The month soon passed. A servant came to the room and told him that his father had summoned him to the meeting hall. Wu Jian was so excited that he almost forgot to put his robes on, but after remembering to don his hanfu, he rushed outside and just stood in front of his building for several long seconds, breathing in the fresh air. Freedom had never tasted so good.

Only after he’d had his fill did he begin moving.

The final effects of winter had dispersed while he was confined, giving way to spring. The snow had melted but the wilted flowers were not growing yet. However, as he passed several gardens, Wu Jian saw many branch family members planting seeds and raking sand. The motes and streams that were frozen over before were now flowing again. The burbling sounds of running water filled the air.

“JIAAAAAAN!!”

“Ah. Mei—gya?!”

Wu Jian turned at the sound of Wu Meiying’s shout—only to feel the air leave his lungs in a rush as something plowed into his stomach. He hit the ground hard. Stars filled his vision as he smacked the back of his head against the stone pathway.

“Wu Jian! Wu Jian! This is you, right? You’re really here, right? I’m not dreaming? Hmm. Hmmm. It certainly smells like you. Yup. This is definitely Wu Jian’s scent.”

“Uuuh… Mei. I’m happy to see you too…”

After uncrossing his eyes, Wu Jian smiled and began stroking Wu Meiying’s hair. He had missed this silky feeling. Several seconds passed before Wu Meiying set her chin on his chest and grinned mischievously at him.

“I wanna kiss you right now.”

“You probably shouldn’t. Everyone is watching.”

Wu Meiying’s cheeks swelled as she pouted. “I know that. I’m just saying I want to.”

“Well, that’s fine then.”

They couldn’t remain like that forever, so Wu Jian asked Wu Meiying to get off him, and the two walked together toward the meeting hall. His father was already waiting for him alongside his mother and Wu Taohua. While his mother smiled, his father retained a stern expression, and Wu Taohua looked at him with cold indifference.

Good to know that being gone for a month hasn’t changed their disposition.

“You called for us, Father?” asked Wu Jian after kneeling in a subservient pose.

“I am here as you requested, Uncle,” Wu Meiying said, also kneeling.

His father twitched at being called “Uncle,” but he let it slide, even though Wu Taohua looked dissatisfied by Wu Meiying’s informal term for her husband.

“Your one month confinement is over. You’re free to move about as you please. However, I hope what happened will serve as a lesson to you both,” his father said.

Wu Jian and Wu Meiying couldn’t help but share a smile, but they knew there was still decorum they needed to follow. Still kneeling, they placed the fist of their right hand against the palm of their left and lowered their heads in a bow. It was much more formal than the traditional martial bow. This was the kind of bow one did before their lord.

“Yes, Father.”

“I understand, Uncle.”

“Then you are both free to leave,” his father said with what almost sounded like a sigh.

Wu Jian and Wu Meiying scurried out of the meeting room after giving one more bow, then stood underneath the sunlight, basking in their newfound freedom

Everyone else was getting started on their day. Some people were working on the gardens, others were walking toward their destination—wherever that was—and several courtyards were being used as a sparring ground for the older clansmen.

“What should we do now?” asked Wu Jian.

“Hmm…” Wu Meiying tilted her head to the side, thinking, then smiled. “Breakfast?”

“Breakfast,” Wu Jian agreed.

He offered his hand. Wu Meiying reached out and grabbed it. Lacing their fingers together, they headed for the dining hall.