampered Empress Dowager could make such delicious meals," Nangong Yu said while eating, chatting with Xiao Man. "I'm truly curious, who taught you to cook?"
"The imperial chefs in the palace," Xiao Man replied. "Back then, when I had just entered the palace, the Crown Prince's food always had problems. It was impossible to guard against, and he was anxious and afraid to eat. So, I learned to cook from the imperial chefs and made food for him myself."
A hint of jealousy flickered in Nangong Yu's heart. "I'm quite envious of him, to have your undivided devotion."
"That is all in the past."
"Yes, that is all in the past."
After dinner, Nangong Yu washed the bowls and stayed with Xiao Man to usher in the new year. "It feels like a long time since we've stayed up together. It hasn't been that long, yet it feels like a lifetime."
"How did you guess I was here?"
"This is a secret place for the two of us. Outsiders can't find it, but that doesn't mean I can't." Nangong Yu's voice was low and gentle. "No matter where you are, I will find you."
"What if I disappeared from this world?"
Nangong Yu looked at Xiao Man, remaining silent for a long time. He didn't understand what kind of disappearance Xiao Man meant by 'disappear' – whether it was a permanent disappearance or a temporary one.
"I said, no matter where you are, I will find you."
"Don't you want the world anymore?" Xiao Man asked with a smile. "All those people behind you, aren't you going to look after them?"
"And you? Don't you want the world anymore? Aren't you going to look after all those people behind you?" Nangong Yu retorted. Both of them loved power and loved the world. That was because only by possessing supreme power could they protect everything they cared about.
They exchanged a glance and, in unison, smiled.
"Speaking of which, your birthday is coming soon, and I haven't prepared a birthday gift for you," Xiao Man said with a radiant smile. "I hope you won't be angry with me."
"No, I've already received the best birthday gift," Nangong Yu said softly. "You being here is the best gift."
Xiao Man smiled, her smile warm like the winter sun, making the chilly room begin to feel warm. "I want my child to know that this place is beautiful, a place I love very much."
"Yes, this place is beautiful, and it's my favorite place too." Nangong Yu took a blanket and wrapped it around Xiao Man. "Even though the weather here is warmer than outside, you should still stay warm."
"A'Yu, you shouldn't have come."
"I am merely following my heart's choice. There is no 'should' or 'should not,' only my happiness." Nangong Yu sat down beside Xiao Man, and together they welcomed the new year. Their New Year's Eve was somewhat lonely, yet profoundly warm. The sand in the hourglass continuously fell, awaiting the arrival of midnight and the dawn of the new year.