sbdcsierra Chapter 113 Because of love
Chapter 113 Because of love
Since the previous official packed his bags and left, a crucial position had become vacant in the government office, the most prestigious and respected position in the entire yamen. The news spread like wildfire, causing a great stir and prompting many yamen runners to become restless.
These seemingly ordinary yamen runners were now displaying their unique talents before Zhao Shouyi. Some performed a series of spectacular somersaults, their movements as agile as monkeys; others wielded broadswords and spears with impressive skill and dazzling technique; still others displayed the extraordinary ability to scale walls and rooftops, moving with the agility of swallows.
Faced with this lively scene, Zhao Shouyi merely smiled and said, "Thank you all for your hard work!" After saying that, he turned and left without hesitation, leaving a group of dumbfounded yamen runners standing there, not knowing what to do.
Could it be that Emperor Renzong of Song had other plans in mind, and wanted to think things through carefully before making a final decision? Everyone looked at each other, full of doubt but not daring to speculate on the emperor's intentions.
A full week passed, and just as everyone was eagerly awaiting his arrival, the new official finally appeared. His name was He Shuiqing, and he was only in his early twenties, yet he possessed an exceptionally handsome and dignified appearance. Not only was his face strikingly beautiful, like that of a celestial being descended to earth, but he was also incredibly talented, learned, and possessed a vast amount of knowledge.
The moment this talented young man appeared, he instantly attracted the attention of countless young women from the surrounding villages. They flocked to him, vying to present him with flowers and express their feelings. The once solemn and dignified government hall was transformed in the blink of an eye into a lively matchmaking event, filled with laughter and chatter – a truly vibrant scene!
Surprisingly, this newly appointed official showed absolutely no interest in beautiful women! He was completely focused on his career, dedicating himself entirely to his work. To this end, he painstakingly devised a detailed and practical work plan. At the same time, he demonstrated immense kindness and care, personally delivering large quantities of rice, flour, and other necessities to impoverished people. These actions earned him widespread praise and admiration.
As the saying goes, "a new broom sweeps clean," and this official named He Shuiqing was no exception. He swiftly dismissed all the yamen runners who were frequently late, left early, or neglected their duties, and then recruited a new group of obedient and responsible attendants. Furthermore, he ruthlessly criticized and reprimanded some of the runners who only collected their salaries without performing their duties. After this rectification, the government was transformed, the atmosphere became increasingly clean and honest, all affairs were handled efficiently, and the overall situation improved significantly.
Just then, something interesting happened. Although Young Master Zhao, Young Master Murong, and the mysterious Ye Beichen all fell in love at first sight with the beautiful and charming Su Yuning, the newly appointed official He Shuiqing's heart had already been set on another woman—Yang Yuyan. Their first encounter was truly dramatic. At the time, the bustling market was teeming with people. Yang Yuyan was intently selecting her favorite items, completely unaware that her wallet had slipped from her grasp. Fortunately, He Shuiqing happened to be passing by and witnessed this. Without hesitation, he picked up the wallet, not secretly hiding it like some might, but quietly standing there waiting for its owner to return. Finally, the anxious Yang Yuyan realized her wallet was missing and hurriedly returned to look for it. When she saw He Shuiqing holding her wallet, a surge of gratitude welled up within her. Thus, a chance encounter, and a beautiful destiny began. From then on, He Shuiqing would visit Yang Yuyan whenever he had free time. Sometimes he would bring her newly available snacks from the market, and sometimes a hard-to-find book of poetry. Yang Yuyan gradually grew accustomed to He Shuiqing's company, and feelings for him secretly blossomed in her heart.
On a bright and sunny day, sunlight streamed down the earth like a golden veil. He Shuiqing excitedly took Yang Yuyan's hand and they came to the shimmering riverbank. The riverside was covered in lush green grass and blooming flowers; a gentle breeze caressed their faces, bringing a touch of coolness and the fragrance of blossoms.
Each of them held a brightly colored, exquisitely crafted kite. He Shuiqing carefully untied the spool, while Yang Yuyan gently held the kite. As a gentle breeze blew, she released her hands. The kite, like a bird spreading its wings, gracefully soared into the azure sky. It flew higher and higher, dancing freely in the air, as if displaying its beautiful form to the world.
Watching the kite soaring high, He Shuiqing and Yang Yuyan couldn't help but exchange a smile, their clear and melodious laughter echoing in the air like silver bells. Just then, the Su family patriarch strode over from afar, looking menacing. He immediately spotted He Shuiqing and Yang Yuyan's intimate interaction, and a surge of intense jealousy welled up within him.
The eldest son of the Su family strode forward, blocking He Shuiqing's path. He stared at He Shuiqing with a provocative gaze and said sarcastically, "Oh ho, isn't this the young master He? Seeing how leisurely you are today, why not have a poetry contest with this young master, so everyone can see who is more talented!" He Shuiqing smiled slightly and nodded without fear, replying, "Since Brother Su is willing to exchange skills, I will gladly accompany you to the end."
