Her leg had a large bruise, and the next day she accidentally bumped it against the barre, causing her to inhale sharply from the pain. After practicing for two hours, the pain in her leg worsened, forcing her to stop. As the New Year approached, everyone inevitably became somewhat lazy. After the afternoon practice ended, the director announced he was treating everyone to a meal, and they all happily went along. Upon arrival, they discovered the hosts were several businessmen who sponsored the dance troupe. Fortunately, with so many people, it was quite lively, and the sound of laughter and chatter drowned out even the storytelling performances on stage.
Ren Susu sat in the corner, clearly catching every word of the performance. Having been away from her hometown for a long time, her memories of the Suzhou dialect were like scattered wildflowers in her mind, a stem here, a blossom there, scattered and swaying in the wind. The pipa sounded beautiful as if plucking directly at her heartstrings. The meal passed in a daze, and when the shark fin soup was served, she heard someone beside her softly ask, “Is Miss Ren from the South?” It startled her. She turned to see it was Mr. Zhang whom Mu Lan had mentioned before. She only replied softly, “Yes.” Mr. Zhang then said, “What a coincidence, so am I.” He proceeded to eloquently describe his hometown’s scenery and customs. His articulate speech was captivating as he talked about the local culture, drawing in even those sitting nearby. Having moved to Wu Chi with her uncle at a young age, Susu’s childhood memories had faded to vague longings, which made her listen all the more attentively.
After dinner, everyone played cards in the private room. Since Susu didn’t know how to play, she said she would leave first. Mr. Zhang intentionally followed her out and said, “I have a car, let me take you home, Miss Ren.” Susu shook her head and said, “Thank you, but I’ll take a pedicab back. It’s very close.” Mr. Zhang didn’t insist, instead hailing a pedicab for her and even paying the fare in advance. Susu felt somewhat indebted and could only thank him.
The next day, Mr. Zhang invited everyone out again, but she declined, claiming a headache. Alone at home with nothing to do and the weather very cold, she absentmindedly took an orange to warm by the stove. It gave off a slightly sour fragrance, but she didn’t feel like eating it. In her boredom, she looked around the room. Since the New Year was approaching, the walls had developed many black spots from the moisture. She mixed some flour paste and took out white paper to cover the walls. After putting up only a few sheets, she heard someone outside asking, “Is Miss Ren home?” Looking through the window, she saw it was Mr. Zhang. Surprised that he had found her home, she felt somewhat uncomfortable but had to open the door and invite him in. She smiled and said, “I’m so sorry, I’m making a mess of this room right now.” Mr. Zhang immediately understood the situation, rolled up his sleeves, and said, “How can I let a young lady like you do this kind of work?” Without further discussion, he moved a stool over and began pasting the papers for her.
Unable to refuse his help, she could only hand him the papers. As he worked, he chatted with her. She learned that his name was Zhang Mingshu, his family was in the industry, and he had recently returned from studying abroad. Looking at him, she suspected he was someone who had never done manual labor, let alone such rough work, and felt somewhat apologetic. By the time the wallpapering was finished, it was almost dark. He jumped down from the stool, dusted off his hands, and looked around the room with some pride. “It’s much brighter now.”
Susu said, “You’ve worked hard all day. Let me treat you to a meal.” Zhang Mingshu was pleasantly surprised and didn’t stand on ceremony, only saying, “That’s fine, but I get to choose the place.”
In the end, he took her to eat dan dan noodles on the lower street. In his Western suit, he stood out conspicuously in the small shop, but he didn’t care at all. He exclaimed how deliciously spicy the noodles were, showing his open and cheerful nature. After eating, he walked her home. The winter night market was quite desolate, with only a few small stalls at the street corner selling wontons and tangyuan. A vendor selling pinwheels was heading home with his rack, which had only three pinwheels left, spinning and making whistling sounds in the wind. Seeing that she glanced at the pinwheels twice, he immediately said, “Wait,” took out some change, and bought all three for her. She finally gave a slight smile and asked, “Why buy all of them?” He replied, “I’ve thought it through for you. You can put one on the fence so you can hear it from a distance, one on the windowsill so you can hear it from inside, and you can play with the other one.”
