Chapter 485 Yuan Hongqu's Sealed Memories
Years later, when Yuan Hongqu had become a respected matron at the Women's Academy, the floodgates of memory would involuntarily open in the quiet of the night, and the past belonging to Yangzhou and Lin Yuanhang would emerge, like ancient Xuan paper soaked in water, blurry yet heavy.
That was the deepest scar in her heart, and even though time had covered it with moss, it still ached faintly.
Her arrival in this time and space was not entirely by chance.
In modern society, she was already exhausted by severe depression, as if her soul had a huge hole through which all the light and warmth were leaking out.
The journey through time is less of a serendipitous encounter and more of an exile on the verge of death.
When she first arrived in Yangzhou, she was all alone, her heart a desolate wasteland sealed by ice.
With her remaining modern knowledge, she secured a teaching position at a girls' college, not so much for a living, but to find a temporary solace to fill the emptiness in her heart.
Her first encounter with Lin Yuanhang took place against this backdrop, and was so ordinary as to be almost unremarkable.
That was on a riverbank lined with willow trees outside the academy.
Several local scoundrels were harassing a woman who was singing for money, making lewd remarks.
Yuan Hongqu happened to pass by, and her modern soul made it impossible for her to ignore it. Despite feeling alienated and weary, she still stepped forward to stop her.
Just as the two sides were at a stalemate, a clear voice broke in:
"In broad daylight, why are you all making things difficult for a weak woman?"
Yuan Hongqu turned around and saw a young man dressed in a blue robe.
He wasn't the kind of handsome man who would immediately stun you; his features were open and unassuming, and his temperament was gentle yet resilient, like a green bamboo growing on a cliff.
He didn't resort to violence, but simply pointed out some minor "matters" in the homes of two of the spoiled brats. The men then left, looking embarrassed.
He turned and bowed to Yuan Hongqu, his eyes clear:
"My name is Lin Yuanhang. I have met you, young lady. Your righteous words are truly admirable."
Yuan Hongqu merely nodded slightly, softly said "It's my duty," and then turned and left.
At that time, she was disheartened and wary of any possible involvement.
Lin Yuanhang's first impression on her was that he was just an ordinary ancient man who was somewhat witty and perhaps came from a good family.
However, once the thread of fate is tied, it is difficult to break it easily.
Later, she learned that Lin Yuanhang was not from an official family, but a "recluse" who had traveled extensively and then settled in Yangzhou.
He was proficient in law and mathematics, and also had some knowledge of astronomy, geography, medicine, divination and astrology. He also possessed considerable martial arts skills, but he never showed them to others easily.
He seemed to know the rules of this world inside and out, yet he often remained outside of them.
Their familiarity began with a series of unintentional "chance encounters" and exchanges of ideas.
While at the academy, Yuan Hongqu occasionally couldn't help but reveal some ideas that were ahead of their time.
She no longer limited herself to teaching women virtues and needlework, but tried to introduce simple logical thinking, basic economic concepts, and even encouraged girls to explore the root causes behind "why women are inferior to men".
These unorthodox remarks, which were considered heretical at the time, drew the attention of some old-school teachers in the academy and also attracted Lin Yuanhang's more frequent visits.
He could always pinpoint the most striking and insightful points in her words, and he could follow her train of thought.
"Does Mr. Yuan believe that women, like men, can learn practical knowledge and participate in social and economic activities?" After listening to her debate with the headmaster, Lin Yuanhang privately approached her, his eyes showing no surprise, only deep interest.
Yuan Hongqu was prepared to face criticism or ridicule, but she was somewhat surprised by his attitude. She simply said coldly, "Why not? Human resources are the most important resource. To restrict half of them would be foolish."
"Wonderful!" Lin Yuanhang clapped his hands, his eyes gleaming.
“This statement gets to the heart of the matter. During my travels, I have seen that in foreign lands, women also hold power and run businesses. Their countries and families are not necessarily weaker than ours. It’s just that our dynasty has long been ingrained with these habits, and reform cannot be achieved overnight.”
He not only understood, but also provided examples to support his point, which stirred the long-frozen heart of Yuan Hongqu for the first time.
From then on, Lin Yuanhang became the "touchstone" and "resonance box" for her thoughts.
Her fragmented thoughts on social structures, economic models, and even the vaguely revealed modern concepts of "equality" and "human rights" found a unique audience and understanding person in this unfamiliar time and space.
He did not accept everything and sometimes questioned it, but these questions were based on an attempt to understand and aimed to make her ideas more relevant to the times and more practical.
He could even sense her deeply hidden emotional issues.
He never questioned the source of her occasional immense sadness and alienation. Instead, when she leaned alone against the railing with a vacant look in her eyes, he would silently offer her a warm cup of her favorite Lu'an melon seed tea. Or, when she was extremely depressed and almost swallowed up by the depression brought by modern life, he would "coincidentally" bring her interesting travelogues or invite her to the countryside to relax, to see the mountains and rivers, and silently accompany her.
"Mr. Yuan's thoughts and ideas are like celestial beings descending from the heavens, magnificent and extraordinary."
He once commented in this way, without a trace of flattery in his tone, only sincere appreciation.
"It is fortunate that I can understand even a little bit of Yuanhang. If there is anything I do not understand, it is not your fault, but my own dullness. Just think and do, Yuanhang... I am willing to clear away some of the dust for you and do my best."
His support was complete and unconditional.
This kind of unreserved trust and understanding is more precious than any treasure to a time traveler whose heart is full of trauma and who always feels out of place in this world.
Yuan Hongqu's heart, frozen by depression, began to melt little by little.
She began to look forward to her conversations with him, and gradually revealed emotions other than coldness and aloofness in front of him.
She knew she had fallen for him...
This man named Lin Yuanhang, in his unique way, knocked on the door of her tightly closed heart.
However, the more you care, the more afraid you become.
Depression made her instinctively afraid of intimate relationships, afraid of losing what she had gained, and afraid that her broken soul would ultimately drag the other person down.
She retreated time and time again, wrapping her heart up again.
Faced with Lin Yuanhang's increasingly clear feelings, she chose to avoid and remain silent.
Lin Yuanhang, however, was extremely patient.
He seemed to see through all her struggles and fears, never forcing her, but simply watching over her.
He continued to discuss academic matters with her, supported all her attempts at the academy, quietly appeared when she needed him, and silently stepped back when she hesitated.
Lin Yuanhang showed her through his actions: I am here, whether you accept it or not, no matter how long it takes.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
