Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
In the main courtyard of the Li Residence, the candlelight had long since extinguished.
Su Wan'er sat alone before the couch, dressed in a light blue skirt that flowed gently around her. Her hair was loosely styled, with a jade hairpin tilted precariously, as if it might fall at any moment.
The room was cold and dim, yet she seemed unaware, her fingertips repeatedly stroking a handkerchief embroidered with scattered plum blossoms. Her knuckles turned pale, as if she were holding onto the last bit of warmth in the world.
Qing Xing stood by her side, softly calling out, "Madam, it's late. You should rest." Her tone was cautious, afraid to disturb her mistress's thoughts.
Su Wan'er appeared not to hear, her gaze fixed on the plum blossom on the handkerchief. After a moment, she spoke quietly, "Qing Xing, tell me, if people's hearts have grown cold, what is there left to cherish in this world?"
Qing Xing's eyes reddened slightly as she knelt beside her and gently urged, "Madam, there is always hope. Lord Li… he is just blinded by rumors; he still cares for you deeply."
Su Wan'er let out a soft laugh, though it was faint and tinged with undeniable bitterness.
"The one who cares for me most has now stripped away my last shred of dignity," she said. "Qing Xing, do you know how he looks at me now? It's like he sees a stranger. I don't even have the strength to defend myself." Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Qing Xing reached out and held Su Wan'er's fingertips, her palm cold. "Madam, please don’t think like that… As long as we are alive, we can endure."
"Endure?" Su Wan'er repeated softly, tears welling in her eyes. "Qing Xing, I grew up in the capital where my parents and brothers spoiled me. Although I faced some grievances after marrying into the Li Residence, my husband has always treated me kindly. But now? This house is filled with rumors and prying eyes; even he… he can no longer protect me."
Qing Xing choked back her tears, struggling to remain composed. "Madam, if you can't bear it anymore, I can quietly accompany you back to your family. If you just say the word, Young Master Zhao would help as well..."
Su Wan'er shook her head wearily. "What good would going back do? How could they bear this humiliation? Qing Xing, I have no way out."
Her tone was light but carried an inexplicable determination.
Qing Xing's heart tightened at her words; she quickly crawled to kneel before her. "Madam, please don’t frighten me! As long as you are here, even if the Li Residence feels desolate, there is still hope. If you leave… then I, Young Master Zhao, and even the master… we wouldn’t be able to go on!"
Su Wan'er gently stroked Qing Xing's hair, her eyes glistening with tears. "Silly girl, in this life, there is always a time for parting. I just didn't expect it to come so quickly."
As she spoke, she slowly stood up, the hem of her skirt brushing against the ground, her hair cascading down her pale neck.
The night breeze slipped through the window cracks, carrying a hint of chill.
Su Wan'er walked to the dressing table and gazed at her reflection in the bronze mirror—her face was pale, and her eyes were filled with fatigue and sorrow.
She slowly removed the jade hairpin from her hair, letting it fall loose around her shoulders.
Seeing this, Qing Xing felt an inexplicable panic rise within her. "Madam, it's late and the dew is heavy. Please rest for a while. I'll go make you some calming soup, if that's alright?"
"Qing Xing, go fetch that deep purple shawl for me," Su Wan'er suddenly instructed softly, her tone as gentle as ever.
Qing Xing responded blankly and turned to enter the inner chamber.
Before long, she returned holding the shawl, only to find Su Wan'er had hanged herself.
"Madam... why would you do this? Someone, quickly tell the master..." Qing Xing's voice trembled as she began to cry uncontrollably.
The maidservant hurried away in response.
Qing Xing finally collapsed to the ground, burying her face in her sleeves, sobbing inconsolably.
The room fell into an eerie silence, broken only by Qing Xing's faint weeping.
Outside, hurried footsteps echoed. Li Lingfeng's voice rang out, deep and anxious: "Su Wan'er! Su Wan'er—"
Qing Xing suddenly dashed to the door, crying out, "My lord, the lady is inside... Please come in quickly, save the lady!"
As the door swung open, Li Lingfeng rushed in and immediately saw Su Wan'er on the bed, her complexion pale as snow, a smile on her lips, and an expression of tranquility on her face.
He stood frozen for a moment, as if struck by lightning.
"Su Wan'er..." A beast-like growl escaped his throat as he stumbled toward the bed, dropping to his knees and trembling as he reached for her hand.
Her hands were icy cold, with a faint trace of sandalwood lingering on her fingertips.
Li Lingfeng's body shook violently, his voice breaking: "Su Wan'er, wake up... don't leave me... Su Wan'er!"
Qing Xing knelt on the ground, crying to the point of near unconsciousness.
Li Lingfeng held her lifeless body tightly, his eyes bloodshot. His face buried in her hair, he whispered tremulously: "Su Wan'er, it’s my fault. I didn’t protect you; I have wronged you... Please open your eyes just once more and look at me, will you?"
No one answered; the room was filled with silence.
Qing Xing lay against the threshold, tears streaming down her face.
Comment 0 Comment Count