Thus began a fierce poetry contest. The eldest son of the Su family was the first to begin reciting, but after only a few lines, he struggled to find the words, his face showing difficulty. He Shuiqing, on the other hand, was quick-witted and spoke fluently, drawing cheers and praise from the surrounding onlookers. Seeing that he was about to lose, the eldest son of the Su family became anxious and red-faced. Enraged, he even raised his fist, intending to attack He Shuiqing.
In the blink of an eye, the constables who had been watching coldly from the sidelines rushed forward and grabbed the eldest son of the Su family. One of the constables sternly shouted, "You audacious scoundrel, how dare you cause trouble here! Stop right now!" The eldest son of the Su family was intimidated by the constables' imposing manner and had no choice but to give up, but he still glared fiercely at He Shuiqing.
He Shuiqing seemed not to hear him. He held Yang Yuyan's soft hand tightly, looking at her with deep affection, and said, "Yan'er, I don't care what others think of us, nor do I care about their gossip. My heart will always belong to you alone." Upon hearing this, Yang Yuyan's beautiful face instantly flushed with a charming blush. She lowered her head slightly and said in a voice barely above a whisper, "If you never leave me, I will be with you until death." As soon as she finished speaking, their eyes met, filled with deep affection.
Then, He Shuiqing and Yang Yuyan held hands and slowly turned to leave. Their figures gradually disappeared into the distance, finally vanishing at the end of the road. Only the eldest son of the Su family remained standing there, stomping his feet in anger and muttering something under his breath. However, after this small incident, the bond between He Shuiqing and Yang Yuyan grew even stronger and more steadfast, and no one could separate them.
Shortly after that, Yang Yuyan made a shocking decision—she resolutely and decisively broke up with the eldest son of the Su family! This decision was by no means an impulsive or reckless act, but rather stemmed from her unremitting pursuit and firm belief in true love deep in her heart.
For this love, which she considered the most precious thing in her life, Yang Yuyan did not hesitate or waver at all, resolutely choosing to leave with nothing. It's important to understand that this action meant she would give up all the achievements she and the eldest son of the Su family had worked so hard to obtain: the spacious, bright, and beautifully decorated house, every corner of which held countless memories of their lives; and the enormous, astonishingly large fortune—material wealth that most people would covet. But in Yang Yuyan's heart, compared to the true love she so desperately desired, it all seemed as insignificant as fleeting clouds.
However, the story didn't end there. What happened next was even more astonishing and unbelievable. Yang Yuyan even willingly and without hesitation handed over their only child to the eldest son of the Su family. This child was her precious darling, born after a long ten-month pregnancy and countless hardships! That adorable, innocent face, that clear, melodious laughter—it was the softest, warmest part of her heart. Yet, at this moment, she could be so heartless and cruel, abandoning her own flesh and blood as if they were strangers, all to pursue that seemingly ethereal and unattainable love.
Upon hearing this, those around her shook their heads repeatedly, sighing with regret. They whispered amongst themselves, pointing and criticizing Yang Yuyan for being completely blinded by so-called love! From any perspective, her behavior seemed utterly reckless and irrational.
However, only Yang Yuyan herself truly understood the real reasons behind her resolute actions. To outsiders, she might appear to have lost her rational thinking, becoming blind and impulsive; but for her, this was precisely the high price she had to willingly pay on her courageous pursuit of true love.
After that, Yang Yuyan moved out of her original residence without hesitation and rented a small house in town, where she settled down. The person living with her was naturally the man named He Shuiqing. They often went to the market together to buy fresh ingredients, and then returned home hand in hand to cook delicious meals together. In their spare time, they would sit together, enthusiastically discussing beautiful and moving poems and songs, sharing their unique insights and feelings about literature and art. To outsiders, they seemed like a loving and devoted young couple, living a warm, harmonious, and enviable life.
However, regrettably, things rarely go as planned. On the surface, everything seemed so beautiful and harmonious, like a picture of happiness and fulfillment. But in reality, He Shuiqing never formally married Yang Yuyan and never uttered a single word of the most basic promises about marriage to her.
Although their marriage wasn't arranged by parents or a matchmaker in the traditional sense, Yang Yuyan still happily stayed by He Shuiqing's side. This was for two reasons: firstly, He Shuiqing was young and handsome; secondly, he was exceptionally talented, eloquent, and captivating. More importantly, He Shuiqing treated Yang Yuyan with utmost care and consideration. Whenever he had free time, he would wholeheartedly accompany her, never being perfunctory. He also granted every request she made, from luxurious silks and satins to dazzling gold and silver jewelry; whatever she desired, He Shuiqing would do his utmost to satisfy her. This pampering made Yang Yuyan feel incredibly happy and content. In comparison, the eldest son of the Su family was worlds apart from He Shuiqing.
As the saying goes, some are happy while others are sad. While the two were deeply in love, the situation on the other side was quite different. Since being forcibly separated from his mother, Xiao Bao cried incessantly, his cries hoarse and desperate. He refused food, water, and sleep. He constantly muttered that he wanted to find his mother, a truly heartbreaking sight. The eldest son of the Su family was helpless and distressed by this situation. Finally, he hardened his heart and left young Xiao Bao in the care of his parents, hoping for some peace and quiet. Afterwards, to escape the incessantly crying child, he moved to live alone at the school.