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[DUBBED] Ordinary Souls, Bright Horizons
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00:01When I was 10 years old, my family had gone days without food.
00:03It seemed we were all about to starve.
00:04Father went to town to find a job.
00:05I took four tails of silver from the child broker and sold myself.
00:08On the day I left home, the snow was thick and heavy.
00:09Mother wept as she gave me her only dowry, a velvet flower.
00:11In front of my family, I took two tails of silver and quietly slipped the other two to mother.
00:15I begged her to keep my brother and sister alive.
00:17Father had gone to town to work.
00:18He hadn't returned yet.
00:18Mother stood in the snow with my siblings, bidding me farewell.
00:20It was so cold.
00:21Mother didn't even have a proper coat to wear.
00:22The mule cart carried me farther and farther away.
00:24The storm soon blinded my eyes.
00:25There were 12 girls alongside me, all from our village and neighboring ones.
00:28They were about my age, though we had been bought by the child broker.
00:30At least we had food each day.
00:31Any chores.
00:32I would do chores like sweeping the courtyard.
00:34The Wynn family wasn't a big family.
00:35Besides Mrs. Wynn, there was only one concubine.
00:37She was Mrs. Wynn's maid, who was part of her dowry.
00:38Mrs. Wynn gave birth to three sons.
00:39It's said they were sent to Westmount's famous academy to study.
00:41They rarely saw them.
00:42All three sons were handsome, but the eldest son was the most handsome.
00:45He was like an angel.
00:46The eldest daughter was also born to Mrs. Wynn.
00:47She was 13 that year.
00:48She appeared gentle, but had quite a temper.
00:49The second daughter was born to the concubine.
00:51She was only seven that year.
00:51She was plump and fair, like a little doll.
00:53She also loved to laugh, was the youngest in the family, and has a cognitive disorder.
00:56So everyone doted on her.
00:56The Wynn family did not mistreat their retainers.
00:58After being there for a year, I had put on quite some weight.
00:59Mrs. Wynn gave us 200 coins every month as our pay, and we would get extra during festivals.
01:03I saved all this money, hoping I could send it home someday.
01:06I enjoyed such a life.
01:08The work was nothing compared to back home.
01:09In my spare time, I learned to knot cords, sewing, and chatted with other maids.
01:13The eldest daughter, Julia Wynn, loved poetry.
01:14Her head maid, Shannon, was kind, never stingy, and taught us to read whenever she had time.
01:18One day, I heard that one of the girls sold to Rivermore with me was beaten to death.
01:21Only then did I realize I was really lucky to work for such a kind family.
01:24Life here was like in a haven, but misfortune came swiftly.
01:26When I was 14, the patriarch was accused of some unknown crime.
01:28The Wynn family was ruined.
01:29All males and females over 15 were thrown into the death row.
01:31Those married were spared.
01:32The night before the conversation, Mrs. Wynn returned all the indenture contracts and gave
01:34each servant 10 tails of silver, setting us free with a chance at life.
01:36Most of the Wynn family's servants had been newly bought, so most of them left in one night.
01:39I held my savings from these years and was about to head home.
01:42But when I looked at Miss Gemma, who was only nine and was innocent, my heart softened.
01:46The Wynn Manor had been seized.
01:47The Gemma and I had nowhere to live.
01:48She now needed a new name.
01:50So I gave her a new one, Grace.
01:52She was my sister.
01:53My name was Macy, Macy Chase.
01:54The Wynn family was held in prison.
01:55Even if I spent all my money, I still wouldn't be able to see that.
01:58I had to survive with Grace.
01:59To live, we needed food and shelter.
02:00I was strong and didn't fear hardship.
02:02I had learned to read in the past couple of years and could keep accounts.
02:04I rented a small boat and started selling wine on the riverside.
02:06To sell wine, one had to offer food.
02:08In summer and autumn, I sold shrimp and crab.
02:09In winter, I made warm snacks.
02:11The first year, after paying the rent, I earned 37 tails of silver.
02:13The Wynn family's case had been a great scandal.
02:15It seemed that they were about to be executed.
02:16But after a year, nothing happened.
02:17I sewed cotton coats and pants and took wine and food with Grace to visit them.
02:20My parents, my brother, and the concubine.
02:21Grace was delighted to wear the new clothes I made for her.
02:23She held my hand and shook it happily.
02:25The prison was not as strict as last year.
02:26I paid two tails of silver and the warden let Grace and me inside.
02:29The cell was dark and smelled foul.
02:30Grace was timid and clung to my hand, her eyes darting about like a lost little rabbit.
02:34I patted her hand and told her not to worry and that I was there for her.
02:36She smiled.
02:36She had dimples on both cheeks.
02:38The whole family was locked together.
02:39I could hardly recognize them anymore.
02:41They were thin and dirty beyond recognition.
02:42Of the three sons, only two remained.
02:44The eldest, Jonathan Wynn, was missing.
02:45I had only seen them three or four times.
02:47Now, I could no longer tell who was who.
02:49No one knew where Jonathan was.
02:51The warden opened the door and gave us an hour.
02:53Straw was spread in the corner, which seemed like where they had slept.
02:55Grace looked at her parents, who she longed for, but couldn't recognize them.
02:58But her family knew her, seeing her peeking out from behind me, afraid.
03:00Mr. Wynn called Gemma's name after a long pause.
03:02She remembered her old name and stared at her father for a long time.
03:04She seemed to have recognized him.
03:05She then called out, Father.
03:06Her pale cheeks streaked with tears.
03:07She hesitated, then rushed into her father's arms.
03:08The whole family looked at her and couldn't stop crying.
03:10Mr. Wynn did not know me.
03:11There had been over ten maids in the manor.
03:13He would be out most of the day.
03:13He had no time to remember us.
03:15Mrs. Wynn was only 40, but her hair had already turned gray.
03:17She looked like someone in her 60s, but she still recognized me.
03:19You're Macy, the maid.
03:20Her eyes were gray and found it difficult to speak.
03:22Mother, she's my sister, Grace said, clutching my hand.
03:24Mr. and Mrs. Wynn, please forgive me.
03:25I didn't dare let Miss Grace use her old name, though I gave her a new name.
03:28She's now called Grace Chase.
