Ending (Part 1)
Mu An Ning looked at the two men standing side by side in front of him, a little dazed.
Qiao Qingsheng was slightly shorter, with a look as gentle as jade, while Mu Guiling was tall and straight, like ice and snow in the cold winter month.
But what did Brother Qiao just say?
Qiao Qingsheng's eyes were full of love and care. He had been trying to contact his sister these past few days, but was always turned away. Until today, he met Mu Guiling by chance.
To his surprise, the eldest son of the Marquisate had a stern appearance but a warm heart.
Mu Guiling had been observing his sister's reaction without making a sound. Seeing that she was slow to respond, he spoke abruptly, "An Ning, if you don't want to, don't force yourself."
If Mu Wan'er hadn't told him, he wouldn't have known that the Marquis' Mansion had been so harsh on Mu An Ning in the past few days.
But he still didn't understand her and didn't know what she was thinking in her heart.
But Qiao Qingsheng was so nervous that he couldn't speak.
Mu An Ning's eyes wandered between the two people. His palms felt inexplicably sticky and he wanted to throw away the paper eagle that had burned his hands.
After a while, the girl's eyes dimmed, and she said softly to Qiao Qingsheng: "Brother, I will go with you."
She just didn't expect that Qiao Qingsheng would come to pick her up in person.
Qiao Qingsheng had already prepared himself to be sad, and his heart was heavy, but when he heard the call, he was stunned.
His throat suddenly felt dry. He had never been so nervous, even on the day of the palace examination. "An Ning, what did you call me?"
The smile in the girl's heart gradually spread to her face, and she said slowly: "I will go with my brother."
She wanted, really wanted a family of her own.
She couldn't call Mu Guiling "brother", but she had an innate sense of closeness towards Qiao Qingsheng.
Perhaps, this is the blood connection.
Qiao Qingsheng's heart started beating fast when he was called "brother".
Mu Wan'er has been noisy since she was little, and only when she is making trouble will she call him "brother" in a sweet voice.
As time went by, he even felt that they were not brother and sister, and he developed an indescribable feeling for Mu Wan'er.
However, Mu An Ning's implicit call of "brother" made him experience the feeling of being a brother as he had imagined.
"Okay, okay," Qiao Qingsheng was a little incoherent, took two steps on the spot, and then said with a smile: "An Ning, brother will take you away now."
He stopped talking, turned around, bowed to Mu Guiling, and said sincerely: "Thank you, Brother Mu!"
"No need to thank me." Mu Guiling's eyes flashed with complexity, and he looked at the girl who had been his sister for more than ten years: "An Ning, I will speak to grandma and father and mother for you."
He wanted to be close to his sister but didn't know how. There was an invisible barrier between them.
The Marquis's Mansion disciplined them very strictly. She was always immersed in music, chess, calligraphy and painting every day, while he also practiced martial arts and studied.
She was not as lively and free as Mu Wan'er, and was always distant from him. Or to be more precise, she was equally distant from everyone in the Marquis' Mansion.
He didn't expect that today, he could see another side of her.
Mu An Ning's eyes were filled with tears. She understood Mu Guiling's good intentions and bowed to him: "Thank you, brother."
Baoqin, who had heard everything at the door, burst into tears and said, "Baoqin will go pack the bag for the young lady now."
Mu An Ning turned around and saw Bao Qin trotting into the house with a helpless look on her face.
This girl cried even louder than her.
"Take care." Mu Guiling spoke briefly and to the point, his jaw clenched as usual.
Mu An Ning nodded lightly and told them to do as they pleased. He then went into the house to pack his bags, not daring to slow down even a step.
She was afraid that this was just a dream.
After the girl came out after packing up, Qiao Qingsheng, who was talking to Mu Guiling about something, hurriedly took the bags from his sister and Baoqin.
Baoqin waved his hands and said that he could do it, but Mu Anning smiled and did not reject his kindness. He said softly, "Thank you, brother."
As they were about to leave, Mu Guiling, who had been standing by and watching the two of them silently, suddenly called out to the girl and comforted her stiffly: "An Ning, life is only a few short years, there are some things you don't need to worry about."
