Chapter One: A Meeting of Golden Winds and Jade Dew
In March, the capital is always infused with a hint of hazy poetry.
Silken rain gently falls on the pale pink petals, sliding down their curves to the ground, creating small ripples.
Shen Qingyi, dressed in an elegant gown, sits gracefully beneath the apricot tree, her delicate fingers plucking the strings of a zither.
This zither, named "Qing Yin," is a treasured relic left to her by her mother.
Every time she touches the cool strings, Shen Qingyi feels as if she can sense her mother's gentle presence.
The music flows softly, like weeping and lamenting, drifting through the light breeze and fine rain.
At times it is deep and somber, at others high and soaring, as if it is confiding some secret.
"Miss, the rain is getting heavier. We should head back," her maid Cui'er says, holding an umbrella with concern.
Cui'er's voice pulls Shen Qingyi from her reverie.
She shakes her head slightly, her gaze falling on the drifting apricot petals. "There's no rush. The rain paired with the sound of the zither creates a unique ambiance."
With a soft sigh, a wave of inexplicable melancholy washes over her.
For some reason, she always feels as if she is waiting for something.
The sound of hooves clattering approaches from afar, breaking the tranquility of the apricot grove.
The sound grows nearer and clearer.
A fine steed galloped forward, treading upon the Rain Blossom.
The splashes of water from its hooves drew graceful arcs in the air.
On the horse sat a figure clad in blue, tall and upright, with features as picturesque as a painting.
He reined in the horse, which let out a long neigh and came to a stop before Shen Qingyi.
Raindrops slid down his blue attire, accentuating his striking presence.
"Miss, I apologize for the interruption," Gu Yun Ci said as he dismounted, cupping his hands in a respectful gesture, his warm voice tinged with a hint of regret.
Shen Qingyi nodded slightly, yet a ripple stirred within her heart.
This man was remarkably handsome.
"Has the sound of my Guqin disturbed you, Young Master?"
Shen Qingyi's voice was soft and melodious, like a yellow oriole emerging from the valley.
Gu Yun Ci laughed heartily, "Your Guqin's music lingers for three days, its echoes never fading. How could it be a disturbance? I am Gu Yun Ci; may I ask for your name, Miss?"
His smile was as refreshing as a spring breeze, evoking fondness in those who beheld it.
"I am Shen Qingyi," she replied.
Her voice was as gentle as a feather, brushing against Gu Yun Ci's heart.
Gu Yun Ci's eyes lit up. "Miss Shen, what a lovely name. You truly embody it—graceful and extraordinary."
He gazed at Shen Qingyi, his eyes filled with admiration.
A faint blush appeared on Shen Qingyi's face as she thought to herself, This young man knows how to flatter.
"Miss Shen, may I have the honor of enjoying the Apricot Blossom Rain with you?" Gu Yun Ci's voice carried a hint of anticipation.
Shen Qingyi hesitated for a moment, stealing a glance at Cui'er.
Cui'er furrowed her brow slightly, as if she wanted to say something but held back.
Miss, this Young Master Gu is known for his flirtatious nature in the capital.
Gu Yun Ci seemed to sense her concerns. "Miss Shen, I mean no harm. I am simply captivated by your music and wish to befriend you."
His tone was sincere and earnest.
Shen Qingyi felt a stir in her heart and gently nodded.
Perhaps he truly appreciates my musical talent.
The two strolled side by side beneath the apricot trees, raindrops falling softly and dampening their clothes.
Gu Yun Ci was witty and well-educated, and Shen Qingyi found herself deeply drawn to him.
He spoke of the interesting anecdotes from the capital, and Shen Qingyi listened with great interest.
"Shen Qingyi, do you believe in love at first sight?" Gu Yun Ci suddenly asked.
His voice was deep and magnetic.
Shen Qingyi's cheeks flushed as she lowered her head. "I... I don't know."
Her heart began to race.
Gu Yun Ci gently lifted her chin with his hand. "Shen Qingyi, I am captivated by you at first sight."
His gaze was tender and focused.
Shen Qingyi's heart raced even faster as she looked up and met Gu Yun Ci's affectionate eyes.
In that moment, it felt as if she could see the entire world.
His eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky, dazzling and bright.
"Yun Ci..."
Shen Qingyi's voice was soft, almost a whisper.
"Shen Qingyi, I will definitely marry you."
Gu Yun Ci's voice was firm and powerful.
In the apricot blossom rain, the two made a promise to be together for a lifetime.
However, they were unaware that this beautiful encounter was the beginning of a tragic fate.
Gu Yun Ci escorted Shen Qingyi to her doorstep, and as they parted, a fleeting hesitation flickered in his eyes.
What was he hesitating about?
He turned and mounted his horse, leaving without looking back.
His silhouette gradually faded into the mist of the rain.
Cui'er watched Gu Yun Ci's departing figure, a sense of unease creeping into her heart. "Miss, this Young Master Gu is known as a notorious flirt in the capital; you must be cautious."
Cui'er's voice was filled with concern.
Shen Qingyi gazed in the direction where Gu Yun Ci had vanished, feeling both sweet and anxious. "Cui'er, I believe in him."
Did she truly believe in him?
(End of chapter)
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