Chapter 280 The Grand Finale
The air was filled with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms as Ye Wanning walked hand in hand with Changning. With her white collar clasp, three days after Changning's passing, Ye Wanning sat at her desk, carefully examining a collated copy of the *National Medical Classic*, when suddenly a familiar voice rang in her ears.
Raising her eyes, she saw Pei Zhi strolling slowly in, his moon-white brocade robe elegant and understated. The scars on his arms were faintly visible in the morning light, their texture gentle and smooth. He carried a food box in his hand and entered quietly.
The scent of osmanthus filled the air, mingling with the traditional medicinal aroma of the Heritage Hall to create a comforting fragrance. "It's a day off today, so I made your favorite osmanthus cake," Pei Zhi said, placing the food box on the table.
My gaze fell on the jade pendant tucked behind her ear. The small talisman swayed gently with her movements, and the warm luster revealed the jade disc engraved with the character "Ning".
He knew her concerns, but never pressured her. Instead, he gently supported and warmed her, like a spring night's drizzle. Ye Wanning put down her pen, her fingers lightly tracing the jade pendant at her temple.
When she looked up again, there was no more hesitation in her eyes, only a clear and firm determination: "Pei Zhi, I've made up my mind." Her voice was so soft that it was almost inaudible, but every word was sincere.
"Differences in status and prejudices in the world cannot compare to my desire to be with you. For the rest of my life, I will be with you, through wind and rain, on the road ahead together."
Pei Zhi's aura softened suddenly, and joy welled up in his eyes, rising to his throat. He reached out, but hesitated to take her hand, only gently placing it on his wrist.
The warmth from his palm seeped through his sleeve and into his fingertips, soothing his heart. “Wan Ning,” Pei Zhi’s voice was slightly hoarse, filled with an unprecedented solemnity, “I promise you, in this life, I will protect you and give you peace.”
The two exchanged a smile, and the osmanthus blossoms outside seemed to understand their feelings, falling one after another onto the window frame, adding a touch of color.
However, the difference in social status cannot be resolved with a mere vow. Pei Zhi is the current prime minister, from an extraordinary family, while Ye Wanning is merely a commoner doctor.
Although he was recognized for his medical skills, he still couldn't shake the impression that he came from a poor family. When the news reached the court, as expected, some senior officials submitted a memorial opposing it, saying that Pei Zhi's act of taking a concubine was improper.
He feared it would draw criticism from the people. Looking at the memorials on his desk, and recalling Pei Zhi and Ye Wanning's joint investigation and contributions to the national medical classic, the Emperor made his decision.
He summoned Pei Zhi and said with a smile, "Minister Pei, I know about your affair with Doctor Ye. Doctor Ye is handsome and talented, has superb medical skills, and is of upright character."
"A woman who has made great contributions to the country and the people deserves only you; any more would be superfluous." As he spoke, he picked up a pen and wrote an imperial edict.
Not only was Ye Wanning granted the title of "Princess of Anguo County", but she was also granted special permission to marry into the Prime Minister's mansion as a princess, without having to participate in any selection process.
The Empress Dowager also agreed. She summoned Ye Wanning in and handed her a Hetian jade bracelet—which she had obtained in the palace many years ago.
"Good child, you and Pei Zhi are both people who value loyalty and righteousness, and I like you very much. From now on, just live your life well in the Prime Minister's residence, and I will take care of everything for you."
Ye Wanning knelt down to express her gratitude, her heart filled with joy. This was not only recognition of her, but also respect for folk healers across the land and affirmation of a woman's talent.
As soon as the news spread, the people of the capital applauded. Outside the Heritage Hall, crowds of people came to offer their congratulations, expressing their gratitude for Ye Wanning's superb medical skills and kind heart.
People spontaneously came to offer congratulatory gifts, including square handkerchiefs embroidered with osmanthus flowers, packets of dried medicinal herbs, and auspicious drawings by children.
Shen Mingyue reappeared at the Heritage Hall. This time, there was no disappointment in her eyes, only sincere blessings: "Dr. Ye, congratulations. Lord Pei is a good man, you will definitely be happy."