Such a childish toy, but since no one had ever bought one for her, she was quite happy holding it. As they walked back, the wind made the pinwheels whistle. He talked incessantly about everything; she had never met such a talkative person who could go on endlessly. He spoke about interesting stories from his time studying abroad, embarrassing incidents at the factory, and about his family. They walked to the gate of her yard before he stopped, still looking like he had more to say. “Oh, we’re here already.” Then he added, “Tomorrow you don’t have training. I’ll come to find you and we’ll go to the North City Corner to eat the taro. I guarantee it’s authentic.” Despite his seemingly casual nature, he had noticed her fondness for taro at the dinner table yesterday.
The next day, he came as promised. The weather had turned cloudy, and he wore a sweater with a plaid suit over it. As soon as he entered, he said, “Today is probably colder than yesterday. Don’t just wear a padded jacket.” Since she had only worn a plain padded jacket yesterday, after his comment, she had to take out her coat to put on. They walked again, and though the journey was long, with such a lively companion talking all the way, it didn’t feel tedious. By the time they reached North City Corner, they had walked for a full three hours, traversing half the city just to eat sweet taro. Thinking about this, Susu couldn’t help but smile. He happened to look up and see her smile, which startled him. After a moment, he asked, “What are you smiling about?”
Susu said, “I’m smiling because we walked so far just to eat this.” He became apologetic and said, “It’s my fault. Your feet will probably hurt later, but if we had come by car, we would have arrived quickly, and I wouldn’t have been able to talk with you much.” She was caught off guard by his candid words and slowly lowered her head.
Seeing her reaction, he remained silent for a good while before saying, “Miss Ren, I know I’m being presumptuous, but you know I can’t hide my feelings. Since I first saw you, I’ve known in my heart that the wife of my dreams is you, Miss Ren.”
Susu’s mind was in turmoil. After a long pause, she finally said, “You are a good person, but I am not worthy of you.”
Zhang Mingshu had anticipated this response and said, “No, I have no prejudices about status, and my family is very open-minded. If it’s too early to discuss this now, just give me some time, and I’ll prove to you that I am sincere.”
Susu felt a sharp pain in her heart, and that suffocating lump returned to her throat. She said softly, “I am not worthy of Mr. Zhang. Please don’t come find me anymore.” He looked at her in bewilderment and asked, “Was I too hasty?” Then he asked, “Are you displeased that I mentioned my family?”
No matter what he said, Susu just shook her head. Still believing the situation was salvageable, he hadn’t lost hope and said, “Then, can we at least be ordinary friends?” His eyes were almost pleading. Susu felt great sympathy but didn’t nod, though she didn’t shake her head either.
In the afternoon, they returned by pedicab, as she truly couldn’t walk anymore. When the cart reached the alley entrance, she got off and said goodbye to him, saying, “Please don’t come looking for me anymore.” He didn’t respond but handed her the paper bag he was holding. The sugar-roasted chestnuts inside were still warm. She carried the bag home, and from a distance, she could see the pinwheel inserted in the fence, whistling like a crying child. She took out her key to open the door, but it was already ajar. Fearing she had forgotten to lock it, she pushed it open. The room door was also slightly open. She entered with the bag of chestnuts, which emitted a thin warmth that quickly dissipated into the cold air. She stood there holding the paper bag, her voice as low as a murmur, “Why are you here?”
He asked, “Where did you go?”
She hadn’t noticed if there was a car parked at the alley entrance. She said, “I went out with a friend.”
He asked again, “What friend?”
