Call Me Autumn Moon

Two years later, it was the fourth year of the Great Li Dynasty.

In the late spring, on a vernal night, peach blossoms bloomed in profusion, and the moonlight streamed down like a silken ribbon.

The Shangguan Residence in the capital was adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, filled with esteemed guests, and an atmosphere of joyous festivity permeated the entire courtyard.

The purpose of this grand banquet was not to celebrate a felicitous occasion, but merely to garner good fortune—for in another month, it would be Shangguan Qiūyuè’s “Awakening Day.”

“Star-Gazing,” as it was commonly known, signified an awakening, marking the beginning of a mortal’s journey onto the path of cultivation.

An ancient saying proclaimed, “To glimpse a single star in the cosmos, is to pluck the sun and moon, and embrace mountains and rivers.”

In this world, those who reached the age of thirteen could, on their birthday, independently open their first meridian gate within their bodies; then, by employing special cultivation secret arts, they could commune with the stars above the firmament.

Those who successfully gained recognition from a star would officially embark upon the path of cultivation.

It was common knowledge that the caliber of one’s cultivation talent was largely determined by the tier of the star with which they first communed.

The stars residing at the highest reaches were those of the Nine Heavens.

Thus, some, born of humble origins, saw their destinies reversed merely because their star hailed from the high heavens, rising to become revered masters within a mere century; conversely, scions of esteemed families, having communed with lower-tier stars, could fall into obscurity, becoming nothing more than a mere nobody.

Ancient legends even spoke of once-illustrious clans, boasting countless descendants, that ultimately crumbled because not a single member could commune with a high-tier star.

Therefore, the renowned Shangguan family of the capital, in their fervent desire for their youngest daughter, Shangguan Qiūyuè, to encounter a high-heaven star, spared no expense, inviting guests from far and wide—all to gather auspicious fortune and secure a propitious omen.

Among the guests were numerous cultivation clans and immortal visitors from the mountains.

In the eyes of the Shangguan family, the more immortal guests who arrived, the deeper their karmic ties would become, and thus, the better Shangguan Qiūyuè’s immortal fate—or star-destiny—would be.

It was often said that cultivating immortality meant departing from the mortal realm, yet in the Ancient Realm of Lixun, no such rule existed; here, immortals and mortals coexisting in the human world was the norm.

****

“Miss! Are you still not ready? The Master is growing impatient…”

“Just a moment, I’ll be there soon.”

In the main room of the side courtyard, Shangguan Qiūyuè sat on the edge of the bed in a white silk dress, her hands braced against the mattress, her two jade-white feet, unadorned by embroidered slippers, playfully swaying.

Where silver bells had once adorned her ankles years ago, now a single red string loosely encircled them.

Yún Mù knelt on the floor, a basin of warm water placed before him.

He reached out, testing the water’s temperature; it was just right.

“Miss, it’s time to wash your feet. Today’s banquet is held for you; it wouldn’t be good to delay.”

Having spoken, the young man reached out, intending to grasp those restless, slender jade feet.

But his hand met only empty air.

“Miss…”

He looked up, only to find a soft, delicate jade-like foot gently pressing onto his face.

“Xiao Mù, I told you not to call me ‘Miss.’ Call me Qiūyuè, understand?”

“But Miss… our respective statuses…”

“I said it! Call me Qiūyuè! Otherwise, I won’t wash my feet, and I won’t go out. If Father gets angry, it’ll all be your fault!”

Shangguan Qiūyuè’s words carried a hint of threat, her cheeks flushed, her tone spoiled yet laced with a playful whine, and she unconsciously pressed down a little harder with her foot.

The young man’s warm breath brushed against the sole of her foot, stirring a faint itch in her heartstrings.

The twelve-year-old girl’s budding romantic feelings were being unwittingly stirred by these nascent emotions.

“…Alright… Miss Qiūyuè…” Yún Mù reluctantly conceded, grasping her slender ankle and pushing the basin forward a few inches.

Shangguan Qiūyuè pouted, glaring at the young man kneeling before her with his head bowed, her eyes filled with displeasure.

‘Miss’ was a title of status, ‘Miss Qiūyuè’ a formality; only the name “Qiūyuè,” in her heart, was a call reserved for those closest to her.

And Yún Mù, in her eyes, should be one of those intimate few.

“Ugh… never mind, never mind. Seeing as you’re washing my feet, I’ll let it slide this time.”

“Yes… as long as Miss Qiūyuè is happy…”

“Ah—!” The girl almost stomped her foot. “Can you stop talking so coldly? I told you I don’t like it!”

