Chapter 99 Nourishing the Mind, Casting Worldly Affairs Aside, the Scenery of Lin'an is Perfect. ...
A faint light shone through the pale yellow curtains. Su Jinxiu forced her eyes open and found herself back in her boudoir in the Embroidery Alley. Looking down, she saw the unfinished handkerchief she was embroidering, the colorful threads still clinging to her skin, the stitches still warm.
Suddenly, three light knocks were heard from outside the door, unlike the usual carefree and unrestrained manner.
Is it him?
Su Jinxiu thought to herself, wondering when he had become so well-behaved and restrained his usual impulsive leaps out of windows.
The moment I opened the door, I was met with a face that was both familiar and unfamiliar.
His former arrogance and sharpness had largely faded, replaced by the refined elegance of a Confucian scholar. When he heard this, Qin smiled shyly, like a naive young scholar just beginning his life, so innocent and endearing.
Su Jinxiu became increasingly suspicious, but she still raised her finger to tidy up the messy hair on his forehead and then stroked his cheek.
The moment his fingertips touched the warm skin, he was like a startled deer, his cheeks flushing crimson. He stammered for a long time, unable to utter a single coherent word.
Su Jinxiu's doubts deepened, and she softly called out, "Aqin?"
“Sister, I…I’m going to the Censorate tomorrow to take up my post. I’m afraid it will be a month or two before I can return.”
Su Jinxiu felt a sudden heaviness in her chest.
Censorate?
Wen Shiqin continued talking in front of her, his snow-blue robe accentuating his tall and slender figure, with ink bamboo patterns subtly visible on the hem, giving him an elegant and refined air. Su Jinxiu stared intently at him and was surprised to find that the battlefield scars on his face had completely disappeared, and his complexion had become even whiter. He had completely lost the fierce edge of a military general, and his speech was now refined and literary, no longer as straightforward as before.
He recounted the whole story in detail: He had passed the imperial examination with flying colors, ranking third, and was further favored and recommended by his benefactor, which allowed him to serve in the Censorate. He vowed to uphold his original aspirations to repay the kindness shown to him, and to put his ambitions into practice to bring peace and order to the world.
He spoke with great enthusiasm, but the figure before Su Jinxiu's eyes gradually became ethereal, like a flower in the mist or the moon in the water, growing increasingly blurry and fading away.
She was frantic and reached out to hug his waist or hold his hand, but all she touched was emptiness.
Wen Shiqin's figure gradually melted away, turning into specks of light that scattered into the surrounding darkness.
"Achin!"
A sudden shout jolted Su Jinxiu awake from her dream. Cold sweat soaked her hair, and her heart was still pounding wildly.
"Good child, you're awake?"
Upon hearing this, Su Jinxiu turned her head with difficulty and, through her hazy vision, saw her parents standing by the bedside, their eyes filled with worry. Ye Lingbo moved closer to the bedside, took her hand, and gently comforted her.
Before a sound could escape his throat, Ye Lingbo spoke first, each word like a stabilizing force: "Erlang is still alive."
That short sentence instantly calmed Su Jinxiu's turbulent emotions.
She closed her eyes and concentrated, waiting for the surging blood in her chest to subside before slowly opening them. Her throat moved several times, but only faint sounds came out; she couldn't utter clear words.
Ye Lingbo, observing her expression, understood her anxiety and explained gently, "You have been unconscious for five days and nights, kept alive only by ginseng soup. The imperial physician examined you and said that the sudden heat has affected your heart, and you may temporarily lose your voice. Your eyesight also needs rest to recover. Don't worry, just calm down and rest. You should get better in half a month."
After speaking, Ye Lingbo recounted the earth-shattering events that had taken place in the capital over the past five days: the mandate of heaven had been overturned in the least bloodshed, and a new emperor had ascended the throne. The Fifth Prince returned with his former followers and the court officials who supported him, and with some thunderous means, he intimidated the court and the public. Those officials who had once opposed his ascension to the throne were now all submissive and dared not utter a single dissenting word.
Moreover, upon assuming the throne, he swiftly and decisively eliminated long-standing abuses and appointed virtuous and capable officials, achieving initial success. Therefore, even though the powerful and influential knew that he had seized the throne halfway through his reign, they remained silent for the time being because of his talent for governing the country and dared not lightly discuss right and wrong.
Upon hearing this, Su Jinxiu urgently mouthed to Ye Lingbo, "Where is he? Where is he?"
Ye Lingbo's eyes froze slightly, and she was momentarily speechless, lowering her gaze to avoid her eyes.
