Ties of Love, Ruan Wan

Looking at the high walls and courtyards piled with snow all around, I could only sigh.

When can we get out?

Ruan Wan gazed towards the distant mountains, probably in this direction. "Mother, it's New Year's again. Mother is spending New Year's alone, and Wan'er is spending New Year's alone too."

"Mother, Wan'er is seventeen this year. If we can't find her again this year, we'll have to go back."

Otherwise, there will be a lot of trouble, and you might be trapped here for the rest of your life.

"You don't need to worry about your father anymore. He seems to be doing very well, with many wives and concubines, and children all around him."

After saying that, Ruan Wan sighed deeply again.

In the two years since I first met him, I haven't seen that cheap father again. I don't think I've seen anyone except the people in front of me.

Last New Year's Eve, Chunzhu and Xiaocui thought Ruan Wan would be able to leave. During the New Year, people always think of their family ties.

The two of them got Ruan Wan up early in the morning and dressed her up, probably thinking that they couldn't leave her alone during the New Year.

Later, Granny Li came to deliver a message, saying that she was afraid Ruan Wan would pass on her illness to the old lady, so she asked Ruan Wan to stay in the South Garden.

However, after receiving many gifts, Chunzhu immediately wilted and couldn't show it in front of Ruan Wan. Wang Mama, on the other hand, seemed to have known all along and gave her a good comforting speech.

Ruan Wan didn't care about any of that; she had never considered these complete strangers as family.

Ruan Wan simply smiled and said she was used to it.

Autumn Frost remained as cold and aloof as ever.

They would be happier if the rewards were shared with them. Anyway, Ruan Wan didn't need them.

This year should be the same. As soon as the lights came on, Ruan Wan asked them to leave, not wanting them to harbor resentment during the New Year.

In the past, when a person lived alone in the mountains, they didn't feel lonely. Everyone around them had a home, and they could reunite with their families.

Ruan Wan, in this courtyard, or rather, in this cage, couldn't possibly deny her loneliness. Everything is relative, and loneliness is no exception.

Meanwhile, inside the Seventh Prince's residence, Amu hurried towards the inner courtyard and encountered a maid who asked, "Where is His Highness?"

"Reporting to the Steward, His Highness is inside his room."

"Alright, go ahead and get busy," the maid replied and left.

Amu arrived at the door, which was open. He saw his master standing by the window, gazing at the distant mountains, clutching Lanxiu's sachet tightly in his hand, his face etched with a faint sadness.

It's been two years, and there's still no news from Xiaozhu.

Half a year after leaving the bamboo house, Xia Changfeng returned with his men. During that time, he wanted to go back countless times, but he was entangled in court affairs.

As soon as he had a moment to spare, Xia Changfeng got up and set off. Dressed in fine clothes, he stood in front of the fence, posed, and called out, "Xiao Zhu, it's Brother Xia! Brother Xia is back!"

After a long silence, Xia Changfeng assumed that Xiaozhu was dressed in women's clothing and unwilling to come out to meet him, so he waited a little longer.

Amu glanced at the courtyard, which was somewhat dilapidated. He said, "Master, this house seems to have been uninhabited for a long time."

Xia Changfeng saw the bamboo frame in the yard lying in disarray, with fallen leaves and dust covering the table.

Seeing the scene before him, Xia Changfeng was filled with panic. He rushed towards the bamboo house, paused in front of the door, afraid to open it and see something he didn't want to see.

Xia Changfeng finally pushed open the door. The room was empty, and the things had been ransacked.

His heart pounded in his chest, and Xia Changfeng could only shout in all directions, "Xiaozhu, Xiaozhu... where are you?"

He shouted himself hoarse, but only heard his own echo.

Xia Changfeng panicked instantly. He had never felt this way when he was on the verge of death several times before. He just felt his mind go blank.

He ordered his men to search the mountains, and he himself searched all over the mountains and fields, but found nothing. He searched for days and nights without seeming to tire.

Finally, Amu persuaded him, "Master, your subordinates have searched the entire mountain and found no trace of Brother Xiaozhu's body. It's clear that Brother Xiaozhu must have escaped."

