coobybook Chapter 228 Waiting
Chapter 228 Waiting
In a blink of an eye, the Lantern Festival is over, the lanterns in the streets and alleys are gradually extinguished, and the last trace of the New Year's noise has dissipated like smoke, and this year is over!
Su Qing, her master, Dr. Yue, and her uncles and uncles all went to the Weimin Clinic. Su Qing's slender figure moved through the morning light, her steps light yet resolute. Once inside, she busied herself with sorting herbs, cleaning the clinic, and preparing everything for the incoming patient. Dr. Yue, observing his diligent and thoughtful disciple, was filled with satisfaction and anticipation. The uncles and uncles also went about their duties in unison, dispensing medicine and consulting patients. For a moment, the clinic was filled with the faint aroma of medicine and a strong sense of mission.
Su Zhiyuan and his wife, Xiao, also returned to the yamen. Su Zhiyuan stood tall and straight, his official uniform imposing him with even greater dignity. He strode with boundless energy, and the yamen runners bowed respectfully wherever he passed. Xiao, gently at his side, her gaze full of affection, silently supported her husband's career. Entering the yamen, Su Zhiyuan headed straight for the courtroom and began reviewing the pile of files, pondering how to improve administration and redress grievances in the new year. Xiao, in her quarters at the back, meticulously sorted clothes, prepared meals, and kept her daily routine organized.
Uncle Su, Aunt Su...all returned to the shop. Uncle Su, full of energy, stood at the door, directing the shop assistants to bring in the newly arrived goods one by one, muttering about the quality and market conditions of each item, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness and enthusiasm. Aunt Su, in the accounting office, skillfully manipulated the abacus with her slender fingers. The crackling sound seemed to be the prelude to the new year's fortune, and each account was clear and legible under her hands. Su Dalang and his two cousins also returned to the academy. Su Dalang walked in front, his posture vigorous and high-spirited, followed closely by his two cousins. The three of them chatted and laughed all the way, discussing the fun things that happened at home during the new year and their anticipation for the new round of classes at the academy. Their servants, carrying heavy boxes of books, were also excited, as if infected by their master's enthusiasm. Su Qing was left with only Old Wang, Old Man Su, and the servants. Old Wang sat on a throne in the hall, sunlight streaming down her wrinkled face. She stared blankly at the door, feeling the loneliness of her children and grandchildren leaving, yet also aware that they each had their own futures. Old Man Su paced slowly in the courtyard, wisps of smoke rising from his pipe. He would occasionally pause and gaze upwards, seemingly contemplating the future and well-being of his family.
In the Imperial Palace, in the Imperial Study, Emperor Fengyuan said to the War King Murong Ye, "Ye'er, this year is over, and Qing has reached the age of marriage! How about I grant you a marriage?"
"Thank you, Father. Allow me to write Qing'er a letter first to see how she feels. If Qing'er agrees, I'll ask for your permission!" Murong Ye knelt respectfully in gratitude, his heart tangled with conflicting thoughts. He knew Su Qing's personality well: free and easy, with her own unique perspectives on everything. After leaving the imperial study, he hurried back to his own residence and sat at his desk, brush in hand, unable to put it down for a long time. Su Qing's lively eyes and dimples appeared before his eyes, and the corners of his mouth lifted unconsciously, but then a frown fell, fearing that his abruptness might disturb her. Finally, he took a deep breath and wrote: "Qing'er, the Lantern Festival has passed. In memory of your coming-of-age celebration, the Emperor has expressed his intention to grant us a marriage. However, I know that you care deeply about the world and are not bound by the palace. In matters of this magnitude, I only wish to follow your heart. If you are even slightly interested, I am willing to walk hand in hand with you and protect you throughout your life. If you are not interested, I will not force you. I only hope that our friendship will remain, and that I can always be by your side, watching you save the world and face the world with a smile."
After writing, he carefully placed the letter into an envelope, summoned his confidant, and instructed him to deliver it immediately to Su Qing. Then, he fell into a long wait, every minute and every second tormenting his heart, not knowing how Su Qing would respond, and not knowing where his fate with her would go...
