Chapter 94 Extra: Outside the Palace Walls (Part 4)
Chapter 94 Extra: Outside the Palace Walls (Part 4)
The carriage traveled day and night, rarely stopping except for necessary rest and horse changes.
Su Su knew her father had made meticulous arrangements, but she never completely relaxed her guard.
The further away from the capital, the more the unease of being spied on and pursued faded, but it did not disappear. Instead, it transformed into the faint sound of hooves in the night wind in the subconscious, or the occasional figure lingering outside an unfamiliar inn.
She was like a frightened bird; any unusual noise could instantly make her tense up.
The journey was bumpy and dusty. Even traveling at top speed on the most convenient official road from the capital to Jiangnan would take more than three to five days.
To avoid attracting attention, they often took detours along secluded paths, proceeding cautiously and discreetly through prefectures and counties, which was quite time-consuming.
Counting the days, it has been more than ten days since I tearfully parted from my father and brothers in the suburbs of Beijing that night.
The scenery along the way gradually changes from the open and desolate landscape of the north, with withered grass stretching to the horizon, to rolling hills, sparse forests, and then to a network of waterways and crisscrossing paths.
The air became increasingly humid, and the wind lessened in its sharpness, becoming gentler.
When the carriage finally passed through a dense bamboo forest and entered a tranquil valley surrounded by mountains, Su Su knew that she had arrived in Jiangnan.
On this day, the carriage did not enter a bustling prefecture, but an ancient town hidden in a mountain valley.
The town is extremely small, with white walls and black tiles scattered in a pleasing pattern. A crystal-clear stream flows through the town, and several stone bridges connect the two banks. It is completely different from the magnificent imperial roads and bustling streets of the capital city, exuding a gentle, tranquil, and uncontested atmosphere.
The carriage did not stop in the town, but instead traveled along the bluestone path beside the stream, gradually heading into the lush forests behind the town.
The mountain road winds its way, becoming more and more secluded as you go. The sounds of babbling water and chirping birds fill your ears, while the fresh scent of grass and earth lingers in the air, along with a faint, cool floral fragrance that can still be discerned even in winter.
After traveling for about half an hour, the carriage finally stopped in front of an inconspicuous side gate in a place where there were almost no people around.
The house is backed by a steep cliff and faces a deep ravine. It is flanked by dense, ancient forests that are difficult to traverse, and is accessible only by a hidden path.
The gate and walls are tall, but they are built with rough mountain stones sourced locally, blending seamlessly with the mountain scenery. The walls are covered with vines that remain green even in winter, making them easy to miss unless you look for them specifically. It is truly a secluded place where "one can live amidst human habitation, yet be free from the noise of carriages and horses."
"Miss, we've arrived." The guard driving the carriage said in a low voice, his tone carrying a hint of relief at reaching the destination.
Chunlan and Qiuju got out of the car first, took a deep breath of the crisp, moist mountain air, and then carefully helped Susu down.
The three of them, master and servants, looked weary from days of travel, their clothes covered in dust. But as they gazed at the seemingly simple yet reassuring door, their eyes involuntarily revealed a relieved and almost pious light.
Finally... we arrived at a place where we could catch our breath and let our guard down.
Almost simultaneously with the sound of the car door opening, the heavy wooden side door creaked open from the inside.
An elderly man, around fifty years old, with his hair neatly combed and wearing a dark blue cotton robe, strode out to greet us. He had a serene face, clear eyes, and moved with steady and agile steps.
Upon seeing Su Su, excitement flashed in his eyes, quickly transforming into utmost respect. He stepped forward and bowed deeply: "Has the young lady arrived? This old servant's surname is Chen, and I am the steward of this mountain retreat. Madam sent an urgent letter a month ago, instructing this old servant to make all necessary preparations to welcome the young lady. This old servant has been eagerly awaiting your arrival, and I am truly delighted!"
Upon hearing the words "a month ago," Su Su's heart stirred slightly. So her mother had been planning for her all along…
She looked at the obviously reliable Steward Chen before her, nodded slightly, and said in a low, hoarse voice due to the long journey and her emotional turmoil, "Steward Chen, there's no need for such formalities. I'll be troubling you in the future. Just now, you mentioned... my mother started making preparations a month ago?"