Xia Changfeng finally grasped a glimmer of hope, but the whole country began searching for Xiaozhu.

Amu sighed. Ever since his master returned from the outskirts of Beijing a year ago, he had collapsed in the mountains after several sleepless days and had to be carried back by Amu. Since then, he had always been staring blankly into the distance.

"My lord, the palace banquet is about to begin; it's time to depart."

Xia Changfeng put the sachet in his bosom, took a deep breath, and immediately returned to his usual gentle and refined, spirited self as the Seventh Prince.

He turned and strode toward the gate of the mansion, with Amu following closely behind.

The carriage was already waiting outside the gate. A maidservant stepped forward to drape a cloak over Xia Changfeng's shoulders, and a servant promptly arranged a stool and lifted the curtain. After Xia Changfeng sat in the carriage, the group headed towards the palace gate.

Inside Hongming Palace, music and dance filled the air. Xia Changfeng removed his cloak, shook off the remaining snow, and stepped into the palace. He clasped his hands and knelt on one knee, saying, "Your son is late, Father and Mother, please forgive me."

The emperor beamed, "Seventh Prince, the family is missing you! Come, come, take a seat!"

Xia Changfeng got up and walked to the empty seat in the first row of the main seats.

The seating arrangement in the palace follows a strict hierarchical order, with the emperor seated on the dragon throne.

The Empress sat regally on the right rear side, her face exuding elegance and nobility. Though she was middle-aged, all that remained of her was the dignified bearing that comes with the passage of time.

The phoenix crown, nestled among her dark hair streaked with white, made her appear even more majestic. Dressed in a phoenix and peony robe embroidered with gold thread, she looked every bit the queen.

On either side of him were the four consorts of the inner court. On the left was Consort Ruan, the birth mother of Princess Chang Le; Consort Zhangde, the birth mother of the third and sixth princes; on the right was Consort Hu, the birth mother of Princess An Ning, who had married far away to the northern desert; and then there was Consort Liu, who had just given birth to the fourteenth prince for His Majesty.

The first row on the right consists of the Second Prince Xia Yunqian, the Third Prince Xia Ziru, the Fourth Prince Xia Mosang, the Sixth Prince Xia Wuxiu, the Seventh Prince, and Princess Chang Le.

The eldest prince and the fifth prince died young. Behind them were a group of concubines, princesses, and some younger princes.

On the left side, ministers sat in separate seats, with Zhang Lucheng at the head, and others seated according to their rank.

Each person sits at a table with a dragon-patterned gold plate on it, displaying fragrant fruits and pastries. A maid stands beside the table, holding a silver pot to pour wine.

Laughter filled the air as dancers gracefully swayed their flowing sleeves and swayed their slender waists in the center of the dance floor, exuding charm and allure.

At that moment, the Second Prince, Xia Yunqian, raised his wine cup, turned sideways, and stood up, saying, "Your subject here pays New Year's greetings to Father and Mother. Your subject wishes Father and Mother good health and longevity."

At that moment, all the princes and princesses rose and said in unison, "Your subjects wish Your Majesty and Mother good health and longevity."

Everyone finished their drinks and then sat down again.

The emperor smiled and said, "Good, good, good."

He then raised his cup to drink with the Empress. The princes and princesses then took their seats again.

A moment later, Zhang Lucheng turned to the side, bowed, and raised his cup, saying, "Your Majesty, I wish you a long and prosperous life, and that the nation enjoys great fortune."

Immediately, all the ministers raised their glasses and chanted in unison, "Your Majesty, we wish you a long and prosperous life, and may the nation prosper!"

After the ceremony, everyone drank and chatted, and the emperor drank to his heart's content, smiling broadly.

The Sixth Prince, Xia Wuxiu, raised his cup and turned around. "Come, Seventh Brother, let me toast you."

Xia Changfeng picked up his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp. Xia Wuxiu smiled and asked, "Seventh Brother, how was your trip to the Northern Desert?"

"Although there were some obstacles, things went smoothly." After saying this, he picked up his wine glass again and said, "Sixth Brother, let's have another drink."

