jdhmnovel Chapter 212 Wandering in the Water and Mist
Chapter 212 Wandering in the Water and Mist
Mu Qingling wore a moon-white silk dress, the hem embroidered with pale pink roses, the silk threads shimmering in the sunlight, a subtle fragrance wafting as she moved. Her black hair was loosely tied up, adorned with a jade hairpin, a few strands falling beside her fair neck, further accentuating her exquisite features, making her seem like a fairy stepping out of a traditional Chinese ink painting. Xiao Han, on the other hand, wore a black brocade robe, the collar and cuffs embroidered with silver cloud patterns. Tall and upright, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, his every move exuded refined elegance. Standing side by side with Mu Qingling, they appeared as a perfect couple.
The two continued their journey deeper into Jiangnan along the winding cobblestone path. A babbling brook flowed beside the path, its crystal-clear water revealing smooth, rounded pebbles that shimmered with iridescent light in the sunlight. Occasionally, a few small fish would swim by, their tails flicking before disappearing into the water plants. Willows swayed gently by the stream, their slender branches dancing in the breeze like the hair of a young girl. Mu Qingling couldn't resist reaching out and gently grasping a willow branch, smiling as she said, "Xiao Han, look at this willow tree, how much it resembles the gentleness of a Jiangnan woman." Xiao Han nodded slightly, his eyes filled with affection: "Even the gentlest of them can't compare to even a fraction of yours."
They came to a small stone arch bridge, its surface covered in green vines and dotted with tiny wildflowers. Mu Qingling quickly walked onto the bridge, leaned against the railing, and looked down at the flowing water below. The blue sky, white clouds, and the pink walls and black tiles on both banks were reflected on the water, like a flowing painting. Xiao Han also came forward and stood beside her, saying softly, "Qingling, the water in Jiangnan is like your eyes, clear and deep, intoxicating." Mu Qingling's cheeks flushed slightly, and she gave him a reproachful look: "Always saying sweet words."
Beyond the bridge lay a vast expanse of rice paddies. It was early autumn, and the rice stalks were already turning yellow, swaying gently in the breeze and rustling softly, as if telling of the joy of harvest. Several farmers were working at the edge of the fields, wearing straw hats, their trousers rolled up, their faces beaming with simple smiles. Mu Qingling was captivated by the scene before her and couldn't resist stepping down from the paddy ridge, wanting to experience this idyllic beauty up close. Xiao Han quickly followed behind her, afraid she might slip and fall.
Mu Qingling squatted down, gently stroking the plump rice ears, her eyes full of curiosity: "Xiao Han, how much fragrant rice do you think these rice ears will turn into when they ripen?" Xiao Han also squatted down, smiling as he said, "Countless, enough to feed all the people of Jiangnan." At this moment, a farmer walked over and greeted them warmly: "Young masters and ladies, have you come from afar? Isn't this rice field beautiful? This year is sure to be a bumper harvest." Mu Qingling quickly stood up and replied with a smile, "Yes, Uncle, the rural scenery of Jiangnan is truly beautiful; we have never seen anything like it." The farmer smiled even more broadly: "Welcome to come often. Try our freshly harvested rice; you'll never forget its taste."
After bidding farewell to the farmer, Mu Qingling and Xiao Han continued their journey. Not far away, there was a lotus pond. Layers upon layers of lotus leaves resembled open green umbrellas, and pink lotus blossoms stood gracefully among them, some still in bud, others in full bloom, revealing their tender yellow stamens. A gentle breeze blew, causing the lotus blossoms to sway softly, releasing a delicate fragrance. Mu Qingling took a deep breath and exclaimed, "How fragrant! These lotuses truly rise from the mud unsullied, and remain pure and unpretentious." Xiao Han looked at her, his eyes filled with love: "In my heart, you are even more beautiful than these lotuses."
They strolled along the path beside the lotus pond. Mu Qingling would occasionally stop to pick a blooming lotus flower and admire it in her hand. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she pointed to the center of the pond, saying, "Xiao Han, look, there's a small boat over there!" Xiao Han looked in the direction she was pointing and indeed saw a small boat quietly resting among the lotus leaves. A young fisherwoman sat at the bow, intently picking lotus pods. Mu Qingling excitedly said, "Shall we rent a boat and pick lotus pods too?" Xiao Han smiled and nodded, "Okay, as long as you're happy."
