Don't Say You're Heartless (Modern Edition)

99 Guidance

Mentioning Wu Tong, Shen Qiuhua sat down on the sofa. "He was my father's student. Initially, he intended to pursue an official career."

"Really? So why did he become a poison doctor instead?" Yang Qiong couldn't reconcile Wu Tong with the high officials of the court.

"Because being an official is not easy."

Yang Qiong recalled Wu Tong had once said that to benefit the people, one must reach a high position, and to reach a high position, one must be as influential as the light. "He has a clear perspective."

"My father said Wu Tong was exceptionally intelligent. Among all his students, he was the most outstanding, even surpassing the Emperor. But his brilliance also made him see the true nature of the officialdom quickly, so he turned to medicine instead." Shen Qiuhua still remembered her father's regretful expression vividly. She had thought her father was merely disappointed over wasted effort, but he had told her that if Wu Tong had devoted himself to being an official, his achievements would have been extraordinary. The court needed such a shrewd and capable administrator, who understood both flexibility and public welfare, to shoulder the governance of the realm.

Sighing deeply, Shen Qiuhua felt sorrow for her father's struggles. How did he carefully maneuver the limited power he had after retiring, maintaining stability and order in the Mu Dynasty while keeping a vigilant eye on the Emperor's scrutiny?

Whenever she felt disheartened by her own challenges in the inner palace, she thought of her father's dedication and sacrifice for the Shen family and the Mu Dynasty. Outstanding people inevitably bear more responsibility and suffering. Only the foolish have the luxury to shake their heads. Both she and her father were undoubtedly exceptional and thus destined to endure more.

"Just a few words bring up so many memories. It shows that you still can't forget your past life," Yang Qiong said, hoping Shen Qiuhua could find happiness. The past was best left forgotten if possible.

"It's a part of my life. Without those past events, there wouldn't be the Shen Qiuhua of today. Yang Qiong, perhaps our past isn't worth celebrating, but it has shaped who we are now. I haven't forgotten, and I never intended to. Those experiences and people, whether joyful or sorrowful, are my most precious treasures." Shen Qiuhua spoke with great calm. She had the strength to face all past and future storms. She hoped her words could help Yang Qiong come to terms with her own past.

Yang Qiong hugged her tightly. "I understand your concern. Give me some time, I'll be like you." To take on and let go. Shen Qiuhua was truly free-spirited. But Yang Qiong wasn't there yet- she needed time.

Shen Qiuhua kissed her lips. "Take all the time you need. I'll always be by your side."

Yang Qiong smiled warmly. Shen Qiuhua was the sunshine in her heart, clearing away all the gloom. As long as she was with Qiuhua, all her unhappiness would vanish.

Before putting away the calligraphy supplies, Shen Qiuhua stood in front of the desk and quickly wrote another piece. Yang Qiong looked over and saw that Shen Qiuhua had written in wild cursive this time. Yang Qiong studied it for a while before she could make out the content.

"The general's fame is shattered after a hundred battles. Facing the river and looking back a thousand miles, old friends are forever gone. The Yi River's west wind is bleak, the whole audience looks like snow. The valiant's lament is not over. The weeping birds know such hatred, their tears and blood could not compare. Who will share my drunken moonlight?" It was the latter part of Xin Qiji's 'He Xin Lang.'

"No wonder you used wild cursive; such a poem suits this kind of bold stroke," Yang Qiong remarked. She had watched Shen Qiuhua's calligraphy for so long that she had developed some insights of her own.