03:29Why are you apologizing?
03:30The Wynn family is now ruined.
03:31She's the only one left.
03:32Everything happened too suddenly.
03:33I had no time to find a place for her.
03:34I am very grateful.
03:35None of them expected that the only person who came to visit them was not their daughter, but a mere
03:39maid.
03:40Mrs. Wynn returned your indenture long ago.
03:43Sister, if the Wynn Manor ever sees the light again, Macy shall be a member of the family.
03:46If the Wynn Manor ever sees the light again, Macy shall be one of the heiresses of the family.
03:49When I saw Mr. Wynn, he still had his integrity.
03:51Things could still be turned around.
03:52I felt happy for Grace.
03:53I had no wish to become a young lady of the manor.
03:55I only wanted to return to my family.
03:56Running my own business on the river was also good.
03:58Mr. and Mrs. Wynn, please don't blame Miss Julia.
04:00I did go to the Bennett Manor with Grace before, but I didn't see her.
04:02I heard she had just given birth and was still in confinement.
04:03A few days later, the Bennett family moved to Eastboro.
04:05Even if Miss Julia wished to see you, she's too far away.
04:06And she has a child to care for.
04:07How could she possibly return?
04:08There were some things I didn't say.
04:09When Miss Julia heard what happened, she fainted twice.
04:11Her husband took advantage of that and carried her onto the boat.
04:13We were all ordinary folks.
04:14At a time like this, what was wrong with choosing to protect oneself?
04:16Soon, the time was up.
04:17I had to leave with Grace.
04:18She cried and wanted to bring her family along.
04:19It took quite a lot of effort to convince her to leave.
04:21Yet she sobbed and asked where her brother was.
04:22Throughout the manor, tales of Jonathan abound.
04:24He was not only exceptionally handsome, but had also earned top imperial exam honors by 20.
04:27He was seen to be the future grand chancellor.
04:28I didn't know about his talent, but I had to admit that he was really handsome.
04:30After all, his mother was an extraordinary beauty.
04:31Such a man was now nowhere to be found.
04:33Mr. Wynn remained silent.
04:34I knew I shouldn't ask any more questions.
04:36I took Grace home.
04:37We rented a courtyard on East Street with others.
04:38Grace and I had arrived first, so we took the two East Rooms.
04:40One as a bedroom, and the other as the kitchen.
04:42On the west side, three rooms housed a family of four.
04:43The man was a peddler, traveling the streets.
04:45His wife stayed home with the children.
04:46The peddler's surname was Hilton.
04:47He was six feet tall.
04:47Janet Monroe, his wife, wasn't a talker, but she was kind.
04:49In her spare time, she would embroider handkerchiefs and sachets,
04:51which the peddler would carry out to sell.
04:52I could manage sewing clothes and making shoes, but embroidery was beyond me.
04:54So I told Grace to learn embroidery from Janet.
05:01Except Riverside had frozen over.
05:02Had to stop my business.
05:03So I changed to doing deliveries instead.
05:04After returning home and eating dinner, Grace was already drowsy.
05:06Once she fell asleep, I lit a lamp and started making time.
05:08Especially for a girl like me with a sister.
05:09But the river had its own code.
05:11Paying for protection means someone was always watching out for you.
05:13I didn't fear hardship, but I did fear trouble.
05:14When the knock sounded at the door, I was startled.
05:16After all, in Rivermore, Grace and I depended on each other.
05:18Who would come find us at night?
05:19Who is it?
05:19I called out loudly.
05:20I'm a Wynn.
05:21The voice outside was low.
05:22It was a deep, pleasant male voice.
05:23You're a Wynn?
05:24The man outside slipped through the door.
05:25I quickly shut it behind him.
05:26He stood with his back to me at the bedside, looking at Grace.
05:28The house was small.
05:29Only a curtain separated the bed from the rest.
05:30Inside was the bedroom.
05:31Outside served as the living room.
05:32Now that he had drawn the curtain aside, everything could be seen clearly.
05:34He was very tall and wore a dark cloak.
05:35His hair was bound tightly with a band.
05:37I had a faint suspicion of who he might be, but I didn't dare ask.
05:39I simply waited for him to finish.
05:40Now that he had drawn the curtain aside, everything could be seen clearly.
05:42He was very tall and wore a dark cloak.
05:43His hair was bound tightly with a band.
05:45I had a faint suspicion of who he might be, but I didn't dare ask.
05:47I simply waited for him to finish.
05:48I added wood to the brazier, set a kettle to boil, and poured him a cup of tea.
05:51The tea was what we would serve to travelers on the riverboat
05:52It wasn't the best tea, but it wasn't bad either
05:54When he drew the curtain and stepped out, the oil lamp cast a dim golden glow
05:56Yet I saw him clearly
05:56People in the manor said that he was noble and had an outstanding figure
05:58All my life, I had wondered what that meant
06:00Too shallow to describe such a man
06:01Most importantly, his skin was very fair
06:02He didn't even take off his cloak when he sat down and picked up the cup of tea
06:05Even his hands were fashioned with such grace
06:06There was not a single flaw to be found in his looks
06:08His eyes were dark, and when he looked at someone, they gave nothing away
06:10It could make others panic
06:11I looked at how he was dressed
06:12He didn't seem down and out
06:13That was because the clothes under his cloak were made from cloud pattern brocade
06:15They were very expensive
06:16Since he wasn't down and out, then why did he not help his family?