The two found a boatman and rented a small boat. Mu Qingling eagerly jumped onto the boat, sat at the bow, and looked around excitedly like a child. Xiao Han skillfully picked up the oars and gently rowed, the small boat slowly heading towards the center of the lotus pond. The surrounding lotus leaves grew denser and denser, as if enveloping them in a green world. Occasionally, a few dragonflies flew by and landed on the lotus flowers, adding a touch of liveliness to this beautiful scene.
Soon, they arrived beside the fisherwoman. Seeing them, the fisherwoman greeted them with a smile, "Young master and young lady, are you here to pick lotus pods?" Mu Qingling nodded quickly, "Yes, miss. How do you pick lotus pods?" The fisherwoman enthusiastically demonstrated, "Like this, aim carefully, and gently break it off." Mu Qingling tried to imitate her, reaching out to pick a lotus pod, but failed several times, stamping her feet in frustration. Xiao Han, watching from the side, couldn't help but laugh. He took Mu Qingling's hand and said, "Let me help you." With Xiao Han's help, Mu Qingling finally succeeded in picking a lotus pod. Excitedly, she peeled open the pod, took out a lotus seed, and put it in her mouth. The sweet taste instantly spread in her mouth: "So sweet! Xiao Han, you should try some too." Saying this, she offered a lotus seed to Xiao Han's lips. Xiao Han smiled and opened his mouth to take it. The two looked at each other and smiled, their eyes filled with sweetness.
After picking the lotus pods, they continued to drift on the lotus pond. Mu Qingling leaned against the bow of the boat, gazing at the sky, and said softly, "Xiao Han, if only it could always be like this. No worries, no strife, just the beautiful scenery of Jiangnan and you by my side." Xiao Han gently took her hand and said, "Qingling, after we've finished what we need to do, I'll take you to a secluded paradise to live our own lives." Mu Qingling's eyes glistened with tears, and she nodded firmly, "Yes, I believe you."
Before they knew it, dusk had fallen, and the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the lotus pond in a golden hue. Mu Qingling and Xiao Han reluctantly rowed their boat back to shore, bid farewell to the fisherwoman, and continued their journey. They walked along a quiet path, wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze, releasing a delicate fragrance. In the distance, wisps of smoke rose from the chimneys of several houses, adding a touch of warmth and life to the tranquil Jiangnan landscape.
As they walked, they came to a small town. The town wasn't large, but it was full of rustic charm. Wooden houses lined the streets paved with bluestone slabs, their doors and windows carved with exquisite patterns. There weren't many pedestrians on the streets, only the occasional child chasing and playing, their laughter echoing through the town. Mu Qingling and Xiao Han entered an inn and asked for a superior room. After a quick wash, the two went to the inn's lobby and ordered several local specialties.
Soon, the dishes were served. There was tender steamed sea bass, fragrant lotus leaf steamed pork, refreshing cold lotus root slices, and a bowl of steaming hot osmanthus lotus root porridge. Looking at the table full of delicious food, Mu Qingling's appetite increased. She picked up her chopsticks, took a piece of sea bass, and put it in her mouth. The tender fish melted in her mouth, making her exclaim, "Xiao Han, you should try it! This fish is really delicious!" Xiao Han also picked up a piece of meat and savored it carefully, "It's indeed very good. The food of Jiangnan, like the beautiful scenery, is unforgettable."
After dinner, Mu Qingling and Xiao Han went to the courtyard of the inn. Several osmanthus trees were planted in the courtyard, and the osmanthus flowers were in full bloom, filling the air with fragrance. They found a stone bench and sat down. Mu Qingling leaned on Xiao Han's shoulder and quietly looked at the bright moon in the sky. The moonlight was like water, shining on them as if draping them in a layer of silver gauze.
"Xiao Han, what do you think our life will be like in the future?" Mu Qingling asked softly.
Xiao Han held her hand tightly and said, "No matter what we encounter in the future, I will always be with you. We will have a warm home, a group of lovely children, and every day we can watch the sunrise and sunset together and enjoy the beauty of life together."
Mu Qingling's eyes sparkled with happiness. She looked up into Xiao Han's eyes and said, "With you here, I'm not afraid of anything."
The two embraced and kissed. In this tranquil Jiangnan town, under the moonlight filled with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms, their love, like the night itself, was profound and beautiful.