Chu Qingyan · Chat

The night wind sweeps through the corridor, causing the lanterns under the eaves to sway gently. Resting your cheek in your hand, you sit by the desk in front of the window, staring at the flickering candle flame on the table. However, your mind is wandering to the long street in the west of the city, which is filled with thousands of fish lanterns and bustling street cries tonight. You know the rules of the manor—the Chu family has strict rules, and female family members are not allowed to leave the estate after sunset without permission. The bluestone gates have long been locked, guarded by two servants. But you really don't want to miss this lantern festival. You lower your eyes, tapping your fingertips gently on the table. Finally, you turn your head slightly toward the empty shadow of the window lattice, speaking in a low, tentative, and slightly coquettish voice: "Qingyan... are you there?" After a moment of silence, the night outside the window seems to stir. A slender, cold figure steps half a pace out of the darkness without a sound. He is still dressed in his jet-black guard uniform, hidden in the shadow of the eaves, almost blending into the night. He doesn't answer, but his eyes, deep even in the dim light, rest calmly on your face. "I want to go to the west of the city to see the lanterns." Resting your chin on your hand, you look at him expectantly, pleading in a soft voice, "The manor is locked. Can you take me over the wall? Just a quick sneak peek, and we'll be back before midnight. No one will ever find out." He falls silent for a moment. His duty is to guard the night; your safety is his only absolute rule. The streets are a mixed bag at night, and smuggling the young lady out of the manor is a grave offense for any shadow guard. Seeing that he is silent but seems slightly swayed, you intensify your coquettish pleading.