Chapter 39 Two Great Regrets: First, the music of Guangling is lost forever; second, the beauty of Minghuai is fading away...

Wang Yan forced a smile at the people around him, "I was just talking nonsense."

The young Taoist priest clung to Hua Xin and Ying Ming's arms, saying, "Do you think I'm a three-year-old? I don't believe you."

Shen Minghuai clasped his fingers in Wang Yan's palm and walked past the young Taoist priest without looking to the side. "It's getting dark."

"Ai!"

"Are you even being reasonable?"

"Ai!"

The young Taoist's cries gradually faded away as Hua Xin and Ying Ming tried to stop him.

Kudzu root, apricot kernel, daphne... asparagus, selaginella, poria...

"These are all herbs that can help you feel light and energetic; this should be the place."

Wang Yan looked at the vast field of medicinal herbs with envy. Ying Juntang often went deep into the mountains to collect herbs, sometimes taking two or three days to gather them all, but the Chen family's house was surrounded by excellent medicinal herbs.

"So Lady Wang is also an expert in pharmacology." Hua Xin looked at the similar-looking flowers and plants and was at a loss. "At most, I can only recognize... orchids."

"I know a little bit, but I can't be considered an expert."

In the blink of an eye, Wang Yan had bypassed the herb field and arrived at the gate of the Chen residence, where an old man was just coming out. Shen Minghuai quickly stepped forward and bowed to the old man.

"Mr. Dong."

Dong Zhongren then noticed the young woman beside Shen Minghuai. "This must be Lady Wang?"

Wang Yan looked bewildered, not knowing what was going on. She only heard Shen Minghuai say that this person was the head of Jishengtang. She then greeted him with a "Wanfu" and was about to ask about Chen Yu's chronic illness when Dong Zhongren asked her a question instead.

How long have you had this cold ailment?

Shen Minghuai quickly explained, "I heard yesterday that Mr. Dong had come to Hangzhou, so I came to seek his medical advice."

Before she could answer, Dong Zhongren continued, "You two should come to Jishengtang later."

Wang Yan watched Dong Zhongren leave, then casually asked someone beside him, "Are you and Mr. Dong old acquaintances?"

"I was treated by Mr. Dong when I was a child, and we've kept in touch ever since." Shen Minghuai seemed to recall some past events.

Although there is a branch of Jishengtang in the capital, the Shen family is a noble family and naturally has imperial physicians to treat them. Why would they go to Jishengtang? Before Wang Yan could even ask, it seemed that Shen Minghuai understood her doubts with just one glance.

"I suddenly developed urticaria while out and about, but fortunately Mr. Dong treated me."

"Suddenly developing urticaria... what could be the cause?" Wang Yan couldn't imagine that if it wasn't treated in time, it would become a great regret in the world. First, it would be the end of the Guangling opera; second, it would be the loss of the Minghuai opera. He didn't even know how many places he would drop on the list of potential husbands.

"Cow hair." Shen Minghuai felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze and slowly walked forward.

"A hair?!" Wang Yan suddenly felt guilty; he had wronged him that time.

"How were you that day...?"

Shen Minghuai was puzzled at first, then smiled and said, "I'm fine."

Wang Yan took two quick steps, grasped Shen Minghuai's hand, and knocked on the door together, saying, "Is Young Master Chen in?"

The boy who opened the door saw that the two men were dressed in fine clothes and turned around to shout, "Master, someone else has come to ask for herbs."

Wang Yan immediately retorted, "We're not here to ask for herbs—"

"They're not here to ask for land back, are they?"

Wang Yan waved her hand again to explain, "Of course not. May I ask—"

The boy then said seriously, "Master, we have a rare guest."

Upon hearing the commotion, Chen Yu came over, and Wang Yan immediately stuffed the lotus flower into Shen Minghuai's hand and retreated to Hua Xin's side.