Mu An Ning was stunned for a moment, then chuckled and said, "Brother too."
This should be the last time she called her brother.
*
Not long after the girl left, a group of people from the Marquis' Mansion returned from the palace.
Mu Jingyue was slightly surprised and looked at his aunt who seemed to have expected everything: "Aunt, Mu Anning is leaving just like that?"
Yunniang nodded and said slowly, "Yue'er, from now on, you will be the only girl left in this mansion."
Mu Jingyue's eyes flashed with pride, and then he heard Yunniang ask thoughtfully: "Is the Queen in good health?"
Mu Jingyue's smile widened as he whispered, "Aunt, I'm afraid my second sister is dying."
The old lady wanted her to enter the palace so that she could support Mu Wan'er.
Even though she was jealous of Mu Wan'er, she knew that this move was in her best interest.
And at this moment, she suddenly realized that she seemed to still be able to keep her eyes on that wind position.
*
As soon as Qiao Qingsheng opened the door, he ran into a woman pacing back and forth.
Looking at the woman who had made herself sweat profusely, Qiao Qingsheng smiled helplessly: "Aunt."
When Aunt Fang saw the person coming, her mood suddenly became low, and she kept looking out: "An Ning..."
Seeing Qiao Qingsheng pursed his lips and said nothing, Aunt Fang sighed repeatedly.
But at this moment, a young girl walked towards her slowly with a faint smile on her face and bowed, "Aunt."
When Aunt Fang heard this greeting, a variety of emotions flashed through her eyes for a moment, and finally she just held the girl's hand tightly and cried: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."
*
July 4th.
On the third day after Mu An Ning returned home, a thin letter was delivered to her.
In the letter, Mu Guiling said that he had already made it clear to the Marquis' Mansion and everyone had no objection, so she didn't need to worry.
Now, the heavy stone in Mu An Ning's heart finally fell away.
The courtyard where she lives now is the largest in the Qiao Mansion.
Even though she sincerely declined, she still couldn't resist the kindness of her aunt and brother. They said that the things had been prepared for her a long time ago.
As expected, the courtyard was fully furnished with everything she could think of and even things she had not thought of, all prepared in great detail.
When she left the mansion, she took nothing with her except a few medical books and medicine bottles and jars.
She saved all the money she had saved over the years. After all, the Marquis's Mansion had raised her and spent a lot of money on her.
As for clothes, she only took two sets.
A moon-white dress, which she bought with the money she earned from Jishiditang.
There was also a light pink dress. Although she couldn't remember clearly what it was, she had an inexplicable feeling that it was not given by anyone from the Marquis' Mansion.
There was one more thing that she picked up at the last minute.
The scarlet box.
At lunch, Aunt Fang served food to the girl, hoping that she would finish all the food on the table. She asked tentatively, "Child, do you want to go see your father and mother?"
Mu An Ning paused while eating, looked up and nodded seriously.
She actually wanted to visit them for a long time, but she just didn't know how to start the conversation.
Seeing that the girl had no intention of blaming her biological parents, Aunt Fang let out a sigh of relief, tears welling up in her eyes: "Good girl."
After the meal, Mu An Ning was led into the ancestral hall as he wished.
The ancestral hall was quiet and solemn, with flickering candlelight and faint scents of incense lingering in the air.
With just one glance, Mu An Ning saw the two seats in the center.
On the left side is engraved 'Hua Mo Li'.
The one on the right is engraved with "Qiao Yucheng".
I guess this is the name of her parents.
As expected, her aunt explained to her in a low voice: "An Ning, these are your mother and your father."
Mu An Ning was silent for a while, then slowly knelt on the ground and lit three incense sticks for them.
Aunt Fang felt a little uncomfortable and felt more and more pitiful for her niece, as she had never even seen what her biological parents looked like.
Mu An Ning stared at the two cold figures, and finally couldn't help but raise her eyes and ask, "Aunt, can you tell me why they died?"
