noffsinger Chapter 401 Intertwined Destinies
Chapter 401 Intertwined Destinies
After the bridge was built and the good deeds of providing relief through work became a legend in the Huanghuai region, Chen Jue's reputation spread quickly to the emperor's ears. On this day, the sun shone through the glazed tiles of the palace, casting golden rays of light. Chen Jue received the emperor's summons and did not dare to delay for a moment, so he hurriedly dressed and entered the palace.
Chen Jue stepped into the magnificent palace, which was decorated with carved beams and painted buildings, and paved with golden bricks, showing the majesty and luxury of the royal family. Although he was a little nervous, he was more looking forward to the unknown. He walked steadily to the center of the palace, knelt on his knees, and said in a loud and respectful voice: "I, your humble servant Chen Jue, pay my respects to Your Majesty."
The emperor sat on the dragon throne, which was made of finely carved red sandalwood and inlaid with countless gems. It sparkled brightly under the sunlight. The emperor looked at Chen Jue gently, with a gratified smile on his face, and said slowly: "Chen Jue, get up. I summoned you today because I heard about your deeds over the years and I am very pleased. You have shown extraordinary responsibility and wisdom in work-for-relief, helping disaster victims rebuild their homes, and building bridges. It is really rare."
Chen Jue stood up with an upright posture and a humble expression on his face, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I have only done what I can. It is my honor to be able to work for the welfare of the people." Chen Jue's mind could not help but emerge the scene of fighting side by side with the victims in the Huanghuai region. All the sweat and hard work seemed to have a deeper meaning at this moment.
The emperor nodded slightly, a trace of reminiscence flashed in his eyes, and he said with emotion: "Back then, your imperial teacher mentioned you to me many times, saying that you are extremely intelligent and have great ambitions. Now it seems that you have lived up to his teachings and have lived up to his painstaking efforts. You have finally grown up and can share my worries and solve problems for the people."
Chen Jue was moved. The Imperial Master's voice and smile appeared before his eyes. His teachings were like a beacon that illuminated his path forward. Chen Jue's eyes were slightly red, and he said, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Master has been very kind to me. I always remember his teachings. Now that I have been recognized by your Majesty, I will work harder and live up to your Majesty and the Imperial Master's expectations."
The emperor smiled with satisfaction, as if that smile was the greatest affirmation of Chen Jue, and said: "Since you are so aware, I will naturally not treat you unfairly. I will give you and Chen Jia some rewards to commend your achievements."
Chen Jue hurriedly knelt down again to express his gratitude, his voice full of gratitude: "Thank you very much, Your Majesty, for your grace. Chen Jia and I will certainly be grateful and repay you." He knew very well that this reward was not only a material reward, but also a transmission of responsibility and mission.
Coming out of the palace, Chen Jue was filled with joy, and his steps were so brisk that he seemed to be flying. He couldn't wait to tell Chen Jia the good news and share this joy with her. When he returned home, Chen Jia was pruning branches in the garden. Seeing Chen Jue's happy face, she stopped the scissors in her hand and hurriedly asked, "Sir, why did the emperor summon you today? You look so happy, is there any good news?"
Chen Jue smiled and told Chen Jia in detail about the emperor's praise and reward. As he spoke, he gestured to imitate the emperor's expression and words in the palace, as if he wanted Chen Jia to be there. After hearing this, Chen Jia's eyes sparkled with joy and said, "My husband, this is really great. It is a blessing that your efforts have been recognized by His Majesty. This reward is not only an affirmation of us, but also an encouragement for our future."
Chen Jue nodded and said, "My lady is right. We must work harder in the future and do more practical things for the people." The two smiled at each other, their eyes full of expectations and determination for the future.
After a few days, Chen Jia and Chen Jue decided to go shopping to relax from the fatigue of the past few days. They wore casual clothes and walked hand in hand in the bustling street market. The streets were lined with various stalls, and the dazzling array of goods was dazzling. The hawkers' cries came one after another, "Selling candied haws, sweet and crispy candied haws" and "Freshly baked cakes, come and try them", interweaving into a lively market movement.
Chen Jia was attracted by a jewelry stall, which was filled with all kinds of exquisite jewelry, shining charmingly under the sunlight. She picked up an exquisite hairpin, which was made of pure silver, and the head of the hairpin was carved with a lifelike plum blossom, with delicate petals and stamens, as if emitting a faint fragrance. Chen Jia put the hairpin on her head, tilted her head, and asked Chen Jue with a smile: "Husband, do you think this hairpin is beautiful?"
