The sachet conveys a hidden sentiment, a secret promise of love.
As the imperial examination drew ever closer, Shen Qingci devoted himself even more to his studies, the candlelight on his desk often burning late into the night, making his slender figure appear even more frail as he hunched over his writing. Su Yunqing, seeing this, felt deeply sorry for him, so every day she personally cooked delicate pastries and warm tea, delivering them to Shen's study on time.
Sometimes, when she wasn't busy with her studies, she would sit quietly beside him, flipping through ancient books by candlelight. When she encountered something she didn't understand, she would softly ask Shen Qingci for clarification. He would always put down his pen and patiently answer her questions. The gentle touch of his fingertips as he traced the pages added warmth to the candlelight.
That afternoon, Su Yunqing came to deliver snacks as usual, but when she opened the door, she found Shen Qingci asleep on the table. Perhaps due to days of hard work, his brows were slightly furrowed, and his long eyelashes cast a light shadow under his eyelids. The Analects on the table was covered with dense annotations, and the ink was still slightly damp.
Su Yunqing tiptoed, fetched a plain-colored blanket, and carefully draped it over him. Her gaze swept over the empty sachet beside him, and a thought struck her. She took out a brocade pouch she had sewn herself from her sleeve—on the pale blue silk, several sprigs of winter plum blossoms were embroidered with delicate, meticulous stitches, the work of which she had spent three sleepless nights completing. The pouch was filled with dried lavender, its delicate fragrance wafting to her nose, a perfect remedy for calming the mind and aiding sleep.
Just as she placed the sachet beside him, Shen Qingci slowly opened his eyes. Upon seeing who it was, he rubbed his temples, a weary yet gentle smile playing on his lips: "Yun Qing, you've come."
"Brother Qingci, look how tired you are, you've fallen asleep." Su Yunqing's voice was gentle, her cheeks flushed from her earlier actions. "No matter how fast you're studying, you should rest. Don't wear yourself out."
Shen Qingci's gaze fell on the sachet beside her. She picked it up and examined it closely, her fingertips tracing the exquisitely embroidered plum blossom branch. A clear look of surprise flashed in her eyes: "Did you make this yourself?"
"Mm." Su Yunqing nodded, her fingertips gently twisting the hem of her clothes. "It's filled with lavender; smelling it before bed can calm your nerves. If you... don't mind, you can take it with you."
"How could I possibly find it offensive?" Shen Qingci clutched the sachet tightly. The crisp fragrance mingled with the lingering scent of soap on her fingertips, warming his heart. He looked up at her; the candlelight made her eyes shine like stars, and the undisguised concern and tenderness in them warmed his heart.
After a moment's hesitation, he put down the sachet, stood up and walked to her, his voice low and firm: "Yunqing, on the day I pass the imperial examination with flying colors, I will send a matchmaker to your door and marry you in a grand sedan chair carried by eight men. In this life, you will be my only wife, Shen Qingci, and I will never leave you."
Caught off guard by these words, Su Yunqing's heart pounded, and her cheeks flushed even more. She looked up and met his deep, earnest eyes, which were filled with a firmness and affection she had never seen before. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she nodded vigorously, her voice choked with emotion: "Brother Qingci, I'll wait for you."
Shen Qingci reached out and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, the warmth of his fingertips making her feel warm all over. He picked up the brocade sachet again, tied it around his waist, and smiled, "From now on, I will accompany you day and night and will certainly not let you down."
Sunlight streamed through the window, falling on their smiling faces. The fragrance of plum blossoms mingled with the scent of books, quietly capturing a tender moment of childhood sweethearts.
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