Summer has passed and autumn has arrived. The spider webs on the eaves are covered with a thin layer of coolness. Two months have passed silently as the sycamore leaves fall from the steps.
These days, Chen Hede comes and goes like a gust of wind.
Every time he came, he always carried something in his hand—sometimes a few packets of newly released pastries, sometimes a stack of clean fine cloth, and most importantly, a thick stack of newspapers.
He would always give a few hurried instructions, his eyes quickly scanning the commotion in the courtyard. He wouldn't even have time to take a sip of the hot tea that Xinghua brought out before waving his hand and saying, "I have other things to do." He would then turn around and walk away quickly in the sunlight that dappled the ground like scattered gold, the wind carrying the dust of his journey.
In fact, they had not lost contact; letters had already been exchanged between the two places several times, clearly explaining their current situation in the words.
But Chen Hede insisted on coming himself, saying, "Seeing is believing." He had to come in person to see Xu Zhuohua's relaxed expression and the peaceful atmosphere in the yard before he could finally put his mind at ease.
We were just extra careful on this journey.
The southern route for the Xu family's eastward journey is the fastest by water, with frequent merchant ships coming and going. Xu Jixin and Cheng Muyun's men might pass through here someday.
Chen Hede always arrived at the exact time, not daring to linger even a moment longer, for fear of being recognized by someone with sharp eyes and causing unnecessary trouble.
He came and went in a hurry, like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating only a shallow ripple before returning to calm.
Xu Zhuohua, on the other hand, lived a very fulfilling life.
When she had free time, she would move a bamboo chair to sit on the veranda, spread out the newspaper that Chen Hede had brought, and read the news from the outside world word by word.
Xinghua's cooking skills have improved more and more. Her steamed rice cakes are soft and sweet, and her stir-fried vegetables have a refreshing, smoky flavor that always whets her appetite.
I took Dr. Liu's medicine on time. The bitter medicine went down my throat, but it was like spring rain nourishing the earth, slowly soothing the knots in my heart.
She also often teased the little river, living a carefree life.
This leisurely rural life, like a bowl of lukewarm sugar water, slowly softened her past sorrows.
In particular, Dr. Liu's medical skills were truly superb; he not only cured her physical condition but also broadened her mind.
Now she no longer frowns all day long like before. Most of the time, the corners of her mouth are slightly raised, and her eyes are filled with the brightness of an autumn sky.
When Dr. Liu has free time, he also chats with Xu Zhuohua.
Doctor Liu's knowledge of old theories was so profound that it reminded Xu Zhuohua of the clan elders in his hometown of Dongzhou. They liked to sit in the ancestral hall, smoking and crossing their legs, using old theories and ancient precepts to intimidate people.
However, Doctor Liu did not have that arrogant air about him. He was an elder who did not like to put on airs, and he was also an elder who could give people directions.
This small clinic is like a warm nest forgotten by time, where there are steady elders like Dr. Liu and lively young people like Xinghua.
With three hot and thoughtful meals a day, and readily available prescriptions for headaches and fevers, Xu Zhuohua felt very comforted as she looked at the herbs drying in the yard, which exuded a bitter fragrance.
The things Chen Hede sent were always thoughtfully considered. The rice jar was never empty, there was enough cloth for the seasons, and occasionally some novel little trinkets, enough for them to live a stable and prosperous life.
Sometimes, while sitting by the lotus pond peeling lotus pods, Xu Zhuohua would suddenly feel a sense of disorientation.
The green tiles, earthen walls, wooden tables, and bamboo chairs in front of her clearly resembled the early Republican era, but this tranquility, far removed from the hustle and bustle, made her feel as if she had returned to the countryside in the 21st century.
There's no humming air conditioner, no Wi-Fi connecting you to the world, and no refreshing chilled watermelon, but instead, a pond full of elegant lotus flowers in the height of summer. You can easily pick a plump lotus pod, peel out the crisp lotus seeds, and pop them into your mouth. The sweet taste is tinged with a slight bitterness, making it feel like a secluded paradise.
The outside world's troubles were all conveyed through the newspapers brought by Chen Hede.
Amidst the scent of ink, Shinkai City was gradually recovering from the turmoil.
This city has an amazing ability to heal itself, and the streets and alleys quickly returned to their former bustling state.
After all, it was a chaotic era, and warlordism was commonplace. Cheng Muyun and his Dongzhou Army gradually faded from people's conversations. However, on some evenings when people were enjoying the cool air, someone would suddenly mention Hu Moli.
"Such a beautiful singer, she really couldn't have been so foolish as to run into that scoundrel." The old man, fanning himself with a palm leaf fan, sighed, his tone full of regret.
“Who can argue with that? If Mr. Mei hadn’t intervened later, who would have thought that Hu Moli was actually the senior sister of the opera troupe, hiding her amazing skills so well?” The woman in the blue cloth shirt chimed in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"What good would it do to know? The old troupe leader is long gone, Mr. Mei wasn't famous back then, and Hu Moli was already the top performer at the Paramount."
"In my opinion, if she hadn't gotten involved with that young lady from the Xu family, she might have lived a few more years," someone said in a low voice, with a hint of speculation.
"Tsk, don't even mention it. I heard he was burned alive and suffered for several days before he finally died. He was barely recognizable as a human being..." Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the person next to him.
"Sigh, let's say less, or we might offend that big devil."
"Yes, yes, I won't say anymore." The man hurriedly stopped talking, but couldn't help adding, "But speaking of which, Deputy Director Chen did the right thing back then. If she had been executed in the cell, none of this would have happened."
Chen Hede gradually became known as a good person, decisive in his actions, and protected the peace of the area.
Cheng Muyun, however, has become a taboo subject that everyone avoids. Once a glamorous figure, he is now a "demon king" that people avoid at all costs.
Hearing these words, Xu Zhuohua felt as if she had been pricked by needles, her heart aching with a dense, persistent pain.
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