Chapter 001: The pear blossoms are pale white

As if made of jade, she saw a face marred by dark purple bruises, severely swollen and deformed, where the features had long since become indistinguishable, colliding with a pair of cold, fierce, and sinister black eyes

Perhaps so. "Ruyue looked at him with a smile, still maintaining a calm expression.

Upon hearing this, Ruyue chuckled softly and said, "Father, it is of no consequence."

However, we are currently in a time of turmoil, with the two nations engaged in years of warfare and rumors spreading. It is said that the flames of war have already reached Suzhou, which is fifty miles away. The tranquility and peace of Langli will likely not last much longer.

"Be careful with that," Yan Huaimin said as he handed her the pre-selected medicine package from the counter, feeling uneasy and adding another reminder: "Come back quickly"

"Seventh Uncle," Ruyou helped him sit up and smiled gently, "I am not a young lady. Just call me Yuer. Now, let me have a look at your feet."

When the willow catkins fly, the city is filled with blossoms

"Then, why are you still reading medical books?" Li Gui, who had been listening all along, couldn't help but interject.

The pear blossoms are pale white, while the willows are deep green

That is a man, a man who is clearly injured and has been poisoned

At this moment, it is the Qingming Festival, and the pear blossoms are in full bloom, appearing particularly delicate amidst a splendid glow. As the wind blows, the petals flutter and swirl in the air before gently falling, landing on her shoulders and hair, adding a unique charm.

If there is anyone who can be deemed worthy of the elegant and extraordinary Miss Yan from the Yan family, it would only be the young Master Chu, who left home at the age of ten and has never met her before

As Yu Yi stood still, he suddenly opened his eyes, yet it was clear that there was nothing at all.

What kind of honor would it be to marry a deputy general

With a soft thud, after the gentle breeze, a low, heavy breathing sound has already reached my ears

Having accompanied her father in practicing medicine for many years, she developed her courage, making her unlike ordinary women who are timid and weak. Therefore, she did not turn to leave; instead, she felt a sense of curiosity.

As Yu lowered her gaze and withdrew her smile, she replied softly, "Yes, Father"

Miss Yu... Uncle Qi looked at her with a dazed expression, moved to the point of being at a loss for words

Uncle Qi is a solitary elderly man, with no children or relatives. He lives alone at the foot of the mountain at the eastern end of the village, requiring passage through a grove of wild pear trees.

Once married, she must, like most women, appear gracious and dignified in public, while being gentle and refined in private, supporting her husband and educating the children, serving her in-laws, and thus live out her life, right

Like jade, she remained unperturbed, still smiling gently, then lowered her head again to look at the medical book in her hands

Is it not too ridiculous for her to suddenly become a young lady who never steps out of the door for a husband she has never met?

In the corner of the shop, there was a square table, at which sat an elderly man with a white beard, approximately in his fifties, who was taking the pulse of a middle-aged man with a sallow complexion.

Starting from the age of twelve, she accompanied her father as they traveled from village to village, providing medical consultations to people.

In this area of ten miles and eight villages, who does not know her beauty like jade

How can she remain so calm and composed, as if the one she is about to marry is not even her

"Um, are you really going to marry Young Master Chu from next door?" Zhang Fu felt somewhat uneasy, yet he could not suppress his curiosity. After hesitating for a while, he finally asked.

Father's heart is too kind, administering medicine and even delivering it to the door; where in the world can one find such good fortune

Under the large camphor tree in the courtyard, a woman sat quietly, holding a yellowed medical book. The spring sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting its glow on her jet-black hair, playfully kissing her cheek. The plain blue dress with white flowers she wore exuded an indescribable tranquility and elegance.

Li Gui! A slender girl rushed in from outside the courtyard, her willow-like eyebrows furrowed and her apricot-shaped eyes wide open as she glared at the three people in the yard, shouting loudly: "You are slacking off again. I will tell Mother and have your wages deducted!"

In that moment, the sunlight seemed to fall into her eyes, illuminating her entire being

Ah, don't... Uncle Qi was at a loss and wanted to retract his foot

You?" Yan Huaimin was slightly taken aback, instinctively furrowing her brows: "In a few days, I will be marrying into the Chu family, so it would be better not to show my face too much, right?"

Cough, the rules that should be followed must still be observed. Yan Huaimin was amused by her smile, his old face unable to maintain its composure. He cleared his throat softly and admonished in a low voice: We cannot let Uncle Chu mock our Yan family's lack of upbringing

Miss Yu," Uncle Qi raised his eyes to see the visitor, tears glistening on his wrinkled old face: "Why have you come? You are about to be married, yet you expose yourself for someone like me, who is destined to be buried in the earth. It is not worth it...

Understood. Like jade, she carried the medicine pouch, stepping lightly as she disappeared into the warm spring sunlight

If it were someone else, at this time they would not only be busy preparing their cosmetics but should also be getting ready for their wedding dress? Thanks to the years of military disasters, I have heard that the young master of Chu, who has not returned for thirteen years, has been rising steadily in recent years, enjoying a prosperous official career, and is now a deputy general

Then, as if being playful for a moment, Ruyue imitated his demeanor, tilted her head back, glanced at him sideways, and smiled slightly: "Why can't I read?"

This time it is much clearer than last time

And the ideals she held for books, her aspirations, the medical skills she diligently acquired over more than a decade—after getting married, are they to be set aside, rendered useless?

