amaotonovel Chapter 1245 New Youth
Chapter 1245 New Youth
Chapter 1245 New Youth
In the early morning of Bailuyuan, the mist had not yet dissipated, but the old locust tree at the entrance of the village was already hung with red silk.
Heiwa was wearing a brand new indigo gown with a big red silk flower pinned on his chest, and his dark face was flushed with excitement.
He stood at the gate of the ancestral hall, rubbing his hands and looking towards the village entrance from time to time.
"Look at you, you are such a loser!" Lu San cursed, but his eyes were already wet. He straightened his son's collar, and his rough fingers trembled slightly when they brushed against the silk flower.
He had picked out this red silk flower by driving his horse-drawn carriage overnight to the best silk shop in the county.
"Go, the time is almost up."
Heiwa scratched his head with a silly smile. At this time, Qin Hao also brought his brothers from the security team to the stage, beating gongs and drums. The group went to Bailu Clinic to pick up the bride.
Tian Xiao'e was wearing a wedding dress embroidered with lotus flowers, and her cheeks under the veil were redder than her rouge. When she stepped over the fire pot, the hem of her skirt kicked up a string of sparks, causing the children watching to exclaim in surprise.
"Here comes the bride--" As the children cheered, firecrackers in front of the ancestral hall exploded in a red rain.
Mr. Zhu stood on the steps of the ancestral hall with a cane, his silver beard trembling in the wind. Behind him, the plaque with the words "Benefiting the Hometown" was polished to a shine, emitting a warm glow in the morning light.
Heiwa knelt on the bluestone slab, his forehead against the cold ground. Tian Xiao'e's veil was blown up by the wind, and she saw a few drops of sweat rolling down the back of her husband's neck, leaving dark dots on the slab.
"Lu Zhaoqian." Mr. Zhu's voice was as deep as an ancient bell. "This name means 'a modest gentleman.' I hope you will remember that from today on, you will be the pillar of the family and you will shoulder the hope of the family's reproduction and development."
Mr. Zhu solemnly placed the red paper with the new name on it into Heiwa's trembling palm. The ink on the paper reflected the morning sun, like flowing gold.
Heiwa's tears fell on the last stroke of the word "谦", and the ink color suddenly spread out.
He was more mature than other children since he was young. When other children were chasing after Lu Zhaopeng and flattering him in order to get a piece of candy, he was the only one watching from afar. The short-lived happiness brought by eating candy could not make up for the gap in their actual status.
Although they both have the surname Lu, Lu Zhaopeng's Lu family is a landlord, while his father is just a farmhand, or to put it bluntly, a servant. The son of a servant is destined to remain a servant.
Lu Zhaopeng has been called Lu Zhaopeng since he was a child, and everyone calls him Heiwa.
Lu Zhaoqian, from today on he is Lu Zhaoqian, Lu Zhaoqian of Bailu Village!
The ancestral hall was filled with incense, and the ever-burning lamps in front of the ancestral tablets were flickering with warm yellow flames. Bai Jiaxuan stood beside the altar holding the family tree, the tip of his wolf-hair brush dipped in cinnabar. When the three characters "Lu Zhaoqian" fell on the yellowed paper, a drop of cinnabar just happened to smudge the last hook of the character "Lu".
"Worship the heaven and the earth——"
When Heiwa helped Tian Xiao'e turn around, he saw his father Lu San wiping his eyes with his sleeve. This farmer, who had always only wielded a hoe, was sniffling like a child. On both sides of the altar, Qin Hao and his brothers from the security team stood straight. Their brand new uniforms glowed blue-gray in the incense, like a solid wall.
"Second worship high hall-"
"Husband and wife pay homage——"
Tian Xiao'e's veil was suddenly blown up by the wind, and she saw her own blushing face reflected in Heiwa's red eyes. When the two of them exchanged greetings, she smelled the fresh scent of soapberry on his body, mixed with the aged sandalwood from the ancestral hall, which was actually better than any rouge.
When the ceremony was over, Mr. Zhu poured a bag of yellow soil into Heiwa's palm and said, "This is soil from the backyard of the ancestral hall. Today I bury it under the threshold of your house. From now on, your roots will be planted here."
The midday sun shines through the courtyard of the ancestral hall, illuminating the plaque "Benefiting the Hometown" with golden light. The banquet was set up from the entrance of the ancestral hall to the threshing ground, and the twenty eight-person tables looked like a river paved with red silk.
Heiwa held up his wine bowl and toasted at each table, and when he came to Qin Hao's table.
Heiwa dropped the wine glass, picked up a large bowl, poured a full glass of wine, and staggered to Qin Hao.
"Brother, without you, there would be no Heiwa today. In the future, no matter how hard it is, I will never frown even if I am torn to pieces with just a word from you."
After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp. Qin Hao picked up the wine bowl, patted him on the shoulder, and drank it in one gulp as well.
"Today is your big day, so don't say anything unlucky."
