Tranquil courtyard living, peaceful and serene days
After retiring from public life, Shen Jiye was completely relieved of his burdens, and his mind became increasingly peaceful. He no longer cared about the disputes in the court, nor was he concerned about the wars on the border. He only focused on the peaceful life in front of him and the warmth of being with his family.
Every day at the crack of dawn, Shen Jiye would rise and practice a slow, leisurely set of Tai Chi in the courtyard. The morning light filtered through the leaves, casting a soft glow on his silvery-white hair and beard. His movements were fluid and his breathing even; every gesture exuded the composure that comes with years of experience. Meanwhile, Liu would be busy in the kitchen, preparing a hot breakfast for him: a bowl of millet porridge, a dish of pickled vegetables, a few steamed buns, and occasionally a plate of his favorite braised dishes—simple yet comforting.
After breakfast, Shen Jiye would often sit under the grape trellis in the courtyard, brew a pot of pre-rain Longjing tea, and open a yellowed ancient book. The aroma of tea and ink wafted through the air, and sunlight filtered through the grape leaves, casting dappled shadows on the pages. He read intently, sometimes frowning slightly, sometimes nodding and smiling, as if immersed in another world. Liu, on the other hand, loved tending to the flowers and plants in the courtyard. She filled the yard with roses, peonies, osmanthus, and various common herbs. She watered, fertilized, and pruned the branches daily, keeping the courtyard meticulously maintained and a riot of color. When the flowers bloomed, the entire courtyard was filled with a rich fragrance, attracting bees and butterflies.
In their leisure time, the couple would often take walks together in the nearby mountains and forests. Climbing the winding paths, they would listen to the birdsong and admire the vibrant autumn colors, breathing in the fresh air, their hearts filled with contentment. Sometimes they would sit on a rock by a mountain stream, reminiscing about their youth: the sandstorms on the border, the campfires in the military camp, the misty rain of Jiangnan—the hardships and difficulties they had faced along the way had all become precious memories. Liu leaned on Shen Jiye's shoulder and whispered, "Jiye, it's so good to be able to live such a peaceful life with you." Shen Jiye held her hand tightly, his eyes full of tenderness: "Yes, having you by my side is the best time of my life."
Shen Jiye's calligraphy and painting skills became increasingly refined under the nourishment of rural life. His calligraphy is vigorous yet gentle, while his paintings, mostly landscapes, flowers, and birds, possess profound artistic conception and are full of life. Many neighbors and literati came to him seeking his works. Shen Jiye never refused; he would give them away for free to anyone who liked them, simply wishing to make friends through his art and share the joys of life.
Liu would use the fresh flowers in her courtyard to make flower tea and flower cakes. Peach blossom cakes in spring, lotus tea in summer, osmanthus pastries in autumn, and plum blossom soup in winter—each one was exquisite and delicious. She would also share these flower teas and cakes with her neighbors, who would taste and praise them, making the neighborhood relations even more harmonious.
Such days were simple and happy, free from deceit and intrigue, filled only with each other's company, the beauty of nature, and inner peace. Shen Jiye and Liu Shi lived leisurely in their courtyard, enjoying the gifts of time and appreciating the beauty of life.
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