Confucianism under Heaven

Chapter 68 One-sided love, a beginning but no end.

Chapter Sixty-Eight: Wishful thinking, a beginning but no end.

Surrounded by the crowd, Magistrate Zhang suddenly realized that as the magistrate of the county, he should set an example for the county. He chuckled twice and said in a low voice:

Be careful what you say.

"Young Master Ye Ru, they're all talking about your name."

Su Tongyao was quite proud and patted her small chest and abdomen.

"Should we squeeze in too?"

Ye Ru turned his head to look at Fang Zifeng, who had a calm expression.

"Why do we have to squeeze in? I had a classmate who now works at Yanhuang Bookstore. I asked him for five copies. When it's quiet later, we can just go and get them."

Magistrate Zhang whispered to Ye Ru.

Ye Ru smiled and thought to himself, "I know you too well. With such a grand display, you wouldn't have kept two copies hidden beforehand."

"Tong Yao, let's go buy you some clothes later. You're a girl, you should dress up nicely."

Ye Ru noticed that Su Tongyao's clothes were somewhat worn and patched in many places, and he couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

"Young master, no need. You should save the money to eat well. These clothes can be mended if they're torn."

Su Tongyao quickly shook her head, her face flushed as she spoke.

Fang Zifeng and the others looked at Ye Ru thoughtfully, then chuckled mischievously.

Many people bought all three magazines, their mouths practically agape with smiles, and then ran away, afraid of being robbed.

Some who didn't manage to buy any walked past Ye Ru dejectedly.

But many of them bought just one portion and were satisfied.

Before long, the sun set in the west, and the sky was filled with the glow of sunset. Most of the people here had left.

The three magazines on the desk had all been cleared away.

"Alright, let's go. Let's hurry up and get these three magazines, then we won't stop you two from shopping."

Fang Zifeng smiled and led the way toward Yanhuang Bookstore, with Ye Ru following closely behind.

"Oh, it's Magistrate Zhang. I've saved it for you."

The bookseller, upon seeing Magistrate Zhang, quickly smiled obsequiously. Then, noticing the two men, Ye Ru and his companion, dressed in coarse cloth, he tentatively inquired:

"Who are these two?"

"This is Ye Ru, Ye Tongsheng, who appeared in all three publications today. The woman next to him is his friend."

Magistrate Zhang's face darkened, and he said in a deep voice.

"Ah... Yip Tong Sheng!"

The bookseller immediately became respectful, and then excitedly made a welcoming gesture:

"I am blind and ignorant, I did not know that Ye Tongsheng had arrived. Please come in quickly."

The bookseller's words immediately attracted the attention of others, and all eyes were drawn to this spot.

"Stop flattering me. Bring me those five publications; we're leaving soon."

Magistrate Zhang extended his hand and said.

"I'll go get it for you right away."

The bookseller nodded hurriedly and walked into the bookstore. A moment later, he came out with five magazines and handed them to Magistrate Zhang.

"Five copies each of 'Congyun Shengkan,' 'Shengkan,' and 'Liuyi Fenggu,' please take them, sir."

"it is good."

After receiving the five publications, Magistrate Zhang handed one to Ye Ru, then one to each of the others, and finally they all took their leave.

"Tong Yao, this is for you."

Su Tongyao held the three magazines, her face turning bright red, but then she muttered to herself:

"Young master, I can't read..."

"Yes, you can't read. How about I teach you to read later?"

Ye Ru slapped his forehead, suddenly remembering something. He looked at the gentle and lovely woman with his dark eyes and said...

"Young master, are you going to teach me to write?"

Upon hearing this, Su Tongyao's eyes lit up. Although reading and writing were traditionally considered the domain of men in Confucianism, Ye Ru planned to break this old custom and enable women to read and write as well once he had the strength to do so.

He respected all women, and he also respected all women's right to education.

"Yes, once I pass the imperial examination, I will teach you to write. The sun is setting, let's go buy you some clothes and stroll around the streets with you."

Ye Rudao.

"it is good."

Perhaps it was the atmosphere during the day, but the market in Qingyun County was exceptionally lively at night.

This market is located on the banks of a large river in Qingyun County. In recent years, Qingyun County has undertaken water conservancy projects, which have made its industry and commerce particularly prosperous.

