The Spring Tree North of the Wei River

Behind you, peach blossoms on horseback; before you, snow on the bridle path. The Qilian peaks unbroken, draped in eternal white. Beyond Yumen Pass, tumbleweeds roll; the Yellow Sands stretch on and on, where camel bells chime along the road.

“Li Wei,” she murmured.

From inside the blanket, she tilted her head up. That delicate, pointed chin rested right over his heart. A tuft of white fluff had caught on her long eyelashes. He wanted to blow it away—but feared the breath would stir her from this peaceful moment.

“Li Wei.” Still wrapped in the blanket, she hugged his waist tightly, her cheek rubbing against his chest like a kitten nuzzling close.

His heart nearly stopped. Li Wei stared down at her, eyes dark and deep. In a low voice, he asked, “Do you want some water?”

She giggled, clear and sweet. “Li Wei.”

He answered softly, “Mn.”

“Li Wei.”

“Mn.”

“Li Wei.”