06:19The court affairs were complicated
06:20I didn't dare ask
06:20It's of great importance
06:21You must act with utmost care
06:22I didn't want to take it
06:23But hearing the urgency and helplessness in his words, I gritted my teeth and took the bag
06:26I'll leave this with you
06:26Give this to Abbott Leonard Sinclair at Morning Bell Abbey
06:28This matter is of great importance
06:29You must act with utmost care
06:30I didn't want to take it
06:31But hearing his helpless urgency as he said
06:32I have no choice
06:33I gritted my teeth and took the bag
06:34The object was wrapped in cloth
06:35It appeared to be a book
06:36It wasn't very thick
06:36When he handed it to me, it still bore the warmth of his touch
06:38Young master, the Wynn family is still waiting for you in prison
06:40In the end, I chose to say this for the Wynn family's and Grace's sake
06:43He nodded
06:44Suddenly he smiled
06:45His smile was as dazzling as the blazing sun
06:46Each month
06:46Just getting inside was an extremely difficult task
06:48At dawn the next day
06:48I entrusted Grace to Janet and ascended Roost Hill
06:50Though called a hill
06:51Roost Hill was not steep or dangerous
06:52I am used to hard labor
06:53The walk wasn't long
06:54So it didn't take a lot of effort for me
06:55When I reached the Abbey gates
06:56The doors were tightly shut
06:57From within came the sound of chanting
06:58And the striking of wooden fish
06:59I knocked several times before a young novice emerged
07:00He was about five or six
07:01He was quite adorable
07:02He looked well cared for and fair-skinned
07:03Upon seeing me, he greeted me formally
07:05He said
07:05Madame, if you wish to offer incense and make a while
07:15Please come back on the fourth or fifteenth
07:16I found him so adorable
07:17I could not help but wish to pat his head
07:19Yet I feared it might be forbidden
07:19So I took two pieces of candy from my pouch for him
07:21The same kind I would usually use to coax Grace
07:22He pressed his lips together
07:23And was hesitant
07:24I took his hand and placed the candy in his palm
07:26I said
07:26I am not here to offer incense nor to fulfill a vow
07:28Go and tell your Abbey that his daughter from his secular life is here to see him
07:30I knew I shouldn't have lied
07:31But what else could I do?
07:31Had I not overheard some idle talk aboard the boat?
07:33I would never have thought of such a plan
07:34Abbey Sinclair used to be the previous emperor's son
07:36Even the present emperor must address him as royal uncle
07:38During a rebellion
07:39Abbey Sinclair was sent to quell the rebellion
07:40The rebel prince Wyatt kidnapped his family
07:42And threatened him to withdraw his troops
07:43The princess consort feared he would be held back
07:45So she and her children set fire to the manor
07:46I heard one of the wet nurse escaped with a princess
07:48But no one knew where they had gone
07:50Disheartened, Abbey Sinclair chose to become a monk
07:52If that princess was still alive
07:53She would be about fifteen or sixteen years old
07:54I heard one of the wet nurse escaped with a princess
07:56But no one knew where they had gone
07:57Disheartened, Abbey Sinclair chose to become a monk
07:59If that princess was still alive
08:01She would be about my age
08:02The young novice was just a child
08:03And naturally knew nothing of the abbot's past
08:04Yet he went inside to seek someone
08:05Having mustered the courage to come
08:06I wasn't so afraid now
08:07As for pretending to be a commandery princess
08:09I heard that in those days
08:10I came to the prince's estate to claim kinship
08:11Though none were truly related
08:12I never heard of any losing their heads for it
08:13The prince has become the abbot now
08:14And hardly take a life over this
08:16Before long, a rotund monk emerged
08:17His belly was round and full
08:18With a large nose, the tip of which was red
08:19And two plump cheeks
08:20On another, such flesh might seem brutish
08:21But on him, it only made him appear kindly and endearing
08:23He looked me up and down
08:24And with a beaming smile he asked
08:26Madam, what makes you so certain you are the abbot's daughter?
08:28As I was not, I dared not claim so
08:29I guess
08:29If the rumors among the folks proved true
08:31I would match every detail
08:32But whether it is true or not
08:33Only meeting the abbot can we be sure
08:34After all, whether I am truly his daughter
08:35Only he himself can know for certain
08:36I would match every detail
08:37But whether it is true or not
08:38Only meeting the abbot can we be sure
08:40After all, whether I am truly his daughter
08:41Only he himself can know for certain
08:42Either way, meeting him was all that mattered
08:44When false seems true, true becomes false
08:45Brother Fred tilted his head
08:46Watching the little novice puff out his cheeks
08:47He told him to hold out his hand
08:48The little novice was clearly too naive
08:49And obediently opened his palm
08:50Brother Fred's plump fingers pinched up the last piece of candy
08:52And popped it into his own mouth
08:53He turned back, belly leading the way
08:54The little novice was stunned
08:55I looked at him
08:56And patted his tiny shoulder helpless
08:58What is your name?
08:59Olin, yeah
08:59His face fell
09:00He was on the verge of tears
09:01Owen, listen to me
09:02Every time your master falls asleep
09:04Go and scratch at his door
09:05If he steals your food
09:06Then disturb his dreams
09:06And if that fails
09:07Before you eat
09:08Spit twice on your food
09:09Let's see if he still wants it then
09:10Let him have his way this time
09:11But when I return
09:12I'll be sure to bring you more candy
09:13I crouched before him
09:14Coaxing him gently
09:15Owen had likely never heard such wicked advice
09:17For a moment he was dazed
09:18He stared at me with those wide round eyes
09:19Owen had likely never heard such wicked advice
09:21For a moment he was dazed
09:22He stared at me with those wide round eyes
09:24His master arrived soon after
09:25He led me inside
09:25Owen followed by my side
09:26Looking as though he wished to speak
09:27But dared not
09:28I grinned at him with pride
09:29Perhaps he thought I was rather formidable
09:30Abbott Sinclair had just finished his sermon
09:32Though it was winter and bitter cold
09:33That tree alone remained lush and green as ever
09:35Were it not for his shaven head and monk's robe
09:36Who would imagine him to be a monk?
09:37He was, after all, far too handsome and refined
09:39He had once been in battle
09:39Yet there was not a trace of a soldier's harshness upon him
09:41He appeared dignified and wise
09:42His age was difficult to discern
09:43All others had withdrawn
09:44He stood beneath the tree
09:45Turning prayer beads in his hand
09:46Seen from afar
09:46He resembled a painting
09:47This humble girl has offended
09:48I beg for your forgiveness, Abbott
09:49The falsehood spoken today was out of necessity
09:50I bowed low, offering my apology
09:51Perhaps he was used to disappointment
09:52For his expression did not change in the least
09:53I removed the bundle from my shoulder
09:54And handed it to him
09:55He opened it
09:55Glanced inside
09:56Then closed it again
09:57What crime have you committed?
09:58A young woman with such courage and wit
09:59Is a rare sight indeed
10:00Did Ross entrust you with any message?
