Side Story 3: All Things Grow

Side Story 3: All Things Grow

Beijing, Deshengmen.

The autumn sky was clear and cloudless.

The city gate was unusually lively today, yet orderly.

Two fine horses stood side by side in front of the suspension bridge.

The horse on the left is jet black and exceptionally magnificent; it is a direct descendant of the legendary horse "Mofeng."

A young girl in red sat on horseback, a soft whip wrapped around her waist, her figure heroic and spirited, like a blazing fire burning in the autumn wind.

The one on the right is pure white with no stray hairs, quiet and composed.

The young man in black on horseback was tall and straight with a cold face. Although he did not carry a sword, he had an aura of majesty that made people dare not look him in the eye.

"Sister, it's time to go." Pei An pulled on the reins and glanced back at the majestic city wall.

"What's the rush?" Pei Niannian pouted, her eyes searching through the crowd of people seeing her off. "My 'farewell party' isn't even here yet!"

The words had barely left his mouth.

"Woof! Woof! Woof!"

"twitter--"

A familiar cacophony of noise erupted from within the city.

The streets automatically parted to make way for the people. There was no panic among them, as everyone was used to it.

Dozens of stray dogs with red ribbons around their necks, hundreds of sparrows lined up in a square formation, and even a few hedgehogs and weasels that appeared out of nowhere, were all neatly squatting at the city gate.

They didn't approach, but instead watched their two young masters, who were about to embark on a long journey, with their intelligent eyes.

On the high city wall, an old white-browed tiger, large in size and with grayish fur, no longer as agile as it had in its youth, was lying on the crenellation.

Its chin rested on its front paws, and its still majestic tiger eyes quietly watched the girl in red below.

【roar……】

Big White let out a low, deep, yet aged growl.

That was the king of beasts' farewell and blessing to his young master.

Pei Niannian looked up and saw the old tiger that had accompanied her as she grew up.

Her eyes reddened slightly, but she quickly broke into a bright smile.

She lashed out with her whip, and towards the city wall, in the direction where her parents were, shouted at the top of her lungs:

"Father! Mother!"

We're leaving!

The girl's voice was clear and melodious, piercing through the clouds, carrying the pride and fearlessness of a fledgling eagle spreading its wings:

"You all can just stay home and enjoy your retirement! I'll go out and make my mark in the martial world!"

"Wait for me to come back, and I'll conquer a great empire for you!"

Pei An sighed helplessly and rubbed his forehead, but he also looked up and bowed deeply to the city gate.

Then, the two of them did not look back.

"drive--!"

The horses' hooves kicked up dust.

Two figures, one in red and one in black, shot out of the city gate like meteors, heading towards the vast and boundless world and martial arts realm.

...

On the city tower.

The wind blew up the hem of my clothes, making them flutter.

Pei Yunjing put his arm around Tang Li's shoulder and quietly watched the children go until their figures completely disappeared on the horizon.

Time seems to have been exceptionally kind to these two people.

Ten years have not taken away their youthful appearance; instead, they have developed a more refined and captivating charm.

Although Pei Yunjing had some fine lines around his eyes, his phoenix eyes remained as deep and unfathomable as ever.

Tang Li's figure is still graceful, but her brows have lost some of the playfulness of her youth and gained more of the composure of time.

"They're gone..."

Tang Li withdrew her gaze and looked at the empty official road, suddenly feeling a sense of emptiness in her heart.

She reached out and touched the rough fur of the large white dog beside her, and sighed.

"The children are all gone, and Big White is old."

"Pei Yunjing."

She leaned against him, her voice slightly downcast:

"Does the house... feel a bit empty now?"

The vast Regent's Palace was now empty except for the two of them.

Gone are the days of Nian Nian's boisterous antics, gone is An An's mature beyond his years, and even most of the lively animals of the past have grown old.

Upon hearing this, Pei Yunjing turned around to face Tang Li.

He reached out and, just like ten years ago, gently smoothed her wind-blown hair. His fingertips were warm, carrying a comforting strength.

"It's not deserted."

Pei Yunjing shook his head, his voice deep and magnetic as ever: "As long as you're here, it won't feel lonely."

He lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on the fine lines at the corner of her eye:

"Tangli".

Do you know?

Pei Yunjing embraced her tightly, his gaze passing over the city wall, looking at the bustling capital, at the peaceful and prosperous land, before finally settling back into her eyes:

"The world is vast, and all things grow and thrive endlessly."

"But for me..."

He took her hand and pressed it against his heart, where the heartbeat pulsed with a rhythm that belonged only to her.

"My world is full as long as you are here."

Even if everything withers away, even if time comes to an end.

As long as you're by my side.

My world will forever be noisy, forever passionate, forever...and all things will submit.

Tang Li looked at the deep affection in his eyes, her eyes welled up with tears, but she smiled radiantly.

"Um."

She tiptoed and kissed his lips:

Me too.

...

We passed over the towering city walls and the bustling Imperial Street.

The capital city was bustling with activity, and its people lived in peace and contentment.

The sounds of vendors hawking their wares, laughter, and reading aloud blend together to create a magnificent symphony.

Passing through layers of pavilions, in the back garden of the Regent's Palace, grapevines are laden with glistening purple fruit.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the vine leaves, creating dappled patterns.

A large rattan chair sat quietly there, with a half-empty pot of wine and an open storybook beside it.

Several newborn kittens are rolling around on the grass.

Everything was as peaceful and serene as it had been back then.