Chapter Fifty-Eight: The Final Farewell

Now, only Gou Ye could provide Yun Niang with the last vestige of security she craved. She clung to him tightly; though her heart was heavy with sorrow, not a single tear would fall. Exhausted, she finally felt a trace of relief, and, nestled in Gou Ye’s arms, drifted into a deep, unwitting sleep.

No one knew how much time had passed when Yun Niang suddenly opened her eyes. She sat up abruptly, her voice trembling with emotion as she cried out, “Mother, Mother, don’t leave!” Gou Ye, startled awake, hurried to comfort her, trying to soothe the terror left by her nightmare.

“Don’t be afraid, Yun Niang, don’t be afraid—it was just a dream. Dreams always mean the opposite. Your mother will get better, I promise.”

Yet Yun Niang, her emotions overflowing, stood and declared, “No, I must be with my mother.” She broke free from Gou Ye’s embrace and ran upstairs. Only after seeing her mother lying peacefully in bed did she allow herself to relax. She dismissed the maid, climbed onto the bed, and snuggled quietly beside her mother.

Perhaps sensing the movement, Yun Niang’s mother slowly opened her eyes. Seeing her daughter so close, she smiled gently, lifting a frail arm to pull her into a tender embrace. Gou Ye, opening the door to this scene, quietly closed it again, choosing not to disturb the bond between mother and daughter.

For three whole days, Gou Ye sent maids with food to their room at every meal, while he himself lingered at the door, gazing longingly toward the village entrance. In his heart, he desperately hoped for a miracle—that Master Hua the Divine Physician would arrive and declare Yun Niang’s mother cured. But hope remained only hope, and such miracles dissipated just as silently at the deserted edge of the village.

It was then that a maid hurried down the stairs to Gou Ye, announcing, “Young Master, Madam Yun requests your presence upstairs.”

Gou Ye rushed up, and upon opening the door, was surprised to see that Yun Niang’s mother looked much better—she was even laughing and chatting with Yun Niang. A faint frown creased his brow, and a sense of foreboding gripped his heart.

“My child, you’re here—come, sit by me,” Yun Niang’s mother beckoned.

Because of her apparent improvement, Yun Niang even managed a small smile. “Brother Gou Ye, the medicine from Divine Physician Hua really works. Mother says she feels much better today and would like to go outside for a walk. What do you think?”

Gou Ye looked at the frail woman and shook his head. “Mother, you’ve just started to recover. I think you should continue to rest. Autumn is nearly here, and it’s chilly outside. I worry you’ll catch cold.”

She replied softly, “Don’t worry, my child. I’ve been confined to this bed for nearly a month, surrounded by nothing but medicine jars and stale air. Today, I feel much better. I’ll dress warmly—just take me and Yun Niang to the riverbank. I want to breathe the outside air, to see the world beyond these walls. If my health worsens in a few days, I may not have another chance.”

Seeing the yearning in her mother’s eyes, Gou Ye gritted his teeth and nodded. “Very well, Mother. I’ll arrange for the carriage. Yun Niang, make sure your mother dresses warmly—even if it’s too much, it’s better than risking a chill.”

Yun Niang, deeply concerned, glanced at her mother. Since dawn, her mother had insisted on going outside; though Yun Niang objected, her mother would not be dissuaded. Left with no choice, she agreed. To keep her mother warm, she brought out the thick clothes meant for winter and dressed her with utmost care, wrapping her securely until she was satisfied.

Supported by Yun Niang and the maid, her mother walked slowly to the carriage. With the help of the Guo brothers, they finally managed to settle her inside. Since Gou Ye didn’t know how to drive the carriage, Da Li accompanied them as the driver. The three sat together, Gou Ye and Yun Niang never taking their eyes off her mother, anxious at the slightest sign of discomfort. Seeing their concern, Yun Niang’s mother smiled gently. “My children, don’t worry. See how I’m bundled up like a zongzi? I’ll be fine. In fact, being outside makes me feel even better. It’s been so long since I last coughed.”

Now that they were already on their way, nothing more could be done. Gou Ye repeatedly instructed Da Li to drive slowly, but on the village’s dirt roads, the carriage still bumped and swayed. To help her mother sit more comfortably, Yun Niang sat close, supporting her and watching her face for any sign of distress.

Fortunately, by the time they reached the riverbank, Yun Niang’s mother remained in good spirits, her cheeks tinged with a healthy flush, her expression relaxed.

They lifted her carefully from the carriage. Gou Ye had prepared a chair with a soft cushion, guiding her gently to sit. With delight in her eyes, she gazed at the scenery, her heart brimming with longing for the world around her. For a moment, it was as if she saw her younger self, nestled by her husband’s side, looking out together over the vast landscape, listening to his passionate speeches and grand ambitions.

She lifted her hand, calling Gou Ye and Yun Niang to her side. In a gentle voice, she said, “I have one last wish. I don’t know if I’ll live to see the day you two marry, but today, I want to witness it in advance. Here, before me, bow to Heaven and Earth, and when Yun Niang comes of age, you can hold a proper ceremony. I want to see you wed.”

Gou Ye grasped Yun Niang’s hand, and she held his tightly in return. They exchanged a glance and, without hesitation, agreed to her wish.

The two knelt before her, and Da Li stood by her side, calling out loudly,

“First bow to Heaven and Earth!” Yun Niang and Gou Ye bowed as one, and her mother, eyes half-closed, smiled with contentment.

“Second bow to the honored elders!” At this, the two turned and bowed deeply to her mother. Tears streamed down Yun Niang’s face, falling onto the grass. Seeing them kneel before her, Yun Niang’s mother murmured, “Good, good, good.” Her joy was plain to see.

“Bow to each other as husband and wife!” After the final bow, Yun Niang’s mother let out a long, gentle breath, her smile lingering as she gazed at the two of them. In her mind’s eye, she saw their wedding—lively, jubilant, filled with happiness. She could almost feel her husband beside her, holding her hand and smiling, just as he had when they first met. Savoring the warmth of his touch, her heart full and at peace, she slowly closed her eyes.

When the two rose, Yun Niang’s mother had already passed away. Yet, unexpectedly, Yun Niang did not break down in sobs or screams. Instead, she quietly walked to her mother’s side, cradled her gently, and gazed into the sky, as if she could see her mother there—smiling, waving, bidding her a final farewell.