Siheyuan: A journey of mountains and rivers

"He Yuzhu, do you like osmanthus cake?" Lou Xiao'e noticed He Yuzhu's focused expression and asked with a smile.

He Yuzhu nodded and said with a smile: "Yes, osmanthus cake was my favorite when I was a child. Whenever I taste the sweet taste of osmanthus cake, it will bring back many good memories."

Lou Xiao'e smiled and said, "Sometimes, delicious food is the best way to heal."

They tasted the food together and exchanged stories and feelings. In this warm atmosphere, He Yuzhu felt his mood gradually become more relaxed, and the discomfort of his headache gradually eased.

He Yuzhu endured the pain from the toothache. He felt a series of sharp pains coming from his teeth, as if a needle tip was gently pricking his nerves. He rubbed his temples, trying to distract himself, but the pain became more and more obvious.

"He Yuzhu, are you okay?" Lou Xiao'e noticed the painful expression on He Yuzhu's face and asked with concern.

He Yuzhu forced a smile, nodded, and said, "It's okay, maybe my tooth hurts a little."

Lou Xiao'e frowned. She knew that toothache was a very uncomfortable pain, especially when eating. She decided to help He Yuzhu solve this problem.

"Wait a minute, I'll get you some medicine for your toothache." After saying that, Lou Xiao'e quickly walked towards the medicine box.

He Yuzhu looked at Lou Xiao'e's back with gratitude, secretly feeling lucky to have such a caring friend. But at the same time, he also realized his own physical problems, which made him feel a little depressed. He couldn't help but think of the difficulties and challenges he had faced before, and a sense of powerlessness surged in his heart.

"He Yuzhu, this is medicine for toothache, you try it." Lou Xiao'e came back with a box of medicine and handed it to He Yuzhu.

He Yuzhu took the medicine box and was grateful. He knew that Lou Xiao'e really wanted to help him, so he decided to accept her help. After all, solving the toothache problem was a top priority.

However, what He Yuzhu admired most in life was not the superior family background, but the girl next door, Qin Huairu. Qin Huairu was as beautiful as a flower, gentle and charming, and she would always set off a wave of waves when she went out. Although her family was not as wealthy as the He family, it was also a family of scholars. Qin Huairu was smart and clever since she was a child and liked poetry and books.

The parents of the two families knew each other well for many years and had long intended to arrange a marriage. He Yuzhu and Qin Huairu also knew each other since childhood, and gradually, love sprouted and grew in the hearts of the two young people. They often met in the courtyard, reading poems and books together, or strolling in the courtyard, enjoying the happy time of youth.

However, fate is often full of uncertainties. When He Yuzhu was 18 years old, his father suddenly died of illness, which was a heavy blow to the He family. He Yuzhu has since shouldered the family's expectations and responsibilities. He gave up the dreams and happiness of many young people and began to study seriously to prepare for the imperial examination next year.

Qin Huairu felt distressed when she saw the changes in He Yuzhu. She knew that the changes in the He family had a profound impact on He Yuzhu, but she didn't want to see him give up his dreams and hobbies for the burden of the family. So, Qin Huairu often came to the courtyard to visit He Yuzhu, bringing him some comfort and encouragement.

However, time flies, and when He Yuzhu was 20 years old, he finally passed the imperial examination. This was a great joy for the He family, but it also meant a new beginning for He Yuzhu's life. As a Jinshi, he would be assigned to work in the capital, and the road ahead was full of unknowns and challenges.

He Yuzhu felt excited and confused at this moment. He knew that no matter what the future held, he could not forget the beautiful youth in the courtyard, and he could not forget Qin Huairu, whom he loved deeply. Qin Huairu also faced a choice at this time. She was unwilling to give up the love in her heart, but she was also unwilling to become a burden that hindered He Yuzhu's progress.

Just as they were hesitating in their hearts, a ruthless change suddenly occurred. The elders of the Qin family decided that Qin Huairu would marry far away to avoid continuing the contact with He Yuzhu. This decision was like a bolt from the blue for He Yuzhu, and even more like a bolt from the blue for Qin Huairu.

The day of separation finally came. In their last meeting in the courtyard, He Yuzhu and Qin Huairu did not say much, but just looked at each other silently, their hearts filled with endless reluctance and pain. Their love eventually became an unspeakable silence.

He Yuzhu saw Qin Huairu off from Nanjing. He watched her back as she walked away, and a myriad of emotions surged in his heart. He knew that no matter how strong he was, no matter how far he traveled, he could not hide the eternal regret and indelible longing in his heart.

Qin Huairu was also on her way out, her heart full of nostalgia and blessings for He Yuzhu. She knew that this decision was the best choice for both of them. Although the pain in her heart was like a knife cutting, she was willing to pray for He Yuzhu, hoping that he could move forward smoothly on his path and live up to the youthful memories they had shared.

In the courtyard, He Yuzhu stood in the place where they had spent their youth together. The years were peaceful and the courtyard was deep. He knew that this place would forever leave traces of their past happiness and would also be the only place for him to recall the past.

In another part of Nanjing, Qin Huairu was also praying for him quietly in her new home. She knew that no matter where they were, no matter how time passed, their love would always bloom quietly in their hearts, just like the gorgeous spring flowers in the courtyard, which would still bloom even if they were separated.

He Yuzhu stood in the courtyard of the quadrangle, the sun shone through the old blue brick house, and reflected on his pale face. He had not been back here for several years. Whenever he thought of Qin Huairu, the pain in his heart seemed to be engraved deeply. He closed his eyes, trying to dispel those unbearable memories, but whenever he thought of her, the throbbing in his heart still could not be calmed down.

Qin Huairu's departure was a loss that he could never make up for. He had thought about following her and abandoning everything to start over, but reason told him that this was unrealistic. He needed to work hard for the family inheritance, and his future had been set on a path full of challenges and hardships.

"Yuzhu, are you ready to go to the capital?" A deep voice broke his thoughts. He looked up and saw his elder brother He Yulin standing at the gate of the courtyard.

He Yulin is a man of upright character, tall and solemn. He is the eldest son of the He family. Since his father passed away, he has shouldered the responsibility of the family. He cares about He Yuzhu and feels responsible for him, but he seems a little helpless when facing Qin Huairu's affairs.