Short Story (1/2)

Written by: Zi Xinyu

Translated by: timebun

Raws:

O maple leaves as far as the eye can see, could you helpfor him to come home?

In that maple forest, under that tree, it was like a dream

Following the gentle passing of the breeze, everything vanished into thin air as if it had never existed

”Jing'er, we're right in the thick of autuo outside too much, in case you catch a cold”

The sunlight was just right at that time, and the maple leaves were still around A handso; he's my husband

While looking at hientle and refined, I would always smile and speak in a soft tone, ”Don't you see that theto fall? If I don't sweep them all, won't our little courtyard be covered in these fallen leaves?”

As I spoke, I took up the broo, when he took a step forward and took the brooo and rest in the room”

He would always spoil me in this manner, he wouldn't let me do any chores

So I would often think that being able to ood karma I collected in my previous life

We lived isolated from the world, in a courtyard surrounded and filled withto do, I would sit with him in our courtyard and ould chat cheerfully

He would always say that this courtyard was too desolate, and that we should have more kids to make it more lively

Each ti me into his embrace dearly, ”I'le child would be fine”

I would always reply hi about? Why would I be afraid of pain? If I'm able to, this little courtyard will eventually be filled with joy and laughter, and it's best if we have a whole group ofall day”

After I finished speaking, he would then pinch ently, tenderness and happiness in his expression

We always felt that ere just a norhting for positions at court, so our days passed leisurely

However, I had forgotten that ere born in troubled times, so there was no true leisure to be had

That year, a foreign country ca They took over countless cities, and my country had heavy losses Many people were left homeless; the whole nation was in a panic

With the country in a crisis, I then realised that our days of isolation were quickly co to an end

I still remember that it was still an autumn day, and yellow maple leaves filled every corner of our courtyard

I held a brooently swept the leaves up, but the more I swept, the more leaves appeared No matter hoept, I couldn't clear them all

Like the tears on my face

He was still dressed in white With a slight sently placed a jacket around 'er, the country is in a crisis, I have to go”

I could only smile with tears in my eyes, ords stuck in my throat

Following the fallingYi, can we just stay here? Don't go anywhere?”

In the previous years, e built this little courtyard, we specially picked a quiet maple forest at a nice distance fro in this maple forest, the imperial court probably wouldn't be able to find us

Why don't we hide?

”Jing'er, you knowbefore Furthermore, our country is in a crisis!”

After pausing for a , ”Look at all those people drifting around without a home to return to If our country falls in the future, and we're the only ones who still have a home, how can we proudly build up our family?”

I know him, and I understand his reasons

He was never someone ould run away from his responsibilities, and he was always so kind That's why I loved him so

But I knew that if he left, he would be cast into great danger

Thus, I lowered my head and remained silent; I didn't knohat to say

He told s that day

However, I only paid attention to his words when he asked me to wait for him

He said, ”Jing'er Next year, when the maple leaves turn into a sea, I'll be back”

He said, ”When the country is stable and the common people live in peace and happiness, when everyone has a home, then we'll have ours I'll come back for you”

I asked him if he was sure

He said, ”Yes, I'm sure”

So I sent him out of the little courtyard, with envelopes, rations and water, as well as a single maple leaf

I said, ”This maple leaf is really pretty Why don't you leave it by your side to remember me by? When you miss me, then look at it”

I said, ”I'et to send a letter to me as and when you have the time to”

I was extre envelopes for him meant that ould never lose contact with each other

I watched his back as he left, and I stood there until night fell

”Jing'er, I' Wait for me”

Those were the last words he left before he departed

And his last action was to pinchto leave

With his departure, came the autumn winds and desolation

In the end, Xin'er from next door found one off to join the army Like me, she was also depressed, like a resentful wife

She would always try to consoleoff to protect the country was soo of my worries

She even said that they would definitely cohtly, without any words to speak

Actually, I really wasn't all that noble, nor was I all that kind I was just a simple woman, I only wanted to live a peaceful and quiet life with my loved one

Cos, I only felt that if ether with me, I would be satisfied

I was very selfish

So I hoped that he could also be more selfish

But he still left

About two months later, I received his first letter The contents of the letter were cheerful and lighthearted, setting my mind at ease

”Jing'er, I've already entered the army Don't worry too ether with me are all very kind We have not reached the frontlines yet, so we can't help feeling a little melancholy I hope my dear wife can set down her worries I'll be back”

I shten

Like I had eaten so as he was safe and sound As long as he was safe and sound

I carefully kept the letter and returned to my room My meals that day tasted exceptionally delicious I ate a fels at once, feeling the food warm my heart and soul

After that, when another two months had passed, I received another letter As expected, he was also thinking of me constantly

”Jing'er, the world outside is extre out out here to see for yourself We've already reached the frontlines now, and I'er lurks around every corner I won't be able to send letters as often from now on Don't worry, I'll be back”

This tier feel the same excitement as before

My heart felt stifled, I could only hope that he would really remain safe

I cooked a

He's definitely co back

That was all I could tell myself

In the flae, ere both already left alone When weon each other

Until we forether