Xia Wuxiu was about to say something more when the emperor suddenly raised his wine cup. "Ah, Sixth Prince, today is a day for family reunion. Let's not talk about state affairs today. Come, let's all enjoy ourselves."

Everyone present quickly raised their glasses and drank them down in one gulp. Inside, there was laughter and song, while outside, snow was falling heavily.

Meanwhile, the Ruan family was also filled with joy. The old lady sat in the hall, surrounded by her family. To her left sat the wives and concubines in order, and to her right sat the grandchildren.

Servants attended to him, serving cold dishes and hot dishes, and pouring wine in an orderly manner.

The old lady, a vegetarian, watched her grandchildren laughing and playing while drinking white fungus and lotus seed soup, her face beaming with joy.

As the family laughed and chatted, Ruan Zhengqing walked in. Everyone except the old lady stood up and greeted him, "Master."

A sixteen or seventeen-year-old boy ran up to Xia Zhengqing with a sweet smile, calling him "Father." His face was full of childlike innocence. Xia Zhengqing picked him up, and the servants immediately brought him bowls, chopsticks, wine cups, and chairs.

Aunt Hua scolded, "Yulang, come down quickly. You're so big and you still need your father to carry you." The child's delicate, rosy face pouted, looking incredibly cute.

Ruan Zhengqing put him down, saying, "Yulang is getting heavier and heavier; even his father can't carry him anymore."

Everyone burst into laughter, and Ruan Yulang blushed and buried his head in his mother's arms.

Ruan Zhengqing walked to the seats and said, "Why are you all standing? Sit down."

Everyone sat down again, and then a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup was placed in front of the old lady. "Mother, it's cold, have another bowl to warm you up." The old lady smiled and nodded.

At this moment, Su Ying asked, "Why did you return so early, Master?"

As he spoke, he ladled out a bowl of soup and placed it in front of him.

"The snow was heavy today, and His Majesty, in high spirits, allowed us to return early."

Laughter filled the air, a beautiful scene of motherly love and filial piety.

After his children toasted him, Ruan Zhengqing was slightly tipsy.

The old lady suddenly asked, "Why haven't I seen Wan'er again this year?"

The hall fell silent instantly.

"Mother, Wan'er is sick. If you come over, she might pass on her illness to you."

The old lady sighed, "Qing'er, a child is a child, and her mother is her mother. Keeping her confined to that South Garden is like giving her no home at all. You can't keep her confined forever."

Ruan Zhengqing was about to say something when the old lady stopped him, saying, "Wan'er is seventeen this year, and it's time for her to get married. If you can't get over that hurdle, find a good family for her to marry into."

The old lady turned to the old nanny beside her and said, "Wenzhu, go to the South Garden and invite the Third Miss here."

The old woman agreed and went to the South Garden.

For a moment, everyone was speechless; no one dared to disobey the old lady's words.

Ruan Zhengqing was just drinking, Su Ying was twisting a handkerchief as if she was plotting something, while the rest of the group were quite looking forward to this suddenly appearing third young lady.

Inside the South Garden, the snow kept falling, and Ruan Wan just kept watching, as if waiting for the snow to bury the world, and then she would be free from all worries.

The charcoal stove had long been extinguished, and since there was no charcoal to be found, I had to leave it aside, breathing on it to warm my hands. Although it was cold outside, I didn't want to go in; it seemed even colder inside.

When Granny Wenzhu walked to the front of the courtyard, she saw a little girl sitting in front of the door, breathing on her hands to warm them. Although the girl was not as beautiful as her mother, she was still very cute. Granny Wenzhu felt a pang of pity and went over to her.

Ruan Wan heard footsteps and thought it was Granny Wang and the others returning.

Looking up, she saw an old nanny walking slowly towards her from the other end of the corridor. She stood up and bowed, saying, "This old servant greets the Third Miss."

Ruan Wan quickly stepped forward to help her up, saying, "No need for such formalities, Granny. May I ask what brings you here?"

"Today is New Year's Eve, and the old lady has asked me to invite the Third Miss over for a family reunion."