The chestnuts pressed hard against her chest, making it difficult to breathe. She lowered her head and said, “You don’t need to know.” As expected, this statement provoked a cold laugh from him. “Indeed, I don’t need to—”
She remained silent, and he stood motionless. Darkness fell, and the gray dusk quietly closed in from all sides. As the light gradually faded, his face was hidden in shadows. She finally asked, “Why are you here?” This was not a place where he should be. Someone of his golden halls and jade mansions status, always admired by the masses, living a life of glory, wealth, and splendor.
He didn’t speak, which paradoxically gave her courage. She said, “You should leave.” His eyes seemed to be shooting flames, but her heart calmed down, and she just stood there looking at him. He turned his face away, his voice showing some weakness, “You said you wanted to marry me, and I agreed.”
She stepped back in shock and terror. He looked as if he could devour her, yet his eyes showed extreme disgust as if she were a wild beast or the most hateful demon in the world. He kept his mouth tightly shut, just looking at her.
She became extremely frightened and instinctively blurted out, “I don’t want to marry you.”
Even in the darkness, she could see his hawk-like eyes suddenly turn fierce. The veins on his forehead bulged, and his breathing became as rapid as gasping. With a swing of his hand, he slapped her, making her ears ring and her vision darken. She almost fell forward, but he gripped her wrist, causing excruciating pain as if he would crush her wrist bone. His voice seemed to be squeezed through his teeth, “Have you had enough?”
She was in so much pain that tears streamed down her face, but he pushed her against the wall and kissed her fiercely. It felt not like he wanted to kiss her but to kill her. She cried and struggled, pounding his back with her hands, but he caught her wrists, making her powerless. She could only bite his lips, which made him release her in pain. She trembled and sobbed, curled up in the corner of the wall. He looked at her as if she were a venomous snake. She didn’t understand why he hated her so much; his entire body emanated intense hatred, like the sharp north wind outside, a bone-chilling cold.
He said through gritted teeth, “You’re playing with me, you’re just playing with me.” Yet, her damned tears still pained his heart! How could there be such a woman, and how could he have been manipulated by her, letting her make a fool of him?
She said she wanted to marry him, he agreed, and then she could simply say she didn’t want to marry him. She was clearly pleased, pleased to see him so restless, so readily coming to her door to be toyed with.
He finally turned and left.
Lei Shao Gong was pacing by the car and quickly opened the door when he saw him come out. Seeing his poor expression, he didn’t dare ask much and took the initiative to drive back to Duanshan Residence. As soon as they entered, Mu Rong Qingye threw the ashtray to the ground, smashing the crystal ashtray to pieces, yet still not feeling relieved. He took a riding crop in hand and randomly struck the wall with it. Lei Shao Gong watched as he lashed at the wall again and again, fiercely striking until the plaster fell off in moments, revealing the blue bricks underneath. The plaster scattered in all directions, drifting down. Each strike was heavier and faster than the last. The only sound was the sharp whistle of the whip cutting through the air and the thunderous impact on the bricks. Although he was known for his temper, Lei Shao Gong had never seen him this angry and became worried. He rushed forward to hold his arm, almost pleading, “Third Young Master, Third Young Master, if you continue like this, I’ll have no choice but to call your mother.”
His hand froze and finally lowered. The whip fell to the carpet. His forehead was covered in sweat, but his face was expressionless. Lei Shao Gong said with concern, “Go take a bath and get some sleep. You’ll feel better.”
Pressing his sweaty forehead, he said hoarsely, “I must be possessed.”
Lei Shao Gong said, “It’s alright. Get some sleep, and you’ll be better tomorrow.”
He nodded slowly and went upstairs to bathe. When he came out, only a dim lamp was lit in the room, illuminating half the room in twilight. He pulled back the covers, and there was a faint fragrance on the bed, like flowers but not quite, and not incense. The scent was unfamiliar yet somehow familiar. He buried his head in the pillow, where the fragrance was even more ethereal. He was already exhausted and fell asleep within moments. This sleep was not particularly sound; he woke hazily in the middle of the night, with the fragrance lingering all around, seemingly penetrating to his bones. The heating was warm, and in his foggy consciousness, he suddenly called out, “Susu.” Everything around was quiet; in the darkness, he could only hear his breathing. He reached out his hand, expecting her to be curled up at the far end of the bed. She always curled up like a child when sleeping, curled in the corner farthest from him. But his hand met emptiness, and his heartfelt half-empty too.
