The Cinnabar Mole of a Beijing Circle Tycoon

Chapter 27 Snow Falls on the Forbidden City

Sunlight pierced through the clouds, gilding the snow on the glazed tiles with a golden edge, a sight so beautiful it was impossible to look away.

Exclamations of surprise came from afar; some were taking photos with their phones, while others were building small snowmen in the snow.

"Let's go," Meng Jiangyu said, pulling her forward, "to see the corner tower."

Shen Qingyao followed his footsteps, her feet crunching on the thick snow.

She no longer looked back at that team, nor did she think about so-called fairness and rights.

At this moment, all she wanted to do was feel the snow and the warmth of the person beside her.

The convenience that power brings may be intoxicating, but what truly puts people at ease is the willingness of someone to do everything in their power for you behind that convenience.

As you cross the stone bridge over the moat, the sight of red walls and white snow instantly comes into view.

Thick snow piled up on the glazed tiles, making the auspicious beasts on the eaves appear even more majestic. The red walls were made even more dazzling by the white snow, as if time had frozen here, leaving only pure beauty.

Looking at the scene before her, Shen Qingyao was filled with shock and joy.

She turned to look at Meng Jiangyu, who was looking down at her, the smile in his eyes even gentler than the snowy scenery.

"Thank you, Ayu."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for bringing me to see such beautiful snow."

Meng Jiangyu held her hand tightly and whispered amidst the swirling snow, "As long as you want to see it, I'll bring you here every year from now on."

The cold wind swept across the palace walls, carrying snowflakes and leaving a rustling sound, but it could not dispel the warmth of their palms touching.

On the Taihe Hall Square, the snow had not yet melted, and the red walls and golden tiles looked even more solemn against the backdrop of the white snow.

Many tourists held up their cameras, capturing the beautiful moment on the steps and beside the palace walls. Laughter and the sound of camera shutters mingled together, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

Meng Jiangyu held Shen Qingyao's hand and walked slowly in the square.

She wore a smoky pink sweater and stood in the pure white snow, like a quietly blooming red plum blossom, her eyes filled with joy at being moved by the scenery.

"Stand on the steps, I'll take a picture of you." Meng Jiangyu let go of her hand, took out his phone from his pocket, and said with a hint of anticipation in his voice.

Shen Qingyao did as she was told, walked up a few steps, and turned to look at him.

Sunlight fell on her head, and there were still some unmelted snowflakes clinging to her eyelashes. When she smiled, her eyes seemed to sparkle with starlight.

Behind her were vermilion palace walls and upturned eaves, and beneath her feet was pure white snow; the colors of the world seemed to set off her beauty.

"Is this okay?" She tilted her head slightly, gently lifting the hem of her coat with both hands, and asked somewhat shyly.

"Very good." Meng Jiangyu held up his phone, and the girl in the lens was even more beautiful than the snowy landscape.

He pressed the shutter button several times, then changed the angle a few more times, "Stand a little more to the left, yes, look this way..."

Shen Qingyao followed his instructions, sometimes smiling, sometimes quiet, occasionally raising her hand to brush the snow off her shoulder; every movement was natural and beautiful.

There's no need to pose deliberately; the red walls and white snow are the perfect backdrop, and she standing among them is the most vibrant element in the painting.

A couple nearby laughed and joked, "Look how good that boyfriend is at taking pictures! He's made his girlfriend look like she's in a painting!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Qingyao's cheeks flushed slightly, and she subconsciously looked at Meng Jiangyu.

He had just put down his phone and looked over with gentle eyes, like the warmth of the winter sun.

"It's done. Take a look." He walked over and handed her the phone.

In the photo, she stands under the red wall, her skin glowing translucent in the snow, her smile as pure as a child's.

The palace walls, eaves, and even the silhouettes of tourists in the distance in the background perfectly enhance the atmosphere, making each photo look like a meticulously edited blockbuster.

"You took such great photos." Shen Qingyao exclaimed sincerely, her fingertips swiping across the screen, feeling a warm glow in her heart.

"You're the one who looks good." Meng Jiangyu took the phone and casually set his favorite picture as his screensaver. "Let's go in and take a look?"

Shen Qingyao nodded and took his hand again.

The warmth of palms touching is even warmer than the coat we're wearing.

Tourists in the square were still taking pictures, their laughter and exclamations becoming the background noise of the snowy scene.

She suddenly realized that a life photo might not just be a snapshot of scenery, but also a snapshot of the mood at that moment.

With snow falling all around and your loved one by your side, such moments, no matter how much time has passed, will always feel warm and bright when you recall them.

The towering palace walls on both sides of the corridor almost completely blocked out the sunlight.

The bluestone path underfoot was slippery from the snowmelt, and with each step, an echo could be heard crashing back and forth in the narrow alley, so dull that it made one's chest tighten.

Shen Qingyao subconsciously gripped Meng Jiangyu's hand tightly, her fingertips able to feel the thin calluses on his palm.

"It's so stuffy here..." she whispered, looking ahead. The end of the corridor was like a black hole, with no light in sight.

Meng Jiangyu stopped and turned to straighten her scarf, which had been ruffled by the wind. His voice was particularly clear in the corridor: "Officials walk through the outer square, which is wide and bright, with a view of the sky and enough room for their entourage."

"The maids and eunuchs in the deep palace could only walk along these side corridors, keeping their heads down and hurrying along, without even having time to look up at the clouds."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the mottled walls on both sides. "You see, the environment can change a person's state of mind. Different locations lead to completely different views of the world."

Shen Qingyao followed his gaze and saw that there was still snow piled up at the base of the wall, and there were even some mold spots growing in the corners.

She suddenly understood.

Just like in the square, she only thought the snow scene was magnificent, but she never imagined that there would be such a cramped and oppressive corner inside the same palace walls.

"Let's go." Meng Jiangyu squeezed her hand. "We'll be at the end soon, and it'll be sunny again when we get out."

The two walked side by side, their footsteps and breathing mingling in the corridor. Although the path was short, it felt like they had walked for a long time.

Only when she saw the light coming in from the exit did Shen Qingyao breathe a sigh of relief and quickly pulled Meng Jiangyu out.

Sunlight streamed in instantly, and she glanced back at the long corridor, suddenly realizing that Meng Jiangyu was referring not only to officials and servants.

There are too many such "corridors" in this world, which trap people's vision and their state of mind.

As Shen Qingyao emerged from the corridor, her enthusiasm waned considerably. Gazing at the distant, continuous palace walls, she sighed softly, "Ayu, shall we stop sightseeing?"

Seeing the weariness in her eyes, Meng Jiangyu readily agreed, "Okay, I'll take you somewhere."

Meng Jiangyu, holding Shen Qingyao's hand, quickly turned around and came out. "Ayu, have you been here before?"

"Yes, I came here a few times when I was little!"

"You still remember the way!" Shen Qingyao was very surprised.

"I looked at the map before coming, so I roughly know how to get there!"