“Then… Miss Qiūyuè?”

Yún Mù’s tone lifted slightly, his voice seemingly more lively, yet his eyes, hidden beneath his long hair, remained like a still, dead pool, igniting an inexplicable fury within Shangguan Qiūyuè.

“This is truly… infuriating!” Her toes unconsciously flicked, splashing water that dampened the blue bricks and splattered all over the young man.

Yún Mù remained silent, diligently wiping away the water droplets, which, ironically, caused the girl a pang of heartache.

She knew, deep down, that her actions just now had been somewhat spoiled, yet for some reason, whenever she faced Yún Mù, she couldn’t help but act out in ways that seemed like temper tantrums but were, in truth, merely playful demands for attention.

“Um, Xiao Mù… I was wrong just now, you…”

Before her words could finish, the door was suddenly pushed open with a “bang.”

“Sister Qiūyuè!”

A tall girl burst in, interrupting her.

Her eyes caught sight of the figure kneeling on the floor in plain clothes, and her originally joyful expression suddenly darkened, only to quickly vanish and be replaced by a look of delight.

“Sister Xúnyī, you’re back!?” Shangguan Qiūyuè wasn’t angry at the intrusion; her face lit up with surprise, and without even bothering about the water still clinging to her feet, she quickly put on her shoes, rushed to the girl, and threw herself into her embrace. “I missed you so much! Half a year and you feel even softer, Sister Xúnyī.” She then rubbed against the girl’s chest twice, looking rather adorable.

“What nonsense are you spouting, you silly girl?” The girl glanced at Yún Mù, and only after realizing he wasn’t looking at her, she unconsciously pursed her lips before continuing, “Today is your day of blessings, so I specifically rushed back from the Ancient Realm Academy. Speaking of which, it’s been so long, and you seem to have grown taller? You’re already up to my chest now.”

“Hehe, that’s right, that’s right, after all, I’m at the age for growing.”

“Silly girl, let’s go quickly. The Family Head is still waiting for you in the main courtyard; we shouldn’t be late,” she said, attempting to lead the girl away, but was held back. “What is it?”

“Wait… just a moment.”

Shangguan Qiūyuè released her grip, turned, and ran back to Yún Mù. She cast a glance back at her long-unseen sister, then crouched down and whispered into Yún Mù’s ear.

“Xiao Mù, I’m going ahead. Remember to eat the pastries on the table over there, and there’s a new outfit I hid under your pillow; I sewed it myself…”

Clutching her small hands to her chest, she hesitated for a moment, then leaned in slightly, brushing a feather-light touch, like a dragonfly skimming water, across the young man’s cheek before quickly pulling back.

“I’m sorry about earlier, I was too willful. This, this is my apology. Mother used to apologize to Father like this when she made him unhappy. Anyway, I, I’m leaving…”

The girl’s face was flushed a vibrant blush all the way to her ears, and she bolted out the door without a backward glance.

Yún Mù remained crouched there, only slowly coming back to his senses after a long while. He covered his face, the soft, tender sensation from moments ago seemingly still lingering on his cheek.

His heart—was pounding.

A warmth—like a tide, washed over him.

The young man stood up, his gaze falling upon the osmanthus cake on the table, as if he could see the girl smiling, her little feet swinging playfully.

“Miss… thank you…”

****

Outside the door, Shangguan Xúnyī stood, her mind repeatedly replaying the scene of the young man kneeling to wash her little sister’s feet. Her right hand was raised and clasped to her chest, her delicate brows furrowed.

‘I should have known to come later,’ she thought, her eyes cast down, biting her lip, feeling rather vexed. ‘I listened to their intimate words outside for so long, and just when I thought they’d stopped, I walked in and saw that scene again. Just now… they didn’t kiss, right? It seemed like they were just whispering.’

‘Ugh, this is so annoying! I was here first, that bad Yún Mù, I was clearly here first, I…’

The girl stomped her foot hard, her cheeks puffed out, her face flushed under the moonlight.

‘If all else fails, should I just go in and ask him? Just like before, I’ll push him into a corner; he’s easily embarrassed, and if he blushes, he’ll definitely tell me.’

She turned, then turned again, turned, and turned once more, hesitating back and forth.

‘Why am I hesitating?! It’s not the first time I’ve done this! Shangguan Xúnyī, you can do this, you’ve got this, you’re the older sister!’

Gritting her teeth and steeling her resolve, the girl finally raised both arms and forcefully pushed open the door.

“Yún Mù!”