He remembered Lei Shao Gong saying, “You’ll be better tomorrow.” A bone-deep chill surged through him. Tomorrow wouldn’t be better; it would never be better.
Today was the fourteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, the beginning of the City God Temple Fair. Zhang Mingshu wanted to invite Susu to the fair, but many guests had arrived at his home, and he couldn’t leave. His cousins dragged him to play cards, and he had to sit down with them. His mind was elsewhere when he heard his eldest cousin ask, “I heard you’re sponsoring a ballet troupe, which one is it?”
He answered, “Yun’s troupe.”
The eldest cousin then said, “Yun’s troupe has an extraordinarily beautiful woman. Have you seen her?” Hearing this, for some reason, his ears burned hot. He mumbled a response and asked, “What beautiful woman? Those ballet girls are all beautiful.” The eldest cousin said, “The one who played Yingtai in ‘Butterfly Lovers’ a few months ago. Tsk, truly beautiful, even more outstanding than many movie stars.”
Another cousin, the fourth one, laughed and said, “Listen to yourself, you’re practically drooling. If you desire her so much, why not pursue her?”
The eldest cousin shook his head and said, “Not many outsiders know this, but do you know whose woman she is? I wouldn’t dare covet her even with ten times my courage.”
Zhang Mingshu asked, “Is this lady’s surname Fang?” As he spoke, he put down his cards and asked, “Do you want this five of bamboo?” The eldest cousin quickly said, “Put it down, pure hand.” Everyone discarded their cards, calculated the points, and exchanged money. As they shuffled the tiles, the fourth cousin smiled and said, “Mingshu’s luck is bad today in gambling, but perhaps lucky in love. From your tone, are you familiar with Miss Fang?”
Before Zhang Mingshu could respond, the eldest cousin interjected, “I wasn’t talking about Miss Fang, but a Miss Ren.”
Hearing this, Zhang Mingshu felt as if struck by lightning. His hands slowed as he arranged his tiles and froze. The fourth cousin, still joking, said, “If someone as bold as you claim he wouldn’t dare, I’d like to know about this Miss Ren’s background.”
The eldest cousin said, “I heard it from our family elder—she’s the Third Young Master’s forbidden treasure. Who would dare snatch food from a tiger’s mouth?”
The fourth cousin asked, “Which Third Young Master? Could it be Mu Rong’s Third Young Master?”
The eldest cousin replied, “Who else but him? Miss Ren is indeed beautiful, but she rarely smiles. If she did, she would truly be a beauty that could topple a nation.”
The two of them chatted animatedly, not noticing Zhang Mingshu’s expression. Only when he stood up did the eldest cousin ask in surprise, “What’s wrong with you? Your forehead is covered in sweat.” Zhang Mingshu said, “I have a terrible headache.” Seeing his ashen face, everyone said, “You must have caught a cold. You look awful. Go rest quickly.” Zhang Mingshu struggled to say, “You all continue playing. I’ll go lie down.” Then he went upstairs. The room was very quiet, with only the faint sounds of guests laughing, children playing, and the crisp clacking of mahjong tiles coming from downstairs. He felt as if a sharp knife was stirring in his heart as if a hand was tearing him apart. That feeling made him lose control for the first time. He paced around the room like a trapped beast, and finally couldn’t bear it anymore. He grabbed his coat and left through the back door.
Not wanting his family to know, he walked to the street corner before taking a pedicab. All the way, his thoughts surged. Usually, when traveling this route, he always felt it was an endless journey, wishing he could see her sooner. Today, he suddenly became afraid—afraid the journey was too short, afraid his cousin’s words were true. He had never been a coward, but for some reason, at this moment, he became one, only wanting to deceive himself.