Chen Jue looked at Chen Jia with his eyes full of love, as if she was the only one in the world at this moment. He gently held Chen Jia's hand and said, "My lady is naturally beautiful, and everything you wear will look good. This hairpin makes you even more beautiful." Chen Jia's cheeks flushed slightly, and she said angrily, "You just want to make me happy." But the smile in her eyes could not be hidden.
At this moment, Yang Xiu, who was not far away, saw Chen Jia and Chen Jue. His originally relaxed expression froze instantly, and his steps stopped involuntarily. A complex expression appeared on his face, with deep envy and unspeakable sadness. Once, Chen Jia was his wife, and the time they spent together flashed quickly in his mind like a movie. But now, she and Chen Jue walked so closely together, full of happiness, as if they were a match made in heaven.
Yang Xiu took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions, and slowly walked forward, forcing a smile, but that smile seemed particularly bitter: "Brother Chen, Madam Chen, what a coincidence to meet you two here."
Chen Jia and Chen Jue turned around and saw Yang Xiu, slightly startled. A flash of surprise flashed in Chen Jia's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and responded with a polite smile: "Mr. Yang, it is indeed a coincidence." She felt a little emotional in her heart, the trajectory of fate is always so wonderful, allowing them to meet again on such an occasion.
Chen Jue also nodded, with a hint of vigilance in his eyes: "Yang Xiu, how are you these days?" He subconsciously pulled Chen Jia towards him, as if to build an invisible wall of protection for her.
Yang Xiu looked at Chen Jia and Chen Jue's tightly clasped hands, and felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if a sharp arrow had shot him in the heart. But he still pretended to be calm and said, "Thanks to you two, it's okay. But seeing you two so loving today, I can't help but feel a little emotional. Madam Chen, we once..."
Chen Jia frowned slightly. She understood what Yang Xiu wanted to say, but the past had long since disappeared like smoke and clouds, and she didn't want to mention it again. She interrupted Yang Xiu and said in a firm but gentle tone: "Young Master Yang, there is no need to mention the past. Now my husband and I are living happily, so I hope you won't bring up the past again."
Yang Xiu gave a bitter smile, which was full of helplessness and self-mockery: "Madam Chen is right, I was rude. I'm just envious of you two who are so well matched. Brother Chen, you are so lucky to have a virtuous wife like Madam Chen." He felt mixed emotions, feeling a little relieved that Chen Jia had found happiness, but also feeling extremely painful for losing her.
Chen Jue protected Chen Jia behind him, looked at Yang Xiu with firm eyes, and said: "Yang Xiu, Chen Jia and I have supported each other, and it has not been easy along the way. Now we cherish each other, and hope that you can find your own happiness as soon as possible." There was a hint of warning in Chen Jue's words, as well as a hint of expectation for Yang Xiu.
Yang Xiu sighed, as if he wanted to let out all the depression in his heart. His eyes became a little empty, looking into the distance, he slowly said: "Brother Chen is right, I am too obsessed. But sometimes, past feelings cannot be forgotten just by saying so. However, I will try my best to let it go. Seeing you two so happy today, I should let it go." He knew in his heart that some things, once missed, can never be recovered.
Chen Jia looked at Yang Xiu. Although she no longer had the feelings of the past in her heart, she still couldn't help but say, "Mr. Yang, life is long, and there will definitely be a more suitable person waiting for you in the future. I hope you can let go of the past and live a good life." There was a hint of concern in her tone. After all, they once had some memories.
Yang Xiu nodded slightly, with a hint of gratitude in his eyes: "Thank you for your words, Madam Chen. I will. I am really sorry to disturb your pleasure today. Goodbye." After that, Yang Xiu turned and left. His back looked a little lonely and his steps were a little heavy. Although he was in pain, he also understood that it was time to let go of the past and start his life again.
Chen Jia looked at the direction where Yang Xiu left, and couldn't help but feel a little emotional. Those past memories were gone like flowing water, and could never be retrieved. Chen Jue gently held Chen Jia's hand and said, "My wife, don't be sad for him. Now that we are together as husband and wife, that is the most important thing."
Chen Jia came back to her senses, looked at Chen Jue, and said with a smile: "Husband, with you by my side, I am not afraid of anything. Let's continue shopping."
So, Chen Jia and Chen Jue walked hand in hand in the street, enjoying this rare leisure time, as if the incident just now did not affect their mood. And Yang Xiu's figure gradually disappeared in the bustling crowd, becoming a memory of their past life.