The market was bustling with people, with throngs of people coming and going, and peddlers carrying loads on their shoulders calling out their wares, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Miss, how much is this dress?"

After walking through a street, Ye Ru entered a well-known clothing store in Qingyun County, picked up a pink embroidered long dress, and held it up against Su Tongyao, whose pretty face was flushed. He found it to be very beautiful.

Su Tongyao's gaze brightened as she looked at the clothes.

Upon seeing that Su Tongyao liked the pink dress, Ye Ru said to the shopkeeper:

"how much is this?"

"One tael of silver."

The woman buying clothes glanced at Ye Ru's attire and casually remarked.

"Young master, this is too expensive... One tael of silver could buy so many books."

Upon hearing this, Su Tongyao's pretty face changed. One tael of silver was enough for an ordinary family's food for a month.

"Judging from your appearance, you can't afford it, so hurry up and leave."

Upon hearing this, the woman glanced at Su Tongyao and suddenly became very sarcastic.

"Young lady, sell me this dress, I have plenty of money."

Suddenly, an untimely voice rang out, causing the woman to burst into a fawning smile.

"Look at you, young master, you are so elegant and distinguished. These clothes are the best items in our store. They can't afford them, so we're selling them to you."

Upon hearing this, Ye Ru's face immediately darkened, while Su Tongyao tugged at his sleeve and whispered:

"Young master, let's not buy these clothes..."

"No, we have to buy it."

"Brother Ye Ru? A nursery rhyme?"

Ye Ru ignored Su Tongyao's words and was about to speak when a voice came from afar, causing him to turn his head sharply.

"Qian Wei? What are you doing here?"

"Brother Ye Ru? Could it be Ye Tongsheng, whose work is published in all three journals today?"

The noise was so loud that everyone turned to look at them, and then a commotion broke out. They all looked at Ye Ru, their tone becoming much more respectful.

Upon hearing this, the woman who bought the clothes and the man in the fine clothes turned deathly pale.

"I don't need these clothes anymore. Goodbye."

The man in fine clothes then left with a single sentence and ran away, leaving the woman helpless and almost in tears.

"Xiao Miao, you don't need to come to work tomorrow."

After hearing Ye Ru's experience, Qian Wei's expression turned serious, and he spoke to the woman.

"Master..."

Seeing this, Ye Ru sighed:

"Brother Qian Wei, is this your family's shop?"

"Yes, my parents made me study. If I didn't pass the imperial examination, I would come back and run our family's clothing store."

Qian Wei said.

"I see. One should be lenient when possible. As Confucius said, 'To err is human, to forgive divine.' Let's not make things difficult for her."

Ye Ru sighed and said.

"Then we'll do as Brother Ye Ru says. We'll give this dress to Tong Yao for free as an apology. Please don't refuse!"

"That won't do, you still have to pay."

Ye Ru took out one tael of silver and insisted on handing it to Qian Wei, who, seeing that he could not persuade him otherwise, accepted it.

After buying the clothes, Ye Ru and Su Tongyao strolled around the streets.

Beside the willow trees by the river, there were many lovesick men and women, some holding hands, which made Su Tongyao's pretty face turn red, and her little hands kept fidgeting with the hem of her clothes.

"Young master, why don't we go back..."

Su Tongyao buried her head almost inside her clothes and whispered.

"What's the point of going back? Let's just take a look around."

Ye Ru said with a smile, and then his hand awkwardly grabbed Su Tongyao's hand, but before he could hold it, Su Tongyao broke free.

"Young Master...this isn't right..."

"Hold your hand and grow old together with me."

Ye Ru once again forcefully took Su Tongyao's hand.

This time, she did not break free.

"Young Master... will you leave me...?"

Su Tongyao raised her head, her big eyes filled with anticipation.

"No, I would rather betray Heaven than betray you."

The boy gazed tenderly at the girl and spoke softly.

His firm words warmed Su Tongyao's heart, and she leaned against Ye Ru's chest as if she had made up her mind.

At that moment, a gentle breeze suddenly arose in the distance, rustling the willows, carrying the sound of the south wind, and the chirping of cicadas. With her by her side, it was as if the God of Love had personally arranged their destiny for this lifetime.

Wishful thinking, starting but never finishing.