Chapter Twenty-Two: Lan Xin Gradually Gives Her Heart

Su Moqing's grip was light, yet it felt like a ray of warm sunshine, instantly dispelling the gloom that had lingered in Shen Rulan's heart for days.

The morning light in the studio shone through the carved window lattice, casting dappled shadows on the rice paper. Beside the unfinished ink orchid painting, a bowl of lotus seed soup still steamed, its sweet aroma mingling with the scent of ink, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

"The lotus seed soup is getting cold." Shen Rulan was the first to let go of her hand, the warmth of her palm still lingering on her fingertips. She turned around and pushed the bowl of soup towards her, her voice extremely gentle, "I asked the kitchen to add some rock sugar, try it and see if it suits your taste."

Su Moqing picked up the spoon, gently scooped up a spoonful, and put it into her mouth.

The lotus seeds are stewed until soft and tender, melting in your mouth. The sweetness of the rock sugar is just right, without overpowering the natural fragrance of the lotus seeds.

She recalled that in the letters Shen Rulan sent from Guazhou Town, she always mentioned that "the lotus seed soup from Yangzhou is the most nourishing." At that time, she thought it was just a common thought, but now she realized that this thoughtfulness had long been hidden in the little things of daily life.

“It’s delicious,” she said softly, her gaze falling on the ink orchid painting on the painting table. “But I feel that the spirit of this orchid is still lacking something.”

Shen Rulan followed her gaze and saw that the orchid leaves on the Xuan paper were unfurled, the flower buds were half-closed, and the ink was just right in terms of shades, making it a rare masterpiece.

She carefully chose her words: "Perhaps it's not a problem with the painting, but with your state of mind. You've just gone through these things, and your mind is still unsettled. There's no need to rush things."

Su Moqing didn't refute, but silently scooped up the lotus seed soup. She knew Shen Rulan was right. These past few days, she had stayed at home, her mind replaying the image of Shen Rulan confessing. Those past fragments intertwined with the truth before her, like a tangled mess of threads.

Only when I picked up a paintbrush today and my fingertips touched the familiar wolf hair brush did the turmoil in my heart subside slightly.

The afternoon sun gradually slanted westward, shining through the window lattice onto Shen Rulan's clothes, turning the Hangzhou silk into a faint gold.

Su Moqing suddenly spoke up: "I want to go to the library to see if the copy of 'Ladies Wearing Flowers in Their Hair' has been repaired?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Shen Rulan's eyes, and she quickly stood up: "I'll go with you."

The two walked side by side through the corridors of the Shen Mansion. The crabapple blossoms along the way had already passed their peak bloom, and the petals fell onto the bluestone pavement, making a rustling sound when stepped on.

Su Moqing walked slowly, her gaze occasionally sweeping over the lanterns hanging under the corridor—the patterns on those lanterns were mostly orchids and lotus flowers that she had painted before, obviously embroidered on by Shen Rulan.

The library remains exactly as I remember it, with tall bookshelves extending from the ground to the ceiling, exuding a faint scholarly atmosphere.

Shen Rulan walked familiarly to the east shelf, tiptoed to take down a sandalwood box, and carefully opened it: "Look, the Suzhou mounters are extremely skilled. The previously damaged corners have been repaired perfectly. You can't even see the traces unless you look closely."

Su Moqing stepped forward and saw that the copy of "Ladies Wearing Flowers in Their Hair" was lying quietly on the brocade. The ladies in the painting had flowing robes and gentle expressions. The repaired parts were made of similar ancient paper, and the ink color was almost the same as the original.

She stretched out her fingertips and gently brushed them across the paper, as if she could touch the brushstrokes of the painter from a thousand years ago.

“I’ve seen a book of paintings of ladies before at the Li family’s house, but it wasn’t as exquisite as this one,” she said softly, recalling the days in Guazhou Town when Scholar Li would discuss techniques with her using ancient paintings. The tranquility of that time and the turmoil of today felt like a lifetime ago.

Shen Rulan placed the wooden box on the table and turned to get another book: "This book, 'Theory of Painting Through the Ages,' contains an interpretation of 'Ladies Wearing Flowers in Their Hair.' If you like, you can take a look."

Su Moqing took the book, her fingertips touching the gold lettering on the cover, and suddenly remembered the letters she had received over the past two years.

Shen Rulan always copied sentences from painting treatises in her letters. Sometimes it was "the idea precedes the brush, and the painting fully expresses the idea," and sometimes it was "ink has five colors: burnt, thick, heavy, light, and clear." At the time, I thought she was just sharing her insights, but now I realize that she had already been trying to get closer to her in her own way.

"Were the art treatises you copied into the letters you sent me before all from this book?" she asked, looking up with a hint of inquiry in her eyes.