A few days passed like this...
One day, Su Qing returned home from a busy day at the clinic, her forehead beaded with sweat and her hair a bit disheveled. Ying San handed her a letter, claiming it was from the War King. Seeing the familiar handwriting, Su Qing's heart skipped a beat, and an inexplicable premonition washed over her.
She slowly opened the letter and read it word by word, her eyes at first a touch of panic and shyness. Though vague thoughts about her lifelong destiny had surfaced after she came of age, the reality of it now staring her in the face left her somewhat bewildered. She bit her lip, her mind involuntarily conjuring up the image of Murong Ye: his stern yet gentle face, his heroic presence on the battlefield, his daily care for her.
"He actually wants to marry me? How many rules and restrictions are there behind this palace-appointed marriage?" Su Qing's heart was in turmoil. She loved freedom, loved treating people in the clinic, and experienced the world through the streets. Would all this change if she married into the palace? But when she thought of Murong Ye's deep affection, her heart softened. "He said he respected my feelings, but how could I really understand what these feelings were? Was it just a friendship, or had love already blossomed between us without her realizing it?"
Su Qing paced the courtyard, clutching the letter tightly in her hand. The evening breeze rippled her skirt and hair, yet she remained oblivious. She knew this decision wasn't just about her own happiness, but also about the fate of her family. "If I refuse, will it hurt him? But if I agree, can I really adapt to life in the palace?" Su Qing paused, gazing up at the bright moon in the sky, trying to find a glimmer of truth in its cool glow. However, the confusion within her grew thicker like a fog.
After a cup of tea, Su Qing returned to the room, sat down at the desk, unfolded the paper, and wrote a reply to Murong Ye...
Brother Ye:
Seeing your letter is like seeing you in person. Receiving your letter has left me feeling utterly bewildered, like a bird lost in the fog. At the age of 15, I was preoccupied with studying medicine and healing the wounded, never giving much thought to marriage.
You are a trustworthy and reliable person to me. We have a long and deep friendship. But marriage is no small matter. I fear the high walls of the palace will confine my body and my heart. How can I leave my beloved clinic and the patients who desperately need treatment? But I also know your love for me, and if I completely ignore it, I am afraid I will hurt you deeply.
I think I'll give you some time to think about it. Once I've sorted out my thoughts, I'll give you an answer. Don't be anxious. Wait until I figure everything out.
青儿
Su Qing finished writing the letter and put down her brush. Her trembling fingertips betrayed the turmoil in her heart. She slowly stood up, walked lightly to the window, and gently pushed open the carved window frame. A gust of night wind blew in, bringing a slight coolness, brushing against her burning cheeks, as if gently soothing her sorrow.
Outside the window, a full moon hung in the sky, like a vast silver disk, its cold light pouring down unreservedly, shrouding the entire courtyard in a hazy veil. The flowers, plants, and trees in the courtyard seemed imbued with life, their shadows shimmering in a dreamlike, almost dreamlike ethereal light. Su Qing gazed at the full moon, her thoughts drifting away. She recalled the days she had spent with Murong Ye, moments of laughter and warmth, each one surfacing in her mind like twinkling stars in the night sky. But now, this bright moon, a symbol of reunion, seemed to silently mock her confusion and hesitation. She knew her response could change everything—not just her and Murong Ye's fate, but also the fate of so many people around them. In this watery moonlight, she felt insignificant and helpless, her future seemingly hidden, invisible behind the vast night. She sighed softly, a sigh that was especially clear in the silent night, as if bidding farewell to the past, or murmuring to an unknown fate. After a long moment, she gently closed the window, returned to her desk, and carefully sealed the letter. A hint of determination crossed her eyes. She knew that no matter what lay ahead, she must face it bravely, just like the bright moon hanging high in the sky, lonely and cold, yet always steadfastly watching over the earth.
The next day, Su Qing handed the written reply letter to Ying San! "Ying San, give this letter to the courier!"
"Yes, girl!"