I didn’t know where the old man was going to take me, but I had developed a belief that I would change myself, change my current situation! I want to give my sister a beautiful future, this is my promise to her.
So, I said to the old man, “I’ll go with you! But you must guarantee, guarantee that I will become strong!!!”
The old man nodded satisfactorily, “Good, I promise, I’ll make you the best in the world, how about that?”
“Best in the world?” What does that even mean? I didn’t understand…
But I knew that besides believing him, I had no better choice!!!
That day, I stood outside the ancient mansion from dawn to dusk, and from dusk to dawn, hoping to see my sister, but the mansion’s gates remained tightly closed, separating us into two different worlds.
Later, the old man came, patted my shoulder, said nothing, and I silently followed behind him…
The future is an unclear path, with only one destination: become strong, and then return!
That day, I was originally going to see that big ice block, but unexpectedly, at the corner, I saw her, wearing a purple long dress, with a thin figure, her face indistinct, and only when I got closer did I realize she was actually trying to climb a tree and jump over the wall, muttering a string of words I couldn’t understand.
……
Supplementary Story – Xu Ran (3)
Climbing the Wall!
At that moment, I was filled with intense interest in this girl, and for some reason, I had a feeling that being with her would bring endless surprises.
“Best in the world,” I looked at the imperial-granted plaque above the grass hall, curling my lips in a light smile!
By then, I was already the youngest imperial physician in the court, with miraculous healing skills that even the emperor marveled at!
That day, Lady Xiao caught a cold, and the emperor personally issued an order for me to treat her, which showed how much he doted on this concubine.
Unexpectedly, I happened to overhear Lady Xiao advising the emperor: Her sister had reached marriageable age, and perhaps the emperor could arrange a marriage for her.
“Does my beloved concubine have a suitable candidate?” the emperor asked with a smile, seemingly agreeing.
Lady Xiao, the eldest daughter of the Gu Mansion in Jing Zhou, her sister was…
Lady Xiao momentarily seemed uncertain.
I immediately offered my opinion: “In this humble official’s view, among the nobles in the capital, Lord Ye is unmatched in talent, distinguished in appearance, elegant and refined, and currently unmarried. What does Your Majesty and Lady Xiao think?”
If I must find a husband for my sister, I hope it would be someone I approve of. Looking across Cang Zhou, there’s only one – Ye Lücheng, that iceberg, who makes me admire him!
The emperor nodded satisfactorily, turning to Lady Xiao: “What does my beloved concubine think?”
At this point, Lady Xiao was already smiling like a flying flower. I knew the matter was settled.
On the 15th of August, Lord Ye’s wedding day, spectators lined the streets from the beginning to the end of the bridal procession!
But the groom showed no joy. I was somewhat dazed – how could I forget that with his proud nature, he would never willingly be arranged in marriage? As a result, I accompanied him drinking for three days and nights.
But I knew he was not a heartless person. Even if forced, I still believed he would treat my Jie’er well.
I went to see my sister, our first meeting after seven years.
Looking at her serene and calm face, my eyes couldn’t help but become moist!
But my sister said to me: Brother, do you know? I actually already have a lover I’ve promised to grow old with!
She smiled so calmly, as if talking about someone else’s matter…
Is happiness still here?
I had personally promised her a beautiful future, but now…
I said, if you’re not comfortable living here, we can move to another villa. I know Ye has a very nice garden called Yun Yi.
……
Supplementary Story – Xu Ran (4)
That day, I originally wanted to find Ye to tell him about my sister’s matter, but unexpectedly saw her at the corner, wearing a purple dress, her face without makeup, yet having a similar appearance to my sister.
What surprised me even more was that she was actually, actually climbing over the wall! Continuously muttering a string of words I couldn’t understand.
I only vaguely heard her say her name was Xu Jie’er…
Xu Jie’er? Xu Jie’er! Is that right?
My sister’s original name was Lu Xu Jie, and I suddenly had a very bad feeling!
The world knows my master’s medical skills are unparalleled, but few know he had another talent – being proficient in mystical arts, and I inherited the latter even more than the former.
Observing the stars, casting stones for divination, I actually discovered my sister was facing a life-and-death crisis. Helplessly, I secretly moved her life star. I don’t know how my sister will be in the future, but at least I can ensure she lives.
What I still think in my heart is: To live, as long as she lives, living means there is hope!
But I didn’t know that someone’s destiny could be connected to their sister’s. The moment I saw her, I realized that my selfish desires were actually intertwined with another girl’s entire life.
The first time I saw her, I was filled with intense interest. I don’t know why, but I had a feeling that being with her would bring endless surprises.
I selfishly hoped she would stay, so I continued to hide some truths I was originally going to reveal and once again pushed her in front of Yu.
She didn’t disappoint me, always coming up with strange and novel ideas that would bring surprise and wonder to everyone.
She was truly a special girl – actually wandering through brothels and prostitution houses, opening beauty salons, and completely bamboozling wealthy women, especially when counting money with saliva dripping from her mouth, completely unlike a typical well-bred lady.
Gradually, everyone seemed to start liking this visitor from another world, and even Yu was not immune.
The first time I felt heartache for that girl was when I saw her covered in blood, lying in a strange man’s arms. At that moment, I discovered I was in such pain I could barely breathe! It turned out that not just everyone liked her…
[The rest of the text appears to be author’s notes and another section of narrative, which I’ve omitted for brevity.]
I want to eat the trotters from Yanyu Lou, roast duck from Heyan Lou, crispy fish from Feicui Ge, and pancakes from Yumange…” Jie’er rattled off all the delicacies of Cangzhou in one breath.
“Miss, you’ve mentioned so many things. Which one are we actually going to eat?” Die’er asked cautiously.
“What do you mean which one? I’m going to eat ALL of them today!” she answered decisively, determined to turn her melancholy into appetite!
“Ah!” Die’er was stunned, “That… that much, can you really eat all of it, Miss?”
Jie’er glared at her, “If I say I’m going to eat it, I’ll eat it. If you keep nagging, I won’t let you come along and you won’t get to eat today!”
“Umm…” Die’er wisely fell silent, only casting a grievance-filled glance at Lu Xuyuan, hoping he might say something fair.
Unexpectedly, Lu Xuyaran indulgently agreed, “Okay, okay, okay. Whatever little Jie’er wants to eat, we’ll accompany you and eat until you’re satisfied, alright?
So, you little girl have really lucked out!” Lu Xiran withdrew his gaze from the two people downstairs and flicked Jie’er’s forehead unceremoniously with his index finger.
“Who lucked out? What’s so great about that guy? I’m telling you, I don’t care at all!” Jie’er rolled her eyes at him unhappily, muttering, though her heart was stirring with waves of emotion.
“Is that so?” Lu Xiran’s face clearly wrote the words “I don’t believe you”.
