The last rays of the setting sun bathed the capital. The tall buildings there had little upturned corners, like solitary geese poised to take flight. Copper bells hung from the eaves, chiming brightly as the wind passed by. A procession rode in through the city gates, every rider clad in iron armor, gazing down majestically at the townspeople who had come to welcome them. This was when I had just returned from battle.
I could hardly wait to see you. After entering the city, I made straight for the Jiang residence. I will never forget the sight of you just as you came out. You wore red and had neatly pinned your hair into a small bun. It didn't quite look like you, but I still felt you hadn't changed. You greeted me with your brightest smile, just as always, and threw your arms around me the moment you saw me. You were so happy you cried. I knew you had missed me too, my Wenqing. (From Mu Xu Yuan's perspective.) (This story is set in an imaginary history and has no historical basis, though it borrows the official system of the Tang dynasty. Some readers may find certain official titles jarring; please forgive that, and thank you.)
