Chapter 353
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Chapter 353: “Watching the Tides”
In the southeast lies a picturesque place called Sanwu, a region steeped in history and bustling prosperity. At its heart is Qiantang, a land that has thrived for centuries, its scenery an enchanting blend of smoky willows and graceful bridges. The gentle breeze carries whispers through verdant curtains, and countless homes nestle amidst this serene tableau.
Qiantang’s beauty is a testament to its magnificence, perfectly encapsulated by Liu Yong’s poetic ode to the splendor of Jiangnan.
During the Song Dynasty, this region epitomized flourishing trade, a thriving economy, and a life filled with abundant pleasures—rich food, fine clothing, and an unparalleled quality of life. The era was a golden age, where the population swelled to a staggering 122 million. Governed by a literati elite, the dissemination of culture and literature reached its zenith, cementing the era’s reputation as one of unparalleled prosperity.
It is here, in this vivid tapestry of history, that our story begins, with a young scholar from the Jiangnan region.
The Meeting
In the fourth month of Qiantang, gentle spring rains danced upon the earth. A young scholar strolled along an ancient path, a green umbrella in his hand and his scholar’s robe fluttering lightly. With short hair and an air of youthful determination, he crossed a weathered stone bridge, the grooves of its surface channeling rainwater into meandering streams below.
Ahead, a figure stood in the drizzle, seemingly lost in the rain’s embrace. The scholar paused, his lips curling into a faint smile of amusement. He noticed the other figure trembling slightly, then saw them start to run toward him, their hurried steps splashing through shallow puddles.
On the way, the runner stumbled, brushing against someone’s shoulder.
“Sorry, sorry,” came the hasty apology, the voice betraying clumsiness.
“It’s all right,” replied a calm voice—a woman’s.
As the figure moved past, a golden hairpin fell to the ground, catching the scholar’s eye with its glimmer. He bent down to retrieve it and called out, “Miss, is this your golden hairpin?”
Shielding the rain with one hand, he squinted through the drizzle, his expression earnest.
The first to turn was a young maid in green. Her eyes lit up as she saw the hairpin. “Oh my, it is indeed the hairpin. Miss, please look back quickly!”
A graceful woman in white turned under her umbrella. Her face was breathtaking, her beauty as radiant as the moonlit flowers. Her eyes softened with a smile as she said, “Thank you, sir, for your honesty in returning my hairpin. I am grateful.”
The young scholar’s heart raced as he stood mesmerized, his face flushed with shyness. Words eluded him as he awkwardly searched for something to say. Finally, he managed, “Miss, you look familiar. Are you also from Qiantang?”
After a brief conversation, he returned the hairpin. The woman smiled, her elegance lingering as she departed. The young man stood there, rooted in place, unable to collect his thoughts.
A Friend’s Teasing
“Hello!” a voice interrupted his daze.
The scholar turned to see a familiar face approaching.
“What are you doing, Xu Xian?” the newcomer asked, an amused smirk on his lips.
Xu Xian fumbled for an answer.
“Ah, Xu Xian, if you fancy her, go after her! Ask where she lives, and I’ll fetch a matchmaker tomorrow,” his friend teased with mock seriousness.
“Stop talking nonsense!” Xu Xian’s face turned crimson. “We’ve only just met. Why are you jumping to such conclusions?”
“Isn’t it love? Or perhaps just admiration for her beauty?” his friend quipped, laughing heartily.
“Bai Wei, enough of this!” Xu Xian retorted, clearly flustered.
Bai Wei chuckled but eventually handed Xu Xian an umbrella, saying, “Here. Though you seem drenched enough already.”
Bai Wei’s Story
Bai Wei had his secrets. This
was his sixty-second
reincarnation. Each life had
been distinct—some swift,
others arduous. In this life,
titled “The Life of a Scholar,”
Bai Wei had been blessed with
two rare gifts: Invincible
Against Illnesses and
Understanding Beyond
Boundaries. These A-grade
enhancements granted him
extraordinary physical
resilience and unparalleled
learning ability, making him a
figure of quiet brilliance.
In his journey, Bai Wei had
explored the bustling cities of
the Song Dynasty, including
the capital, Kaifeng. There, he
had attempted the imperial
examination and earned the
title of a distinguished scholar,
though he refused to kneel
before the emperor—a defiant
act that sealed his fate outside
the officialdom.
Now, he wandered freely,
seeking beauty, adventure, and
moments to cherish.
A New Encounter
As Bai Wei walked across
another stone bridge, his
umbrella shielding him from
the persistent rain, a faint
clink reached his ears. Looking
down, he saw a fox-shaped
jade pendant lying at his feet.
He picked it up and called out,
“Miss, wait a moment…”
Ahead, a woman paused and
turned. Her face, as ethereal
as Bai Suzhen’s, carried a soft,
enchanting smile.
“Thank you, kind sir,” she said,
her voice as gentle as the rain.
And just like that, the tides of
fate shifted once more.
