Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
As everything settled, the sky over Misty Village finally cleared, and the sunlight bathed the land, bringing a long-awaited warmth. I sat with Uncle Wang under the Old Huai Tree at the edge of the village, the mottled shadows of the tree swaying in the wind, as if recounting stories of the past.
I voiced my doubts, and Uncle Wang fell silent for a moment. Then he sighed deeply, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, and began to tell me about his father's story in a voice filled with weariness.
"My father was once a soul blinded by greed," Uncle Wang began slowly, his tone heavy. "He was captivated by the jade in Grandpa Li's hands; he thought that its dazzling light could illuminate his future." Uncle Wang's father had harbored dreams of changing his fate but was ruthlessly crushed by reality. When Grandpa Li and Grandpa Fang decided to donate the Jade Mine to the country, his dreams shattered, leaving him filled with dissatisfaction and anger.
"He began secretly colluding with greedy outsiders," Uncle Wang continued, a hint of regret in his voice. "Hoping to get a share for himself. He was involved in the events surrounding Grandpa Xiao Mei's death, knowing the secrets of the Jade Mine and yearning for that profit." When Grandpa Xiao Mei passed away, Uncle Wang's father felt a profound sense of defeat. He was not the mastermind, but his role as an accomplice stained him with guilt. He conspired with outsiders, contributing to Grandpa Xiao Mei's tragedy, never expecting things would escalate to such a degree.
"He felt deep guilt and remorse," tears glimmered in Uncle Wang's eyes. He shared all this with me, hoping I would understand his mistakes and avoid repeating them. Ten years ago, Uncle Wang had spoken up to protect Grandma Fang and Fang Xiaomei. His heart held both loyalty to his friends and guilt over his father's past errors. His choice earned him respect in the village and allowed him to face his past with greater determination as he moved toward the future.
"I know I cannot choose my origins, but I can choose my path." Uncle Wang gazed into the distance, his tone resolute. "I chose to protect this village and those innocent people; this is my best response to my father."
I understood that Uncle Wang did not want to repeat past mistakes, but his refusal had cost his own son’s life. I sighed deeply at this thought and joked, "Hey, Uncle Wang, do you think Sister Xiao Mei is having a boy or a girl? Should we arrange a betrothal?"
Uncle Wang heard this and playfully slapped my shoulder in frustration. "Let's talk about that when you get married."
Killing me softly! As sorcerers, we indeed tend to remain unmarried, just like my master. It's been half a month since I left, and I miss him so much.
The matter of Misty Village has been resolved, and I proposed my farewell to everyone.
When I went to see Grandpa Li, I saw him holding a yellowed old photograph. It was of a woman, a woman who looked very much like me.
"Her name is Qin Zhaodi, my wife. We got separated during the war," Grandpa Li said.
I... I remember my grandmother was gone since I was little. I didn't know there was this connection. I wanted to say she wasn't alone, but she had the same face and the same name as me. Moreover, my mother once mentioned that my grandmother came from another place. My grandmother only had my mother as her daughter; there were no other children.
This...
"I was pregnant when we got separated, and it's been 42 years now."
"Oh my, if my mother were still alive, she would be exactly 42 this year."
I... this...
Seeing that I was speechless, Grandpa Li said, "Come visit me often in the future; I'll miss you."
As I walked out of the village, I was still in a daze. The various dried vegetables, pickles, cured meats, and sausages hanging on me were all gifts from the villagers as they sent me off.
I was just stunned and couldn't gather my thoughts. Sigh, maybe next time I should just leave without saying goodbye; such warmth is something I'm not worthy of.
I had over a hundred pounds of things to carry back to Mingyang Chamber, and I couldn't just leave them behind. Sigh!
One cannot live with the consequences of one's own misdeeds.
Sigh!
Comment 0 Comment Count