Later, Shi Ci learned to recognize many characters and memorized a great many poems.
At last, she could speak with eloquence, and no one would laugh at her for being nothing but a pretty face.
Yet on every sleepless night, she remembered those days when she couldn't recognize a single character.
All so she could see that lively young man one more time.
*
Shi Ci hated learning to write, but Gui Yu, who indulged her in everything else, was unyielding about this.
That day, while she looked at him with a hurt, protesting gaze, Gui Yu resolutely locked the study door. He idly searched for a round-backed chair, sat down, and fanned himself with the fan he never let out of his hand, looking perfectly at ease.
He looked at her, smiling lazily. "Learn to write these ten characters, and then I'll let you out. I'll be right here watching. Save your tricks; they won't work."
Shi Ci had no choice but to sit down and practice, unwillingly.
On one side of the rice paper was his practiced, elegant handwriting. On the other was her crooked scrawl.
The more she looked at it, the more aggrieved she felt. Before long, a few tears pattered down.
In the end, Gui Yu was the one who gave in.
He handed her a soft handkerchief and sighed, then gently bargained with her. "At least learn to write your name, all right?"
"Shi Ci is a beautiful name."
*
The day Gui Yu set off for war, he stood in the vegetable garden wearing dragon-scale armor, grinning brightly.
He called her A Ci and asked with a smile, "When I return victorious, will you marry me?"
For the first time, Shi Ci cast aside all reserve and ran into his arms, murmuring, "I'll learn to write properly, and I'll memorize poetry. I'll agree to everything you've asked."
"In exchange, all I want is for you to come back safe."
He had clearly said yes.
*
Shi Ci would remember that day forever.
Torrential rain fell, pooling across the ground.
He wore white, his clothes marked with several disheveled gray-black stains.
The young man, who had never feared death, ran toward her with unsteady steps and pulled her tightly into his arms, calling her name over and over.
Only when she reached out to hold him back and choked out, "It feels like I've really been waiting so long..."
"But at least, I've finally waited for you to come back."
Reading Guide:
* Both leads are reborn.
* Dancer x General
* The male and female leads each have their own growth arc. Neither is perfect, but both are trying their best to live.
* An alternate setting. The official system is modeled on the early Ming Dynasty, with some fictionalized elements. Please don't nitpick historical accuracy.
* In this setting, all royal children are eligible to inherit the throne. Both lineage and ability matter.
Theme: Respect and love yourself, be confident and strong
Sao Rui, Sao Rui! There's a lot going on today, so I'll update it later, but before ten o'clock!
Baby, I've read this article several times. It's a character I really like. I originally saved it and wanted to wait until it was finished before reading it, but I read it again today. I couldn't help myself and read it, and it turned out to be only forty-one chapters. It's been a long time since I read the latest update, but you said at the end of the first few chapters that this story will have an ending. I believe you. It's definitely something that has gotten in the way of reality for so long. No matter how long it takes, I want to wait for the ending of this story. I will check here from time to time to see if there is any update today. I look forward to your update again. Don't forget, you still have a story that you haven't finished yet, baby.
I would like to ask if there will be any updates... I have been revising the article for more than half a year. If I can't continue writing, just give up.
It looks good, I hope the author will update it soon
My heart aches, that's the truth, but I have a heart attack. I read this paragraph over and over again, and I can't bear it. The author must write it down later that the male protagonist also suffers from this kind of heartache. I don't care. The temptation just makes me uncomfortable and I can't be comforted.??????
Wow, you are finally back. Long time no see.
Baby, are you okay? Don't forget that there is a story that is not over yet.
Author: Princess Dongxi, can you please open a separate book? I like her so much.
Come on, baby, the next book is Guan He Ling!
Come on, baby! Finally finished chasing it in one go