She also asked Mu Wan'er, but Mu Wan'er just said ambiguously that it was just an accident.
Aunt Fang, who was also sitting on the ground, didn't say anything directly, but recalled the past with a smile in her eyes: "An Ning, you must find it strange that your mother is a famous general and your father is a doctor."
Hearing his mother's identity, Mu An Ning slowed down his breathing unconsciously: "Aunt, my mother is the... Hua General who once fought against the King of Anqing?"
Aunt Fang was a little surprised that her niece knew all these old stories. After a while, she nodded and smiled, "That's right. When your mother was alive, she was a legendary woman."
Aunt Fang recalled her honest brother and smiled lovingly, "To be honest, your father was married into the Hua family."
Mu An Ning subconsciously shifted his gaze to the two seats, a little dazed, and Aunt Fang's chatterbox was completely opened.
"When I was chatting with your mother, I learned that she already had a crush on a man, but she could not resist your father's insistence on following her, and even risked his life to protect him on the battlefield, so she reluctantly accepted your father."
"One year after their marriage, they gave birth to your brother. But later, the Hua family was wiped out..." Aunt Fang said this and looked at her niece's expression carefully. Seeing that she did not seem surprised by this matter, she continued to speak.
"Although your mother managed to escape, the Hua family fell into decline. They hid their identities for several years before giving birth to you..."
Mu An Ning was stunned for a long time, and suddenly said: "Aunt, my mother didn't commit treason, did she?"
Every common people knows the famous General Hua. It is said that she even overshadowed Prince Anqing in her time.
However, later there were rumors that Hua Moli was colluding with the enemy and committing treason, and then the emperor issued an edict, which completely verified this rumor.
Since then, the Hua family's reputation has plummeted and they have become traitors despised by everyone.
When she heard about this as a child, she found it strange. How could a female general who had killed countless enemies for the State of Chu betray her country overnight?
Aunt Fang sighed deeply: "Of course not, it's just that his achievements are greater than his master's..."
"The death of my father and mother." Seeing that his aunt was hesitant to speak, Mu An Ning had a guess in his mind, and his eyes flickered slightly: "But is it because of... the late emperor?"
Looking at her niece's solemn expression, Aunt Fang was afraid that she was blinded by hatred, so she wiped the tears from her eyes and said, "It's just an accident, don't think too much about it."
*
midnight.
Baoqin stretched out her hand and tried to snatch the letter from the girl's hand, and said, "Miss, you'd better not read it."
Today the young lady had a medical book but couldn't find it, so she turned the house upside down.
Unexpectedly, they found the letter from Prince Gu.
"Baoqin, I haven't punished you yet." Mu An Ning put the letter in his arms and said angrily, "If you don't want to copy the words, then let your young lady be alone."
After Baoqin left reluctantly, Mu An Ning lowered his eyes and slowly opened the letter.
She originally wanted to go to Jishitang today, but she felt complicated because she had just learned about her life experience.
Now, more than ten years have passed and the people have forgotten this incident, but this slander is recorded in history, and her mother will always be charged with treason.
But now, the former emperor has passed away, and some things cannot be investigated...
Her aunt seemed to know that she was feeling upset, and quietly sent all the medical books left by her father to her room to help her distract herself.
Mu An Ning lowered her eyelashes and looked at the letter.
As expected, it was written by that Prince Gu again.
She really didn't understand why Baoqin kept hiding.
"Aning, it's nice to see you in person."
"I miss you so much."
Mu An Ning's ears felt warm unconsciously, but his expression remained calm as he continued reading.
"You once told me that if we were to get wet in the snow together today, we would grow old together in this life."
"I laughed at you then, but now I want to laugh at myself."
"You should marry Tan Wenhuai now..."
Mu An Ning paused, frowned slightly, and was attracted by a deep scratch.
She looked carefully and saw that the crossed-out line seemed to read: "You don't know how much I envy him."
Mu An Ning was stunned for a moment, and a young man's voice suddenly appeared in his mind.
But as I continued reading, it was all blessings.
Every stroke seems to be true and genuine.