"Ah."
Heiwa wiped his tears, and Tian Xiao'e beside him also came forward to toast.
"Brother, sister-in-law, I respect you too. If it weren't for you, I don't know what kind of life I would be living now."
Leng Qiuyue raised her glass and clinked it with Tian Xiaoe's, smiling and saying, "Well, what happened to you two? It's not the right time to talk about this on a happy day. Everyone is still waiting for you to toast."
The brothers from the security team at the same table urged him to drink with the bride, and Heiwa regained his former "bravery" and began to "kill all around" at the table.
The wedding banquet lasted until late at night, and Heiwa was finally carried into the bridal chamber.
……
In September, the fragrance of osmanthus fills the Bailuyuan area for miles.
Qin Hao packed his luggage and prepared to go to Xi'an with his wife Leng Qiuyue. Before leaving, his grandmother Bai Zhao stood at the door of the main hall with a cane, her brows furrowed, and her tone was unquestionable: "Who's new daughter-in-law runs away right after getting married? Qiuyue has to stay at home to serve her parents-in-law, how can she run around with a man?"
Leng Qiuyue lowered her head, twisting the corner of her clothes with her fingers, not daring to refute.
Seeing this, Xiancao hurried forward to support her mother-in-law and gently advised: "Mom, Hao'er is alone in Xi'an. I always feel uneasy without anyone to take care of him. Qiuyue knows some medical skills and is very careful. Let her go with you so that she can take care of Hao'er's daily life."
Bai Zhao snorted coldly: "You know how to speak for her!"
Xiancao smiled and massaged her mother-in-law's back: "Mother, think about it, Hao'er is now the pillar of our entire Bailuyuan. If he gets tired, what will happen to our family? Besides, Qiuyue is not not coming back. Wait until Hao'er's studies are stable, and then let her come back to serve you, okay?"
Bai Zhao was comforted by her daughter-in-law, and then she reluctantly nodded: "Okay, but when you get to Xi'an, don't be like those Western-style women who show up all day long and have no manners!"
Leng Qiuyue quickly responded: "Don't worry, grandma, I will definitely abide by my duties."
As the carriage drove out of Bailu Village, Leng Qiuyue's tense nerves finally relaxed. She quietly lifted the curtain, looked at the golden rice fields beside the road and the rolling mountains in the distance, and a smile rose unconsciously at the corner of her mouth.
Seeing her like this, Qin Hao couldn't help but tease her, "Why, after leaving the village, even people become more lively?"
Leng Qiuyue blushed, quickly lowered the curtain, and whispered in defense: "I...I just haven't seen the scenery outside."
Qin Hao smiled without saying anything, allowing her to secretly look at the outside world.
Along the way, Leng Qiuyue was like a bird just out of a cage, and everything she saw was new and interesting. When she passed by the county town, she stared at the dazzling array of shops on the street, especially those selling rouge, powder, silk and fabrics, with eyes full of longing.
"Brother Hao, what is that?" She asked in a low voice, pointing at a colored glass wind chime hanging on the door of a shop.
"Wind chimes make ding-dong sounds when the wind blows." Seeing her curiosity, Qin Hao simply asked the driver to stop and took her inside for a walk. Leng Qiuyue carefully touched the delicate objects, but was afraid of breaking them, so she quickly retracted her hand, causing the shopkeeper to laugh: "Is this your first time in the city, young lady? Ask your husband to buy you anything you like."
Leng Qiuyue's ears turned red with shame, and she pulled Qin Hao's sleeve and walked out: "No, no need, I just want to take a look..."
Qin Hao couldn't help laughing, but he still bought a small copper bell and put it in her palm: "Have it and play with it."
Leng Qiuyue held the bell tightly, feeling sweet in her heart.
It was already evening when we arrived in Xi'an. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the bluestone road. People were hurrying on the street, including peddlers carrying loads, scholars in long gowns, and female students walking in groups of three or four.
Leng Qiuyue looked at the female students wearing blue cloth tops and black skirts, her eyes widened in shock: "They...how can they dress like this?"
Qin Hao followed her gaze and said with a smile: "This is the school uniform of the girls' school. What's wrong?"
Leng Qiuyue lowered her voice, her tone full of disbelief: "The skirt is so short, the calves are exposed, this... this is inappropriate!"
Qin Hao raised his eyebrows: "You think it doesn't look good?"
Leng Qiuyue frowned: "Of course it doesn't look good! It's immoral!"
But even so, she couldn't help but glance at the female students. They walked lightly, talked and laughed freely, and were not at all restrained by the gazes of others. Leng Qiuyue inexplicably felt a little envious in her heart - they lived so freely.
Qin Hao saw through her thoughts and teased her deliberately: "If you like it, I will buy you a set later?"
Leng Qiuyue immediately shook her head and said righteously: "I won't wear it!"
But the tips of her ears turned red.
