Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Dusk falls, the moon rises halfway into the sky, casting a complex and winding courtyard of the Zhao Mansion. Willow branches hang with a deep green, and the koi in the sun-dappled pond appear particularly quiet at this moment.
The window curtains of the boudoir sway gently as Chao Qinglan sits at the desk, her gaze focused on an exquisite letter on the table.
At this moment, Zhao Mansion owner Zhao Zhangyuan stands outside the study, holding a bamboo slip in his hand, struggling with whether he should go in and discuss with his daughter.
The letter in the afternoon was brought to him by Xiao Yan, and by now, the little girl should have an answer in her heart.
Zhao Zhangyuan has always respected his daughter's choices, but he also deeply understands the delicate relationship between the family and the royal family of Southern Qi.
In the boudoir, Chao Qinglan slowly opens the envelope, and a fresh bamboo fragrance fills the cold air. The handwriting on the paper is dignified and elegant, exuding a graceful temperament.
Xiao Yan’s words reveal an unusual sincerity between the lines. Reading the letter, Chao Qinglan’s expression gradually changes.
The letter reads: "If you are willing to become my wife, Xiao Yan, you will have the greatest freedom. If you prefer men's clothing, then wear men's clothing; if you love women's clothing, then wear women's clothing. I will never force anything uncomfortable upon you. As long as I can lead troops into battle for one more day, you will be my indispensable military strategist in the army. You will still be the independent, free Chao Qinglan. Isn't life about pursuing self-realization? Are you willing to go through this with me?"
Xiao Yan's words contain no extravagance or any kind of power play, yet they brought Chao Qinglan an unprecedented sense of excitement.
The words in the letter are simple and direct, yet they brought Chao Qinglan a strong sense of shock. This letter not only shattered her inherent views on marriage, but also gave her an unprecedented sense of security.
The master of Zhao Mansion finally pushed the door open and saw his daughter staring at the letter without turning her eyes away, dispelling any lingering doubts in his heart.
" Qinglan, what do you think of the letter? Xiao Yan... "
Chao Qinglan looked up at the owner of Zhao Mansion with a hint of contemplation and determination in his eyes.
"Xiao Yan is right. If he is willing to treat me like this, I am willing to accept his marriage proposal."
Zhao Zhangyuan smiled slightly, put down the bamboo slips in his hand, and finally felt relieved. He had finally married off his daughter.
"Since that's the case, I will arrange everything for you. But you should know that this choice is also beneficial for us, the Zhao family. Xiao Yan of the Xiao Family is not an ordinary person. With him, you will surely bring honor to our ancestors and enrich the history of our the Zhao family."
Chao Qinglan Slightly lowered her head, all the doubts in her mind finally turned into a simple "I understand."
At the same time, the atmosphere in a certain official residence of Southern Qi was unusually tense. Xiao Yan stood on one side of the hall, filled with anticipation and unease.
I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without any input. If you have a specific text or phrase you'd like translated, please provide it and I'd be happy to help!
Early the next day, when Chao Qinglan and Beyue set foot inside Xiao Yan's newly renovated mansion, a towering and imposing gatehouse came into view.
A flying satin flag hung above the gate, embroidered with a roc bird spreading its wings as if to cover the sky, exuding a domineering aura. The mansion seemed to epitomize the grand ambitions of its owner.
Upon entering the mansion, one does not see grandeur and luxury, but everywhere embodies elegance and practicality. The stone steps, wooden pillars, doors and windows, and even the artificial mountains and flowing water in the courtyard are all carefully designed, like the elegance of a gentleman, calm and composed, but every detail reveals thoughtful wisdom.
Beyue, the personal maid of Chao Qinglan, follows closely behind. Beyue has served in various luxurious mansions before, but this new mansion of Xiao Yan exudes a unique atmosphere that commands respect.
Xiao Yan's male attendant Zhi Wei had already greeted them in the front hall. "Please," he gestured elegantly, making way.
Zhi Wei led Chao Qinglan to a spacious desk made of redwood.
Then they all retired together with the other attendants. Beyue was also signaled to leave by Chao Qinglan, leaving only Chao Qinglan waiting.
The inner hall of the mansion was even more elegant, with warm-toned screens and a landscape painting on the desk, all hinting at the owner's grace and taste.
At that moment, she suddenly saw the jade pendant on the table, and instantly felt a sense of familiarity. The jade pendant seemed to be identical to the antiques she had obtained before.
"What is the reason for this? Why would such a similar jade pendant appear here again?" Chao Qinglan felt somewhat puzzled by her thoughts and speculations.
Just as Chao Qinglan was lost in thought, Xiao Yan walked over with a smile. He was dressed in a dark green silk robe, dignified yet gentle. Seeing Chao Qinglan, he smiled slightly, with a strange glint in his eyes.
" Lan'er, you seem quite interested in this jade pendant," Xiao Yan asked.
Chao Qinglan instantly regained a normal expression and smiled lightly, saying, "The craftsmanship and materials of this jade pendant are very unique. Are you interested?"
Xiao Yan's eyes flashed with a hint of appreciation. "Indeed, this jade pendant was brought from the north and it is said to have a protective effect. If you like it, I'll give it to you."
Chao Qinglan felt a stir in her heart and was hesitant to easily accept such a gift. However, she also realized that this jade pendant might have some connection to the reason for her time travel.
"Thank you. If this jade pendant really has the effect of keeping one safe, then I should leave it to you even more." Chao Qinglan smiled gracefully, expressing gratitude and skillfully declining at the same time.
Xiao Yan was a little puzzled by Chao Qinglan's unusual interest in the jade pendant. Why not accept it?
Chao Qinglan frowned slightly, then returned to the main topic and asked directly, "When did you realize that I am a woman, Chao Qinglan?"
Xiao Yan smiled, crossed his hands on the table, and said slowly, "Can you guess?" His smile carried a hint of playfulness and mystery.
Chao Qinglan listened closely, staring at Xiao Yan, and suddenly felt that this man was not a simple opponent. He gave her the feeling of an endless dark chessboard, unfathomable.
"If you don't speak, how can there be an answer?" Chao Qinglan's voice was filled with displeasure and a hint of doubt.
Xiao Yan placed the jade pendant on the rosewood table and then stood up. "Do you still remember the move 'The soldiers, the battle, the fighters, all in the front' from that chess game?"
Chao Qinglan's heartbeat slightly accelerated as she recalled that game of chess. It was the beginning of her instant connection with Xiao Yan, and also the time when she began to reveal her talent for strategy.
"At that time, I was somewhat puzzled, how could a young lady be so well-versed in The Art of War. But later, when I learned that you had rejected the marriage proposals from the deposed Emperor Liu Yu and Prince Anling, I became even more certain of my speculation. The courage to reject imperial power is not something that ordinary women possess."
Chao Qinglan smiled slightly and said, "You are really accurate in reading people. But why do you still want to propose?"
"Because I know we will be the best partners. You have the strategic vision that I lack, and I can give you a stage to fully display your talents."
Xiao Yan's voice became serious, "Moreover, every word I wrote in the letter is sincere. If you are willing, I will always regard you as my military strategist and fight alongside me on the battlefield."
Xiao Yan then asked, "So, what is your answer?"
She pondered for a moment and finally responded, "As you wish."
Comment 0 Comment Count