A bright future
The next morning, the emperor's chief eunuch came to the Dali Temple in person to read the imperial decree of execution to Meng Yu, but found that he had died suddenly in prison, his eyes bulging, his fingernails shattered, and the ground and walls were covered with bloody scratches. His death was horrific.
The news immediately reached the palace. It was said that His Majesty was silent for a long time after hearing it, and finally only issued an oral order - Meng Yu was a commoner, a criminal, and had nothing to do with the royal family. All his affairs after his death were left to the Dali Temple to handle.
Thus, the fate of the once emperor's most beloved prince, the renowned Prince of Jin'an, was to be hastily buried in a mass grave, without even a tombstone or a single mourner. The people of Shengjing applauded the rumor that he had been murdered by a wronged spirit.
It was a sunny day when Cheng Yayin told the girls who had regained their freedom the news.
After several months, the Salesian Home, destroyed by the fire, was rebuilt, and the director returned home with the nanny and the children. Although the girls were now free, they were both physically and mentally exhausted by the incident with Meng Yu. Cheng Yayin suggested to the director that they stay at the Salesian Home, where they could both care for the young children and heal in this quiet place.
After leaving Ganchuan's den and being relieved by Xia Changhuan in the Dali Temple, they understood what had happened to them and hated Meng Yu to the core. When Cheng Yayin told them that Meng Yu had been brought to justice, they all burst into tears of joy.
Du Lanxin no longer had to hide; she could return to familiar people and be properly cared for. There was also one good thing about her, which was the news about the Soul-Separating Powder poison she had been poisoned with.
Heartbreak grass was rare, but Imperial Physician Wang, inspired by his previous experience preparing medicine for Pei Songsheng, adjusted the formula and concocted a new antidote. Although Du Lan had been poisoned for so long that the poison had penetrated deep into her bones, she felt much better after taking the antidote, no longer experiencing the same frenzy she had previously experienced. Cheng Yayin approached her and meticulously explained Meng Yu's situation. She wondered if she understood, but she smiled and nodded at Cheng Yayin, her face a childlike calm.
The nightmare has dissipated, and those who come out of the dream will get better and better.
"That's wonderful," Xia Changhuan sighed as he left Cheng Yayin Charity Home. "The wicked have been punished, the wronged have been redressed, and the living will one day find their way out."
Cheng Yayin smiled and nodded: "I have thought about it. After a while, when these girls feel better and want to find a way to make a living, if they don't have any questions, they can come to my academy. The academy is now completed. They all have skills and should not be buried. In addition to learning to read and write, the children can also learn other things."
Xia Changhuan became interested upon hearing this and said excitedly, "Don't rush them all to your place. They can still learn how to do business from me. Just imagine how great it would be if there were female accountants and female shopkeepers everywhere in Shengjing City in the future."
The two chatted and laughed as they imagined the future. They felt that the sky was clear and the air was fresh, and everything was beautiful and pleasant.
Xia Changhuan said with emotion, "After this incident, I finally understand that men are all liars and murderers. If we women want to live a peaceful life, we must stay away from them."
She was once bitten by a snake and became afraid of ropes for ten years. Cheng Yayin smiled but said nothing.
Xia Changhuan suddenly bumped into her shoulder and said mischievously, "But there's one man who's an exception."
Cheng Yayin followed her gaze and saw a man standing under the dense shade of a tree. He was tall and slender, with a noble bearing. When his gaze met hers, his eyes were filled with a bright smile.
The young couple overcame all difficulties and finally fell in love. It was the time for them to be together, and even a moment of separation was unbearable. Xia Changhuan said hello to Pei Songsheng and left tactfully. Cheng Yayin walked towards Pei Songsheng and asked, "Isn't there something going on at the government office? Why did you come to see me?"
"I miss you so much that I'll finish my work quickly and take you home." Pei Songsheng said with a smile. Jian Zhu, Lan Yue and Yi Xing, who came with him, covered their mouths and laughed when they heard it.
When they laughed, Cheng Yayin felt embarrassed. Pei Songsheng was like someone who had opened up his Ren and Du meridians, and he could easily come up with sweet words. But she couldn't resist, and she was often teased to the point of blushing and her heartbeat was beating fast.
But even though she was shy, she was still happy. She walked to Pei Songsheng, who wanted to help her get on the carriage, but was rejected. Cheng Yayin looked at the blue sky and said, "The weather is so nice, let's go for a walk together."
Pei Songsheng readily agreed. Holding hands, the two strolled leisurely along the tree-lined avenue. Jian Zhu, with great foresight, led Lan Yue Yi Xing to drive the carriage ahead of the two, maintaining a comfortable distance from them. Cheng Yayin glanced at the rumbling carriage in front of her. The wind carried the sounds of the three people chatting and chatting. Everyone was captivated by the bright autumn scenery, chatting and enjoying the view, feeling very happy.
Cheng Yayin lagged behind Pei Songsheng by one step, then jumped onto his back. Although Pei Songsheng was caught off guard, he subconsciously held her steady, chuckled softly, and walked slowly with her on his back.
Cheng Yayin hugged Pei Songsheng's neck, whispered in his ear affectionately, and called out, "Silent."
"Um?"
"I've decided. I'm going to continue writing storybooks."
"So, Song Lingjun is going to return to the martial arts world?"
