A woman dressed in flamboyant clothes rode on the back of a fat donkey, her legs dangling carelessly.
As the evening breeze blew, the copper bell tied around the donkey’s neck rang with a series of crisp sounds. She looked at the tightly closed gates of the Manoban Residence and shouted, “Hey, wake up!”
Her voice rippled out, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake.
Splash!
Water splashed all around.
The gatekeeper rubbed his eyes, suddenly awakened: “Who’s there?”
…
Tonight, there were stars and a moon, but the moon was soon covered by dark clouds, and the stars lost their luster. The night became thick and suffocating, like ink left out too long.
The steward hurried over and respectfully stopped outside the door: “Madam, Gentleman Manoban, a strange woman has arrived outside, claiming she can relieve the gentleman’s worries.”
“Relieve worries?”
Madam Manoban looked at her daughter.
Lisa, sitting by the bedside, was wiping the sweat from Jennie’s forehead. The family doctor in the residence was evidently at a loss regarding Jen’s ailment. She said in a low voice, “Let her in.”
The inner chamber had a faint bitter scent of medicinal herbs. The gauzy curtain was drawn down, and Lisa glanced back.
The peculiar visitor of the night stepped through the door.
Under the light, her attire was even more striking, as if she wore all the colors of the world. Despite her extraordinary appearance, she seemed ageless. Her eyes were bright and black, and her smile was somewhat mischievous, yet it was impossible to dislike her.
Her clothes were a riot of colors, and she wore a jade piece of a fat crane at her waist. The crane’s eyes were closed.
She was sizing up the woman, and the woman was calmly observing Lisa in return.
Young and graceful, refined in manner, her waist was still as slender as ever. Her upright and unassailable aura had not changed over the years.
Any trace of ethereal otherworldliness had transformed into a scholarly air. She was like bamboo, with eyes like stars, exuding a serene presence, like a clear moon and spring breeze.
The woman smiled slightly: “Greetings, Gentleman Manoban.”
Lisa returned the greeting: “May I ask what worry you wish to relieve for me?”
“It is, of course, the Young Madam Manoban’s strange illness.”
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On the Wedding Night - JENLISA
Ficción históricaJennie kim is a blind woman who has grown up with the constant mistreatment and belittlement from her parents and servants. They take pleasure in laughing at her expense. However, her life takes a sudden and unexpected turn when she is welcomed into...