Mu An Ning's eyes fell on the last sentence, and he never moved away -
"Aning, I wish you a happy marriage."
*
On the seventh day of July, night falls.
Mu Anning has returned to Jishiditang since yesterday.
When she and Baoqin came out of the clinic, the streets were already lit up with lights.
"Ms. Mu, go out and relax more." Old Doctor Lu walked them to the door and smiled.
Mu An Ning agreed with a smile, and suddenly asked, "Doctor Lu, do you want to come with us?"
She just found out that Lu Changqing was the son of old doctor Lu who had been away from home for many years.
This time he finally returned to Beijing, but was sent to guard the border.
"I am old." Doctor Lu waved his hands, wrinkles appeared at the corners of his eyes, and said before leaving: "I have let it go, girl, you should also let it go."
Mu An Ning immediately understood what Doctor Lu was referring to.
In fact, after returning to the Qiao Mansion, she no longer drank the "memory restoration" medicine.
Some things, maybe it’s better to forget them.
Today is the Qiqiao Festival. Men and women are walking in pairs on the streets, which is really embarrassing.
"Miss, would you like to eat some candied haws?" Baoqin cast her eyes towards the street vendor.
"No need." Mu An Ning laughed: "If you want to eat, go buy it."
She just came to join in the fun.
Her aunt had specifically reminded her this morning what day it was, and had also told her that she could make an exception and return home a little later tonight.
It is sad to say that in the past, the Marquis' Mansion also had many rules, but it was also forbidden to stay outside too late, but there were two completely different reasons.
Baoqin observed the girl's expression, a little unsure of what she was thinking: "Miss, do you really not want to eat?"
After reading the letter from Prince Gu that night, the young lady did not express any opinion and did not ask her anything.
It was at this moment that the crowd suddenly started pushing and shoving, separating the master and servant.
Mu An Ning's heart started to panic. He looked around but did not realize that he had been pushed to the vicinity of the surging river without realizing it.
Just as she was about to fall into the water, a force suddenly came from her waist and pulled her back from the river bank.
Mu An Ning heaved a sigh of relief immediately, and her heart seemed to be beating for a while. Before she even saw the person who saved her, she thanked him softly.
However, the next moment, when she met the man's pale gray eyes, the girl seemed to be frozen in place, and a clear and profound scene suddenly emerged in her mind.
When she was a child, she accidentally fell into the water, and the boy who saved her looked almost identical to the man in front of her.
The throbbing in her heart at that time seemed to be no less than it is now.
Mu An Ning slowed down his breathing and asked subconsciously: "Master Shi, have we ever met in childhood?"
The person in front of me is about to leave.
She had long felt that his captivating eyes seemed to be ones she had seen somewhere before.
Now, for some reason, the picture in my mind has become clearer.
But before today, she seemed to have someone else as her savior.
Shi Jiangli seemed to have not expected that the first sentence the girl said would be this. He did not respond for a long time, but just stared at the girl's peaceful face.
There seemed to be a hint of expectation in her almond-shaped eyes.
But the next moment, the crowd began to move again.
Before she could get a reply, the girl was accidentally bumped into and nearly fell.
Shi Jiangli's eyes darkened, and his cold big hands quickly supported the girl's slender waist.
The two people were close to each other, their breaths lingering, quietly rippling the lake of their hearts.
Mu An Ning turned his face away uncomfortably, but met the eyes of a smiling gentleman.
The master looked at the two young people who matched each other and smiled happily: "Two lovers, do you want to try this matchmaking?"
Mu An Ning quickly glanced at Shi Jiangli who was interested, his face flushed, and he hurriedly explained in a low voice: "Master, you misunderstood, we are just friends."
The master's eyes fell on Shi Jiangli's hand on the girl's waist, and he coughed lightly without commenting: "Friends are also fine. Do you two want to try it? If it doesn't work, I won't charge you. I just want to have a thought."
Shi Jiangli didn't know what he was thinking. He suddenly let go of the girl's slender waist and instead grabbed her palm directly.
