Bai Yujing gently tilted the teapot and handed a cup of clear, jade-like tea to Jiang Huaiyu, saying gently, "Although this tune is a folk song, its artistic conception is extraordinary. As people say, one can discern a person's heart by listening to a song. Why be so modest, young lady?"
As Jiang Huaiyu chuckled, a sip of tea touched the corner of her lips, and she pointed to the lush green bamboo forest behind her.
"Such a beautiful melody, the rich aroma of tea, and this picturesque scenery—I wonder if you, sir, are satisfied?"
Bai Yujing's eyes revealed undisguised joy as she smiled and asked, "Huaiyu, you seem particularly cheerful today?"
Jiang Huaiyu nodded slightly, a bright light flashing in her eyes, "For some reason, stepping into this courtyard made me feel enlightened."
Bai Yujing said softly, "Perhaps it's because in this small space, there are only the two of us."
Jiang Huaiyu laughed even more heartily and clapped her hands lightly, "That's right! Here, I don't have to care about the Jiang family's disputes, nor do I need to worry about the Bai family's trivial matters. Here, there is only you and me. This is a haven that belongs to the two of us."
In this life, and even in her past life, she seemed never to have experienced such a carefree moment. The instant she stepped into the courtyard in Yuqian Lane yesterday, it was as if she had shed heavy shackles. She was no longer the dignified matriarch who needed to govern the Marquis's mansion, no longer the dutiful daughter-in-law of the Bai family, nor the selfless adopted daughter of the Jiang family. In this courtyard, she was simply herself, with only the good man who would spend his life with her by her side.
After the laughter and chatter subsided, she suddenly sighed softly, "Now that things have changed, I don't want to leave."
Bai Yujing held her hand tightly and said softly, "If you like it here, then let's stay here a little longer."
He had never experienced such a relaxed and joyful moment before. Having snowball fights, sipping tea and listening to music, chatting while admiring the snow, spending time with his loved ones, without external interference or formalities, whatever he did made him feel happy from the bottom of his heart.
Jiang Huaiyu pondered for a moment, then said, "Alright, Yujing, I'll stay in the capital for a while longer until the private school starts before returning. You can stay in the capital to prepare for the exam, how about that?"
Bai Yujing gently shook her head, "I'm worried about you traveling alone. I'll go back with you; it won't take more than a few days."
Jiang Huaiyu gently patted the back of his hand, "What's there to worry about? I still have Feiyue by my side. I'll have Deng Shen escort me back then. It will take at least five days to go back and forth, and the journey will be bumpy. You won't be able to concentrate on your studies. You should stay in the capital."
After the matter was settled, Bai Yujing picked up a pen and wrote a letter to Bai Jinxiao, informing his family of the arrangements.
After finishing the letter, he asked Jiang Huaiyu, "Huaiyu, the shop has only been open for a short time, and my elder brother and sister-in-law have always relied on your ideas. You've been away for so long, don't you have anything to say?"
Jiang Huaiyu smiled gently, her eyes revealing a sense of composure and confidence: "I will eventually have to let go. The supply and sales have already reached a certain scale, and I firmly believe that my elder brother and sister-in-law will be able to take over with ease."
Bai Yujing couldn't help but sigh deeply and exclaimed, "My wife is truly skilled in management and command."
Jiang Huaiyu responded with humility and self-deprecation, "Not at all, you flatter me."
The two settled down in Yuqian Lane with peace of mind. The capital city was bustling with activity in the first month of the lunar calendar. In the morning, Bai Yujing would bury himself in his books, and in the afternoon, when he had some free time, he would either accompany Jiang Huaiyu to stroll through the bustling markets and temple fairs, or the two of them would linger together in teahouses and taverns, listening to the melodious storytelling and savoring the delicious food.
Jiang Huaiyu has lived in this capital city for two lifetimes and knows every brick and tile like the back of her hand. She and Bai Yujing are inseparable, going in and out of all kinds of places, becoming an enviable and loving couple in the eyes of others.
Sometimes, they choose to stay in the courtyard and enjoy the quiet time. Bai Yujing gently strokes the strings of the zither, and Jiang Huaiyu plays the flute. Once the courtyard door is closed, the noise of the outside world is no longer relevant to them.
Jiang Huaiyu felt that apart from the lush bamboo grove, the scenery in the courtyard was a bit too monotonous, so Bai Yujing took her to the market and they bought several flowering trees recommended by the vendors that could bloom as soon as they were planted, including plum blossoms, peach blossoms, and crabapple blossoms.
He planted these flowers and trees under the south wall with his own hands, and said to her with a smile, "Look, the plum blossoms are still on the branches, just in time. When spring comes again, the peach blossoms will also bloom. After the peach blossoms wither, there will be crabapple blossoms. As long as I am by your side, I will never let you feel lonely or bored."
Jiang Huaiyu chuckled and replied, "Then you'd better take good care of them. If they're not in full bloom when I come back, I'll have to argue with you."
...
Happy times always fly by, and in the blink of an eye, half a month has passed. It's time for Jiang Huaiyu to leave.
That night, the lights in the main room gradually went out.
Bai Yujing stepped aside, gently pulled Jiang Huaiyu into his arms, buried his face deep in her neck, and lightly rubbed his chin against her delicate skin.
"Huaiyu, I really don't want to be separated from you."
His voice was low and hoarse, revealing a hint of sadness that was not easily detected.
Jiang Huaiyu was also filled with reluctance. The past two weeks seemed to have passed in the blink of an eye. In this small courtyard in Yuqian Lane, she didn't need to do housework, manage accounts, or teach students. She only needed to accompany Bai Yujing every day and do what she wanted. Although the time was short, it was the most relaxed and carefree period of her two lifetimes.
She hugged Bai Yujing tightly from the back, patted her gently, and comforted her, "It's just a temporary separation. I will definitely come to the capital to visit you when I have time."
"That would be best, but I still can't bear to be separated from you." Bai Yujing's voice was full of tenderness and reluctance.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, a hint of teasing in his eyes, "Back when you were pursuing your studies in the county town, weren't we often separated by distance?"
Bai Yujing's lips lightly touched her neck, his tone becoming low and indistinct, "Times have changed, Huaiyu, you will never understand how much I cherish the time I have spent with you. It's just the two of us here, like a paradise."
Jiang Huaiyu sighed softly and replied gently, "I understand. I feel your emotions deeply. How could I not understand your feelings? So..."
She paused briefly, then slowly said, "Why don't I stay and spend the rest of my life with you? After all, my elder brother and sister-in-law are managing the family business, and I can go back to take care of things whenever something difficult happens."
Bai Yujing suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with surprise, "Then what about the private school?"
Jiang Huaiyu pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "This is the only thing I care about. Now that I have taken over the private school, I have to be responsible for those children. Moreover, this private school is not just a job to make a living for me; it has immeasurable significance for me and for all women."
Her words revealed a sense of determination and pride.
In fact, with her current financial resources, she could easily hire learned scholars to teach at her private school, a move that would satisfy the students and not betray their trust. However, she couldn't be sure whether those learned scholars would treat the female students in the school fairly and impartially.
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