Ye Wanning held her hand and advised, "Thank you, Miss Chen. I also hope you can find someone you like."
On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, when the osmanthus flowers were in full bloom, the Prime Minister's residence was decorated with lanterns and colorful ribbons, and the road from the residence to the Heritage Hall was crowded with people who came to watch the ceremony.
Ye Wanning, dressed in a bright red wedding gown and wearing a phoenix crown, tightly clutched the jade pendant with the character "Ning" on it as she walked forward step by step.
Pei Zhi, standing tall and straight at the gate, had only her in his eyes, his gaze so tender it could melt hearts.
At the wedding, the Emperor and Empress Dowager were present, and officials from all over came to offer their congratulations; it was a grand and solemn occasion. During the ceremony, Ye Wanning gazed at Pei Zhi opposite her.
Thinking of the selfless protection under the assassin's blade, the mutual support during the investigation, and the countless days and nights spent together amidst the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, my heart is filled with happiness.
After the ceremony, Pei Zhi took her hand and led her into the bridal chamber, which was covered with red carpet. The air outside was filled with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, and inside, red candles flickered.
"Wan Ning," Pei Zhi gently removed the phoenix crown from her, his fingers tracing her cheek, "From now on, you are my wife, my only wife."
Ye Wanning looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears, yet she smiled radiantly: "Pei Zhi, for the rest of my life, with you, the years will be peaceful and serene."
Even after marriage, Pei Zhi still worried about court affairs, but he would always make time to be with Ye Wanning. He would accompany her to the Heritage Hall to sit in on her practice and watch her carefully treat patients.
He would accompany her to read books, study medical books together, and exchange medical knowledge; when the city was filled with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, he would take her to the Osmanthus Garden outside the city to see the mountains covered in golden yellow and smell the intoxicating fragrance of the flowers.
Ye Wanning did not give up her medical skills after marrying into the Prime Minister's mansion, nor did she reject life in the mansion. She continued to recruit disciples at the inheritance hall and treat the people.
She combined Western Region spice medicine techniques with traditional medical skills to save lives and benefit the country and its people. The emperor also issued a special decree allowing her to continue revising and supplementing the "National Medical Classic".
She wanted to ensure that more people could benefit from her medical skills. Qin Yue also frequently visited her at the heritage center and was genuinely happy for her, seeing that she was now happily married and had even been granted the title of county princess.
With the successive downfall of the princes and their cronies who were under house arrest in Jiangnan, the imperial court took the opportunity to investigate official corruption, and the people's grievances decreased considerably.
Liu Yuan's remaining supporters, who had previously opposed Ye Wanning, were completely convinced of her abilities, superb medical skills, and outstanding achievements, and no longer had any objections.
A year later, Ye Wanning gave birth to twins, a boy named Pei Nianning and a girl named Pei Sining, both names meaning "holding hands in eternal peace".
The Empress Dowager personally named it, and the Emperor also bestowed upon it many rare and precious treasures. The Prime Minister's residence was filled with laughter and joy, and the Heritage Hall now had a successor.
Ye Wanning passed on all her medical skills to her disciples, and the four words "a doctor's benevolence" will be passed down from generation to generation.
It was the season when osmanthus blossoms were in full bloom again. Ye Wanning stood under the osmanthus tree in the Prime Minister's residence, holding her child. Pei Zhi stood beside her, brushing the osmanthus blossoms off her shoulders.
Dappled sunlight filtered through the trees, falling upon them; a scene of tranquility. Ye Wanning looked down at the children's sleeping faces, then looked up at the man beside her.
My heart is filled with contentment. I recall our first meeting, the turbulent storm, the journey we shared through thick and thin, and the jade pendant that person always wore.
She suddenly understood that the best kind of love is this: holding hands and growing old together. Through the long years, we walk hand in hand, you helping me through difficulties, and I helping you through hardships.
Let ordinary days become warm, hopeful, and meaningful because of each other.
The osmanthus blossoms remain, and life is peaceful and serene. Their story, like the osmanthus flowers covering the mountains, blooms through time, its fragrance lingering year after year, and its legacy endures.
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