Su Jinxiu's already anxious mind became even more turbulent. Could it be... that night when arrows pierced the sky and he collapsed to the ground was not a dream? Could it be that even if he survived, he was already in a state of disfigurement, missing limbs and broken body?
The more she thought about it, the more panicked she became. Just then, Feng Yanting's deep and authoritative voice came: "He is receiving family discipline in the ancestral hall. Zhi Du is personally punishing him."
Su Jinxiu tried desperately to get up and rush out, but Ye Lingbo knew her obsession was hard to change, so she called for Bu Yue to come inside and quickly help her wash and dress. A moment later, Su Jinxiu, dressed in a sky-blue silk dress, her black hair flowing like a waterfall, and wearing a plain white silk cloak, only revealing her pale face, staggered and hurried towards the ancestral hall.
The ancestral hall is located deep within the secluded and quiet Fengfu area. Inside, the lights flicker and the dozens of black lacquered memorial tablets stand solemnly in the shadows, exuding the scent of incense that has been burning for years, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
As the adopted daughter of the Feng family, Su Jinxiu had never set foot in this forbidden area before. Now, as soon as she pushed open the heavy gate, she saw a row of servants with their backs turned and carrying utensils standing on either side of the courtyard in the distance, holding their breath and remaining silent as if they were in a cold winter.
Tingxin's familiar figure had a high ponytail and a bare upper body. The young man's muscles were bulging, and his back still bore the old scars from years of battle, which intertwined with the newly added bloodstains to form a horrifying pattern.
"Siyuan, do you know your mistake?"
Feng Xun stood to the side, holding a vine covered in barbs, and questioned him sternly.
Su Jinxiu staggered closer and closer, desperately trying to call out "brother," but to no avail.
The two people in the courtyard seemed not to hear the slight noise. When they heard it, Qin was still kneeling on both knees, his hands supporting his knees, his back slightly bent like a bow ready to be struck, silently preparing to endure the whipping of the rattan, without any intention of struggling or resisting.
"What a misfortune for our family! To have such a rebellious descendant as you!" Feng Xun swung the thorny vine in his hand with great force, each lash accompanied by a stern rebuke, "The first lash is to punish you for your disrespect for elders, for ignoring the graying hair of your parents, for recklessly charging around and plunging your relatives into fear!"
Blood splattered from the vine, and Wen Shiqin's back tensed up, but he gritted his teeth and didn't utter a sound.
"The second lash is to punish you for being a lackey of the rebels, aiding and abetting evil, stirring up bloodshed in the court, and plunging the people into misery!"
Another lash fell, the barbs tearing through his flesh and drawing blood. Cold sweat rolled down his forehead, but he still kept his back straight.
"The third lash is to punish you for being blinded by lust for power, for turning the tables in the Xuanzheng Hall, for murdering the emperor and usurping the throne, and for disregarding the fundamental principles and ethics of morality!"
"The fourth lash is to punish you for letting your selfish thoughts override those of your clan! You disregarded the safety of the entire Feng clan, acted willfully, and nearly plunged the whole clan into utter ruin!"
"Do you have any objections to the reasons for each and every one of these punishments?!"
After four lashes, Wen Shiqin's back was a bloody mess, the torn flesh rolled up, and the veins bulging like dragons between his muscles. Cold sweat soaked the stray hairs on his forehead, but he still managed to reply in a hoarse voice, word by word, "Reporting to elder brother... no objection."
Seeing this tragic scene, Su Jinxiu felt as if her heart was being torn apart. She mustered her remaining strength and staggered over.
She couldn't make a sound, and the servant beside her was silent as a cicada in winter. Her footsteps were as light as a breeze, and the two people in the courtyard didn't even notice her.
Feng Xun raised his hand to strike with the fifth lash, the vine whistling as it hurtled through the air, aimed straight at Wen Shiqin's back. In desperation, Su Jinxiu lunged forward.
With a sharp, piercing sound, the fifth lash fell heavily.
The piercing pain that Wen Shiqin had anticipated did not come. Instead, a warm, soft sensation covered his back, carrying a familiar, elegant fragrance, which effectively neutralized most of the sharp force.
He froze, assuming it was due to the severe torture he had endured and his mind becoming clouded, causing him to fall into a dream.
He turned his head sharply and saw Su Jinxiu lying on his shoulder and neck, her hair disheveled and her face pale. She had actually taken the whip for him.
Wen Shiqin was terrified and turned around to pull her into his arms. Touching the blood seeping through her cloak on her back, the warm, damp liquid seeping through the fabric, his voice trembled: "Sister! How could you be here? Why were you so foolish? To take this whip for me!"