The familiar alley was already in sight. He gave the driver one yuan and saw from a distance that the pinwheel was still inserted in the fence outside her house. His heart felt increasingly like it was being cut by a knife. But then he saw her coming out of the yard, not alone. In front of her was a strange man who, though wearing a Western suit, moved like a military man. He turned sideways to open the car door for her. The car was a new model Lincoln. She kept her head down, and he couldn’t see her expression. His chest felt as if it had been heavily struck as if all his internal organs had been shattered. He watched helplessly as the car drove away.
12
Ren Susu quietly gazed out the car window as they passed through the bustling downtown area and turned onto a secluded asphalt road. She finally began to sense something wasn’t right and asked, “Where are we going?”
The attendant who had come to pick her up replied, “Miss Ren, you’ll know when we arrive.”
The scenery along the roadside was extremely serene. Tall maple and sycamore trees lined the path, interspersed with umbrella-like silk trees. The season of falling leaves had passed, leaving only the skeletal branches of the tree crowns. In summer and autumn, this landscape must be breathtakingly beautiful. A clear, jade-like river meandered alongside the road, its waters splashing and swirling among scattered rocks. The car drove for a long time before turning a corner, where they came upon a guardhouse. The car stopped for inspection before continuing forward. Now, dense pine forests flanked the road, their boughs surging like waves in the wind. Though Susu felt somewhat uneasy, she was surprised that such an elegant and tranquil place existed on the outskirts of Wu Chi.
The car finally stopped, and she got out to see a magnificent mansion partially hidden by trees. Though the building was an old Western-style residence, its doors, and iron window grilles were intricately patterned and exquisitely crafted. The attendant led her through a side entrance and turned left, where she found herself in a vast Western-style hall that seemed as deep as a palace. Several enormous crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their bronze frames and crystal tassels swaying slightly in the breeze. Countless oil paintings of various sizes adorned the walls. To the south, a row of more than ten floor-to-ceiling windows were draped with velvet curtains three or four people tall. The marble floor was so polished it reflected like a mirror. This quiet, deep hall made one hold their breath, like being in a museum. The attendant led her through the hall and down a corridor to a sunroom with a glass roof. In the afternoon, the winter sunlight felt warm among the lush plants. A person sitting in a wicker chair put down an English magazine. Susu felt as if in a dream and instinctively called out softly, “Madam.”
Madam Mu Rong showed no expression. Her gaze swept over Susu before she said, “Miss Ren, please sit down.”
A maid brought milk tea. Susu was uncertain of the situation. Madam Mu Rong said, “We’ve met before—Miss Ren dances ballet beautifully.” Susu replied softly, “Madam is too kind.” Madam Mu Rong continued, “I quite like a clever girl like you. You must understand why I’ve asked you here today.”
Susu was suddenly filled with doubts. The person who had brought her was an attendant from Mu Shiyang’s side, but she hadn’t known she was coming to meet Madam Mu Rong. From the woman’s casual tone, she couldn’t guess what this was about, so she could only say softly, “Please speak plainly, Madam.”
Madam Mu Rong sighed gently and said, “That third child of mine has been stubborn since he was small. Once he sets his mind on something, even I, his mother, can’t do anything about it. But this time, I simply cannot allow him to act so recklessly.” Susu listened quietly as she continued, “Miss Ren, it’s not that I look down on you, nor is it about class differences, but a daughter-in-law of the Mu Rong family has every move scrutinized by the public. Frankly speaking, I fear you cannot shoulder such a heavy responsibility.”
