Jiangnan Gaiden

Capítulo 68

This old inn, which could have been listed as a first-class historical site, collapsed overnight! It was destroyed by an earthquake.

Zhu Lirong, who had been unconscious all night, returned to the ruins, unwilling to give up. The dead and wounded had all been cleared away; the scene was desolate and bleak after the commotion. Only one wall remained relatively intact, thankfully supported by a beam. It leaned precariously, seemingly on the verge of collapse. She walked along the wall, puzzled by its strong attraction, as if something important remained there. There was no reason for this feeling! She had sent all her belongings to the new hotel. Perhaps it was her unwillingness to accept the fact that Yi Liu was gone! The wall looked shaky and crumbling. Unless she wanted to follow the dead, she should stay far away from here. Just then, a large section of the wall slid down behind her with a loud crash, startling her. She turned around and saw a gleaming black object protruding from the crumbling earthen wall. Upon closer inspection, it was a long, narrow ebony box, about ten centimeters long and wide. It exuded a sandalwood fragrance; it was made of fine wood—an antique! The exquisite carvings suggested it was from the Song Dynasty. Was there something inside? A small lock secured the opening, and she took the box back to the hotel. Once inside, she used a wire to pry open the lock, and then, Zhu Lirong's eyes widened in disbelief!

Yes, there were several priceless, egg-sized pearls inside, but that wasn't what shocked her! On the pearls was a letter written on brocade. The letter was sealed with wax, thus preserving it for a thousand years. And the author's name was:

To my dearest mother: Juliet

Could it be? Is it possible? Zhu Lirong trembled as she took out the letter and opened it to read.

Mommy:

I've returned to ancient times, back to the man I deeply love. That time travel brought me back to ancient times.

I think that if God is willing, this letter will fall into your hands.

I want to tell you: Don't be sad, Mommy. I didn't die, and I'm living a very happy life. I currently have a son and a daughter, and I have another baby in my belly.

My husband loves me very much. Having such a loving husband by my side, whether we are from the same generation or not is no longer an issue.

As you said, in terms of time, I am already gone; but in terms of space and time, we live in the same era, in different places, just like Taiwan and the United States are separated.

Thank you, Mommy, thank you for everything you've done for me.

Respectfully submitted by Liu Liu/Huan'er, who is unable to fulfill her filial duties.

At the bottom of the box was a neatly folded piece of white brocade. Zhu Lirong picked it up and unfolded it into a wide four-panel design, inside which were drawn four lifelike figures.

That stunningly beautiful young woman in palace attire was Liu Liu! Zhu Lirong recognized her at a glance; only Liu Liu possessed such lively eyes. Embracing Liu Liu was a handsome and dashing man from ancient times, clearly exceptionally outstanding. Standing before the couple were two beautiful children, a boy and a girl, their expressions remarkably similar to their parents'. Everyone's face was filled with smiles; yes, she truly was doing very well!

Zhu Lirong clutched the canvas and letter paper to her chest, tears streaming down her face.

She knew that from now on, she would never shed another tear for her daughter.