This autumn rain was unusually prolonged, a rare occurrence in the wind-swept, rain-scarce Northern Liang region. However, it delayed the construction progress of Jubei City, nearly driving the Governor to curse in frustration. He either sighed in his office or stood atop the city walls under an oil-paper umbrella, anxiously waiting for the skies to clear. The river south of Jubei City swelled with muddy, sand-laden water, much to the annoyance of young martial artists who had come to the frontier markets to admire the exotic scenery. What should have been crisp autumn days were now a mire of mud, ruining their romantic evening strolls along the riverbanks, where they once dreamed of holding hands with their admired maidens under the vast desert skies. Now, they could only grumble about the uncooperative weather, cooped up in taverns under the watchful eyes of their elders, their grand adventure reduced to tedious boredom. A few dared to gallop freely, but the sight of Northern Liang’s armored cavalry patrolling the area quickly quelled any rebellious thoughts.
Perhaps the only ones unbothered by the rain were the giggling girl and the crimson-robed Xu Ying in the estate. They often pestered Jiang Ni to take them sword-flying through the heavy clouds to glimpse the sunlight above. Jia Jiajia, delighted by the sight, infected Xu Ying with her joy. Jiang Ni, long adept at sword flight since Cao Changqing first took her to the Northern Wastes, indulged the girl who had become her unofficial informant. When Dong Yue, Nalan Youci’s maid, visited the estate, Jia Jiajia was the first to alert Jiang Ni, later recounting every word of their conversation. Thus, Jiang Ni, lonely in Jubei City, never refused Jia Jiajia’s whims—like chasing migrating geese across the sky or tying notes to their claws in playful mimicry of messenger birds. Once, Jiang Ni wrote, “Xu Fengnian is a scoundrel,” while Xu Ying silently countered, “He is not,” and Jia Jiajia had Jiang Ni add, “They’re both right.” One wonders if those geese, after such treatment, would dare return north come spring.
Later, the trio took to “celestial diving.” Jiang Ni would ascend above the clouds with her sword, carefully choosing a spot over the river before Jia Jiajia, fearless, plunged headfirst into the water below, often embedding herself in the riverbed mud. Xu Fengnian, sensing the disturbance during a military meeting, rushed to the scene and, suppressing laughter, discreetly softened her landing before fishing her out. Xu Ying, landing nearby, merely splashed him thoroughly. After that, the game continued at lower altitudes, often at night, filling the river with loud splashes that eventually became a familiar sound to the townsfolk.
Xu Fengnian tolerated their antics until a stormy night when an unusual thunderclap alerted him to trouble. He caught the trio red-handed: Jia Jiajia, hair standing on end and face blackened, clutched a lightning-wreathed iron rod triumphantly, while Xu Ying watched enviously. Jiang Ni, attempting to sneak away, was dragged back by Xu Fengnian. Standing in the rain, Jiang Ni feigned innocence, Xu Ying looked blank, and Jia Jiajia guarded her prize fiercely.
“Playing with lightning? Are you trying to get yourselves killed?” Xu Fengnian scolded.
Jiang Ni muttered rebelliously, Xu Ying remained clueless, and Jia Jiajia turned her back, ignoring him.
With a sigh, Xu Fengnian shielded them from the rain, creating a dry space. He gently tapped Jiang Ni’s forehead, patted Xu Ying’s head, and turned Jia Jiajia around. “I’ve been too busy lately to accompany you. That’s my fault.”
Jiang Ni muttered, “Who needs you?”
Xu Fengnian glared, and she froze, reminded of his temper. Softening, he warned, “Play in the skies if you must, but never leave Northern Liang’s borders. The heavens are no longer friendly, and I can’t protect you everywhere.”
Jiang Ni hung her head guiltily, while Jia Jiajia clung to her electrified rod.
Smiling, Xu Fengnian said, “Keep the rod. After all that, it’s a treasure now.” Then, gazing skyward, he muttered, “But it’s only polite to return the favor.”
After a brief absence, he returned, having driven two celestial intruders back to the mortal realm. Jiang Ni, wide-eyed, offered her sword box. “Take it, so we don’t cause more trouble.”
Xu Fengnian chuckled. “I’m not mad at you for having fun. I’m mad I can’t join you.”
Unconvinced, Jiang Ni remembered his earlier glare.
Suddenly, Xu Fengnian produced a fist-sized orb of condensed lightning, mesmerizing the trio. “Don’t touch it,” he warned. “Only a few in this world could handle its power. But with care, you can play with it—just keep it in this yard.”
He imbued Jia Jiajia’s rod with energy, letting the orb orbit it harmlessly. The three nodded eagerly, clustering around their new toy like chicks pecking grain.
As Xu Fengnian left, Jia Jiajia planted the rod in the courtyard, the orb circling lazily. Noticing the cracked floor, he sighed and returned to his duties.
Once he was gone, the trio sat under the eaves, watching the orb. Jiang Ni suddenly turned to Jia Jiajia. “You’re paying for the floor repairs.”
Jia Jiajia shook her head.
Jiang Ni frowned. “Don’t be like this!”
Leaning in, Jia Jiajia whispered something that made Jiang Ni huff. “Fine! Let the man with admirers everywhere pay for it!”
Xu Fengnian, still within earshot, stumbled and laughed wryly. So Jia Jiajia had thrown him under the cart to dodge debt—revealing Dong Yue’s parting words.
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