“Exactly.” Butler Chen stepped aside to lead the way, signaling the guards to bring the carriage into the courtyard through a more secluded entrance, while he personally led Su Su and her servant into the house.
He spoke softly as he walked, his tone filled with deep affection for his former master. “Young lady, you may not know this. This mountain residence was privately acquired by the master of the house, your great-grandmother. Your great-grandmother doted on you from childhood, and you are like a mother to her. Back then, when you, as the daughter of a merchant, decided to marry into the Su family in the capital, your great-grandmother was both happy and worried. She was happy that you had found a good match, but worried about the difference in social status. She feared that you would suffer injustice in the high-ranking families of the capital and have nowhere to retreat in the future.”
Passing through a simple screen wall, a hidden world unfolds inside.
Butler Chen continued, "So, the young lady's great-grandmother secretly used her own money and searched for many years before finally finding this valley with its beautiful scenery and extreme seclusion, and built this house. The land deed and house deed are all in the great-grandmother's own hands, and even the Tang family members don't know about them."
"At that time, the old servant was present, and the young lady's great-grandmother said to her: 'My dear, this is your refuge. Whenever you feel weary, tired, or... need some peace and quiet, come back. Grandma will leave the door and the light on for you.'"
Su Su listened quietly, her eyes slightly warm.
She had never met her great-grandmother, who lived far away in Jiangnan and was said to be extremely shrewd and loving, but through these words, the image of a far-sighted old woman who poured out her love for her younger generation came to life.
My mother never mentioned this substantial dowry, presumably because she considered it her last resort and a cherished memory. If it weren't for this unexpected turn of events, she probably would have kept it safe forever.
This silent protection, spanning two generations, allowed a warm current to seep into her heart, which had been frozen for so long.
"After Miss married into the capital, she and her husband lived in harmony. Over the years, they always shared good news in their letters, which made this old servant happy as well. I originally thought this mountain dwelling would remain empty forever, just a memory."
As Steward Chen spoke, he led them through the second gate, his voice tinged with emotion, "I never expected that last month I would suddenly receive a secret letter from Miss, instructing this old servant to prepare, saying that Miss would be arriving soon and would be staying for a long time. This old servant knew then... that there must be some turmoil in the capital. Miss, rest assured, this place is absolutely secluded and safe, with all daily necessities provided, and the servants are all reliable people who have served here for generations and have signed lifelong contracts. You can just settle in with peace of mind; even if there is chaos outside, it will not disturb the tranquility of this place."
As they spoke, they entered the main part of the house. Su Su looked up and couldn't help but secretly admire her great-grandmother's vision and skill.
Although it is a secluded mountain dwelling, it is not a simple thatched cottage, but a well-organized, exquisitely constructed four-courtyard house that blends perfectly with the mountain landscape.
The first entrance is the sedan chair hall and the reception hall for ordinary visitors. Although it is not large, the beams and pillars are solidly made and the furnishings are elegant. The walls are decorated with landscape paintings with a profound artistic conception, mostly depicting local scenery. On the table, a porcelain vase holds a few sprigs of seasonal winter plum blossoms, their cool fragrance wafting in the air.
Passing through a moon gate, you enter the second courtyard. This is the heart of the house, with five tall main rooms at the front, used as living quarters, a study, and the master bedroom, and side rooms with ear rooms on both sides.
The courtyard was extremely bright, paved with bluestone slabs, with velvety moss growing in the cracks. In one corner of the courtyard, a natural depression in the rock was cleverly used to draw water from a spring to form a small pond. The water was clear and cool, and several red carp swam leisurely in it.
An old plum tree stands by the pond, its branches strong and vigorous. It is in full bloom, casting sparse shadows and releasing a subtle fragrance, adding boundless vitality and elegance to this winter mountain dwelling.
Several birdcages hung under the eaves, housing brightly colored lovebirds whose melodious songs filled the air.
The third courtyard is even more secluded, serving as a resting place for the women of the household. The courtyard is slightly smaller, but more exquisite, with a wisteria trellis. Although it has no flowers or leaves in winter, its winding branches, like dragons and snakes, cover the entire trellis, suggesting its lush and shady growth in spring and summer.