10:01His voice was clear and pleasant
10:02Measured and calm
10:03A sound that brought joy to the heart
10:04No
10:04Did Jonathan entrust you with any message?
10:06His voice was clear and pleasant
10:07Measured and calm
10:08A sound that brought joy to the heart
10:09No
10:09Ross must be Young Master Wind's courtesy name
10:11Since you have come seeking me
10:12You must truly be in some trouble
10:13If he ever finds himself in difficulty
10:14You may come to me at any time
10:16May I ask
10:16What is your name?
10:17And what do you do for a living?
10:18Macy Chase
10:18I work as a wine boat maiden on the riverside
10:20A fine young lady
10:21Go on now
10:21It had already been several months
10:22Since the last time I met Abbott Sinclair
10:23The riverside was no longer frozen
10:24Yet my business had only gotten better
10:25On 3rd of March
10:26I heard the eldest princess was touring the river
10:27Grace insisted on going to watch
10:28So naturally the business had to rest for a day
10:29I took Grace early to see the spectacle
10:30The princess was the elder sister of his majesty
10:32Her father, the late emperor, loved her dearly
10:33He married her to the prosperous city of Mukai
10:34He even bestowed Rivermore upon her as her own domain
10:36There were many tales about the princess
10:37It was said her consort kept a mistress
10:38So she sent men to have him made a eunuch
10:39Afterwards she herself kept many handsome favorites
10:41She lived each day in pleasure and freedom
10:42Anyone who caught her eye would not be able to escape
10:44Thus in Rivermore
10:45Rarely did one hear of any family's son being handsome
10:47They would send the boys away
10:48Once they could start going to school
10:49They would rarely come home either
10:50Unless their family sought favor
10:52And wished to present their son themselves
10:52Thus in Rivermore
10:53Rarely did one hear of any family's son being handsome
10:55They would send the boys away
10:56Once they could start going to school
10:57They would rarely come home either
10:59Unless their family sought favor
11:00And wished to present their son themselves
11:01There were countless rumors about the princess
11:02No one knew if they were real or not
11:03But it was said that even his majesty yielded to her
11:05Her power was plain for all to see
11:06We arrived early
11:07So naturally we claimed the best spot on the bridge
11:08Whenever the princess traveled
11:09The spectacle was grand indeed
11:10There were three luxurious boats
11:11Each one built three stories high
11:12The princess was especially fond of white gauze
11:13The boat that was covered in white gauze
11:14Had to be the princess's
11:15It was the one in the middle
11:16Grace stared intently
11:17Chattering away loud as a flock of birds
11:18On board
11:19Aside from the palace maids in attendance
11:20Most were young men
11:20Handsome and fair
11:21There were all sorts and kinds among them
11:22It seemed the tales of the princess
11:23Harboring male consorts
11:24Weren't mere idle gossip
11:24Yet the princess herself was nowhere to be seen
11:26As the boat drew nearer
11:27A gust of wind blew in
11:27Lifting up that white gauze
11:28Jonathan!
11:29It's my brother!
11:30Grace pointed straight at that boat
11:31I was so startled
11:31I quickly covered her mouth with my hand
11:33When I turned back
11:33The floating gauze was already settling down
11:35But some faces were simply unforgettable
11:36Even if it was only a glimpse
11:37You could still recognize them
11:38At a glance amongst a crowd
11:39But some faces were simply unforgettable
11:40Even if it was only a glimpse
11:41You could still see them
11:42At a glance amongst a crowd
11:43The princess was clad in a white gauze gown
11:44Her long legs half revealed
11:45Upon her brow a delicate flower was painted
11:47The red at the corners of her eyes
11:48And her slightly parted red lips
11:49Were as clear as day
11:50And he was lying just beneath the princess
11:51His fair chest exposed to the lamplight
11:52I could even see his knitted brows
11:53And the trembling sweep of his long lashes
11:54The princess reached to touch his lips
11:56He turned his head aside to evade her
11:57In that single instant
11:57He opened his eyes
11:58And we locked gazes
11:59Thimes seemed to stretch on endlessly
12:00Yet slip away in a breath
12:01It was long enough for me to see the shame and fury in his eyes
12:02Yet too brief for me to find the small mole
12:04At the corner of his mouth
12:04A true scholar laureate
12:05And yet forced to submit himself to the princess
12:07Such humiliation must have wounded him
12:08More deeply than any blade
12:08There was a saying
12:09A scholar's integrity would rather break than bend
12:10The man I beheld today
12:11Was nothing like the one I saw that night
12:12He endured disgrace and burden
12:13There was something dearer to him
12:14Than his own life that he must protect
12:15I had faith in him
12:16To me the days repeated themselves
12:17That fleeting glimpse of the princess
12:18Upon the river on 3rd March
12:19Had taken root in my heart
12:20The shame and forbearance in Jonathan's eyes
12:22Was something I couldn't forget
12:23To me the days repeated themselves
12:24That fleeting glimpse of the princess
12:25Upon the river on 3rd March
12:26Had taken root in my heart
12:27The shame and forbearance in Jonathan's eyes
12:28Was something I couldn't forget
12:29Grace was growing up
12:30Most of the words she learned in her early years
12:32Had faded from memory
12:32I once thought to send her to Morning Bell Abbey
12:33For her studies
12:34But feared it would expose Jonathan's whereabouts
12:35That was when the princess opened a ladies' academy
12:36So I sent her and Janet's youngest daughter together
12:38Though Grace was simple-minded
12:39Her memory was remarkable
12:40She could recite what she learned word for word
12:42Borrowing her textbooks
12:43I too have slowly learned to read
12:44Only then did I understand
12:45That the treasures within books were no idle fancy
12:46On the 15th during the Dragon Boat Festival
12:47I brought Grace to visit our family in the prison
12:49We prepared rice dumplings
12:49Mugwort and colored cords
12:50And even painted a fan and stitched new garments
12:51The conditions were much better than before
12:53Mrs. Wynn no longer spoke with a feeble breath
12:54Her two sons used the ground for paper
12:55And sticks for brushes
12:56To study in the prison
12:57Aunt no longer spent her days in tears
12:58I told Grace again and again
12:59Never to mention having met Jonathan
13:00Otherwise her parents would be consumed by grief and anger
13:02Since the princess could keep Jonathan by her side
13:04She had to know his true heritage
13:05Such humiliation
13:05Was nothing but revenge or a means to keep him in check
13:07I told Grace again and again
13:08Never to mention having met Jonathan
13:09Otherwise her parents would be consumed by grief and anger
13:11Since the princess could keep Jonathan by her side
13:12She had to know his true heritage
13:13Such humiliation
13:14Was nothing but revenge or a means to keep him in check
13:15Grace clung to Mr. Wynn's arm acting coy
13:17Showing off the fan she had written upon
13:18As though presenting a treasure
13:19Mr. Wynn stroked his beard and showered her with praise
13:21Grace replied
13:21It's all thanks to my sister
