Time
Snow came late that year, tumbling down in flat flakes as XueYa's ship docked to the port of Qiu, escorted by Sheng Hai and his men.
The bridge was silently lowered, the sullen atmosphere matching the dark clouds hanging above, the barren sceneries being covered by thick sets of snow.
YaYun had waited for them ever since news of LiangLin's family being rescued had arrived. White, plain robes peeked from under the black fur coat that shielded him from the cold. Thin lips were set in a straight, sorrowful line. Hollowed eyes were so terribly tired, a five o'clock shadow covering his chin and climbing up his cheeks.
QingYu would soon give birth. Contractions had started early in the morning, yet YaYun felt it his duty to arrive by the port, welcome his brother-in-law home safe and sound.
It would have been what XueYa wanted.