Chapter 12: Dreaming of the past, feeling the new warmth
Night, like a soft, inky satin, gently enveloped the Jiangnan courtyard. Little Swallow lay on a carved, double-breasted bed, the brocade quilt pulled up to her chest. A faint blush tinged her cheeks, and her breathing was even yet with a subtle, almost imperceptible rash. The silver bells hanging overhead swayed gently in the evening breeze, tinkling softly, as if accompanying her dreams.
She was wearing a water-green close-fitting jacket with delicate cloud patterns embroidered on the cuffs. Her brows were sometimes furrowed and sometimes relaxed in her sleep, and her long eyelashes cast light shadows under her eyelids, like two butterflies taking a nap.
"Ziwei! Try this!" Xiaoyanzi smiled in her dream, holding a piece of glittering pastry in her hand, surrounded by people. The familiar furnishings of Shufangzhai came into view. Hanging on the wall was her crooked handwriting of "Liyun Datong Pian", on the table was the kite given by Yongqi, and in the corner were piled the novelties brought by Erkang.
Ziwei, dressed in a lavender dress, smiled as she accepted the cakes. Jinsuo stood behind her, her eyes full of tenderness. Yongqi sat on a chair nearby, his gaze following Xiaoyanzi, a doting smile playing on his lips. Erkang and Ertai were also there, whispering something, occasionally laughing at her words. Xiao Dengzi and Xiao Zhuozi ran around carrying tea, while Mingyue Caixia embroidered flowers nearby. The entire Shufangzhai was as lively as if it were Chinese New Year.
"What are you plotting?" A majestic voice with a smile came. Xiaoyanzi turned around and saw Qianlong walking in wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, with Concubine Ling following beside him, smiling gently.
"Father Emperor!" Xiaoyanzi blurted out, skipping over and almost bumping into Emperor Qianlong. "We were just talking about our last hunting trip to the enclosure. Yongqi said he'd teach me horseback riding and archery next time!"
Qianlong smiled and scratched her nose: "You, you just know how to play. Have you reviewed your homework? Have you practiced your calligraphy?" There was a reproach in his tone, but his eyes were as soft as marshmallows.
"I've practiced!" Xiaoyanzi quickly pulled out a piece of paper from her bosom. The words on it were crooked. "Look, what Ziwei taught me to write. Isn't it a big improvement?"
Everyone around laughed. Ziwei took her hand and whispered, "Run slowly, be careful not to fall." The warm touch coming from her fingertips was so real that it warmed her heart.
"Ah!" Xiaoyanzi jolted awake, her chest heaving violently, a fine layer of sweat on her forehead. She sat up, the quilt sliding from her shoulders, revealing her smooth neck. Instead of the familiar furnishings of Shufangzhai, she saw the carved bedside and hanging silver bells of her own boudoir.
The moonlight from outside shone through the window lattice, casting a clear glow on the ground. In the celadon lamp on the table, the remaining candle was still flickering slightly, making a crackling sound.
"It was just a dream..." Xiaoyanzi muttered to herself, reaching out to press her throbbing solar plexus, her heart still throbbing with the reality of the dream. The laughter in the dream, the warm touch, the helpless yet doting look of the Emperor's father, were all so clear that they seemed to have happened just a moment ago.
She threw back the covers and got out of bed, stepping barefoot on the soft carpet. She walked to the window and opened it. The evening breeze, carrying the fragrance of gardenias, blew in her face, dispelling the cold sweat from her forehead and clearing her chaotic thoughts.
The courtyard was silent, with only the chirping of cicadas and frogs interweaving to form the unique melody of a Jiangnan summer night. The lights in my parents' room were off in the distance, but a dim light was still on in my brother's study; he must still be reading.
"Ziwei... Father Emperor..." Xiaoyanzi gazed at the bright moon in the sky, her eyes slightly warm. The people in her dream were so clear, but when she woke up, there was only an empty courtyard and herself. She knew that was a thing of her past life; all the laughter and tears, all the reunions and partings, had faded with her rebirth.
But why did she feel so bad? She sniffed and suddenly smiled again. Although the person in her dream was no longer in front of her, she had her parents, her brother, and a stable home in this life. That was enough. Those old times were like a treasured scroll, which she could take out and look at occasionally, but she didn't need to dwell on them.
"Miss, why are you awake?" Qinghe, the maid guarding the outer room, heard the noise and walked in with a candlestick. Seeing Xiaoyanzi standing by the window, she hurried forward and said, "It's cold at night, be careful not to catch a cold." Qinghe was wearing a green bodice, her hair was combed neatly, and her eyes were full of concern.
Xiaoyanzi turned around, her face regaining its usual lively expression, though a hint of moisture still lingered in her eyes. "It's okay, it was just a dream." She took the coat Qinghe handed her and put it on. Her fingertips touched the warm fabric, and her heart warmed up a little. "I'm thirsty. Pour me a cup of tea."
Qinghe quickly brought a cup of warm scented tea, its lining intricately patterned with orchids. Xiaoyanzi held the cup, the warmth spreading from her fingertips to her heart, dispelling the last trace of melancholy brought on by the dream.
"Qinghe, do you think there is really a Chang'e on the moon?" Little Swallow suddenly asked, looking at the bright moon outside the window, with curiosity flashing in her eyes.
Qing He was startled by her question, then smiled and replied, "That's what the elders say. They say Chang'e lives in Guanghan Palace, holding the Jade Rabbit."
Xiaoyanzi nodded and took a sip of the scented tea, the fragrance spreading across her tongue. She thought, regardless of whether there was Chang'e on the moon, she would live well in this life, protecting her family and happiness, and not let the regrets of her past life repeat themselves.
She put down her teacup and lay back down on the bed, this time quickly falling asleep. Her dream was no longer of the bustling Shufangzhai, but of the sea of ​​gardenias in the Fang family courtyard. Her parents and brother smiled and waved at her, and the warm sunlight shone on her body, sweeter than any dream.
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