Ruan Wan paused for a moment, feeling quite surprised. Why was this happening today?

After thinking for a moment, Ruan Wan smiled and said to the nanny, "Please lead the way, nanny."

As Ruan Wan walked along, she thought about why they suddenly wanted to see her today. To be honest, Ruan Wan really didn't want to see those people.

Ruan Wan has witnessed Su Ying's ruthlessness over the past two years.

Although her father forbade anyone to approach Nanyuan, she tampered with things elsewhere, mixing yellow oleander flowers into the plants, replacing spices in the food with poppy pods, and almonds with bitter almonds, etc. It was impossible to guard against her. Fortunately, Ruan Wan knew medicine, otherwise she would have died at her hands long ago.

The old woman led the way; this was a route they had only traveled at night. They passed through a winding corridor and arrived at the hall.

The old woman paused at the door. "Third Miss, the main hall is just ahead."

After tidying herself up, Ruan Wan followed the nanny to the old lady.

The old lady's hair was completely white, her face was thin but her eyes were clear, and she was dressed in a simple earth-colored padded jacket.

Ruan Wan bowed to the old lady and the others, saying, "Wan'er greets Grandmother, Father, and Mother."

The old lady smiled and pulled Ruan Wan to sit beside her, introducing everyone present to her one by one.

Beside her was Su Ying, next to her was Aunt Liu, and then Aunt Hua.

The man over there, who bore a striking resemblance to his father, was none other than the eldest brother, Ruan Xiuzhu. He was slender and upright, with an exceptionally handsome face. While Brother Xia was dashing and rugged, Ruan Xiuzhu possessed an ethereal quality, with deep, penetrating eyes, suggesting he was no ordinary man.

I have already met the second sister Ruan Chenjun and the fourth sister Ruan Yuanyan, but they have grown up and are now young girls in their prime.

The girl around ten years old, whose features resembled Ruan Chenjun's, was the fifth sister, Ruan Mujun, who shyly hid behind Aunt Liu.

The one hiding in Aunt Hua's arms must be the sixth brother, Ruan Yulang. Ruan Wan greeted them all and then sat down.

The fourth sister whispered in the second sister's ear, "Wasn't her mother said to be incredibly beautiful? She doesn't look that pretty at all."

After speaking, Su Ying glared at her, which silenced Ruan Yuanyan at first glance.

Ruan Wan found it amusing; she'd been like this for two years. Thinking of her mother's expectations for her, Ruan Wan couldn't help but shake her head.

Ruan Wan's beautiful appearance is naturally the result of her skillful hands.

Every morning, before Chunzhu and the others could get up, Ruan Wan would put on makeup to cover her eyebrows and make herself look more ordinary.

This way, I can live peacefully in this compound, and it will also put an end to my father's idea of ​​sending me away. It will also make it easier to escape once my goal is achieved.

At this moment, Ruan Xiuzhu stood up, holding a wine cup, and said, "Since Third Sister has returned home, there wasn't a proper welcome dinner. This cup of wine will suffice."

Ruan Wan rose, picked up her wine glass with her right hand, and covered it with her left sleeve. She slightly parted her lips, tapped the glass lightly, and smiled, "Wan'er thanks you, elder brother."

The grandmother beside her nodded, seemingly very satisfied with Ruan Wan's words and actions.

Then everyone exchanged pleasantries and toasted each other, returning the greetings in turn.

On the surface, they seem gentle and easy to get along with, but it's hard to tell if it's just an act or something else.

The old lady took my hand and asked, "Wan'er, are you seventeen this year?"

"Grandmother, Wan'er just turned seventeen this year."

"Time flies, you've grown up so fast, it's time for you to get married. Tomorrow, I'll have your father find you a good family and arrange a marriage for you."

As expected, the reason for summoning her was indeed this matter, and Ruan Wan could only reply, "It's entirely up to Father and Mother to decide."

Ruan Wan looked coldly at her father's indifferent expression, feeling helpless.

The old lady was tired, so everyone dispersed. The grandmother asked Wenzhu to take Ruan Wan back home.

Wen Zhu was a kind person and treated Ruan Wan with great respect.