13:22She pulled out the undergarment sewn from fine cotton
13:24She said
13:24macy washed it dried it and softened the cloth now i can help with sewing too i entrusted sally
13:26kent who came to rivermore with me in those years to send 30 tails of silver and clothes back to
13:29our
13:29hometown not long after i received a letter from my father back when the family split up they only
13:31gave him 600 coins out of the two tails of silver from my indenture my parents brought my younger
13:34siblings into the county town father and my brother now worked as clerks at the grain shop
13:36mother and my sister washed and mended clothes life had finally found some peace now with this
13:39sum of silver they could return to the village buy land and build a house they could finally
13:41arrange a marriage for my younger brother when the wind family fell into hardship kin and friends
13:43avoided us at all costs only i remained to care for them throughout mrs winn stroked my head and
13:45said if we are fortunate enough to survive let jonathan marry macy where else can you find such
13:49loyal and true-hearted woman mrs winn stroked my head and said to mr winn if we are fortunate
13:52enough to survive let jonathan marry macy where else can you find such a loyal and true-hearted woman
13:55i hurriedly declined mr and mrs winn you've returned my indenture to me that alone is the kindness of
13:58giving me a second life all that i have done springs from my own heart the young masters are destined
14:01for government service in the future and ought to marry a lady of equal standing i ask only to remain
14:04in the winn family with grace mr winn sighed we can only wait and see what the future holds for
14:06now
14:06i fear we're holding you back may was a cursed month at night one wouldn't go out unless there was
14:09urgent business i shut the door early soothed grace to sleep and opened my chest counting again the silver and
14:13copper i had saved if the winn family was released it would be best if mr winn could regain his
14:16post
14:16but if he couldn't where would they live once released what would they eat could the two masters
14:19continue their studies what would become of the eldest son i found myself unable to dwell on any
14:23of these thoughts buying a house was out of the question we could only afford to rent a larger
14:25place yet the silver i had wasn't enough i had to find another way to earn a living the little
14:28income from the boat alone would never be enough to support the studies of the two masks the silver i
14:32had wasn't enough i had to find another way to earn a living the little income from the boat alone
14:36would never be enough to support the studies of the two masters i cradled my head and lying atop the
14:39table i fell asleep when i woke up i did not know when he had come but he sat right
14:42across from me
14:42my arm was numb beneath me and when i moved it was as though ants burrowed into my very bones
14:45aching
14:45and itching all at once i grimaced and bared my teeth needing a good while to recover he simply
14:47watched me in silence not uttering a single word there was a smell of whiskey on him he wore only
14:51a white robe with wide sleeves and flowing coat if the collar slipped an inch further his entire chest
14:54would be laid bare his hair was loose and wild his attire in disarray most likely from drinking too
14:57much the corners of his eyes were tinged with red his gaze shimmering with unshed tears no wonder the
14:59princess set her sights on him he was just like a lustful demon i was 16 just the right age
15:03for marriage
15:04yet i had never truly known any man my first real encounter was with a man of such extraordinary caliber
15:07a flushed face and a
15:09years i had become thick-skinned while i worked i met all kinds of people some liked dirty jokes i
15:12went
15:12from blushing to tuning them out completely but that all went down the drain in front of this guy
15:16truth be told over the years i had become thick-skinned while i worked i met all kinds of
15:19people some liked dirty jokes i went from blushing to have gotten used to them but that all went down
15:23the drain in front of this guy mr jonathan what brought you over i wetted my lips and offered an
15:27awkward smile are there any colored cords left please give me one he massaged his temples as if he was
15:30half drunk i knew i should reason with a drunken man so i didn't say something like look at the
15:34time or
15:34the dragon boat festival had long passed i searched the sewing basket and found a length of cord i watched
15:38as he reached out
15:38his fair arm i then tied the colored cord on him he lifted his arm to inspect it but his
15:41sleeve was
15:41so wide that half his arm was revealed upon that pale well-shaped arm were wounds startling to behold
15:45some fresh some old the new ones were still bleeding the old ones were faint scars i was so shocked
15:50that
15:50i covered my mouth to prevent myself from calling out he saw my reaction yet only smiled unconcerned
15:53what scared as he spoke he reached to his collar and tugged letting his white shirt gather around
15:57his waist and belly revealing a body full of scars what scared as he spoke he reached to his collar
16:01and tugged letting his white shirt gather around his waist and belly revealing a body full of scars i stared
16:04with wide eyes gazing at the countless wounds that marred his pale body a sudden shock and pain struck me
16:08back then i was young and did not yet understand what it was that so startled and pained me do
16:11you
16:11know what i do each day do you know what it means to be a kept man each day after
16:13drinking the medicine
16:13i lie prostrate beneath that woman seeking her favor no matter what she did i couldn't even feel the
16:16pain well what use is it to be a laureate what use is it to be a scholar i lost
16:20my dignity long ago i'm
16:20just a corpse that even i myself despise if not for he must truly be drunk that was why he
16:24was
16:25troubled by what me and grace saw that day if it were anyone else it would matter little but grace
16:28was
16:28his closest kin to her he was the elder brother who was smart and talented how could he face grace
16:31in the
16:31future after she saw him in such an embarrassing state i rummaged through trunks and drawers to find the
16:34healing salves and prepared a basin of warm water the wounds upon his body some from pinching some
16:37from biting some were from whips and some i couldn't tell the cause of my heart raced with
16:39fright and sorrow as i looked at them i rummaged through trunks and drawers to find the healing
16:41salves and prepared a basin of warm water the wounds upon his body some from pinching some
16:44from biting some were from whips and some i couldn't tell the cause of my heart raced with
16:47fright and sorrow as i looked at them my hands dared not use much force afraid that i would hurt
16:49him
16:49i could only bite my lip and tend to him with utmost care he was not as frail as he
16:52appeared
16:52his muscles were well-defined taut and handsome perhaps it was the pain his muscles were tensed gradually i found
16:56myself growing calm and unhurried i told him all that had happened in the prison today
16:59you're destined for great deeds since you have saved the lives of our family you can leave the