Shen Rulan's ears turned slightly red. Avoiding her gaze, she said softly, "Yes. I thought you like to draw, so this content might be useful to you."

Looking at her slightly embarrassed appearance, Su Moqing suddenly felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

She lowered her head and opened "Treatise on Painting Through the Ages." On the title page was a line of neat small characters: "Presented to Moqing, wishing to appreciate poetry and painting together." The handwriting was different from Shen Rulan's usual composure, carrying a hint of immaturity, clearly written a long time ago.

“This line of text…” She looked up at her, her eyes full of confusion.

“I wrote it down specifically when you were in Guazhou Town last year.” Shen Rulan’s voice carried a hint of barely perceptible tension. “I wanted to give it to you when you came back, but I haven’t found the right opportunity yet.”

Su Moqing's fingertips gently traced the words, and the ice in her heart gradually melted.

She suddenly realized that Shen Rulan's deception was not out of malice, but stemmed from years of pretense and unease.

She was like an orchid growing alone in the wind and rain, used to protecting herself with a hard shell, but after meeting her, she carefully revealed the softness in her heart.

When I returned from the library, it was nearly dusk.

Rong Momo was waiting at the courtyard gate. When she saw the two of them return together, she smiled with relief: "Young Master, Miss Su, dinner is ready. Today I made Miss Su's favorite crab roe tofu."

In the dining room, the flickering candlelight made the dishes on the table appear even more exquisite.

Shen Rulan kept piling food onto Su Moqing's plate, and soon the bowl was piled high with food.

Su Moqing did not refuse, but occasionally when she looked up and their eyes met, they would both look away, and a faint ambiguity filled the air.

After dinner, Su Moqing returned to her bedroom and looked at the "Painting Treatise of Past Dynasties" and the copy of "Ladies Wearing Flowers in Their Hair" on the table. Her hesitation gradually dissipated.

She walked to the window, looked at the osmanthus flowers in the courtyard, and remembered what Shen Rulan had said in the pavilion, "When I come back, I will take you to Pingshan Hall to see the chrysanthemums in autumn." A faint smile unconsciously appeared on her lips.

Over the next few days, Su Moqing gradually returned to her usual calm.

She paints in her studio every day and occasionally goes to the library to look at painting manuals.

Shen Rulan often stayed by her side, and the two would discuss painting techniques together or read books quietly, and the atmosphere gradually warmed up.

.

That morning, Su Moqing was organizing her paintings in her studio when Shen Fu suddenly walked in and said respectfully, "Miss Su, Chief Escort Lin from Yongsheng Escort Agency has arrived. He says he has important business to discuss with you."

Su Moqing was puzzled. She was not familiar with Lin Zhennan, having only seen him a few times at Shen Rulan's banquets.

She put down the sketch in her hand and followed Shen Fu to the front hall.

Lin Zhennan was sitting in the hall. When he saw Su Moqing enter, he quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "Miss Su, I apologize for my intrusion in visiting you."

"Chief镖头 Lin, you're too kind. Please have a seat." Su Moqing gestured for her to sit down. After a maid brought tea, she asked, "May I ask what brings Chief镖头 Lin here today?"

Lin Zhennan took a sip of tea and slowly said, "To be honest, I came here today on the behalf of Young Master Shen. Young Master Shen is going to Guangzhou soon to handle the procurement of Western goods and is worried that you will be lonely in the mansion, so he asked me to take you to Yunqi Temple outside the city. It is said that the chrysanthemums at Yunqi Temple are in excellent bloom and are very suitable for sketching."

Su Moqing felt a warmth in her heart. She hadn't expected Shen Rulan to be so thoughtful, knowing that she liked chrysanthemums and specially arranging this trip.

She nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Chief Escort Lin. Please also thank Young Master Chen on my behalf."

“Miss Su, you don’t need to be so polite. We have all seen how kind Young Master Shen is to you,” Lin Zhennan said with a smile. “Tomorrow morning, I will wait for you at the entrance of the Shen residence, and we will go to Yunqi Temple together.”

The next morning, Su Moqing changed into a lake-colored dress, carried her sketchbook, and went to Yunqi Temple with Lin Zhennan.

Yunqi Temple is located in Xishan outside Yangzhou City. The scenery along the way is beautiful, with winding mountain roads and maple trees on both sides that have turned red like fire in autumn.

“Young Master Shen’s trip to Guangzhou this time will probably take some time,” Lin Zhennan said as they walked. “The procurement of Western goods has always been complicated, and it requires dealing with foreign merchants. However, Young Master Shen is very capable and will surely be able to handle it smoothly.”

Su Moqing nodded, a trace of concern rising in her heart.

She recalled Shen Rulan's parting words and her silhouette at the bow of the boat, and suddenly felt a pang of regret for not saying goodbye properly when she left.