Before Mu An Ning could react, he was pulled to the stall.
His palms were cool, very cool, like a pool of cold, clear water in a summer stream.
She vaguely remembered that when she examined his pulse earlier, she found that his pulse was so weak that it was almost nonexistent. She was afraid that he might have been poisoned by some kind of insect.
But he was too rude today and actually grabbed her hand.
Mu An Ning couldn't help but glance sideways, a little dazed.
Shi Jiangli was wearing a black robe decorated with golden dragon patterns, which was low-key yet luxurious.
His appearance could be described as feminine and handsome, with delicate features and a pair of extremely deep black eyes staring straight at her.
Inexplicably, she saw a strong... possessiveness.
Mu An Ning suddenly felt uneasy and quickly turned away, trying to pull his hand away, but someone held it tightly and refused to let go.
What does he want to do?
The girl's heart was filled with waves of emotion, and she couldn't help but feel even more nervous.
The touch of that cool and powerful palm left her with nowhere to hide.
The master sensed the ambiguous atmosphere between the two and teased, "Come on, come on, both of you try it quickly."
As he spoke, he handed the silver needle in his hand to the two people.
Shi Jiangli did not say anything, but took it with interest.
Mu An Ning looked at the glittering needle and couldn't refuse it. He could only accept it and then refuse, "Master, I don't..."
But before the girl finished her words, she suddenly felt the strength on her hands loosen.
She couldn't help but glance sideways, and saw that in just a moment, the thread had already passed through the tiny needle.
Mu An Ning was stunned.
"This is the first time I've seen a young man with such good accuracy." The master was surprised for a while, his eyes swirling between the two of them: "It seems that the young man is sincere, young lady, you should try it quickly, don't refuse."
Shi Jiangli also looked at her, and the meaning in his eyes was obvious.
He wanted her to try.
The man finally let go of her hand, but Mu An Ning felt her cheeks getting hotter.
The girl tried her best to hide her inner turmoil, took a deep breath, and finally picked up a thin thread.
Forget it. As the master just said, it’s okay among friends.
Jiang Li seems quite strange at this time, so it is better not to provoke him.
However, the girl's fingertips were trembling and she did not succeed.
Seeing this, the master waved his hand and said, "Miss, try again. It won't count this time."
Mu An Ning subconsciously glanced to the side and saw Shi Jiangli smiling at her. For some unknown reason, she tried it a second time.
This time the girl's hands were steadier than before, but she still failed.
It's strange to say, her needlework is not bad and she has practiced it for several years, but today she didn't have any accuracy at all.
Mu An Ning could only apologize and smiled faintly, "Master, I'd better not try it."
She was about to put down the silver needle when her wrist was suddenly grabbed by someone.
Mu An Ning frowned slightly and asked uncomfortably, "Master Shi?"
Shi Jiangli didn't say anything, but his fingers caressed the girl's white wrist like love.
Mu An Ning was so anxious that he tried to pull his hand back in a hurry. Seeing that he couldn't pull it back, he could only tentatively say, "Then I'll try again?"
Shi Jiangli then let her go.
Mu An Ning held his breath and picked up another string.
The remaining two people also stared at the girl's movements without moving.
After a moment, the line passed through.
The master exhaled and said meaningfully, "Little girl, cherish this young master."
Mu An Ning subconsciously glanced at the man with deep eyes, and felt inexplicably frightened in his heart.
At this time, Jiang Li is always so inexplicable.
It is the case in Wutong City and also in Shangjing.
Shi Jiangli seemed to be in a very mocking mood. Although he did not say a word, he threw a whole bag of silver to the master.
Mu An Ning was about to speak when suddenly a crisp voice fell into her ears word by word, causing her to look in that direction.
"Tan Wenhuai, Jiang Li is missing now. What should I do? Please help me find him."
Mu An Ning was stunned, and when he turned around suddenly, there was no trace of Shi Jiang Le.
*
July 20th.
The queen died.
The people were sighing with grief. The emperor and empress had only been married for a month, and the world had been at peace for only a month, yet another big event had happened.