He fell down from the mountain, and Daniu carried him back, placing him directly on the bed without having time to wash him. Now his feet are covered in mud, which will dirty his jade-like hands

As Yu turned around, her gaze met hers, and she smiled gently: "Ru Lan, you have returned?"

It is said that a deputy general is such a high-ranking official that even the county magistrate must dismount upon seeing him, which makes everyone envious beyond measure

Li Gui suddenly blushed, stammering and unable to speak.

With a heart as joyful as jade, she walked briskly through the pear orchard

In the simple and unpretentious Langli Village, the highest-ranking official the villagers have encountered is merely the village head.

Father, I will go. " Ruyue smiled gently, put down the book, and approached: " The weather has been damp and cold these past few days, and I am worried that Uncle Qi's asthma might act up, so it is just right for me to go and take a look.

During the Qingming Festival, after a light rain in the morning, the camphor tree in the courtyard bursts forth with new green leaves, appearing as if coated with a layer of wax under the nourishment of the rain. In the neighboring Chu family's courtyard, a branch of peach blossoms extends out, adorned with a profusion of pink flowers, releasing a subtle fragrance with the gentle spring breeze.

"Hmm, I am used to it." Knowing what he wanted to say, Yu raised her eyes gracefully and smiled gently at him

This morning I heard that Uncle Qi injured his foot while picking mushrooms in the mountains, so I prepared a prescription for him. Please take it to him.

After the rain, the air is refreshingly clear.

Humph! As Ru Lan let out a cold snort, she angrily brushed past her and stormed into the inner hall

Su Shi

Li Gui and Zhang Fu, upon hearing this, lowered their heads and hurriedly dispersed

"You have a sip of water and lie down for a while. I will go and prepare the medicine for you." Ru Yu smiled and, familiar with the routine, walked to the kitchen. She fetched water from the jar, washed her hands, then took the medicine jar, cleaned it thoroughly, and added the medicinal herbs.

As expected, Uncle Qi's asthma has acted up

The face of that girl, with refreshing brows and eyes, is beautiful in a gentle yet understated manner. Unlike the second young lady, who is indeed beautiful but always seems too conspicuous, lacking that serene and elegant feminine charm.

Before long, Yan Huaimin finished reading the document, walked from the shop into the courtyard, and called out loudly in the yard: "Lan'er, come out"

Sorrowfully gazing at the two snow-covered branches in the eastern railing

The surroundings are tranquil, and in the lush green forest, the birds chirp joyfully. The water in the stream reflects the soft green grass along the bank, carrying a hint of light emerald. The air is filled with the rich fragrance of pear blossoms

Like the roar of a beast, yet akin to the lament of an animal

As Yu smiled faintly, she could not help but pause, reaching out to pluck a branch of pear blossoms, closing her eyes to deeply inhale the delicate fragrance.

Before long, wisps of blue smoke began to rise from the rooftop

This marriage has been arranged since childhood, and it is only waiting for his return in three days to proceed with the wedding rites. Unless there are unforeseen circumstances, it is unlikely to be changed

Seventh Uncle, as if made of jade, pushed the door open and saw him struggling to move and trying to get out of bed. He couldn't help but be taken aback: "What do you want? I can help you get it."

How beautiful is Ruyu!

Miss Yu is unlike the other women in Langli Village; she is destined to marry a deputy general and may very well become a lady of high rank in the future

In the vast pear orchard, she was left all alone, the setting sun casting her elongated shadow on the ground

Farewell to Uncle Qi, the red sun has already set in the west, it is precisely dusk.

Father... I have a stomachache. Although Rulan felt displeased in her heart, she did not dare to speak back. Instead, she weakly leaned against the window frame, completely losing the fierceness she had just shown when scolding.

As Yu swiftly rolled up his sleeves and gathered the wide cuffs of his trousers, her fair and delicate hands tentatively grasped his left foot, gently kneading it: "Hmm, it's fine, the bones are not broken"

What is that sound

"What is it?" The window opened, and Ruan Lan reluctantly revealed half of her face.

Life can be seen with clarity

He curled up in the dark, damp bed, wrapped in a tattered quilt, with violent coughs accompanied by heavy gasps, like a dying beast struggling in agony

She smiled faintly—was she being overly sensitive after all

He lay on the grass by the stream, half of his body submerged in the water, his entire form curled up like a shrimp, groaning in pain while clutching his stomach

He suddenly raised his head upon hearing her footsteps

Just as she was about to turn and leave, that voice sounded once again

She patiently furrowed her brows and listened, following the direction of the sound. After turning two corners, she finally found him by the stream.

Although Langli is located in a remote area, hidden among the continuous peaks stretching for hundreds of miles, it is isolated from the world, far removed from the extravagant hustle and bustle, and distanced from the noise of the city, making it an excellent place for seclusion and retreat

Is this the kind of life she desires?

"Like jade, are you reading medical books again?" Zhang Fu curiously glanced at her while flipping through the medicinal materials.

The courtyard is filled with large round bamboo trays, and two workers are busy drying medicinal herbs. As I walk through, the fragrance of the herbs wafts through the air, evoking a sense of tranquility and detachment.

This is an exceptionally ordinary pharmacy, with a spacious and bright lobby. Several tall wooden cabinets stand against the wall, neatly arranged with various medicinal materials. The house is filled with a strong aroma of medicine