Chapter 801: Extra Story Three: Qian Yijing (1)
In the fourth year of the Zhen Guang era, in May, the lotus leaves in the lake were emerald green like layers of jade upon jade. Amongst the leaves, some Golden Lotus blossoms were still budding, while others had already unfurled their stamens, swaying gracefully in the breeze.
Near the lakeside, several peach trees bore fruit slightly larger than fists which had begun to blush. However, the gold hue was not yet prominent, only circling the base of each peach. In another month, the Golden Honey Peaches would be ripe.
Underneath the peach trees stood a girl of about thirteen or fourteen years old, wearing a light verdant dress. The hem of her skirt fluttered with the wind, making her stand out like a slender column of jade. Her features were picturesque, her skin as white as jade, her delicate visage bearing an eighty percent resemblance to Pan Yue in her youth. The ethereal quality she possessed was a perfect ten out of ten.
This was the back garden of the Xiangen Marquis Mansion, and the girl was none other than Qian Sangui’s second granddaughter, Qian Yijing. She occasionally looked up at the reddening peaches, then her gaze would fall back to the lake brimming with golden lotuses.
Brother Ji had said when he left that, barring any mishaps, they would return in two years. He had also told her to remember to pick a few Golden Honey Peaches for him and have someone prepare the golden lotus leaf porridge, as he longed for that taste.
As she thought of his parting instructions, Qian Yijing couldn’t help but cover her mouth with a handkerchief and giggle. No wonder Sister Jing often joked that he was like Master Beikong—greedy for tasty food even from a young age.
It had been over two years since he had left. The Golden Honey Peaches were nearing ripeness, and the Golden Lotus flowers were in full bloom. Shouldn’t he be returning soon?
Her mother had said that once Brother Ji returned, they would set a wedding date. At the thought, the image of that elegant figure with a gentle smile appeared before her, and Qian Yijing’s heart brimmed with sweetness.
Wan He, Qian Yijing’s head maid, urged her, "Second Young Miss, you should go back to your room. Although the sun is nearly set, it’s still scorching. Don’t get heatstroke."