Su Jinxiu was held in his arms, her consciousness like a candle flickering in the wind. In her dazed state, she could only tightly grip his collar, a thousand words stuck in her throat.
Feng Xun, standing to the side, was also stunned. Her figure, which had just pounced on him, was as swift as a falling snowflake, and in an instant, she was on Wen Shiqin's back. His whip had already gathered enough force, and it was like spilled water that could not be taken back. Even though he hurriedly turned his wrist to deflect the force, the remaining ruthlessness still landed on her.
Wen Shiqin held his breath, gently pulling Su Jinxiu into his arms, avoiding her wounds. He then rose and turned to Feng Xun, his voice deep and resolute: "Brother, I imagine Father and Mother never mentioned this to you. I am not your blood brother; it was our uncle and aunt who took pity on me and adopted me. I have always been grateful for this kindness. Therefore, before I acted, I submitted a formal petition to sever all ties with the Feng family and revealed my true identity. I will take full responsibility for my actions. Even if I am punished, I will protect the Feng family and ensure that there is no harm done to anyone else. As for these family punishments, they are what I deserve. I will return to receive them after I have settled my sister."
Upon hearing this, Feng Xun stood frozen in shock, speechless for a long while. He could only watch helplessly as Wen Shiqin carried Su Jinxiu, his steps unsteady yet resolute, as they walked further and further away.
In a daze, Su Jinxiu felt as if she were gently placed on a couch, and the silk robe covering the bloody and mangled parts of her back was quietly removed. A sharp pain made her gasp.
I could almost hear a soft sigh and a comforting sound. The pressure applied to the wound became even gentler, as if the cool touch of the medicine was spreading and easing the burning pain.
She didn't know how long she had been in a daze, but when she opened her eyes again, they were filled with a misty haze. She blinked several times, but her vision remained blurry. She vaguely realized that she was still lying face down on the bed, and her fingertips groped around, touching the cool brocade mattress.
Could it be that not only has he lost his voice, but he is also about to lose his ability to see?
Su Jinxiu struggled to get up, only to realize that she was wearing only a bodice, her skin exposed to the cool air, and she couldn't help but shiver.
Just as she was fumbling for clothes to cover herself, a familiar voice drifted from afar: "Sister."
The footsteps drew closer, and the voice softened: "The scabs on your back are just starting to form, so don't wear clothes today."
Su Jinxiu recognized him and her heart stirred slightly, but she still couldn't see his face clearly. She could only see a warm yellow light swaying in front of her.
Unable to see or speak, she was in a daze, unaware of her illness, and hot tears streamed down her face.
The shocking events of the past were still vivid in her mind, but a thousand questions remained stuck in her throat, leaving her with no way to ask them. She acted solely on instinct, bending down and throwing herself into that familiar embrace.
The next instant, she felt as light as a feather as he steadily carried her back to the bed, pulling her into his arms. The warm quilt gently covered her, completely shutting out the chill around her. Su Jinxiu desperately wanted to tell him about the suffering of being blind and mute, but no matter how she opened her lips, only hoarse sobs escaped, and her tears flowed even more profusely.
"Good sister, don't cry, don't cry." Wen Shiqin's voice was filled with tenderness as he gently combed her disheveled hair and wiped away the tears on her cheeks with a warm towel. "I'm back, and I'm not dead. I will never make you worry like this again. All the past matters are over, and I will explain everything to you one by one."
Su Jinxiu raised her hand and pounded his chest, her sobs growing louder, yet still a silent choked sob.
Wen Shiqin then realized something was wrong. He reached out and gently touched her back, frowning in suspicion, "I didn't mark your mute spot... Sister, why can't you speak?"
She nodded with tears in her eyes, mouthing silently, "...I can't see clearly anymore."
Before Su Jinxiu could even unroll the book and count the pages, she knew that many more pages had been removed. Those pages were inextricably linked to her life; with each evil deed he committed, the pages would quietly disappear, especially since she had just vaguely heard about the regicide.
Wen Shiqin held her and carefully explained the whole story: how he secretly helped Cen Heng seize power, how he sent someone to pretend to fall into a trap while secretly mobilizing troops and strategizing.
Cen Heng had initially taken a liking to him, hoping to gain his assistance. However, Wen Shiqin only wished to take her away from the hustle and bustle of the court and avoid the political turmoil, and originally had no intention of getting involved in this mess. But then, upon learning that she was trapped in the palace, Wen Shiqin realized that this was a deadly situation where the emperor's heart was unpredictable and there was no way to resolve it without a fight to the death. Once the emperor became suspicious, only death could quell the storm. It would be better to strike at the root of the problem and break this deadlock.