Susu raised her head in shock, her mind bewildered. She never imagined Madam Mu Rong would say such things. Just then, a maid approached and whispered something in Madam Mu Rong’s ear. Madam Mu Rong remained composed and nodded slightly. Susu heard hurried footsteps approaching from the end of the corridor, growing louder. She recognized them and instinctively turned her face. Sure enough, it was Mu Shiyang. Upon entering, he called out, “Mother,” his voice seemingly filled with both urgency and anger. She looked up to see his face pale as he stared directly at Madam Mu Rong. Madam Mu Rong smiled nonchalantly and asked, “What’s the matter? Why such a hurried return home? What for?”
Mu Shiyang’s voice was deep like muffled thunder before a storm: “Mother, if you do anything that breaks my heart, you will surely regret it.” Madam Mu Rong’s expression changed slightly as she said, “Is this how you speak to your mother? I think you’ve truly gone mad. Yesterday when you told me you wanted to marry her, I knew you were under some spell.”
Mu Shiyang said coldly, “I know your methods—you’ve already lost one son. If you’re not afraid of losing another, then by all means, repeat your mistakes.”
Madam Mu Rong’s expression changed dramatically, and her body trembled slightly. She was usually composed and dignified, but this statement had struck her deepest pain. After a moment, however, she smiled calmly and said, “What nonsense are you talking, child? I’m only thinking of your best interests.”
Mu Shiyang replied, “You thought you were doing what was best for Second Brother too, but what was the result?”
Madam Mu Rong remained silent for a while before finally saying, “Fine, I won’t interfere with your affairs anymore. Do whatever foolish things you want. I’ll just pretend I never gave birth to such a useless thing.” By the last sentence, her voice had a sob in it. Susu heard the sadness in her tone and felt great sympathy. She wanted to mediate but was never good with words and didn’t know where to begin. Mu Shiyang quickly responded, “Thank you, Mother, for your blessing.” He grabbed Susu’s arm and said, “We won’t disturb your peace any longer.”
Madam Mu Rong was heartbroken, feeling utterly hopeless and knowing the situation was irreversible. She had initially thought she could remove the source of the problem but hadn’t expected her son to threaten suicide. Feeling her heartbreak and her strength drain away, she didn’t want to say anything more and just waved her hand weakly, letting them go.
Mu Shiyang held Susu’s arm until they got into the car before letting go. Susu’s mind was in chaos, unable to make sense of anything. His tone remained cold as he asked, “How could you just follow someone so carelessly?”
Not understanding why he was so angry, she said softly, “It was your attendant.”
Suppressing his anger, he said, “I have many people around me. Are you really that foolish? You might not even know when you’re walking to your death!”
She bit her lower lip gently as if wanting to escape from him. This expression would often anger him, but today, for some reason, he restrained himself and turned to look out the window. The car fell silent. As they were about to enter the city, she could no longer bear it and let out a soft moan. He turned back immediately and noticed something was wrong—her forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat. His expression changed drastically as he asked, “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head and said, “I feel a bit unwell.” He grabbed her hand, his eyes seeming to have two flames dancing in them. “What did they give you to eat?” Lei Shao Gong called out worriedly, “Third Young Master.” He completely ignored him and just held her, as if he wanted to crush her. “Tell me quickly, did you eat anything just now?” The pain made her vision blur; looking out, she saw his face, almost distorted. Why was he asking this? She weakly said, “I didn’t eat anything—I only drank milk tea.”
His appearance was terrifying, like a desperate and angry beast trapped in a snare. He growled softly, and Lei Shao Gong immediately told the driver, “Turn around, go to Jiangshan Hospital.”
The car turned and headed toward Jiangshan. She was in severe pain and didn’t understand why he was acting this way. He held her tightly, his arms as rigid as iron hoops, as if he wanted to forcibly embed her into his own body. She heard his teeth grinding, looking as if he wanted to devour someone. Lei Shao Gong’s expression was also extremely grim. He said with difficulty, “Third Young Master, it can’t be.” She didn’t understand their meaning, but Mu Shiyang’s eyes seemed to be spitting fire. He said through gritted teeth, “I know you all. You schemed against Second Brother, and now you’re using the same tactics on me.”
