The setting sun melts gold.
The carriage first took Zhao Rou back to the Zhao family home before heading to the Bai residence.
In the lush greenery of midsummer, the white crape myrtle planted against the wall is in full bloom. Its abundant white blossoms peek over the wall, displaying their charm and loveliness.
Bai Wei gracefully leaped down from the carriage, took a few steps forward, and elegantly plucked a silver crape myrtle flower. She turned around and, through the dappled shadows of the flowers, saw Li Afu skillfully wrapping the reins around his hand, clearly intending to drive the carriage back to the mansion through the side gate.
Bai Wei watched his fluid movements, and an unbelievable thought suddenly flashed through her mind.
"Zhang Fang!" she called out loudly, deliberately sounding anxious.
Without hesitation, Li Afu looked at her, and when his gaze met her probing eyes, it quickly shifted to the silver crape myrtle flowers that were gently caressing her head in the wind.
"Madam, is there anything you need?"
He asked with concern.
Bai Wei stared intently at the man who was only a few steps away from her, and suddenly her eyes reddened. She lowered her eyes, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "I suddenly feel like going for a walk. Why don't you come with me?"
"Yes, madam. Would you like a carriage?"
"Need not."
“Yes, Madam. Please wait a moment.” Li Afu handed the carriage to the gatekeeper, then quietly followed Bai Wei, heading towards the Chunzhao River.
As dusk settles, the sounds of peasant women calling their children's nicknames to come home can be heard from time to time in the streets and alleys, along with the loud cries of vendors selling candied hawthorns or other trinkets like rattles.
As Bai Wei listened to these sounds full of local flavor, she would occasionally glance at Li Afu, who was always half a step behind her.
Before she became Li Zan's second wife in the Duke's mansion, there was a boy in her girlhood who protected her and accompanied her through that awkward period of her life.
The two walked leisurely along the banks of the Chunchao River, one in front of the other.
On a spring morning, the riverbank is calm, and a gentle breeze brings a touch of coolness.
The willows on both sides of the riverbank droop their soft branches, swaying and dancing in the night breeze.
Bai Wei and Li Afu walked slowly along the riverbank, their shadows stretching long in the afterglow of the setting sun.
Li Afu followed Bai Wei's shadow without leaving a trace, just like many years ago.
Bai Wei gazed at the quietly flowing Chunzhao River, her heart stirred with emotion. She recalled her youthful days, those carefree times.
She couldn't help but sigh softly. Li Afu heard her sigh and asked with concern, "Madam, is something on your mind?"
Bai Wei smiled slightly and shook her head. "It's nothing, I was just thinking about some things from the past." She paused for a moment, then continued, "Li Afu, haven't you thought about getting married? Are there any girls in the manor that you like? I can act as a matchmaker for you two?"
“Reporting to Madam, Afu has no intention of marrying in this life.” Li Afu paused in his movement of stepping on the shadow, then composed himself and answered respectfully.
Upon hearing this, Bai Wei was slightly taken aback. She turned around, her gaze probing, and asked, "Why? Do you already have someone in your heart, but haven't confessed it yet?"
Li Afu lowered his head slightly, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly raised his head, but dared not look at Bai Wei. He replied, "To be honest, Madam, when I was young, I had someone I admired, but unfortunately, our love was deep but our fate was shallow. She later married someone else. Since then, I have given up the idea of marrying."
Upon hearing this, Bai Wei's hands, hidden in her sleeves, trembled slightly. She felt a tightness in her throat, wanting to say something but unable to utter a word.
"The woman you admired, did you... did you ever see her again?"
Li Afu slowly looked towards her. It seemed he was looking at her, but it also seemed he was looking at the long river of lights behind her.
“Madam, I haven’t seen her since she got married.” Li Afu’s voice was low and calm, but it carried a hint of sadness that was hard to detect.
A wave of indescribable sorrow welled up in Bai Wei's heart.
“Afu, you’re a good person. If she knew how devoted you are, she would be moved,” Bai Wei said softly, turning her head away as tears welled up in her eyes.
Li Afu shook his head, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes. "Madam, I don't expect her to be moved, I only wish her happiness. Some feelings are destined to remain buried in our hearts."
The two continued walking along the riverbank. As night deepened, a thin mist rose from the river's surface. Bai Wei's heart, however, was as turbulent as the spring river.
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