"It's either Song Lingjun or me, Cheng Yayin." Cheng Yayin said firmly, "Anyway, everyone knows who I am, so I will write under my real name from now on. This is not something that needs to be hidden. I used to worry too much, but now I have figured it out. I just want to write women's stories as a woman. I want to let those unknown women leave their names in this world, to comfort those lonely and confused women, and let them see what a good relationship and a good way of living are. I will do my best to comfort even one lonely and frustrated woman, and my life will not be in vain."
Pei Songsheng listened quietly. His wife's words weren't grandiose, but they commanded greater respect than any lofty aspirations. He said, "A Zheng, I feel I'm the most blessed man in the world. It's only through great good fortune in my past life that I can be your husband in this life."
Cheng Yayin smiled and hugged him tightly, saying, "Your happiness is yet to come. I want to spend my life completing my most important work with you. In this life, I want to write with you about the four seasons, the eternal love and the moon."
Pei Songsheng laughed too, his heart fluttering, like a young boy, carrying his beloved girl on his back, unable to help but run. Cheng Yayin screamed and hugged him tightly, leaving behind a string of silver bell-like laughter in the crisp autumn breeze.
*
After Jin'an King Meng Yu was executed, Shengjing returned to its former bustle. In this splendid city, there are always new events that stir the hearts of its citizens; every generation writes its own legend.
In the autumn of this year, another major event took place in Shengjing City, which attracted the whole city's attention. The long-silent Lord Song Ling came out again, and the story of "The Story of the Red Tassel" was continued.
However, this time, Song Lingjun did not use a pseudonym. The three words "Cheng Yayin" were written boldly on the cover of "Hongying Ji" and placed in the most conspicuous position in Zhijin Bookstore.
This incident caused a huge uproar in Shengjing's literary world. Some saw Cheng Yayin's action as a provocation, others as a retaliation against the widespread criticism leveled against her. Onlookers practically broke down the Zhijin Bookstore's doors. Some came not to buy books but simply to disrupt the business, but were mercilessly turned away by Boss Xia. Others came with genuine interest in buying, others simply to watch the fun, and some even watched the excitement, made a few sarcastic remarks, and then secretly bought a copy to read back home.
Regardless, despite her notoriety, Cheng Yayin's talent is undeniable, and the fate of this heart-wrenching story hangs in the minds of all who have read it. "The Story of the Red Tassel" has once again become Shengjing's most celebrated novel, and Cheng Yayin, known by her real name, has once again become a hot commodity.
Although Cheng Yayin continued to be criticized and criticized by the literary world, her reputation continued to rise. Seizing this opportunity, Mr. Zhao of Fanlelou once again proposed a collaboration with Zhijin Bookstore to adapt "The Story of the Red Tassel" for the stage. He offered a high price, but Mr. Xia, who always valued money, declined.
Someone in the know said this was Cheng Yayin's own idea. In her mind, the only person in the world who could play Rongyu was Qu Xiaoyou, and now that she has passed away, let this play become a swan song.
As the pen passed through the spring and autumn seasons, it was already midwinter.
Pei Songsheng returned home from court and walked into the inner courtyard covered in frost. When he heard Lanyue say that Cheng Yayin had not woken up yet, he went to the warm room to change his clothes, and then warmed off the coldness by the stove. Then he tiptoed into the bedroom.
Cheng Yayin was indeed still sleeping soundly, and the noise of opening and closing the door could not wake her up. Pei Songsheng walked lightly to the bedside and admired her sleeping face.
There was a brazier burning in the room, making it warm. His wife's little face was buried in the quilt, her cheeks pink from sleep, just like a sticky rice dumpling. Seeing this, Pei Songsheng felt itchy inside, and he couldn't help but touch her with his hands. When that wasn't enough, he leaned over and rubbed his cheek against hers. As he wished, he heard her slightly heavier breathing. He forced a smile and whispered in her ear, "Are you still pretending to sleep?"
Cheng Yayin didn't open her eyes, but the corners of her mouth curved up. She hugged Pei Songsheng's neck and kissed him several times on the side of his face. She said, "Did you tell Lanyue and the others not to wake me up? I slept until now. I really am a lazy woman now."
Pei Songsheng kissed her forehead and said, "We stayed up late last night. I felt sorry for you and wanted you to sleep a little longer."
Cheng Yayin glanced at him with sparkling eyes, a shy blush on her face, and she said in a soft voice, "Who is the reason why I'm tired?"
"Of course it's because of me. Madam can punish me however she wants."
"Of course I'll punish you." Cheng Yayin poked Pei Songsheng in the face, claws and fangs bared. He didn't dodge or avoid her, but offered her a handsome face with a smile, as if ready to be squeezed and twisted. Cheng Yayin stretched out her claws in front of him, then turned them into a hug. She pressed against his broad chest and sighed contentedly.
She thought to herself, Pei Songsheng is both good-looking and delicious. If she had known he was so good, she wouldn't have been estranged from him for three years. She should have just gotten married, regardless of anything else, and become a real couple first. Thinking about it this way, she felt like she had lost out a lot.
She leaned close to Pei Songsheng's ear and whispered what she had just thought. The smile in Pei Songsheng's eyes gradually widened. He turned to look at her, his eyes clear and bright, revealing a subtle temptation: "Then, A Zheng, do you want to make up for what you had before?"
As soon as their eyes met, they fell onto the bed and made a scene for a while, gradually becoming unable to stop. Cheng Yayin closed her eyes and indulged in Pei Songsheng's kisses and caresses. Suddenly, an idea flashed through her mind like lightning. Her eyes opened quickly, and she pushed Pei Songsheng away, slipped to the ground, and said in a panic, "Oh no! I was so busy making a scene with you that I even forgot about the important things!"
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