He conspired with Cen Heng and Yi Ruxu to carry out this dangerous act, and took advantage of her heart-wrenching weeping at the Zhaixing Pavilion to make the Empress believe that the group of people was indeed sent by him, which made her so careless and gave them an opportunity to take advantage of her.
She listened attentively to the whole thing, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. She didn't know whether to rejoice at his narrow escape or feel bitter at the suspenseful plot, so she remained silent.
Even though it was all to protect her, those blood-stained choices had become a fait accompli. First she was delirious and feverish, this time she's become mute and blind, what about next time?
It seemed as if some unseen force was pushing them step by step toward an irreversible destiny. The depletion of this notebook was synchronized with his evil deeds; each loss corresponded to her waning vitality. Would she, next time, be completely exhausted and forever separated from him by death?
Wen Shiqin, unaware of her thoughts, simply pulled her close, pressing her head tightly against his chest, and gently patted her knees to comfort her: "Don't be afraid, don't panic. It must be from the previous fit of anger. I'll stay by your side. I'll send people to search for the best doctors in the world. They will surely be able to cure you. Don't worry, sister."
He lowered his head and repeatedly kissed away the tears from the corners of her eyes, speaking softly and gently. In his strong embrace, Su Jinxiu listened to his steady heartbeat, and her anxious heart gradually calmed down. Weariness overcame her, and she finally fell into a deep sleep again.
Several days later, Su Jinxiu's eyesight gradually returned to normal, but she still could not speak.
She gradually accepted the silence that came with losing her voice.
Silence is fine; those complex emotions that are hard to express can be temporarily hidden in silence, without the need for a forced response.
They remained silent that day, each applying medicine to the other before lying down facing each other.
Su Jinxiu was utterly exhausted today. She had spent the entire day running around Huayun Pavilion, writing down everything on paper with Linlang and entrusting her with procuring embroidery materials for the embroidery shop. By the time she returned, she was completely worn out, both physically and mentally. Therefore, without engaging in any silent conversation with Wen Shiqin, she fell into a deep sleep.
In the middle of the night, I suddenly heard a soft voice beside me: "Sister...do you resent me? Resent me...for taking advantage of your tears?"
Su Jinxiu suddenly opened her eyes and saw the panic in his eyes through the dim light. She raised her hand to touch his cheek, then opened her mouth and silently said in clear lips, "I don't blame you. It's just that my mind has been in turmoil lately, and I want to be quiet. So I've been talking less."
What's bothering her is the recurring dreams she's had lately.
In her dreams, there was always a stranger, not the same as when she first entered the embroidery alley, but more like a figure she had never known before. As soon as that figure drew near, she felt an unbearable throbbing pain in her heart.
“Quiet is fine, Sister,” Wen Shiqin quickly replied. “But don’t be alone, and don’t stray too far from me, okay? We can go to Yunqi Garden to live in seclusion, or build a hut on Luoxia Mountain to listen to the rain, or row on Mochou Lake and rest peacefully on the waves. If you agree, I will prepare the horses immediately and take you there today, okay?”
Seeing the lingering unease in his eyes, Su Jinxiu knew he had misunderstood her and was still harboring resentment. Unable to offer any explanation, she could only nod slightly, then move closer, snuggling into his arms to soothe his anxiety with this intimate gesture. She then gently patted his back, offering silent comfort.
A sigh of relief came from above, and he said gently, "Sister, Cen Heng has accepted my resignation. I'm finally free from this official post. We can finally be carefree. Where should we begin our journey?"
Wen Shiqin stretched out his hand and waved it lightly in front of her eyes: "First is Lin'an, second is Suzhou, third is Xunyang, and fourth is Xuancheng." Thinking of this, his tone became more wistful, "Lin'an has West Lake, beautiful in both sunshine and rain, and willow branches drooping on the Su Causeway in spring. The bell of Hanshan Temple in Suzhou can cleanse the heart. On the banks of the Yangtze River in Xunyang, one can see the distant shadows of lone sails. In Xuancheng, Mount Jingting stands tall and reflects the clouds, and the Peach Blossom Pool is a thousand feet deep, also suitable for calming the mind."
He held up a finger for each place he mentioned, and then added, "These places are all not far from the capital, and the journey is safe. If you like, we can take our time to explore them."
The scenery of Jiangnan is beautiful, and I am familiar with it from long ago.
She raised her hand and pointed to his first finger, choosing Lin'an.
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