The city gate creaked open, and five riders dashed out of the small gap that had opened. Ran Yan was startled, aware that privately opening the city gates at midnight was a capital offense! But then she remembered Su Fu's words and abruptly realized that "he" was very likely Xiao Song.
Indeed, the man in the lead wore a purple robe typical of daily wear, his bamboo hat drooped low amidst the wind and snow, revealing only a tense jaw and pursed lips.
Ran Yan was very close to the city gate and, seeing that they were about to rush past her, called out urgently, "Xiao Langjun!"
The horse, which had been charging forward like an arrow, reared up suddenly with its front hooves, kicking up a spray of snow. The horse turned in the snow and stopped.
Xiao Song looked at Ran Yan, whose appearance was a bit disheveled, dismounted, and in a few strides, hurried over to her. Without a word, he scooped her into his arms.
