Peaceful years, growing old together hand in hand
The twilight in Jiangnan always arrives gently, the setting sun painting the green tiles of the courtyard with a warm gold. The sweet fragrance of the osmanthus tree in the corner mingles with the soft swishing of koi in the pond, weaving a scene of tranquility. Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing sit side by side on a stone bench by the water. He holds her hand, his fingertips tracing the calluses on her palm, the marks left by years of mending his clothes and grinding medicine for him, still carrying a familiar warmth.
“Yunqing,” Shen Qingci’s voice was softened by the evening breeze, “Do you still remember that snowy night in Ningguta? You were wrapped in that tattered cotton-padded coat, but you stuffed all the dry food you had into my hands and said, ‘Brother Qingci must live so that he can do things for the people.’”
Su Yunqing leaned on his shoulder, her eyebrows curving, her eyes reflecting the glow of the sunset: "How could I not remember? Back then, your lips were so cold they turned purple, but you still insisted on pushing the heater towards me. I thought to myself, if I could support each other like this in this life, even the hardest days would be worth it."
A breeze rustled through the flowers, scattering a few petals that settled in Su Yunqing's hair. Shen Qingci gently brushed them away, his fingertips tracing the fine lines at the corners of her eyes—the medals of time, recording their journey from childhood sweethearts to devoted partners through the years. From the clash of swords on the border to the turmoil of the court, from the mundane affairs of the Shen family mansion to the idyllic countryside of Jiangnan, they were always each other's strongest support—when he was engrossed in governing, she was there to warm tea under the lamp; when she faced danger, he was there to protect her with his life; when he confronted treacherous schemes, she was there to break through the impasse alongside him.
"Meeting you in this life is my greatest fortune." Shen Qingci held her hand tightly, his tone as solemn as his promise back then, "Thank you for being with me through the hardships of life, for protecting our country and its people, and for turning our impoverished days into a poetic one."
Su Yunqing looked up at the gray hair at his temples, her eyes filled with tenderness: "Brother Qingci, I am the one who should say thank you. You taught me what it means to have the world in your heart and what it means to be loyal to someone you love. Whether you were a young man back then or an old man with white hair now, you will always be the most reliable person in my heart."
As the sun gradually sank behind the distant mountains, its afterglow cast their shadows together, stretching them long on the bluestone slab. They said nothing more, simply nestled together in silence, listening to the wind, the water, and the chirping of insects, feeling each other's heartbeats. Time slowed down at that moment; all the hardships and conflicts vanished like passing clouds, leaving only the tranquility before them and the unwavering certainty of growing old together.
Their love, without grand vows, grew stronger through the everyday struggles and shared hardships; without earth-shattering legends, it became a beautiful story of mutual support and achievement. Like the mountains and rivers of Jiangnan, gentle and enduring, it remained unchanged by the passage of time; like aged wine, it became more fragrant with each sip, settling into a lifetime of deep affection.
For the rest of our lives, we will simply enjoy the flowers in spring, listen to the cicadas in summer, gaze at the bright moon in autumn, and admire the plum blossoms in winter, always having each other by our side until the end of time, our love immortal.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
