How can one bear it?

Author: Si Jiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: She took us to a small, secluded garden with an unpleasant name called Xi Garden, said to be a place for guests to rest. I secretly wondered if our status was that high? On the grand hall earlier, we certainly weren’t worthy of it. Unless I didn’t dare to think further, the answer that was on the tip of my tongue sent a chill down my spine. "For tonight, everyone will stay here for now," said Zhenxia with an elegant bow, neither humble nor overbearing, nor lacking in etiquette. "Thank you, Madam Zhenxia." Honestly, we couldn’t quite decide how to address her. She was older than Qi Hua and clearly past the age of marriage, so calling her Miss wasn’t appropriate. Yet, this title also seemed to pierce through our awkwardness. With a faint smile, she said, "You can just call me Zhenxia." She looked at the seven of us, as if there was more she wanted to say. Indeed, "My sister is narrow-minded, so please don’t take her seriously." These words made us uneasy. Qiu Hang quickly replied, "We’re not worthy, we’re not worthy. It’s all our fault." Zhenxia stopped her, her tone calm, "I understand her temperament. She must have provoked trouble on her own. Please bear with her. Ah! Are you all hungry too? Please rest first, I’ll have the kitchen prepare a meal..." With that, she closed the door and left. Finally, I was exhausted and collapsed into my chair, feeling as if I were hollowed out. I secretly thought that the days ahead would likely be even harder. Yu Jing showed a hint of a serious expression. I went closer and whispered, "What’s wrong?" Yu Jing nodded toward the front. I looked, and my eyes fell upon four faces lost in thought. I felt strange. "What?" "Hmph," Yu Jing chuckled lightly at me. "You, who are usually so perceptive, can’t see this?" Perhaps seeing my confusion, Yu Jing sighed. "Well, you’re still young. In a couple of years, you’ll understand." Just as I was about to speak, a soft melody drifted into my ear from Yu Jing. "In my life, I never knew love until I did. Once I knew love, I was consumed by it." Her eyes slightly closed, her voice clear and gentle, deep yet sorrowful, with a magnetic charm that tugged at the heart. I had never realized that Yu Jing could also have such a gentle, almost sorrowful side. In that moment, I felt as if I understood something, though it was vague yet undeniable. "You’re..." She closed her mouth, frowned slightly, and leaned against the bed. Yan Qiao and I looked at her, feeling a touch of sorrow seep into our hearts. A few days later, Zhenxia brought orders from the Sixth Lord. Xiu Yue, Ju Yuan, Zhang Yan, and Qiu Hang were the mistress’s attendants, while I, Yu Jing, and Yan Qiao were the maids of honor. In that instant, I saw Yu Jing’s startled gaze, which flickered and turned into a faint sadness and realization. Xiu Yue smiled faintly, her expression hiding deep, unreadable emotions. The wedding day was set for two months later, on the seventh day of the eighth month. We moved back to Xiang Garden again, said to be the time when their parents would also come. I didn’t know if my master would come, but I suddenly missed him very much, even though a voice in my heart said that even if he did, it would be no use—just like when he had told us to leave. On the seventh day of the eighth month, the main day arrived. The parents of Ju Yuan, Xiu Yue, Zhang Yan, and Qiu Hang all pulled their daughters into the room, speaking...