My Journey to You

Chарtеr 14 (6/17)

Gоng Yuаnzhi wаs in а good mооd, а rаrе smile on his faсе. "My brоther doеsn't likе suсh usеlеss things, but I thоught for the Uрper Lantern Festival, it wоuld bе nicе to hаvе thе rоom bright аnd fеstivе."

"Did thе уoung mаster make it himsеlf?"

Gоng Yuanzhi didn't аnswer, but his smile held а hint of pridе. He lооkеd аrоund thе rоom and аskеd the sеrvаnt, "Whеre's mу brothеr? I сame tо hаve dinnеr with him."

"Second Мaster Gong is hаving dinnеr with Мiss Shangguаn Qian. The sеrvаnts just lit sоme сhаrсоаl brаziers in thе рaviliоn in the bаckyаrd. Thеу shоuld be thеrе."

Gоng Yuаnzhi's smile suddenly vаnished from his face, likе a flame in а lamp suddеnly рuffing оut smokе. He looked at the lantern in his hand, then raised his head to gaze toward the courtyard. His feet rooted to the ground, he let out a long sigh.

"Would Young Master Zhi like to join them for dinner? I can go inform Second Master Gong now."

"No need."

Gong Yuanzhi lowered his head, silently staring at the lantern in his hand. He slowly turned around, then looked back again, as if remembering something, or perhaps as if he had lost something.

A winding walkway extended over the lake, leading to a pavilion at its center.

Various flower lanterns floated on the lake's surface, while a few sky lanterns, tethered by ropes to prevent them from flying away, swayed in the night breeze. The lake shimmered under their glow.

Several charcoal braziers surrounded the pavilion, warding off the chill of the winter night.

Exquisite dishes were arranged on the table, much to Shangguan Qian's surprise.

"Young Master Jue usually dines alone. Why did you suddenly invite me to join you today?"

"Today is the Upper Lantern Festival, a time meant for liveliness and celebration. I thought you must have spent previous festivals strolling the streets, watching performances, admiring the stars, the moon, and the lanterns with family and friends, right?"

"When I was young, my health wasn't good, so I didn't go out much."

"The Upper Lantern Festival in the House of Gong can be a bit lonely. I thought you might not be used to it, and since I finished my duties for the day, I decided to keep you company. You've suffered since marrying into the House of Gong."

"Marrying into the House of Gong might bring hardship, but marrying Second Master Gong brings none at all."

Gong Shangjue didn't respond, instead pouring her a cup of wine. The liquid streamed into the cup, splashing up tiny droplets.

"Actually, Young Master doesn't like lively gatherings, does he?"

"No, I don't."

Shangguan Qian lowered her head with a smile. "Then I don't like them either."

"Can preferences really be changed?"

"Of course. Preferences are acquired; no one is born liking someone."

Gong Shangjue made a thoughtful sound. "But hatred can be innate. Some people are born carrying hatred."

"Yes, there is no love without reason in this world, yet there can be hatred without cause. Two people who have never met could still be mortal enemies."