Chapter 64: Fragrant Grass Stretches to the Sky
Suddenly, it began to rain.
There was a chill in the early morning.
Rainy days are for keeping guests.
It is not a day for traveling.
However, the servants of both families still rose early to pack up.
Young Master He Chen and Meng Shaoxia stayed in rooms facing each other.
Meng Shaoxia, who practiced swordplay regardless of the season or weather, did not practice today.
Young Master He Chen, who practiced calligraphy regardless of the season or weather, did not practice either.
Meng Shaoxia woke up and touched his cheeks in surprise.
It was just a dream, yet he had actually cried.
He had cried so sorrowfully.
But when he tried to recall it, the dream dissipated, leaving behind only endless sorrow.
He could not even remember who he had dreamed about.
Meng Shaoxia had enjoyed a smooth life since childhood. The elders said it was because his name was well-chosen; there was a slight flaw, but the flaw did not obscure the jade. Life requires slight imperfections to endure.
Yet, he suddenly felt that he was missing a great deal, as if his heart had been gouged out, leaving him hollow.
Young Master He Chen also had a dream, a very chaotic one.
In the dream, he had actually fallen in love with Brother Meng’s fiancée, always feeling that Brother Meng did not treat her well. He stood up for her and even fell out with Brother Meng, severing their friendship.
But later, Brother Meng died in battle.
He wanted to take care of that poor woman in Brother Meng’s stead, not minding that she had been betrothed, and was determined to marry her as his legal wife.
He was even willing to fall out with his parents over it.
But the woman did not marry him; she became a concubine in the Crown Prince’s inner court.
The Crown Prince was the Emperor’s biological son, but not born of his aunt, the Empress.
He pitied her for her hardships.
He helped her in secret at every turn.
The He Family became staunch supporters of the Crown Prince.
Later, the Crown Prince became the Emperor.
She rose all the way from a beauty to a noble consort, and then to Empress.
When they met again at that time, the Empress was high above, and he was kneeling on the ground.
He knelt on the execution ground, stretching his neck, and saw the Empress high above.
Even after becoming Empress, she remained so sentimental, personally seeing him off.
He smiled, and as he smiled, he began to cry.
His head fell to the ground, still shedding tears.
His entire family was executed, all because of her.
That rolling head kept shedding tears.
Upon waking, Young Master He Chen could not remember his dream.
He only felt a sore neck.
He could not help but rub his neck.
He thought he might have slept in a bad position; the inn’s pillows were poor, and the height was wrong.
The two rose, somewhat sleep-deprived.
They packed their luggage.
They dressed and tidied up.
Both had dark circles under their eyes.
They stood opposite each other in silence.
Once packed, they prepared to depart.
But they were told someone was looking for them outside the inn.
Meng Shaoxia and Young Master He Chen’s eyes lit up; it must be Brother Jiang.
Last night, the two had actually discussed it, saying that Brother Jiang should go with Brother Meng. Brother Jiang had good martial arts skills, and following the Meng Family to pursue a path as a military officer would surely lead to success.
“Brother Meng, Young Master He Chen.”
In the courtyard, Jiang Wan, dressed in a white robe with a high ponytail, disguised as a man, stood there holding a paper fan, beaming with a smile.
Beside her was her plump brother.
Her brother held an umbrella for her.
Amidst the curtain of rain, she looked like a flower of the spring dawn, noble, pure, and fair-skinned.
She stood in the rain, her smile clear and bright.
“Upon learning that the two brothers were about to leave, Wan’er and my brother came specifically to see you off.”
Jiang Rong nodded in agreement.
Young Master He Chen suddenly felt a sharp pain in his neck; he subconsciously took a step back and reached up to rub his neck.
Meng Shaoxia also felt a sudden palpitation and followed suit, taking a step back while clutching his chest.
Jiang Wan and Jiang Rong were confused.
Why were these two young masters from prominent families backing away with such terrified expressions?
Jiang Wan had looked in the mirror; she knew she looked very good in this appearance. Although it was men’s clothing, it was fresh, refined, and very suitable.
She had even composed a farewell poem.
But before she could recite it,
the two young masters from prominent families rode off on their horses without looking back.
As if they were being chased by wild dogs.
Jiang Rong was baffled and asked strangely, “Could it be that they have an urgent matter?”
Jiang Wan looked at the rain curtain, also feeling puzzled.
The rain gradually grew heavier, splashing mud from the ground onto her snow-white robe, dirtying it.
She knitted her delicate brows.
They left Ming County.
The rain passed and the sky cleared.
A rainbow actually appeared in the sky.
A five-colored rainbow bridge spanned the sky.
The two young heroes on their fine horses also felt their spirits lift.
They finally felt a bit more clear-headed.
They rode toward the rainbow.
The rainbow gradually dissipated.
They saw the three siblings and a horse waiting by the roadside.
The horse was eating grass.
Was the younger sister also eating grass?
Jiang Feng was holding the little sister; he was not dressed for travel, still wearing hemp clothes and straw sandals.
The youths on the fine horses reined in their mounts and jumped down.
