In the evening, the scout assigned to search for the path had returned. He reported that the crossing was frozen, and the boat stopped.

Wei Shao contacted a native who knew a narrow pass in the river. According to the freezing conditions, it would be possible to walk on it after a few more days. By then, he was willing to lead the way across the river.

Wei Shao took Xiao Qiao from Wu Chao’s ancient ferry and traveled dozens of miles to stay in a post house, waiting for the ice to thicken to cross the river.

This area was near Luoyang and under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Court. It was difficult for the warlords to expand their power. The postmaster heard that Wei Shao of Youzhou had come here with his family for a temporary stay and did his best to welcome them.

Since Wei Shao was seventeen, he had been at the head of the army, defending against the Xiongnu, guarding the border, and conquering cities in the east and the west. Even in his sleep, he used to put his sword under his pillow, never relaxing for a moment.

With the ferry crossing delayed, Wei Shao spent the next few days waiting in unprecedented comfort. It was cold outside the house, but the spring was melting inside. His beloved woman was within reach, and he did not think about the others, all left behind. He held Xiao Qiao day and night, enjoying the pleasure of making love between men and women.

In ancient times, there were Shang Zhou and King Yu who didn’t care about the affairs of the state because of women and died because of lust. Wei Shao disdained and thought they were foolish rulers. Unexpectedly, he would be obsessed with a woman today, so much even Lei Yan and Mr. Jia did not see him for three days. On the fourth day, Lei Yan went to ask for a meeting because news had come, but the master had taken the lady early in the morning to enjoy the snow and did not say when he would return to the post house.Sigh! Alas! A bizarre situation for the Marquis of Wei!

……

After several days of foolishness, Wei Shao suddenly became excited early in the morning. Although he had been here in the past, he only hurriedly passed by and never stopped to appreciate the beautiful landscape of the Yellow River area. At that time, there was no interest and no time to spare. Now, since he couldn’t cross the river and have a beautiful woman by his side, why not take her on a trip to enjoy the scenery? This way, they did not waste this trip.

He’s a man of his word. When the mood strikes, he immediately wants to take her on a trip.

A few days ago, they were shut in their room and did not go out half a step door. Wei Shao was like a wild owl. Although Xiao Qiao catered to him, her body was a bit weak. After days and nights against his demands, she suffered some fatigue and was worried. Once she heard he turned his interest to outside, she was thrilled. There was no reason for her to refuse.

Chun Niang wrapped her head to toe. Xiao Qiao wore an apricot-color cotton cloak with a hood. Wei Shao took her out quietly from the back door of the post house early in the morning. They shared a horse and rode along the river road on horseback.

The snow and the sky were clear. But the wind was howling and colder than the first few days before. Xiao Qiao huddled in Wei Shao’s warm arms, and he wrapped her in his cloak. Only her eyes were exposed, and Xiao Qiao felt warm.

After being locked up for several days, she finally came out to let off some steam and was in a cheerful mood. While enjoying the scenery, she talked and laughed with Wei Shao along the way. Unknowingly, they arrived at a place with high terrain under a hill and stopped. Wei Shao took Xiao Qiao’s hand and led her on a walk, climbing to the top of the hill and standing side by side, looking at the scenery.The two green and white lines beneath their feet spread from west to east magnificently. The frozen river reflects the rising sun like crystal earth. There was undulating terrain on both sides of the snowfield, and the white-capped hills were like a dragon swimming.

When people stood between such heaven and earth, they only felt that it was magnificent. Xiao Qiao was in a trance. A sense of insignificance rose in her heart. Wei Shao suddenly raised his arm and pointed to the west. He said, “Look, that is the direction of Luoyang, and it will only take a few days for a fast horse to get there and back. Xing Xun has occupied the position for many years. I despise Yuan Zhe, who claimed to have millions of soldiers and horses, but it turned out that he was just an empty name!” The tone of his voice was full of look in disdain.

Yuan Zhe invaded Xing Xun in the name of the king. Both sides stalemated in Bingshui and finally fought last month. Yuan Zhe failed to defeat Xing Xun and now returned to Qingzhou.

Xiao Qiao knew Wei Shao felt something because the scene had moved him. She followed his finger and looked at the unseen glorious imperial capital.

The cold wind blew over the top of the hill making Xiao Qiao unsteady. Wei Shao took her shoulder with one hand and said, “If I own this kingdom in the future, I will take your hand and share the honor of ten thousand people.”

Xiao Qiao was stunned and lifted her eyes to look at him.

Wei Shao did not look at her. His eyes still fell in the direction of the distant imperial capital. The words he said just now seemed like a thoughtless remark he made casually.

Xiao Qiao smiled and did not say anything.

The wind was strong at the top of the hill, so they stood for a few more moments before they came down. They rode together as they had done and slowly made their way home. When they near the post house, they saw Lei Yan standing at the intersection, waiting for Wei Shao.

Lei Yan saw Wei Shao and came towards him briskly. Wei Shao spurred his horse, gestured to him to wait, and sent Xiao Qiao into the post house himself, then turned out.

“My lord, Yang Xin has news.”