The carriage finally stopped in front of a secluded courtyard. The gate was painted dark brown and there were a few vines climbing on the wall, which made it look particularly quiet.
Lu Zhaopeng had been waiting at the door for a long time. When he saw the carriage stop, he hurried over to greet them: "Brother Hao, you are finally here!"
Qin Hao jumped out of the car and patted him on the shoulder: "Thank you for your hard work. This yard is nice."
Lu Zhaopeng smiled and said, "Of course, I searched all over Xi'an to find this place. It's close to the school and quiet, so it's the best place for you two to live."
Leng Qiuyue got out of the car and looked around curiously at the place that would become her new home. The yard was not big, but it was tidy and clean, with a few sweet-scented osmanthus trees planted in the corner, the fragrance was refreshing.
"Do you like it?" Qin Hao asked.
Leng Qiuyue nodded, with a gleam in her eyes: "Yeah, I like it."
There are no rules in Bailu Village, no restrictions from elders, and no pressure to be cautious all the time. For her, this is like a brand new world, waiting for her to explore.
After settling the luggage, Lu Zhaopeng pulled Qin Hao into the living room, his expression excited: "Brother Hao, your article criticizing Zhang Xun is absolutely amazing!"
In July, Zhang Xun's restoration shocked the whole country. Many old and young people of the Qing Dynasty jumped out, but the cultural circle was full of criticism. Qin Hao had not returned to Bailuyuan at that time, so he wrote an article and gave it to Lu Zhaopeng to publish in "Qin Jin". It seems that the response was good.
Lu Zhaopeng said excitedly: "It's more than just a good response. It's a sensation! Especially the sentence 'Anyone who intends to reverse history will eventually be crushed into dust by the wheels of history'. It was even reprinted by New Youth. Even many readers in Beijing know you."
Qin Hao laughed: "Is it that exaggerated?"
Lu Zhaopeng took out a letter from his pocket and shook it mysteriously: "Guess what this is?"
Qin Hao glanced at the envelope, which clearly said "Personally addressed to Bai Hao". He said helplessly, "Isn't it written all over it?"
Lu Zhaopeng was unwilling to give in and lowered his voice: "Do you know who sent it?"
Qin Hao asked cooperatively: "Who?"
"Mr. Cai!" Lu Zhaopeng's voice changed with excitement. "It's Mr. Cai from New Youth! He read your article and wrote to invite you to Peking University!"
Qin Hao was stunned, then took the letter and opened it. The first half of the letter was full of polite praise, and it was not until the last few lines that the key point was mentioned - Cai Yuanpei hoped that he could transfer to Peking University, and he would be responsible for handling all the formalities.
Lu Zhaopeng was so excited that he wanted to pack Qin Hao's luggage immediately: "Brother Hao, this is a great opportunity! Peking University! How many students dream of this place!"
Qin Hao, however, looked calm. He folded the letter and put it back on the table, saying calmly, "If you want to go, I recommend you to go."
Lu Zhaopeng's eyes widened: "Why?!"
"not the right time yet."
……
After the school term started, Qin Hao went to school every morning. Leng Qiuyue stayed at home alone, keeping the courtyard in good order. She would always prepare warm breakfast for Qin Hao before he left, and after he left, she would sit under the osmanthus tree to mend clothes, occasionally looking up at the clouds passing by the courtyard wall in a daze.
One evening, when Qin Hao returned, he found Leng Qiuyue staring at the setting sun. She didn't even hear the sound of him pushing the door. Qin Hao coughed lightly, and Leng Qiuyue came back to her senses and hurriedly got up to take the school bag from his hand.
"Are you feeling good at home today?" Qin Hao asked casually.
Leng Qiuyue smiled and said, "It's fine. I washed all the clothes you took off yesterday and pickled some kimchi."
Qin Hao noticed that her fingertips were red, obviously because they were soaked in salt water for too long. He softened his heart and pulled her to sit on the stone bench: "Qiuyue, there are many good places to visit in Xi'an, such as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Forest of Steles. If you are bored, you might as well go and have a look."
Leng Qiuyue shook her head like a frightened rabbit: "What's the point of going alone?"
She twisted the corner of her clothes, her voice getting lower and lower: "Grandma said that women can't..."
"This is not Bailu Village." Qin Hao interrupted with a smile: "There are many women who go out alone in Xi'an. Look at those female students..."
Before he could finish his words, Leng Qiuyue suddenly looked up, and there flashed a hint of stubbornness in her eyes that he had never seen before.
Qin Hao sighed secretly. People's concepts are not formed overnight, and changing them also requires a process.
That night, Qin Hao found several English medical books in his study. Under the oil lamp, he translated Aristotle's "On Anatomical Operations" word by word, deliberately replacing obscure terms with easy-to-understand vernacular. It was not until the east was white that he tied the translated manuscript with a red rope.
The next morning, Leng Qiuyue found a neatly bound book next to her pillow. On the title page was written "For Qiuyue - I wish to share the wonders of medicine with you"