Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
"Is Ruyi here?" Madam Xiao smiled and waved, "Come and sit. Your sister was just talking about you."
Nangong Shuang then noticed that Qian Rulin was also seated in the pavilion, indicating she had arrived before her sister. Qian Rulin smiled and nodded at her younger sibling.
"Good day, Madam," Qian Ruyi greeted politely, "Sister, you are here too."
Madam Xiao affectionately took her hand, "You are looking more radiant. I heard you have a clever new maid?"
"Yes!" Qian Ruyi pulled Nangong Shuang forward, "This is Nangong Shuang. She has an excellent memory, is knowledgeable in medicine, and understands poetry and literature."
Madam Xiao looked Nangong Shuang up and down, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. "What an extraordinary girl; she truly stands out."
Nangong Shuang respectfully bowed, "I have the honor of meeting you, Madam."
"You know medicine?" Madam Xiao's interest piqued. "I've been feeling some soreness in my back lately; do you have any good remedies?"
Nangong Shuang replied calmly, "If it’s just ordinary soreness, you can soak in mugwort-infused water or apply crushed ginger to the affected area. If it’s rheumatism penetrating the bones, then herbs like Angelica pubescens, mulberry parasite, and Eucommia ulmoides should be decocted for consumption. But the specific herbs would depend on your symptoms, Madam."
"Well said!" Madam Xiao's eyes sparkled with admiration. "At such a young age, you possess such knowledge."
Qian Rulin interjected, "Indeed, my sister's maid is remarkable. I heard she discussed the Book of Songs with her yesterday and can recite it from memory."
Nangong Shuang humbly replied, "It's just that I have a good memory; it's nothing worth mentioning."
Just then, a hearty laugh echoed through the air. "Mother, I’m back!"
Nangong Shuang's heart skipped a beat as she turned to see Xiao Zhongyan approaching in a lake-blue robe, exuding elegance. He looked as handsome as ever, his demeanor graceful—far from the disheveled appearance he had during the battle at Mei Ying Villa.
Upon seeing her son, Madam Xiao's face lit up with joy. "Yan'er, you’ve finally returned! Where have you been these days? I’ve been so worried."
"I’ve been traveling and have gained some insights; I came back immediately to pay my respects to you," Xiao Zhongyan replied with a smile, but his gaze swept over Nangong Shuang and paused for a moment.
Nangong Shuang lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes but felt as if his gaze was piercing through her; he seemed to recognize her.
"Good day, Yan Ge," Qian Ruyi curtsied gracefully, her cheeks flushed with two shades of red.
Xiao Zhongyan returned the greeting politely. "Is everything well with you, Ruyi?"
"Thank you for your concern, Yan Ge; everything is fine," Qian Ruyi replied in a voice as soft as a whisper, clearly shy.
Xiao Zhongyan then turned to Qian Rulin and gently asked, "How has Sister Rulin been lately?"
"Thanks to your blessings, everything is well," Qian Rulin responded with poise.
After exchanging pleasantries, Madam Xiao suggested, "The plum blossoms are in full bloom today. Since Yan'er has returned, why don’t we ask him to compose a poem for everyone?"
"The poetry of Yan Ge is the most beautiful!" Qian Ruyi's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Xiao Zhongyan humbly declined a few compliments, but seeing the eager expressions of those around him, he smiled and nodded, "If that's the case, I shall present my humble offering."
He walked to the plum tree, standing with his hands clasped behind his back. His gaze inadvertently swept towards Nangong Shuang as he softly recited:
"After the snow, the plum blossoms first unfold,
The wind is gentle, and the moon is full.
The flowers bloom still bearing rain,
As people depart, they leave traces behind.
In a thousand miles seeking fragrance,
I meet again an old acquaintance.
I wonder if the guest beneath the flowers remembers
The spring of years gone by?"
The crowd listened, entranced, and erupted into applause. Madam Xiao beamed with pride, "My son’s talent is indeed extraordinary."
Qian Ruyi gazed dreamily at Xiao Zhongyan and whispered to Nangong Shuang, "Yan Ge's poetry is so beautiful. Can you remember it? Teach me to recite it when we get back."
Nangong Shuang replied affirmatively, but her heart sank. Xiao Zhongyan's poem clearly hinted that he had recognized her and referenced their experiences at Mei Ying Villa. Phrases like "meeting again an old acquaintance" and "the guest beneath the flowers" pointed directly to their encounter in the blossoming plum garden.
Comment 0 Comment Count