Lei Shao Gong’s face grew even grimmer as he called out again, “Third Young Master.” She broke out in cold sweats, a faint ringing sound buzzing in her ears. She didn’t understand his words, but his appearance was truly frightening, making her feel terrified. The car arrived at Jiangshan Hospital, stopping in front of the emergency building. She was in pain to the point of collapse. He lifted her horizontally in his arms, and Lei Shao Gong hurriedly went ahead to find a doctor.
Amidst the chaotic voices around them, she could only hear his heavy breathing, close to her ear yet seemingly worlds away. His sweat fell drop by drop. Despite the cold weather, his forehead was covered in cold sweat. When the doctor arrived, he still wouldn’t let her go. Lei Shao Gong urgently said, “Third Young Master, put Miss Ren down and let them examine her.” Only then did he place her on the hospital bed. Three or four doctors quickly surrounded her to examine her. She weakly grabbed the corner of his clothes, as if it were her only remaining support.
Unexpectedly, he drew his service pistol and slammed it onto the medicine tray with a bang, frightening everyone into looking at him in terror. His eyes seemed about to drip blood, and his voice seemed to be squeezed through his teeth: “Let me tell you if anyone tries to play tricks today, if anything happens to her, I’ll accompany her! You decide!”
She gradually understood. The immense pain and unprecedented terror made her dizzy. She struggled to open her eyes and saw Lei Shao Gong rush forward to hold Mu Shiyang’s arm, though he dared not seize the gun. The doctors also became tense. She still clutched the corner of his clothes, tears silently sliding down her cheeks.
He had said this… to accompany her… Tears fell freely, and the physical pain seemed to transform into heartache. Death was just one step away, its ferocious grimace looming. In her hand, she held only the corner of his clothes—only him—and everything was so rushed, too rushed for anything else. She dared not look at his face again; the expression there burned her. She had never known until today, and now it was too late. He was actually like this, wanting even death with her. Too late. Her heartbeat became the most painful throbbing, and her vision and consciousness began to blur…
When she awoke, it was already deep in the night. Her right hand was held warmly in someone’s palm. She turned her face with some effort to see him, so haggard that he seemed like a different person. Her tears fell in strings as she choked, “I’m fine.” His voice was also hoarse: “I frightened you—the doctor said you only have acute enteritis—I was so afraid… I thought…”
She just cried silently. The medicine in the IV dripped down one drop at a time, each like a thousand-pound hammer striking directly at her heart. His embrace was so warm as he gently kissed her, as carefully as if touching the most delicate flower petal. In her tear-blurred vision, she closed her eyes and sank powerlessly into his embrace.
Madam Mu Rong summoned Lei Shao Gong, who recounted the entire incident in detail. After a long while, Madam Mu Rong sighed and said, “What meaning is there in being a mother like me?”
Lei Shao Gong remained silent. Nearby, Jin Rui said, “Judging by this, the Third Young Master is truly serious. It seems we must let him have his way.”
Madam Mu Rong waved her hand, signaling Lei Shao Gong to leave. After contemplating for a while, she said to Jin Rui, “We can only let him be. It truly saddens me to see how suspicious the Third Young Master has become.”
Jin Rui advised in a low voice, “He is truly bewitched to think this way.” Knowing Madam Mu Rong didn’t like to mention past events, he only said vaguely, “Mother would not make the same mistake again.”
Indeed, Madam Mu Rong let out a long sigh and said, “He is so determined to marry her that probably no one can stop him. We might give in, but I fear he won’t easily get past his father’s objections.”
After being discharged from the hospital, Susu rested for several more days. It was already the end of the twelfth lunar month when Mu Shiyang sent someone to take her to Yi Xin Ji to eat Suzhou cuisine. The upper floors of Yi Xin Ji all had heating. When Susu entered, the attendant helped her take off her coat. She wore only a honey-colored cheongsam with a dark cyan pattern. Upon entering, she realized that besides him, there was another guest. Mu Shiyang said to her, “Greet him, this is Uncle He.” She greeted him softly as instructed, and the man courteously replied, “I don’t deserve such respect.” After looking her up and down for a moment, he smiled at Mu Shiyang and said, “The Third Young Master has good taste.”