17:02rest to me i shall see to it that everyone is cared for death was the simplest thing in this
17:06world a length of rope a sharp knife even biting one's own tongue would do the trick but to live
17:09requires greater courage mr jonathan you're upright and unyielding generous and open-hearted
17:13the harsher the frost and wind the more your metal shines through under heavy burden in every choice
17:15and sacrifice your spirit endures now that you have made your choice why torment yourself those
17:18who know and love you will never forsake you this was probably the power of knowledge now i knew what
17:22to say at different times now that you have made your choice why torment yourself those who know
17:26and love you will never forsake you this was probably the power of knowledge now i knew what
17:29to say at different times he closed his eyes and leaned back he seemed to be asleep the wound on
17:33his
17:33abdomen was worse than the others his waist was remarkably slender for some reason i suddenly
17:36remembered what my mother once told me a man ought to be sturdy and strong if his waist was too
17:39thin he
17:39wouldn't even be able to lift his wife how could he then possibly support his family such a thought
17:42made me want to laugh though his waist was slim he still seemed to be strong i've applied some medicine
17:45it's not necessary soon it will split open again in a few days it's a waste he sat up straight
17:48i helped
17:49him dress you must protect yourself no matter what you ought to protect yourself how am i supposed to
17:52protect myself this is already the most i can do if i'm to grovel and beg for favor like
17:56the rest i would rather be dead his voice was bitter for a moment i was at a loss for
17:59words it
17:59was easier said than done i wondered how he was able to convince himself to become the princess's
18:03kept man back then and how he had kept going until now how did he ever talk himself into becoming
18:07the princess's kept man and how did he endure until this day he would rather bear the pain in
18:11his flesh than surrender the last shred of his pride i am hungry could you make something for me
18:14is it all right to return so late she gave the go ahead today told me to come home and
18:17check but
18:17where's my home now there's only this place left for me i visited the prison today and i won't go
18:20out
18:20on the boat tomorrow there was not much food there were only two fishes left in the water tank i
18:23caught one of them
18:24cleaned it up and steamed it fresh he found the little stool grace usually sits on when stoking
18:26the fire and sat at the kitchen watching me cook i reheated the leftover a bowl of plain porridge ready
18:30to eat steamed fish as quick to make i scooped him half a plate of drunken shrimp and sliced a
18:33few
18:33pieces of cured meat to fry he was not picky with his meals i didn't make much of anything he
18:35ate
18:36every bite leaving nothing behind while i was grabbing the bowls he stood by the stove watching
18:38he was tall under the lamp light his shadow stretched long across the wall i wanted to find another way
18:42to
18:42make a living when mr and mrs win were released from prison if their official rank couldn't be restored i
18:45hope
18:45to rent a larger house if the young masters could get an education they certainly should when they returned i
18:49wanted to find another way to make a living when mr and mrs win were
18:51released from prison if their official rank couldn't be restored i hope to rent a larger house if the young
18:53masters could get an education they certainly should when they returned though business upon the riverboat
18:56was great the earnings were truly meager at that time it may be difficult even to make ends meet let
19:00alone hope for anything more i shared my thoughts with him he lowered his gaze a deep shadow cast beneath
19:03his eyes have you ever thought of me he suddenly asked of course i have thought of you i don't
19:06know
19:06what you're doing but i think it must be entwined with the princess affairs of the royal kin are ever
19:11shrouded in secrecy who could know how things will unfold i only pray you may escape unscathed that alone would
19:14be a blessing
19:15as for more i dare not hope he curled his lips as though he smiled yet he didn't so what
19:19do you want to do business
19:19was good this year besides the 30 tails of silver i sent to my parents and what i spent to
19:22ease daily
19:23needs in the prison i still had 60 tails of silver and 57 large coins such a sum would not
19:26suffice to
19:27rent even the most remote shop in rivermore i had yet to decide what i would do these few days
19:29i would
19:30not go out on the boat i would scout around first for a better line of work i had yet
19:33to decide what
19:33i would do these few days i would not go out on the boat i would scout around first for
19:36a better line
19:36of work money got things done it was easy to earn money with money but to earn money off folk
19:40that's not
19:40something to be done by sheer effort i'll find a way to handle the money no don't if you had
19:44money in hand
19:44you'd have brought it back long ago why would you have waited till now just mind your own well-being
19:47allow me some time there's bound to be a way he looked at me with a half smile half frown
19:50i found
19:50his gaze rather baffling i frowned right back at him he tapped me on the forehead with one pale
19:53finger nearly sending me toppling over backward i clutched my reddening forehead and glared at him
19:56in irritation he only laughed his lips were rosy his teeth white so strikingly handsome i borrowed 100
20:00tails of silver from sally and agreed i'd repay her 130 tails of silver in half a year then i
20:03asked
20:03one of the boatmen to pretend i was a young lady seeking kin and sailed with him to east shore
20:06to
20:06gather pearls that could bring tenfold returns only the waves at sea were ever fickle it all depended on
20:09luck two months later i returned the sea sun had tanned me deeply but i'd cleared over 600 tails of
20:13silver
20:13i rented a storefront on east street after cleaning it up i opened a dumpling shop i replaced the door
20:27curtain with a bamboo one put out a few pots of chrysanthemums the four tables were small but
20:30business was booming after school grace would come help out i even hired janet to work in the kitchen
20:33a few days before opening jonathan came by late at night he wore a black robe with a jade green
20:36belt
20:36which made his waist look even slimmer you've got some nerve actually daring to go out to sea he frowned
20:39clearly annoyed you were never much to look at and now you're dark as cold who'd ever marry you now
20:42no need to worry about me my father arranged a childhood betrothal for me once the wind family
20:45settles down i'll head home and get married i said it just to get under his skin he raised an
20:48eyebrow
20:48but didn't say anything more he gave a silver note and turned to leave i grabbed his sleeve
20:51try my seafood dumplings so good you might just swallow your tongue he sat down i took the chance
20:54to ask him to write the shop sign already picked the name he picked up the brush let's call it
20:57seafood
20:57dumplings simple and clear for everyone he rolled up his sleeves and started writing his
