Aromatic Flesh
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chapter-107-2
In the winter of 1925, just two months after the joyous New Year celebrations, news of Sun ZhongShan’s passing spread like wildfire.
The country’s future seemed to plummet into an abyss of darkness and chaos, a turbulent path that would engulf the entire land in turmoil for the next two decades. Fear and suffering would become a haunting reality, etching themselves deeply into the hearts of the forty million people.
Gu MingYue stood pensively by the window of her quaint room, wrapped in a delicate cotton jacket to fend off the lingering cold. With the letter from Shanghai clutched in her hand, she traced each carefully penned character, absorbing the weight of the message.
It was a letter from the Tang Family.
The black ink on white paper displayed elegant calligraphy, yet the content was remarkably simple:[Miss Xue:
Greetings.
A few months ago, I was shocked to learn of the affair between you and Boss Qian. At first, anger consumed me, but after several sleepless nights of contemplation, I came to admire your courage, fearlessly defying societal expectations.
Our connection, Miss Xue, is both a tale of lament and resentment. While the Tang and Xue families arranged our marriage, our hearts were never aligned, and forcing a union would have only resulted in a bitter relationship. Now that matters have come to this point, I wish to resolve any grievances between us, informing our families of our decision to part ways amicably.
I also earnestly request that you relay this message to Boss Qian: from this moment forward, let us abandon any animosity.
Sincerely,
Tang YingShao]February 21st
After carefully reading the letter, Gu MingYue folded it back neatly into the envelope and placed it prominently on the tea table, holding it in place with a teapot. She then picked up her crochet needle and settled into the rocking chair by the window, her eyes fixed on the entrance, eagerly awaiting the return of Xue XingZe.
A subtle but undeniable glimmer of joy played on her lips, and her eyes danced with a fleeting hint of excitement.
Deep down, she had always anticipated this outcome. What options did the Tang family have? With the country in turmoil and various factions vying for power, Xue HeZe’s bold elopement with a mere actor left the Tang family resentful yet helpless.
Sending men to forcefully retrieve her from Beiping was an unviable plan, especially with Shi XiaoMan present here. Besides, this was Duan QiRui’s domain, and the military leaders had their ears to the ground, likely sensing the impending storm of war.
Gu MingYue knew well that the Tang and Xue families could no longer afford internal conflicts.
The Tangs had no choice but to swallow their pride, while the Xue family had to bow their heads and apologize.
It was just how things are, as there was no other way around it.
In the fading light of the setting sun, its golden rays streamed through the partially open window, bathing Gu MingYue in a celestial glow. Her tranquil visage exuded a soft, motherly radiance, as if she were a saintly figure painted on a grand church’s stained glass window.
With the day descending into dusk and the city’s lights beginning to twinkle like distant stars, Gu MingYue gently massaged her slightly achy shoulders. She carefully placed the exquisitely finished knee pads and the intricately embroidered lavender sachet side by side, creating a charming display on the table.
As nightfall settled, the table was adorned with two delectable Southern-style dishes and a nourishing soup, tailored to Qian YunSheng’s preference for light fare. Meanwhile, Xue XingZe was out visiting friends, preparing to bid farewell to this city in a few days’ time. The completed knee pads and the fragrant sachet stood as heartfelt parting gifts, symbols of cherished memories in the days to come.
In the shadow of uncertainty, Gu MingYue couldn’t fathom Xue XingZe’s destiny from the original text. Anxiety gnawed at her, yet she felt utterly powerless, reduced to silent prayers, begging for his young and vibrant life not to be extinguished by the harsh tides of war.
Meanwhile, having suffered from a cold for the past few days, Shi XiaoMan’s spirits were low, prompting her to caution against any visitors. Thus, tonight’s dinner was prepared only for Gu MingYue and Qian YunSheng.
Anticipating Qian YunSheng’s return for their shared meal, Gu MingYue waited in vain as the grandiose chimes of the mantel clock struck nine, leaving the dishes cooling and the atmosphere filled with suspense.
The moon emerged like a silver hook, adorning the night sky with its cool and ethereal glow, illuminating the surroundings like a luminous beacon.
Gu MingYue’s stomach growled, pleading for sustenance, while her head spun slightly with lightheadedness. She couldn’t wait any longer and decided to dine alone, hoping to warm the remaining dishes for Qian YunSheng’s arrival to ensure he could still enjoy a hot meal.
After satisfying her hunger, Gu MingYue proceeded to wash up and then settled onto the warm kang in her home. The crackling fire cast a comforting glow, luring her deeper into the cosy embrace of the bedding. Placing the letter delicately on Qian YunSheng’s pillow, she absentmindedly caressed her own abdomen, a faint smile of contentment spreading across her lips.
Startled awake in the middle of the night, Gu MingYue’s eyes fell on the undisturbed letter resting on the pillow, while the neatly arranged blanket provided a sense of order to the room1. Determined to stay awake, she donned her cotton coat, lit a lamp, and retrieved a book from the shelf, immersing herself in its pages despite the struggle against sleepiness.
As the night wore on, the shadows danced around her like spectres, but Gu MingYue persevered with her reading.
As the first light of dawn began to paint the sky, Gu MingYue freshened up and adorned herself, swathing a cloak around her shoulders.
Instructing the servants to leave a reclining chair and a brazier outside the door, she sat there with the door left slightly ajar as she anxiously waited. With the sun rising higher, her heart pounded as she spotted two figures approaching from the end of the alley. Without a moment’s hesitation, she darted towards them, her emotions a tumultuous mix of relief and concern.
As expected, there they were – Xue XingZe and Qian YunSheng.
Those their faces were etched with fatigue, Qian YunSheng hurriedly scooped Gu MingYue into his arms, scolding her with concern. He chided her for running around and urged her to walk carefully to avoid any accidents.
Gu MingYue buried her face in his embrace, feeling a mixture of affection and exasperation. She hadn’t even begun to question him about his all-night absence or his company with Ah Ze, yet he was already reproaching himself. A touch of irritation crossed her features as she gently disengaged from his arms and took brisk steps toward Xue XingZe, only to belatedly notice that her brother was holding a young girl in his embrace.
The girl had a cherubic face framed by ear-length bobbed hair, her fair complexion accentuated by a pair of sparkling doe-like eyes. Though she had a cute appearance, her expressions often carried a maturity beyond her years…
This was the female lead – Guo LanXiang2.
Enjoy~
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