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The news of Gu Lan's departure spread quickly. Both the Su Family and the Gu Family expressed their support, with Uncle Gu placing great expectations on him.
As the day of farewell drew closer, Gu Lan and I cherished our remaining time together even more. We no longer engaged in playful banter as we used to; instead, we spent quiet moments together, sharing our innermost thoughts.
He would share insights from books, telling me about the vastness of the world outside; I would prepare his travel bag, fussing over him to dress warmly for the harsh conditions at Border Defense and to take care of his health.
Sometimes, we would sneak out of the estate like we did when we were children, wandering through the market and buying little trinkets. But now, holding hands felt entirely different. His palm was always warm, enveloping my hand with a reassuring strength and tender warmth.
One day, we found ourselves at Qingfeng Lakeside again. Without the clamor of the Dragon Boat Race, the lake was as calm as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds.
We sat beneath a willow tree by the lake.
“Do you remember our first time coming here to watch the Dragon Boat Race?” Gu Lan suddenly asked.
“Of course I do,” I replied with a smile, “You even said that watching me was more interesting than watching the Dragon Boat.”
He turned his head to look at me, a smile dancing in his eyes. “I was speaking the truth.”
I felt a bit shy under his gaze and lowered my head to play with the hem of my clothes.
“A Mian,” he said softly.
“Of course I will!” I lifted my head and met his gaze without hesitation. “No matter how long it takes, I will wait for you.”
His eyes instantly softened as he held my hand tightly. “Good. With your words, I fear nothing.”
He took out a small silk pouch from his pocket and handed it to me. “This is something I had made by a craftsman; keep it safe.”
I opened it to find a delicate Ping An Pendant strung on a red cord. The jade was exquisite, engraved with a tiny character for "Lan."
“What is this...?”
“Wear it close,” he said as he fastened the Ping An Pendant around my neck, his fingertips cool against my skin. “Let it accompany you for me and protect your peace.”
I looked down at the Ping An Pendant resting against my chest, feeling warmth mixed with a hint of bittersweetness.
“And what about you?” I raised my head to look at him. “You must take care of yourself at Border Defense. You must come back safely.”
Seeing the worry in my eyes, he nodded solemnly. “Don’t worry; I promise I will return safely to marry you.”
“Don’t go back on your word!”
“I will never go back on my word.”
As the sun set in the west, golden rays bathed the lake and us in its glow, as if bestowing an eternal brilliance upon our promise.
On the day of parting, I did not go to see him off. I was afraid I would be unable to hold back my tears and make him worry. Instead, I stood by the wall of my courtyard, watching from a distance the crowd gathered in front of Gu Mansion, observing him in his military attire, riding a tall horse with a striking presence.
It seemed he sensed my gaze and turned to look deeply in the direction of my courtyard.
I pressed my hand against the Ping An Pendant on my chest and silently said in my heart, "Brother Lan, I will wait for your return."
The sound of hooves gradually faded away until it disappeared around the corner.
Finally, my tears fell.
In the days to come, there would be longing and worry, but I knew my heart would always follow him, crossing mountains and rivers to reach that distant Border Defense.
The days after Gu Lan's departure were long and quiet. Each day, aside from helping Mother with household matters, I spent my time reading, embroidering, or visiting Gu Mansion to chat with Aunt Gu.
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