"I have long admired Young Master Chen's poetic talent, and seeing it today, I can attest to its excellence." Shen Minghuai stepped forward and bowed, then casually quoted a line of Chen Yu's poetry.

"Upon seeing the lotus pond at the foot of the mountain, I realized that what you wrote about 'lotus and water lilies reflecting each other in abundance' was not an exaggeration. Aying often recites your poems to me. Since lotus flowers appear frequently in your poems, I dared to buy one and give it to you."

Wang Yan had only given this as a spur-of-the-moment gift to make a good impression, never expecting it to be used in this way. It's unclear when Shen Minghuai remembered Chen Yu's poem, but this line made his sincerity even more apparent.

Chen Yu saw through it at a glance, "You two are quite generous, giving me this token of your affection."

Wang Yan stepped forward in two quick steps and stuffed the lotus flower into Chen Yu's arms. "Does the young master also know that Aunt Pan is selling a test?"

Chen Yu's smile deepened. "Yes. How many people would be willing to spend a fortune just to see a beautiful woman smile?"

A maidservant immediately came over and said, "Master, the lady has invited you to dinner."

Chen Yu was in high spirits at the moment, "Gentlemen, why don't we all go together?"

After walking for so long in the sweltering summer heat, they couldn't have been happier. Wang Yan had barely stepped into the side hall when Shen Minghuai sat down beside him.

Chen Yu was about to ask Madam's opinion when she passed by Shen Minghuai. She whispered a few words to him, and then the maid took Hua Xin and Ying Ming away. In an instant, only the two of them remained in the side hall.

Wang Yan touched the jade pendant at her waist and said softly, "I don't even know that person's name, so I really have nothing to do with him."

Shen Minghuai's gaze also fell on the jade pendant, his five fingers caressing the Shen family jade pendant, "I know."

The maidservant turned back again and invited them to the hall. Wang Yan had already walked a few steps with the maidservant, while Shen Minghuai remained standing there, looking lost and bewildered.

Wang Yan turned back and took his hand, "What are you staring at?"

"I don't know how to address you two yet." Before all the dishes were laid out, Chen Yu took the opportunity to ask.

"Wang Qi—"

"This junior is Shen Minghuai, and this lady's name is Wang Yan."

Wang Yan forced a smile, and upon closer reflection, she understood why Shen Minghuai had interrupted her. The Chen family had once been among the elite, and although their fortunes had declined, they still possessed some understanding of the nobility in the capital. After all, she needed his help, and it was indeed inappropriate to lie to him.

Chen Yu immediately stood up and bowed, "So you are Young Master Shen, my apologies for my rudeness. I have long heard of the Shen family's great reputation, and seeing you today, I can confirm that you are no ordinary person."

These words sounded rather strange... Wang Yan glanced at Shen Minghuai, and seeing nothing amiss, then turned his gaze back to the couple.

Madam Chen served each of them a bowl of mushroom soup. "Thank you both for the lotus flowers you gave my husband and me. May I ask how Madam Wang picked the buds?"

"Perhaps I've heard too many of the old adage that prosperity inevitably leads to decline. Rather than idly watching it wither and fade, I'd rather wait for it to bloom again." Wang Yan was actually afraid that all the petals would fall off on the way up the mountain, but he didn't expect that the buds would suffer the same fate.

Chen Yu joked with his wife, "I thought it was because Young Master Shen didn't bring enough money. Sister Pan, should it be one tael for the buds and three taels for the opened ones?"

Wang Yan was so startled she almost dropped the spoon. Three ounces... Luckily, this was the one she had her eye on at first glance; otherwise, she would never have let Shen Minghuai buy that lotus.

Seeing that the atmosphere was relatively harmonious, Shen Minghuai put down his chopsticks and explained the reason for his visit: "I have come here with a request. Does Young Master Chen know Yuankong? He is a lay disciple of Master Puyuan who was accepted many years ago."

A look of surprise flashed across Chen Yu's face, but he quickly denied it, saying, "I don't know him. Who is this? Why is Young Master Shen asking me?"

