The intricate carvings of the hundred children playing during spring were coated with a tea-colored stain. A few gray magpies perched on the eaves of the pavilion, and Shen Bozhong could only see, from a distance, the silhouettes of birds pecking at each other and flapping their wings against the backdrop of red and purple clouds.
Shen Bozhong didn’t know how long he had been following the servants of the Princess of Zhen’s residence. It wasn’t until nightfall, when the sheepskin lanterns under the long corridors and verandas of the residence were gradually lit, that he arrived at Bai Qishan’s study door.
Several servants stood outside Bai Qishan’s study, their faces glowing red under the lantern light.
Shen Bozhong was not invited inside. He had to stand outside the door and look in, always feeling that this place was tangled with his past.
He stood in the courtyard, his gaze piercing through the open sliding doors to observe the brightly lit study. Opposite the entrance hung a painting of winter plum blossoms that felt inexplicably familiar. He was about to step inside when a loyal Bai family servant blocked his path.
He stood at the door, staring at the painting of winter plum blossoms swaying in the light.
"This painting of winter plum blossoms, I can’t give it to you. Although it was made by Mrs. Bozhong, it is the work of my wife, Mrs. Bai Qishan! Why don’t you stay in Dadu for a few more days since you’ve come such a long way? I’ll arrange accommodations for you. Most of the guards at my residence are retired from the Bai family army. I’ll have Steward Hao select a few men to accompany you around Dadu City, so you can pick some fashionable jewelry for your wife to bring back as a gift. It won’t let your visit be in vain."
Suddenly, a familiar yet unidentifiable young man with kind features appeared in Shen Bozhong’s mind, making him feel a natural sense of respect.
"It’s the busy farming season. My wife is young and not good at managing farm work. Mother Ye is getting old. I have to go back to help her. And I don’t even know if that little rascal Ruo Hai has been teaching Qingzhu well..."
Covering his heart, Shen Bozhong remembered the clumsy joy he felt when talking about his wife back then.
His wife...
It seemed he had forgotten something extremely important, like his wife.
"How does my higher status matter? I never cared about such things! Even if you’re much older than me, I do not mind! You obviously have feelings for me too. I dare to give up wealth and honors for you. Why won’t you marry me?!"
Grabbing the red lacquered pole for support, Shen Bozhong felt his head splitting and his heart breaking.
"Master!"
As soon as she entered, Shen Qingzhu saw Shen Bozhong leaning against the red lacquered pole, his face full of pain. A Bai family servant was holding him and calling for a chair.
Unable to contain herself, Shen Qingzhu rushed over and pushed aside the servant holding Shen Bozhong, her eyes red and tears streaming down: "Master! Master, it’s me, Qingzhu!"
Looking up, Shen Bozhong’s bloodshot eyes fell on Shen Qingzhu. His forehead was covered in fine sweat.
The grown-up Shen Qingzhu in front of him overlapped with the stubborn, cold-faced young girl practicing swordsmanship in the snow from his memories.
Shen Bozhong’s lips trembled.
Kneeling before Shen Bozhong, Shen Qingzhu cried like a child, her words filled with bitterness and thick with nasal sounds: "Master! Master, what has happened to you... how did your hair turn white like this! Master..."
Bai Qingyan’s sedan chair was set down. Leaning on Zhenming’s hand, she stood up and walked toward her father’s study, clutching a hand warmer.
Shen Bozhong was at a loss, not knowing whether to lift Shen Qingzhu up or turn around and leave. His mind was in chaos.
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