Susu’s face reddened slightly as she sat down beside Mu Shiyang. Mu Shiyang said, “Mr. He, I’d rather strike the golden bell once than tap the wooden fish three thousand times. I’d like to ask for your advice on how to proceed.”
The man was none other than He Xu’an, known as the “First Capable Official.” Hearing these words, he smiled and said, “I’m honored that the Third Young Master thinks so highly of me—however, this requires patience, like grinding flour with water; it can’t be rushed. In front of your father, let me think of a way slowly. Perhaps after two or three years, there might be some softening.”
Mu Shiyang said, “Mr. He knows my temperament—I’m not willing to wait three years or even a year and a half. I fear that the longer we wait, the more likely complications will arise. Please, Mr. He, not for my sake but for old times’ sake, think of a solution for me.”
He Xu’an pondered and said, “There is one method that might work, but…”
Mu Shiyang quickly said, “Please elaborate.”
He Xu’an said, “It’s too risky, with at most a thirty percent chance of success. And the outcome is uncertain; it might backfire.”
Mu Shiyang replied, “Place yourself in mortal danger to be reborn. How will we know it won’t work if we don’t try?”
He Xu’an smiled slightly and said, “The Third Young Master is resolute and decisive, showing the spirit of a military family.”
Mu Shiyang also smiled and said, “Come on, tell me what method you have in mind.”
He Xu’an said, “You must promise that for whatever I arrange, you won’t ask why, and whether it succeeds or fails, you won’t reveal it to anyone before or after.” Eager for success, Mu Shiyang simply said, “I’ll do everything as you say.”
He Xu’an thought for a moment before saying, “Tomorrow is the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month. Your father will be going to Qinghu.”
Qinghu Residence was situated beside the Scenic River, nestled against mountains and facing the water, overlooking the clear waves of Qinghu Lake—a truly serene location. Mu Feng had a habit of taking a walk after meals, following a stone path down the mountain. Just as the wind passed, the plum grove on the hillside displayed sparse but elegant plum blossoms, their subtle fragrance wafting through the air. The attendants followed at a distance as he slowly strolled with his hands behind his back. Under a plum tree, he saw a pale green figure wearing an old-style long cheongsam, graceful as a green calyx plum branch. The wind blew, lifting her bangs. Her eyes were clear as autumn water, with small jade butterfly earrings rustling against her collar.
He stood transfixed, as if in a nightmare, murmuring dazedly, “It’s you—”
Mu Shiyang stepped forward from behind and said, “Father, this is Susu.”
He glanced at his son. Mu Shiyang saw in his eyes a trace of bewilderment mixed with an odd expression, complicated and indecipherable. It seemed like anger but not quite, and for an instant, it resembled pain. Remembering He Xu’an’s words, Mu Shiyang only said, “I ask for Father’s blessing.”
Mu Feng looked at him expressionlessly, maintaining complete silence. Mu Shiyang sensed something was wrong but dared not speak. After what seemed like an eternity, Mu Feng let out a long sigh and said, “Marriage is a serious matter, not to be taken lightly. Have you truly thought this through?”
Mu Shiyang was overjoyed but still controlled himself and respectfully answered, “Yes.”
Mu Feng slowly nodded. Mu Shiyang hadn’t expected to receive consent so easily. Overwhelmed with joy, he took Susu’s hand, his face beaming with happiness. “Thank you, Father.”
That kind of uncontainable joy seemed as if all the plum blossoms in the garden were simultaneously releasing their fragrance. It also felt as if heaven and earth had suddenly cleared, making one want to leap up to the ninth level of the azure sky, filled with happiness that overflowed from the heart and filled the whole world.