Volume 1, Chapter 11: The Pure Radiance of the Full Moon (Part 1)

Helpless, Yuwen Chengdu had no choice but to recount everything as it happened.

After listening, Yang Xiangning patted his shoulder comfortingly. "Do not be sad. Elders may have their own reasons, and perhaps your brother does not like you, but you must not let them influence you. You should remain as happy as you always are."

Though Yang Xiangning was young, her words were filled with wisdom, and Yuwen Chengdu felt genuinely comforted.

"Thank you," he finally said, bowing his head slightly to express his gratitude.

Remembering something else, Yuwen Chengdu untied the sachet from his waist and handed it to her. "This is a sachet I carry with me. Please accept it as a token of my thanks for your comfort."

"You are welcome," Yang Xiangning replied. She took the sachet, then looked at the jade pendant at her own waist and removed it. "This is my jade pendant. Take it as a witness to our friendship."

Yuwen Chengdu examined the pendant closely and noticed the character "Jade" engraved upon it. He wanted to ask about her identity, but the guards beside the girl reminded her that it was time to leave, so he had to swallow his questions.

By the time the girl vanished from sight, he still did not know who she was, possessing only the jade pendant as a keepsake. However, Yuwen Chengdu firmly believed that they would meet again.

Elsewhere, Yang Xiangning had walked some distance before realizing that her own jade pendant was actually still in the hands of her guard. It dawned on her that earlier that day, Yang Yu’er had come to the palace to play and had given her a jade pendant; Yang Xiangning had taken off her own to wear the one she had been gifted.

In the moment of exchanging keepsakes, she had forgotten this, mistakenly giving Yang Yu’er’s pendant to the young boy. Panicked, she ran back to rectify the mistake, but by the time she returned, the boy was nowhere to be found.

Only the cold moonlight shone down upon her, and she felt a sudden sense of loss.

Upon returning to his manor, Yuwen Chengdu’s mood had improved significantly. As he entered, he saw his father standing in the courtyard, looking rather anxious.

"Father," he said, stepping forward to pay his respects.

"Where have you been?" Yuwen Huaji’s voice was laced with worry. He held high hopes for Yuwen Chengdu; otherwise, he would not have sent him away from home at such a young age to pursue his studies.

"I went out for a walk, Father. I am sorry to have caused you worry." Yuwen Chengdu had always been respectful toward Yuwen Huaji. As the eldest son, he was well aware that his behavior served as a model for his younger siblings, and he held himself to strict standards.

"Never mind, as long as you are back," Yuwen Huaji said, deciding not to press the matter further. "You will not be in the manor for many more days, so get some rest."

"Yes," Yuwen Chengdu replied, bowing before withdrawing.

In truth, as soon as Yuwen Chengdu had run off, Yuwen Huaji had sent men to look for him. It was impossible for a father not to love his son; though he was stern, his hidden concern remained deep.

Especially as the eldest, Yuwen Chengdu bore the weight of his father’s expectations, and the sternness was intended for his own good.

A few days later, Yuwen Chengdu departed once more to train in martial arts on the mountain. He did not know when he would be able to return.

Time passed swiftly; in the blink of an eye, ten years had gone by.

Yuwen Chengdu bid farewell to his master on the mountain and prepared to descend.

"Brother Chengdu?" A crisp voice rang out. Yuwen Chengdu set aside the clothes he was packing and went to open the door.

"Yu’er." He knew exactly who it was the moment he heard her voice and showed no surprise as he opened the door.

Yang Yu’er followed him inside and sat on a stool. "How is your packing coming along? We descend the mountain tomorrow."

"I am nearly finished. What about you?"

"I am ready as well."

For a moment, the atmosphere between them grew subtle, and neither knew what to say next.

Yang Yu’er gazed at him intently, and Yuwen Chengdu returned her stare.

They had climbed the mountain together as fellow disciples, always sharing common ground. Having grown up together—practicing martial arts, studying, and mastering the arts of the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting—they were often found playing music and reciting poetry together.

Yuwen Chengdu was seventeen, and Yang Yu’er was only a year younger. At such an age, it was no surprise that secret feelings had begun to blossom between them.

"By the way, Yu’er, there is something I would like to ask you," Yuwen Chengdu said, slowly breaking the silence.

"What is it?" Yang Yu’er asked, curious.

Yuwen Chengdu produced a jade pendant from his clothes. "I wanted to ask, is this pendant yours?"

This question had been buried in his heart for a long time. He had constantly searched for the owner of this pendant. Given the circumstances of that day, the girl who had given it to him must have been from the palace, and since Yu’er was the daughter of the Prince of Kaoshan and a princess in her own right, her status matched perfectly.

He had long wanted to ask, but feared being too abrupt. Yet, if he did not ask now, Yang Yu’er would return home after descending the mountain, and he might never have another chance.

Yang Yu’er took the pendant and examined it carefully. "This jade pendant is indeed mine, but..."

"Eldest Young Master!" Just as Yang Yu’er was about to continue, a voice from outside the door interrupted her. "We have been sent by the Prime Minister to escort you back."

Hearing this, Yuwen Chengdu hurried to open the door.

Yang Yu’er followed behind him, swallowing the words she had intended to speak.

A group of guards waited at the door. Yuwen Chengdu gathered his belongings, ready to leave with them.

"Yu’er, I have kept this pendant close to me all these years. Thank you." He was grateful for the comfort she had given him long ago, and for her companionship throughout these years.

"Brother Chengdu, will we meet again?" Yang Yu’er, ignoring the matter of the pendant, felt a pang of reluctance to see him go.

"We certainly will. If I have the chance, I will come to visit you, or you can come to Daxing to find me." Yuwen Chengdu reached out, wanting to link pinkies with her.

Yang Yu’er stepped forward and hooked her little finger with his. "It’s a promise."

After bidding his master farewell, Yuwen Chengdu left the mountain to return to Daxing. Yang Yu’er, under the protection of her guards, also prepared to head home.

They did not know when they would see each other again. Ultimately, Yang Yu’er never had the chance to explain that she had given that pendant to Yang Xiangning, which led to Yuwen Chengdu’s misunderstanding.

He remained convinced that the pendant was a gift from her, that she was the one who had comforted him all those years ago, and that she was the one who had accompanied him through his training. Because of this, his feelings for her burned all the more intensely.

Little did he know that this very misunderstanding would pave the way for a series of uncontrollable events to follow.