Soul bonds

Fragrance from the past

Jiang FengMian stood at the dock, starring at the emptiness, lost in his thoughts. His shoulders were slumped. He totally missed the play of the starlight on the mirrored surface of the lake, and the cool night breeze that was enveloping the lands. 

He did not even hear the footsteps which were coming closer and closer. He did not even react when a pair of arms wrapped him from behind. He remained frozen, his hands gripping the handrails of the balustrade.

Madame Yu held on to him, sensing his inner turmoil. She was never very demonstrative with her affections in public or even in front of her family. She was raised to be stoic. The only person she had opened up herself completely was her husband, the man she loved and trusted with all her self. She knew that most of the people misunderstood her harsh and uptight ways. It also fuelled all kinds of rumours. She never cared to change what others thought. She believed in deeds and actions, rather than light words and supposed good intentions.

Slowly, she unleashed the Zidian, which coiled itself around them enveloping them in a purple glow. She started to pass on calming pulses of energy to Jiang FengMian. She felt the tension in his shoulders easing, his breathing became less erratic and he let out a long sigh. He turned around and pulled her in a gentle embrace.

"ZiYu..."

"Shhhh, let's sit a bit and enjoy this moment!"

"Hmmm"

They walked towards the edge of the dock where there was no railing and sat down, side by side.

"He woke up... I was so scared, ZiYu! He was almost gone!"

"He will be fine! He is a strong child. So selfless... "

"Yes... ! QiRen has asked us to come tomorrow, but I don't feel like going! We have a wedding to prepare in a month... There is so much to do!"

"I feel so bad for A-Li!"

"Jin ZiXuan will come around! Just give him some time!"

"We did not witness the wedding of A-Li in those visions... And now, we may have the privilege to see two weddings or maybe three! You know, A-Xian,he always keeps his words, even if that means changing the course of things... He promised me he would make sure that I see at least one wedding at Lotus Pier before... you know... " She could not go on. Jiang FengMian pulled her closer to his heart and starred deep into her eyes.

"Are you scared about our future my love?"

"One where I fight to defend my house and my lands and die in your arms? Certainly not Sect Leader! You underestimate me!"

"No my love! I don't underestimate you! To be honest, I am a bit scared..." He chuckled and added, "I just wish we had more time for us though! It is the first time that all our three children are away. I have really appreciated every single minute we spent together and I want to thank you for that. The past few weeks have felt like the time before A-Li was born, when we were still on our honeymoon!" He said, smiling lovingly at Madame Yu, who was blushing furiously. He pulled out a box from his pocket and placed it in her hands.

She opened the box and looked at the delicate silver hairpin, carved with the YunMeng Jiang Lotus motif, with lilac tassels. She smiled and closed the box.

"Thank you my dear husband! Tonight, I will let you comb my hair and style it with this pin!"

Jiang FengMian's face lit up with a mischievous smile, "Why not here and now? See, I have a comb..." He said, pulling out an ebony comb from his sleeve pocket!