“I overheard that Young Master Chen was once fostered at Longxing Temple,” Shen Minghuai said, looking out the window. “It’s getting late. May we stay here for the night and then head down the mountain tomorrow?”

Madam Chen readily agreed, but Chen Yu then asked for ten taels of silver per room. Wang Yan was already displeased; the various incidents during the meal now directly revealed his bandit-like behavior. Was there any safety to be found here?

Madam Chen smiled apologetically, "He was just joking. You two can rest assured and stay the night. But... one room, or two?"

"Two rooms, thank you for your trouble."

The candles next door had already been extinguished. Wang Yan put on her outer robe, went outside, and climbed onto the roof. The stars, like scattered silver, were sprinkled on the ink-black river, but the moon was nowhere to be seen. She would have to enjoy this delightful night all by herself.

At this hour, only the main room still emitted a faint light, and the couple's conversation reached his ears; Chen Yu seemed somewhat agitated. Wang Yan quietly approached the source of the light.

“Shen Dingchen’s son came to my territory to show off his power. Does he really think the Chen family is easy to bully?” Chen Yu slammed his hand on the table.

Madam Chen came over with a bowl of hot water. "Young Master Shen hasn't done anything out of line today, has he?"

Chen Yu's face seemed to be covered with a ghostly aura. "He brought a young lady to visit, saying that he had admired her for a long time. Look at her, can she even read? She just stood there reciting my poems in a back-and-forth manner. She used to be so aloof, but now she's trying to get close to the Wang family again."

Madam Chen disagreed with him, saying, "I think Young Master Shen is truly sincere towards that young lady."

Chen Yu finished his water and said indignantly, "Madam, why are you always speaking up for him? If my Chen family hadn't fallen from grace back then, would the Shen family have achieved their current status?"

"Why involve two children in the grudges and feuds between clans in the past?"

Just as Madam Chen was about to help Chen Yu change his clothes, a maid rushed over and said that her young master had gotten lost in the woods while chasing a wild cat, but fortunately, he had been brought back by Young Master Shen.

Madam Chen suddenly became worried, but Chen Yu reassured her, "Madam has served them both mushroom soup, so they'll be fine."

He did not drink the soup.

"Shen Minghuai?"

This is... a prince's residence?

The person next to them called out again.

"We're not..." Before Shen Minghuai could react, Wang Yan pulled him forward.

"Didn't you say you came to propose marriage today? What are you standing there for? Father and Mother are already waiting inside."

Shen Minghuai glanced back; the room was empty. How could he have come to propose marriage unprepared?

"Aying, what exactly is going on?"

Wang Fuzhi and Li Shi sat in the main seats, their expressions serious.

"Father, Mother."

Wang Yan led Shen Minghuai to his parents, but Wang Fuzhi didn't even give him a proper look.

"Didn't I already tell Shen Dingchen that I don't agree to this marriage? What are you doing here?"

Li called softly, "Aying, come here."

Wang Yan chuckled softly, shook off Shen Minghuai's hand, turned to look at him with disdain in her eyes.

"Did you hear that? Father and Mother do not approve of our marriage. How are you any different from Qian Xu? Do you really think you're some pristine snow lotus rising from the mud?"

Shen Minghuai's eyes darkened, and he stared intently, slowly reaching out his hand, "Aying..."

"Don't touch me." Wang Yan took two steps back, seemingly resisting with her whole body.

The jade pendant fell to the ground, its crisp sound of shattering jade particularly clear in the silence. He had spent nearly ten years piecing it together, only to have it crumble in an instant. It turned out that his roots had long since rotted in the mud.

Shen Minghuai's fingertips trembled, his eyes bloodshot, "Aying..."

"Shen Minghuai!"

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The author notes: "Water lilies and lotus leaves reflect each other in a lush and beautiful way" is from Xie Lingyun's "Written at the Stone Wall Hermitage on the Lake".

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