The doors and windows of the main room and the side rooms are all intricately carved lattice screens covered with brand-new Korean paper, allowing light to pass through but not wind.
The last section is a small garden, which is more like a carefully tended corner of the mountains and fields than a garden.
Leaning against the cliff behind the mountain, the rocks are stacked to create a scenic view, with orchids and ferns growing naturally among them.
A small waterfall seeps from a crevice in the cliff face, trickling into a stone pool below, where a thatched pavilion and stone benches stand. The garden has even more plum trees, interspersed with a few tall camellias, their large red blossoms bursting forth in a vibrant yet solitary display.
Standing here, looking up, you see verdant cliffs and cypresses; looking down, you see clear springs and secluded pools. It's as if you've embraced the tranquility of the entire mountain.
This house lacks the ornate carvings and glittering splendor of mansions in the capital, yet it exudes elegance, seclusion, and tranquility.
The materials used are all local mountain stones and hardwoods, which are sturdy and durable; the layout follows the contours of the mountain without appearing abrupt; the furnishings are elegant yet comfortable, clearly showing that a lot of thought has been put into making the place comfortable to live in without attracting attention.
Chunlan and Qiuju were stunned. They had thought that escaping the palace would be the beginning of suffering, but they never expected to arrive in such a paradise-like fairyland.
Seeing Su Su silently observing him, her eyes showing amazement but no displeasure, Butler Chen felt somewhat relieved and said gently, "Miss, hot water and food have already been prepared. You have traveled a long way, and your health is of utmost importance. Why don't you take a bath first to relieve your fatigue, then have some light food and rest well for the night? We can arrange the rest tomorrow."
Su Su truly felt as if her entire body was about to be shaken apart, and exhaustion surged up like a tide.
She nodded, her voice heavy with weariness: "Thank you for making the arrangements, Butler Chen."
The hot water for bathing has a faint herbal fragrance, which is said to have the effect of relieving fatigue and calming the mind.
I changed into a soft, clean cotton nightgown and sat in the warm, spring-like dining room. On the table were not delicacies, but several exquisite Jiangnan dishes: steamed perch, braised pork and bamboo shoots, shepherd's purse and tofu soup, and osmanthus-flavored lotus root, along with a pot of green rice porridge cooked until the rice was soft and fluffy.
The ingredients were fresh, the cooking was just right, and the taste was refreshing and delicious, soothing my stomach that had been suffering from dry food.
After the meal, Su Su was practically helped back to her bedroom in the main house of the third courtyard by Chunlan and Qiuju.
The room was warm and cozy from the underfloor heating, and the bed was covered with a thick, soft brocade quilt, filled with a faint, soothing scent of plum blossoms.
Outside the window, the mountain breeze rustled through the forest, creating a soothing sound like the whispering of pines, occasionally punctuated by distant bird calls, further emphasizing the deep stillness of the night.
Lying on the unfamiliar yet incredibly safe and comfortable bed, my body was extremely exhausted, but my mind was strangely clear.
The more than ten days of wandering and anxiety have finally come to an end.
Palace walls, strife, emperors, conspiracies... all seem like distant and hazy dreams from a past life. The sounds of the water clock, once cold and precise, now echo in the palace, are replaced by the natural sounds of the mountains.
Chunlan blew out the last lamp, gently closed the door, and went out.
In the darkness, Su Su opened her eyes and stared at the hazy shadows above the tent.
Is this where she will find her final resting place? Her great-grandmother's scheming, her parents' painstaking efforts, and Butler Chen's thoughtfulness... she felt as if she were wrapped in layers of soft cocoons, shielding her from all the storms of the outside world.
A warm tear silently slid down from the corner of her eye and disappeared into her hair.
It wasn't sadness, nor fear, but a kind of soreness from being stretched to the limit and then suddenly relaxing, a kind of exhaustion and relief from surviving a disaster and finally landing.
She gently exhaled a breath of pent-up frustration and closed her eyes.
A new life officially began amidst the delicate fragrance of plum blossoms and the murmuring sound of springs in the deep mountains of Jiangnan.
The storm raging in the capital, a thousand miles away, was temporarily irrelevant to her.
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