21:00strokes bold and elegant let's call it seafood dumplings simple and clear for everyone he rolled up his
21:03sleeves and started writing his strokes bold and elegant under the dim lantern light his quiet profile
21:06was lovelier than his writings i was entranced he turned smiling and asked will this do in his eyes
21:09shimmered the stars themselves he ate two bowls of dumplings i returned the silver note to him and
21:12said once money gets involved feelings lose their purity he accepted the silver note with a sigh he
21:15said if you were a man you'd really be something day after day when i turned 19 the princess returned
21:19to the capital it was said she'd be staying a while and would not be leaving soon when the princess
21:22departed she took him with her as well in fact he seldom came perhaps once a month or even less
21:25and when he did it was in the dead of night staying no longer than it took to have a
21:28meal we
21:28barely exchanged a few words yet i longed for him thought of him they said beauty led nations to ruin
21:31and
21:31beauty could ruin me but he was never aware of his own charm in the 12th month his majesty made
21:34a vow though i knew
21:35not what vow he uttered his majesty was a taoist believer each day refining elixirs seeking
21:37everlasting life it was known to all under heaven yet this vow was the finest he ever made an imperial
21:40amnesty was forthcoming and the wind family was to be released in december his majesty made a vow
21:44none knew the words he spoke yet was known to all that he was devoted to the quest for eternal
21:48life
21:48yet the vow was truly grand for he granted amnesty to all including the wind family only my aunt caught
21:52a winter chill and did not survive it i rented another small estate with six rooms all tidied and made
21:57ready we held a joyous new year feast though he was absent jemma had blossomed into a young lady of
22:0014
22:01graceful as a willow standing tall and fair her affliction seemed to have faded she spoke and acted with clarity
22:05yet rather earnest at times when i asked her to move back home she refused firmly no matter how
22:08hard i tried i was now but an old maid yet she had grown up and could not spend her
22:11days in the shop
22:12she was so fair and ought to stay at home to cultivate her temperament learn the arts of
22:15music and chess from her parents when her brother returned one day he would arrange a fine marriage
22:19for her unpersuaded i brought her home with me i gave the rear courtyard to monrose letting them dwell
22:23free so they could watch over the shop a plan that served us both i gave the rear courtyard to
22:27monrose
22:28letting them dwell free so they could watch over the shop plan that served us both i was then a
22:32free
22:32woman and had long been unconnected to the winds living with jemma was still pleasant but at home
22:36i always felt somewhat uneasy yet they treated me as if i were their own daughter no different from
22:39how they treated jemma both gentlemen had shown me the utmost courtesy i too had become accustomed
22:43to calling them uncle aunt and brother he had been gone half a year without a word uncle seemed to
22:48have found a new interest he taught at the school for half the day and spent the rest to tutor
22:51my
22:51brothers at home he was truly a scholar by imperial exams jemma no longer went to school practicing
22:55letters and needlework with her mother she tried to keep the house in order and she was capable in every
22:59regard if i were to prepare for her a generous dowry she would surely find a suitable gentleman
23:02a grand household might be hard but a respectable family was within reach i only wished that she
23:06might wet a man who would cherish her and her life be free of worry if i were to prepare
23:09for her a
23:09generous dowry she would surely find a suitable gentleman a grand household might be hard but a
23:13respectable family was within reach i had only wished that she might wet a man who would cherish her
23:16and her life be free of worry one evening i returned home late the air was tense and somber
23:19no one could tell me what had happened they only said uncle had locked himself in his chamber upon
23:24returning from the school he had eaten nothing all day in my heart i vaguely understood he must have learned
23:28about
23:28jonathan it was only a matter of time i cooked some dumplings from the shop let the others eat
23:33first then carried a bowl to find him the room to the east had been set aside as a study
23:36and there
23:36he was within it i called his name several times before he answered entering the room i found there
23:40was no light the moonlight streaming through the window cast a faint outline i set the food upon
23:43the table then found a tinder stick and lit the lamp once it was lit i saw uncle seem to
23:45have
23:46aged many years all at once his hair already streaked with gray appeared whiter than ever he
23:49was hunched unable to straighten his back any longer once it was lit i saw uncle seem to have
23:52aged many years all at once his hair already streaked with gray appeared whiter than ever
23:55he was hunched unable to straighten his back any longer uncle have you heard of jonathan's affairs
23:58i set the bowl before him and handed him the chopsticks his hands trembled so violently he
24:02could not hold them do you grieve his tarnished name or ache for him he has suffered too much it
24:05was i who erred his tears fell unchecked he cared more for his son than his reputation uncle since
24:09you ache for him speak no more of bringing him harm he bore much sorrow he hid the truth fearing
24:13you
24:13might blame him or grieve in guilt he has borne so much hardship we should live as we always have
24:18just as before we should live our life well we are family we cannot keep such accounts we should
24:22treat him as before so he feels at ease i sought out a kerchief and wiped his tears but with
24:27such
24:27a reputation how will he marry and raise a family uncle he is a fine man a worthy wife shall
24:31be his
24:32in time you need not worry all you must do is keep your health and spirit well and wait for
24:35your
24:35grandson all you must do is keep your health and spirit well and wait for your grandson he was such
24:38a good man like the bright moon with starlight twinkling in his eyes surely there would be a
24:42worthy lady for him he had endured too much hardship if the heavens would show him mercy they will
24:45grant him a wife who loves and protects him in july i entrusted the shop to janet monroe and aunt
24:49then
24:49rode back to my hometown sally's supplies i left home at 12 seven years had passed my hometown had
24:53changed as well with the silver i sent back my family bought fields and built a house my sister
24:57was married my brother took a wife my grandparents had passed even the three uncles had married yet
25:00between us only unfamiliarity remained my sister-in-law pried into my monthly allowance but
25:03called me auntie behind my back father had been the family patriarch he never asked how i had been
25:06faring only urged me to send more silver for his grandson my sister asked for more silver too and
25:10complained about father's partiality but what broke my heart most was that mother had passed away years ago
