An He Zhuan: Act Nine – Chapter 1
During the Summer Solstice, eighteen rains fall,
Seven or eight downpours in a single day.
…
“Rain again, how annoying,” Su Changhe grumbled, shaking water from his sleeves.
Su Muyu held a paper umbrella, smiling slightly: “Rain during Summer Solstice is perfectly normal. I tried to convince you to buy an umbrella in town earlier, but you wouldn’t listen.”
“This isn’t about the Summer Solstice, it’s about you. Wherever you appear, rain follows,” Su Changhe said helplessly. “What’s that saying… ah yes… like a lingering ghost!”
Su Muyu shook his head: “Would you like to share my umbrella?”
“No need. In such hot weather, a bit of rain is refreshing!” Su Changhe waved his hand.
“I enjoy the scorching summer days,” Su Muyu said softly.
Su Changhe paused, then laughed: “Ah, I forgot—you’ve always loved these oppressive summer days.”
“Summer has flavors that other seasons lack. The leisure of waking to insects chirping and birds calling at dawn, the fragrance of cutting watermelon in the shade at noon, and at sunset, that lingering warmth from the earth mixed with the comfort of an evening breeze—all of these are unique. Whenever I think of summer, I remember those days,” Su Muyu tilted his head back, catching raindrops in his palm. “It feels as if everything is just beginning, with the future full of possibilities.”
“You shouldn’t be an assassin—you should retire and take the imperial examinations,” Su Changhe teased, giving a thumbs up.
“In my days with Dark River, I missed many summers,” Su Muyu continued walking forward.
Su Changhe shrugged: “I hate these scorching summer days. Take a few steps and you’re sticky all over, making me want to bathe three times a day.”
“Well, you’re getting your bath right now,” Su Muyu smiled.
“Once you reach Home Garden, what are your plans? Will you settle there?” Su Changhe asked.
They were walking past vegetable fields surrounded by high mountains, with a small village visible in the distance—the Dark River “Home Garden” where Su Changhe had once brought Mu Yumo.
Su Muyu shook his head: “There are still many matters in Dark River that need attention. I won’t let you shoulder everything alone—I’ll return with you.”
“Oh my, could it be that Home Garden can’t compare to Qiantang City?” Su Changhe smiled. “Miss Bai said she’s already returned to Qiantang City, and her meaning was clear—she’s waiting for you.”
“Stop teasing me,” Su Muyu shook his head helplessly. “Qiantang City isn’t simple either, with the Academy’s presence stirring undercurrents.”
“Then go to Nan’an. It’s not far from Qiantang and is also a beautiful place,” Su Changhe said.
Su Muyu frowned slightly: “You’ve been there?”
“Mm. Killed someone there,” Su Changhe said quietly.
“We must be close now,” Su Muyu changed the subject.
“Su Muyu, I feel you’ve been different since we returned from Tianqi City,” Su Changhe looked at Su Muyu, his tone suddenly becoming serious.
“Yes. I learned some truths,” Su Muyu said slowly, showing no intention to hide it.
“But you seem unwilling to tell me?” Su Changhe pressed.
Su Muyu hesitated: “When the time comes, I’ll tell you naturally.”
“The Hall of Ten Thousand Scrolls contained everything about us, but those things were written by you after all. Anything written by humans can be fabricated. That’s why I didn’t even look at those papers you gave me. First, I don’t care, and second, I fear it would affect my judgment,” Su Changhe pursed his lips. “Some things, I’ve already decided in my heart. But I know you can’t let go of those matters.”
Su Muyu closed his oil-paper umbrella, looking at the sky: “The rain has stopped.”
“We’ve arrived. This is Home Garden,” Su Changhe looked at the utterly ordinary small village before them. “Looks quite ordinary, doesn’t it?”
“Isn’t that exactly what a home should be—ordinary?” Su Muyu asked in return.
“You always have the last word,” Su Changhe suddenly stopped, looking at a woman in plain clothes carrying a bamboo basket in the distance. “Oh, what a coincidence—someone you wanted to see.”
“Chaoyan,” Su Muyu smiled gently, his tone softening.
The woman in plain clothes dropped her basket and ran forward excitedly, hugging Su Muyu: “Brother Muyu!”
Su Changhe asked puzzled: “Isn’t she your childhood friend? Why does she call you Brother Muyu—was your name always Muyu?”
“We were separated for too long; childhood names were long abandoned. When we reunited last time, I asked her to use my new name,” Su Muyu patted the woman’s back. “Chaoyan, don’t let others laugh at us.”
“You said you’d come to see me soon, but how did ‘soon’ turn into many years?” The woman released Su Muyu, her voice full of reproach.
“Indeed. In the blink of an eye, many years passed,” Su Muyu sighed lightly, pointing to Su Changhe. “This is Changhe, the current leader of Dark River. You should have met him.”
Su Changhe grinned: “Actually, we met many years ago.”
“This is Chaoyan, Xiao Chaoyan. We grew up together in Wujian City,” Su Muyu patted the woman’s head again. “She’s like my sister.”
Xiao Chaoyan pouted: “Brother Muyu, why do I feel like you’re trying to play matchmaker?”
Su Changhe laughed heartily: “Hahahahaha! Because someone just played matchmaker for him, and he wants revenge!”
“Brother, let’s ignore this person. Come, let’s go to my house for a meal. I just picked vegetables, and Sister Wang brought chicken today—I’ll make you a feast!” Xiao Chaoyan made a face at Su Changhe and pulled Su Muyu away.
Su Changhe sighed helplessly: “Last time I saw you, you seemed so mature and proper. How did you turn into a child just by seeing your brother?”
“None of your business,” Xiao Chaoyan pointed to the neighboring house. “You can eat at Sister Wang’s place.”
Su Changhe scratched his head: “Who’s Sister Wang?”
“Don’t worry, Sister Wang has been widowed for years; no one will chase you away,” Xiao Chaoyan replied.
Su Changhe froze: “Oh, a widow…”
“Stop fooling around,” Su Muyu held his forehead. “Let’s all eat together.”
“Fine, I’ll listen to brother,” Xiao Chaoyan released her grip. “Then follow me.” She skipped ahead after speaking.
“Last time I came, she seemed like a female warrior,” Su Changhe spread his hands. “How did she turn into such a wild girl?”
“She’s always been a wild girl,” Su Muyu smiled and followed. “This is truly home.”
“How is this suddenly home?” Su Changhe watched Su Muyu, who seemed to be constantly philosophical, feeling somewhat exasperated.
“Just discussing matters of food and drink, as if these were all there is to life,” Su Muyu paused, then continued. “But isn’t this exactly what life should be about?”