Chapter 1551 - 1549: Parting Sorrows 1

Chapter 1549

The snow landscape covered everything, the entire world cloaked in silver.

The red plum blossoms became the only adornments in this snowy world, not only red plums but also winter plums, white plums, and green plums interspersed, complementing each other.

They were as white as snow, as red as fire, and green like jade petals, peppered throughout this silver-clad world, so beautiful it was impossible to look away.

"How beautiful!"

Xia Ruqing excitedly looked at herself in the painting.

"You remember I like red plums and specifically painted a red plum by my ear. It’s so beautiful!"

On the scroll, the iron stems were slanted, dots of crimson, a few strokes outlined the proud spirit of the plum blossoms amidst the cold. Even in old age, his brushwork remained extraordinary.

"Of course!"

He gave her a sideways glance and saw her eyes still filled with joy and admiration, just like when they first met.

He smiled and said.

"If you like, I can paint another for you?"

"Cough, cough!"

He suppressed a cough and reached out to get another sheet, but she stopped him.

"No need!"

"Just this one is enough for me to cherish!"

"I’m very content!"

Xia Ruqing carefully blew the ink dry, examining it closely.

Looking at the scene, the painting, the scholars coming and going not far away, listening to their occasional laughter and debates.

She felt a slight emotion in her heart, just feeling that time passes so quickly! Just like that, a lifetime has passed!

Having come to this world for decades, how is it that it seems like only the blink of an eye?

Zhao Junyao didn’t insist further, holding her in his arms, accompanying her in admiring the scene.

After a long while, he suddenly murmured.

"Qingqing, I’m sorry!"

Xia Ruqing turned back, puzzled.

"Why are you saying sorry? Do we still have regrets?"

Zhao Junyao gave a faint smile, didn’t reply for a long time.

Xia Ruqing knew he wouldn’t say, so she didn’t force it and turned back again, the two of them leaning on each other.

Their gaze swept over the snow-covered expanse, across clusters of various plum blossoms, over the sky cotton-white clouds, and finally into the horizon.

He actually wanted to say, I’m sorry, in the end, I couldn’t let you live peacefully for a few good years.

But Xia Ruqing thought.

It was already very good; this lifetime really has been very good.

Even in the modern world, what would it be like?

Besides a rented room and her humble career, what else could she face?

Her father doesn’t care, her mother doesn’t love, what is there to be nostalgic about?

It’s not better than the ancient times, where there is someone who knows and cherishes her.

Perhaps she doesn’t belong in the modern era at all?

Thinking of this, suddenly a question arose in her mind.

She wondered if she could return to the modern world after death.

Would it be like in the dramas, where after a lifetime in the ancient times, returning to the modern world is like waking from a dream?

Was all this just a dream and never actually happened?

Unconsciously, cold sweat broke out on her back, her body shivered uncontrollably, and there was a hint of fear on her face.

"What’s wrong?"

Noticing her unease, Zhao Junyao asked quickly.

Xia Ruqing felt that at this point, there was nothing more to hide, so she smiled and said.

"It’s nothing really!"

"It’s just that..."

"I suddenly want to ask you a question."

"What?" Zhao Junyao was a little puzzled.

She tightened her grip on his hand, asking seriously.

"Husband, do you believe... in past lives and present lives?"

Her eyes sparkled as she fixed her gaze on him, her expression solemn, full of expectation, not like she was joking.

Zhao Junyao replied.

"I’ve never believed in the supernatural, you know that?"

Xia Ruqing shook him.

"I know, but... I’m not like you, haven’t read as many books, I still believe better safe than sorry"

"Oh? Why did you suddenly bring this up!"

Zhao Junyao was a bit tired but still mustered the energy to accompany her.

Xia Ruqing eagerly asked again.

"I was just asking casually!"

"Husband...if, just if, we meet in another world after death, would you recognize me?"

Zhao Junyao was amused by her.

"Is there even another world? What’s gotten into you today?"

"I’ve never thought about this question, let alone whether I would recognize you..."

Xia Ruqing shook his arm.

"Just say it!"

"Alright, alright, I would recognize you, okay?"

Zhao Junyao couldn’t help it, helplessly conceding.

"That’s more like it!"

Xia Ruqing giggled, very pleased with herself.

"Alright, it’s getting late, I see the snow is starting to melt, let’s go!"

"I’ve baked sweet potatoes and peanuts on the stove in our room, just in time to eat when we get back!"

Zhao Junyao was led by her out, a face full of helplessness.

"At a time like this, you’re still thinking about eating!"

"Hehe..."

The two leaned against each other, supporting one another, slowly descended the stone steps and headed to the carriage down the mountain.

...

Not long after they left,

the painters gathered around him one by one to hand in their works.

Their paintings were comprehensive and detailed.

Some depicted expressions so well they almost recreated the scene at that moment.

Some excelled in still life, each stroke incredibly realistic, as if one was present at the scene.

Some were vibrantly colored, the scenes dazzlingly radiant, delightful to behold.

Zhao Qichen flipped through the extremely pleasing artworks, his eyes slightly reddened.

’This is almost the last reflection of their lives!’

’Even though mentally prepared, who can remain unscathed?’

...

After returning.

Xia Ruqing and Zhao Junyao headed straight for the main room.

Lin Siyin was already waiting outside the door.

She carried a tray of well-prepared ginger soup and snacks, quietly waiting.

The Empress Dowager liked to research food and enjoyed tasty treats, in these final times...

She couldn’t bear to think further, her eyes turning red.

"Why are you here?"

Xia Ruqing saw her as soon as she entered the courtyard.

"Empress Dowager, Taishang Huang!"

She wiped her eyes quickly, came forward to pay respects.

"It’s cold outside, quickly come in!"

"Yes! Thank you, Mother-in-law!"

As soon as the words fell, the servant opened the curtain, and the people entered one after another.

The room was warm like spring.

After salutations and taking seats, Lin Siyin placed the soup and snacks forward and smiled.

"I wasn’t sure if Mother-in-law would like it, it’s cold outside, so I prepared these!"

"No need to be formal!"

Xia Ruqing gave her a look.

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness!"

She offered a bowl of ginger soup to Zhao Junyao and turned to smile at Lin Siyin.

"As long as Mother-in-law likes it!"

Lin Siyin smiled with effort.

...

After drinking the ginger soup, Zhao Junyao went to rest, leaving just the two women.

After dismissing the servants, Xia Ruqing held Lin Siyin’s hand, advising her carefully.

"The Lantern Festival has passed."

"Stay another day and then return to the palace!"

"Tell Chenchen not to tell Yue Er about the situation here, and also Henger and Yeye, don’t tell them, just pretend not to know!"