25:13and no one had told me i found the red shoes she made for me and remembered she promised a
25:17red jacket for my
25:18wedding inside the chest where the red shoes made for me she promised me a red wedding coat
25:21i stayed only three days left behind ten silver tails wept at mother's grave and then left without
25:25looking back i didn't want to stay there anymore in august i returned to rivermore the chrysanthemums
25:29were in full bloom autumn gave way to winter heavy snow fell over the south the emperor didn't provide
25:31relief but held parties which led to disasters on new year's eve the princess plotted rebellion the next
25:35day the emperor died after the prince ascended the throne he focused on refugees and relief the kingdom
25:39gradually stabilized in april when i was sorting fish and shrimp grace came running in tears to bring news
25:42she said someone from the palace had come when i returned home it was dean foster who had helped us
25:45escape
25:46he said he had heard about my unrivaled dumplings actually he came to tell us about jonathan he and
25:50the new emperor were like brothers the winds suffered to support the new emperor he wanted
25:52to marry me the loyal servant who cared for his sister and honored his parents the emperor wanted
25:56to know my thoughts i frankly said i only wanted a lifelong dedicated relationship the wind family
25:58owed me nothing but mother mentioned the proposal again she wanted me to go with her to the capital
26:01and the very next day the gate was crowded with relatives seeking favor i frankly said i only
26:04wanted a lifelong dedicated relationship the wind family owed me nothing but mother mentioned the proposal
26:07again she wanted me to go with her to the capital the very next day the gate was crowded with
26:10relatives seeking favor on the fifth day my brother rushed in with urgent news saying mother fainted from arguing
26:14with uncle's family and julia win father strained his back while driving them out i hurried home
26:17julia was changing her kids swaddling on my bed i lost my temper at once driving out all those who
26:20came to curry favor julia wailed non-stop mr winn sighed and spoke of the past she was proud and
26:24willful insisting on marrying out during the hard times she never showed up now she wished to reap
26:27the harvest i slapped her across the face declaring she had no right to enjoy the fruit at dawn the
26:31next day julia left with her child half a month later the whole family was going to the capital
26:35grace wept refusing to board the carrot i promised to fetch her after my wedding watching the carriage
26:38depart a sudden weakness overcame me two days later i entrusted the shop to janet and left
26:42rivermore alone two years passed in the blink of an eye i went to collect pearls in east shore village
26:45life was simple but i could never truly forget jonathan watching the carriage depart a sudden
26:48weakness overcame me two days later i entrusted the shop to janet and left rivermore alone two
26:52years passed in the blink of an eye i went to collect pearls in east shore village life was simple
26:54but i
26:55could never truly forget jonathan snow fell thick in the depths of winter with my silver notes i returned
26:58to the capital jonathan was leading the treasury department his power unrivaled throughout the land
27:00yet he was never married rumors swirled throughout the city wind manor was easy to find the gatekeeper
27:03saw me checked the portrait and announced my arrival i walked through the winding corridors and ran
27:06straight into jonathan he was still as dignified and graceful as ever the mole beside his eye was still
27:09captivating he asked about that rascal husband of mine i made up an excuse without thinking when he
27:12asked if i was well i said everywhere was fine except without you in the back courtyard mother
27:16pulled me into her arms father's eyes grew red as well second brother placed in the top three
27:20third brother worked in the ministry of works her wife was a forthright woman she told me grace was
27:23an expectant consort her marriage was won by jonathan's persistence not long after grace belly round
27:27threw herself at me crying as she exposed my lie about my husband after supper jonathan called me to
27:30the study snowflakes settled upon my hair as if we'd grown old together after supper jonathan called me to
27:34the study snowflakes settled upon my hair as if we'd grown old together he asked why i didn't want to
27:37marry him and if i thought he was unclean in a rare moment of courage i kissed him then flustered
27:40i
27:40fled in haste and hit myself within dalehurst estate on the 11th day dean arrived to escort me
27:43to the palace within the royal study the emperor smiled as he exposed my falsehood he then gathered
27:46all the court officials and bade them accuse jonathan of immoral conduct in the palace magistrate
27:50george made the first challenge i stepped forward and declared jonathan bore disgrace for the
27:53sake of his family he concealed himself to aid your majesty he endured humiliation and hardship how
27:56could that be disloyal the treasury of grand crest overflows it's his achievement my words left
28:00magistrate george speechless the emperor applauded and praised me he forbade anyone to mention jonathan's past
28:04on the road leaving the palace for the first time i called his name i confessed i was not worthy
28:07of
28:07him yet he turned and replied who is worthy of him is for him to decide in the wind manner
28:10i no longer
28:10hid from him a few days later jonathan returned late deep in drink he fainted in the icy bath house
28:14the page boy said he would see only me gazing upon the old scars crisscrossing his body i recalled all
28:17his past suffering i couldn't hold back my feelings anymore so i bent down and kissed him gazing upon
28:20the old scars crisscrossing his body i recalled all his past suffering i couldn't hold back my feelings
28:22anymore so i bent down and kissed him at dawn the next morning mother was standing at my bedside
28:25jonathan knelt upon the floor his face beaming with joy mother decided to set a date for our wedding
28:29the emperor bestowed the marriage it would be on the 8th day of december i awaited my marriage at dalehurst
28:32estate
28:32grace kept me company every day jonathan came twice but each time grace sent him away
28:35he left me some notes saying that he'd fallen for me long ago but i never knew and that he
28:39was really
28:39happy to marry me soon on the 8th day of december an auspicious day i departed from dalehurst estate
28:43jonathan came for me in festive attire his gaze was so tender as he said macy win i've come to
28:46marry
28:47you i set down my round fan looking upon his handsome brown eyes i remember the farewell in the blizzard
28:51it felt as though a lifetime passed after our wedding he cherished me a lot he accompanied me ate my
28:54dumplings and listened to my tales of east shore at last i understood the finest love was not found in
28:57matching status after weathering every storm together he still held my hand and said for the rest of my life
29:01i will be with you
29:01i was lucky enough in this tumultuous world to find my true love for life
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