This time, unlike the previous military expedition, Jin Yi traveled with only a few attendants, which allowed for a much faster journey.
Jin Yi and his entourage traveled swiftly, leaving the bustling regions behind and entering the desolate lands of Liangzhou. The further they traveled, the larger the sandstorms grew. Due to the sparse vegetation, there was little shade, and the sun was scorching. The group had to slow their pace but still managed to reach the western border of Liangzhou before the temperature dropped.
There was still some time before Jin Yi’s official appointment as per the imperial decree. He ordered his attendants to go ahead to Longshuo Pass to find Jiang Yisun, while he took a different route to Xianquan Town.
Jin Yi arrived at Xianquan Town at sunset. He ascended a bare hill, and from there, he could see the small oasis cradled in the arms of Xianquan Stream. At that moment, the setting sun cast a warm but desolate glow over the town. Jin Yi felt a surge of indescribable emotion, almost wishing he could sprout wings and fly to Xianquan Town to embrace his beloved before the impending darkness.
Despite his haste, he did not reach the town before the last light of day faded. By the time he arrived at Fang’s medical clinic, the sky was completely dark, and the moon had not yet risen. The faint light from the houses on the street barely illuminated the outline of the courtyard. The lack of a picturesque scene moved Jin Yi deeply, as he hesitated before raising his hand to knock on the door. Several times he raised his hand, only to let it fall.
Just as he was about to touch the door, it opened on its own. The person inside was the one he had been longing to see.
They stood in the deep night, staring at each other without speaking.
“Come in,” Fang Fan said, turning back into the house, seemingly forgetting whatever he had opened the door to do.
Jin Yi hesitated for a moment, then followed him into the courtyard and into the house.
“Have you eaten?” Fang Fan asked, pouring a cup of tea for Jin Yi and gesturing for him to sit at the table.
Jin Yi replied as he walked towards the table, “Not yet. I have some dry food with me. I’ll just have that with this tea.”
Fang Fan insisted, “Sit and rest for a while. Have some tea. There’s some food left in the kitchen. I’ll prepare something for you. Now that you’re here, you can’t just eat dry food for your first meal.” Without waiting for Jin Yi’s response, he turned and left the room.
After Fang Fan left, Jin Yi exhaled deeply, his previously anxious heart settling into a state of peace, gradually filling with joy that seemed ready to overflow.
Soon, Fang Fan returned with a meal: a pot of soup, two dishes—one meat and one vegetable—and a large bowl of rice.
“I’m not very skilled in cooking, so please bear with it,” Fang Fan said.
Jin Yi, knowing it was Fang Fan who had cooked, didn’t mind at all. In fact, he found the food quite delicious and ate it slowly and savoringly, despite wanting to wolf it down.
After the meal, Jin Yi helped Fang Fan clean up the dishes. He then took out a jade pendant from his bundle and handed it to Fang Fan.
Fang Fan examined the jade under the light, marveling, “Such fine jade and craftsmanship, it’s worth a fortune.”
Jin Yi explained, “I’m glad you like it. This is a gift from Ren Lan. She said Tao Yang brought it home for her to admire, but she thought it suited you best. When she heard about your… situation, she took it to a temple, asked the monks to bless it, and asked me to bring it to you.”
Fang Fan hesitated to accept the valuable gift but, understanding the sentiment behind it, took it after a moment. “I hope I can thank her in person someday.”
Jin Yi, delighted, smiled, “There will definitely be a chance, for sure.”
Fang Fan smiled faintly but said nothing further.
Jin Yi then handed him a bound collection of papers. “This is from Zhao Yan. He’s started studying formal texts, and although his writing skills aren’t great, he writes some poetry and essays every month. He considers you his mentor and wanted you to see this collection, though he knows it may not be very impressive.”
Fang Fan, surprised, took the collection and opened it slowly. Inside was also a letter. He glanced at Jin Yi, who nodded slightly. Fang Fan then unfolded the letter:
“To my father:
It is as if we are meeting in person.
Fang Fan’s eyes began to water. He blinked, suppressing the emotions welling up inside him, and continued reading:
Since our hurried parting, it almost became a permanent farewell. Time flows like a river, unceasing day and night; yet, not a day has passed without me remembering the immense grace of your teaching and upbringing. When you were at home, you taught me to write and draw, played with me, and even when I made mistakes, you never scolded me. Your gentle guidance was like a spring breeze, which I still fondly remember.
Once a father, always a close kin. Whether or not you are at home, I am always your son. But I still hope that one day, our family will be reunited. For this, I sincerely swear that if you return, I will grow up to do good and bring blessings, grateful for the heavens’ kindness and the love in this world.
Please take care, dear father. I pray that you have passed through the trials and that the rest of your life will be peaceful and healthy.
Your son, Zhao Yan, bows again”
By the time Fang Fan finished reading, his eyes were blurry with tears. This was a letter personally written by the child he had once treated as his own son. Though it lacked any flowery language, it was filled with the sincere affection of a child, warming his heart.
Fang Fan had once thought he had severed all ties with his past by changing his name. But this letter reminded him that the love and genuine feelings he had given could not simply be erased. The people he had once cared for deeply were not something he could just forget or abandon, not even if he tried. Perhaps some could, but to him, these relationships were more important than life itself; as long as he lived, he couldn’t truly abandon them.
Jin Yi sensed Fang Fan’s emotional state. He remained silent, waiting for him to compose himself. At some point, he gently placed a hand on Fang Fan’s shoulder, careful not to startle him or push any boundaries, as if afraid of disturbing something fragile.
After a long while, Fang Fan tucked the letter back into the collection and asked, “Is there anything else? If so, please bring it out.”
Jin Yi responded, “There is one last item.”
He had brought two bundles with him. Opening the other, he revealed a qin. He carefully took it out and held it before Fang Fan.
“This is…”
“Shixin. It’s your qin. I had it repaired.”
Fang Fan smiled, “Though it’s repaired, it will never be the same as before. A broken mirror can’t be made whole again, and neither can a broken qin.”
Jin Yi felt a pang of pain in his heart but didn’t show it. “It may be different, but the craftsman who repaired it said it can still produce beautiful music.” He paused, then continued, “That day, when I was severely injured, I asked you to play a piece for me someday. You didn’t refuse, so I took it as a yes. You know the piece I’m talking about. Could you play it on this qin?”
Fang Fan remained silent for a long time, making no move to take the qin. Jin Yi stood there, patiently holding it, waiting. Finally, Fang Fan took the qin but said, “I’m not in the mood to play right now.”
Jin Yi smiled, “No problem. Play it whenever you feel like it. I’ll wait as long as it takes.”
Tonight, Jin Yi seemed different, speaking softly, with a gentle and hopeful expression, even a hint of pleading. The usually composed and strong-willed General Jin appeared vulnerable in front of Fang Fan, revealing another side of himself. Fang Fan was not unaffected, but he didn’t want to sort through his emotions, so he simply said, “You’ve traveled far and must be exhausted. I’ll heat some water for you. After a bath, you should rest. You can stay in my father’s old room for the night.” With that, he walked away, seemingly relaxed and at ease.
That night, after washing off the dust of the journey and finally seeing his beloved, Jin Yi had expected to be too excited to sleep. But after waves of emotions, he unexpectedly found a deep sense of calm in the vast night and fell into a peaceful and deep sleep.
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ZY the best boi!!! 。:゚(。ノω\。)゚・。
Thank You for the new chapter (。・ω・。)ノ♡