When Mu An Ning heard the news, surprisingly, there was not much reaction.
Some time ago, she and her brother wanted to enter the palace to see Mu Wan'er, but they were not allowed by the palace.
Now that she thought about it, Mu Wan'er avoided them simply because she didn't want to be separated from them forever.
She had written a letter to the palace early on, in which she confessed everything to Mu Wan'er. She could hear her inner voice, but there were also many other things, big and small, which could be considered a farewell.
However, there were some things she wanted to say in person to this sister with whom she had only been seeing for a short time.
After learning of Mu Wan'er's death, her aunt and brother both did not mention the matter in front of her, but she could see that they were very sad.
However, Mu Wan'er and them were destined to be just passers-by.
That night, she dreamed of two Mu Wan'er.
A skinny man, trapped in a dark mist.
The other was hopping around on a strange street, looking very unhappy.
When Mu An Ning saw her like that, he couldn't help but be infected by her joy.
And Mu Wan'er, who was surrounded by the dark mist, seemed to have seen the joy on the other end, and her beautiful eyes were immediately filled with hatred.
She stared at the other Mu Wan'er for a while, and suddenly turned her gaze to Mu An Ning who was floating in the air and watching the scene with a smile.
"Mu An Ning, I want you to be damned forever!"
The girl was so frightened by the face that hit her that she woke up immediately. She sat up and only felt relieved after she tightly grasped the amulet around her waist.
The originally dull wooden sign seemed to be stained with a faint red.
Although she carries it with her every day, she seems to have no idea where the wooden sign came from.
*
At the end of the year, it was her birthday.
This was her first birthday party held in the Qiao Mansion.
In fact, after all is said and done, she only has one close friend, Su Nianci.
There was also Mu Wan'er, but they will never see each other again in this life.
After she returned to the Qiao Mansion, Su Nianci fell ill again.
She went to visit her several times, but each time she didn't stay long because she was driven out by Su Nianci, who was afraid that she would pass her illness on to her.
But she still sent an invitation to Su Nianci for this birthday party, saying that if Su Nianci's health improved, she could come and attend.
Today, Su Nianci actually came to the banquet alone.
Mu An Ning supported her friend and walked faster into the house, not wanting her friend to get cold: "Sister Su, are you okay?"
Su Nianci smiled and nodded, "If I wasn't feeling well, I wouldn't be here."
Mu An Ning chuckled. That’s right. Sister Su is the most considerate person and is afraid of passing the illness on to others.
Originally, my brother wanted to go to a restaurant to celebrate, but she didn't want them to spend too much money, so my aunt suggested that they cook themselves today.
After Mu An Ning settled Su Nianci down, he wanted to go to the kitchen to help, but as expected, he was scolded by his aunt and kicked out.
Su Nianci saw her friend's dejected look and couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Ning'er, you've grown up."
Mu An Ning laughed and sat down next to her. "Sister Su, you sound like you are much older than me."
Su Nianci smiled, then her expression suddenly froze: "Ning'er, have you come out yet?"
Mu An Ning was stunned, not knowing what his friend was referring to. Just at this moment, Fang Ziweng came in and interrupted their conversation.
Soon, Aunt Fang prepared a large table of dishes.
She didn't let her niece help, but she mercilessly ordered her nephew and son to wash and cut vegetables.
"You are 28 years old, very good." Aunt Fang treated her niece as her own daughter, and tears flowed for a moment: "An Ning, your aunt has found several marriages for you in the past few days."
Mu An Ning held the woman's arm and smiled sincerely, "Aunt, I want to stay at home with you for a few more years."
Qiao Qingsheng agreed with a smile, looking at his sister with eyes full of tenderness: "Aunt, An Ning is right. It's not impossible for me to raise her for the rest of her life."
"Qingsheng!" Aunt Fang glanced at him sideways, tears in her eyes, "Don't make mistakes in your sister's life. Your father and mother's spirits in heaven also hope that you can get married soon."
Mu An Ning smiled at her family and friends, feeling warm in her heart.
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