“Young Master Shen has had a tough time these past few years,” Lin Zhennan suddenly said, his tone tinged with emotion. “When the Shen family was beset by internal and external troubles, he single-handedly supported the entire family, not only stabilizing the salt market but also expanding trade with Southeast Asia and the West. He may seem cold, but he is actually very meticulous, especially towards Miss Su, whom he treats with utmost sincerity.”

Su Moqing remained silent; Lin Zhennan's words confirmed her suspicions.

Shen Rulan's strength is nothing but a disguise; deep down, she also longs for companionship and understanding.

It was noon when we arrived at Yunqi Temple.

The chrysanthemums in the temple were indeed in excellent bloom, yellow, white, and purple, vying for attention and exuding a wonderful fragrance.

Su Moqing immediately took out her sketchbook, chose a quiet corner, and began sketching.

Lin Zhennan waited quietly to the side, occasionally handing her paints and brushes.

As the sun set, Su Moqing finally finished her painting. The chrysanthemums in the painting were lifelike, exuding both pride and vitality.

"Miss Su's painting skills are truly well-deserved," Lin Zhennan exclaimed, looking at the painting. "Young Master Shen would be very pleased if he saw it."

Su Moqing put away her sketchbook, her heart filled with anticipation.

She suddenly remembered something and said to Lin Zhennan, "Chief镖师 Lin, do you know if you could help me deliver a letter to Young Master Shen?"

“Of course,” Lin Zhennan readily agreed. “I will have someone send it to Guangzhou tomorrow, and it will definitely reach Young Master Shen as soon as possible.”

Upon returning to the Shen residence, Su Moqing immediately went to her bedroom and wrote a letter to Shen Rulan.

She didn't mention her identity, but simply described the chrysanthemums at Yunqi Temple and her sketching experience. She concluded by writing, "Guangzhou has a hot and humid climate. I hope you take care of yourself and return soon." After finishing the letter, she carefully folded it and handed it to the person sent by Lin Zhennan.

Watching the messenger's departing figure, Su Moqing felt a sweet warmth in her heart—she knew that she had begun to accept Shen Rulan, and to accept this future that was full of surprises yet incredibly real.

A few days later, Shen Rulan received a letter from Su Moqing.

She was negotiating with foreign businessmen at a treaty port in Guangzhou when she saw the letter. She immediately stopped what she was doing, found a quiet place, and carefully unfolded it.

The handwriting in the letter was still neat and clear, and the words were full of concern, without the slightest hint of distance.

Shen Rulan read it several times, and her heart was filled with longing and yearning.

She immediately wrote back, describing in detail the local customs and culture of Guangzhou, as well as the progress of the procurement of Western goods. She concluded by writing, "When I return, I will take you to Pingshan Hall to see the chrysanthemums. I will certainly not disappoint your expectations."

After sending the letter, Shen Rulan felt even more motivated.

She expedited the negotiations with foreign merchants and completed the procurement of Western goods in just half a month.

Without delay, she immediately took the goods and boarded the ship back to Yangzhou.

As the boat sailed on the Pearl River, Shen Rulan stood at the bow, watching the scenery on both banks gradually recede into the distance, her heart filled with anticipation.

She recalled Su Moqing's instructions in his letter and the way she sketched at Yunqi Temple, and a faint smile unconsciously appeared on her lips.

She knew that this time when she went back, she would completely shed her pretense and face Su Moqing and their future with her most authentic self.

No matter how many storms lie ahead, she is willing to stand with her, side by side, and protect this hard-won affection.

After ten days of sailing, they finally arrived at the Yangzhou dock.

As soon as Shen Rulan disembarked, she saw Shen Fu waiting on the shore with his servants, his face full of joy: "Young Master, you're finally back! Miss Su knew you were coming back today, so she went to the kitchen early this morning to prepare your favorite dishes!"

Shen Rulan felt a warmth in her heart and quickly walked towards the Shen residence. As soon as she reached the entrance, she saw Su Moqing standing under the eaves, eagerly waiting.

She wore a light purple satin blouse with dark cloud patterns, over which she wore a moon-colored plain satin vest, the lapel embroidered with delicate intertwined floral patterns in silver thread. Her long hair was styled into a soft, updo, and adorned with a jade dragonfly hairpin, the pearl tassels hanging from the head of the hairpin swaying gently with her movements.

A gentle smile graced her face, her eyes brimming with anticipation. Upon her return, her eyes lit up with a bright light, like a spring breeze caressing a newly blossoming magnolia. "You're back." Su Moqing strode forward, her voice tinged with excitement, and took the luggage from her hands.

Shen Rulan held her hand, the warmth of her palm reassuring her. Looking into her eyes, she said earnestly, "Mo Qing, I'm back."

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the two of them, casting long shadows.

The osmanthus blossoms under the eaves still exude fragrance, filling the air with the scent of happiness.