In the early spring, fresh buds had just sprouted on withered branches, and the vaguely visible mist wove fantastic curtains of droplets around them. Whitewashed walls, black tiles, little bridges, murmuring brooks, pavilions, terraces, and a path paved with bluestone linked the residences in the alley. The charm of this southern water town was as picturesque as a poem or a painting.
However, in those picturesque early mornings, unbearable noises could be heard from the Liu family courtyard. The sharp scolding and the sound of a wooden plank striking flesh echoed in the air. Neighbors quickly closed their windows, blocking the insidious curses and distressed cries outside. It wasn't that they were heartless, but they simply couldn't intervene. Such happenings were not rare, but occurred numerous times every day - a bitter revenge carried out by Widow Liu, who had lived alone for eighteen years, on her only son!
Where did this revenge start?
Tao Su pulled herself off the ground and slowly staggered out. Five years ago, she was considered a burden and sold by her uncle to the Liu family as a 'bride for mirth'. That very night, her husband died unexpectedly. Old Lady Liu took her to be the cause of her son's death and vented her anger on Tao Su daily, regarding scolding as a minor matter while brutal beatings became a routine.
All of these she could tolerate. But what she couldn't stand was the constant late-night harassments by the son-in-law they had brought in – he would jimmy doors and climb windows, making it near impossible for her to sleep peacefully. And these acts frequently led to another round of beatings for her.
Five years passed, from eleven to sixteen, her days and nights spent in constant fear made her seem less like a seventeen-year-old girl, and more like an underdeveloped child.
"Get out, wash the clothes, and do not come back to eat until they're clean!" Her extremely ugly but self-proclaimed beautiful sister-in-law threw a basin of clothes at her and pointed outside.
It was still freezing in the early spring and washing clothes in the river was naturally a painful task. The bone-chilling cold had caused frostbite to spread all over her slender fingers.
"Tao Su." As soon as she stepped out of the alley, a figure dressed in blue appeared and grabbed her hand without saying a word.
"Do they beat you again?"
Tao Su quickly withdrew her hand and said in a low voice, "I'm fine, young master nephew."
"Don't call me young master nephew, call me Yun Mo. Damn those beasts! Tao Su, I'll go to my father and redeem you," Yun Mo declared assertively.
Looking up at Yun Mo, Tao Su saw his slightly immature face filled with concern. She could not help but feel relieved – there was still someone in the world who cared so much about her; what more could she possibly sigh for?
"Tao Su, I'll wash them for you," Yun Mo offered with a sudden smile in his eyes, grabbing her cold hand and leading her towards the river.
Tao Su obediently followed him, her heart pounding fiercely as she watched his tall silhouette. Yun Mo, how do I deserve you? I am a married woman while you are the pride of the town, destined to become a pillar of the country in the future.
"Tao Su, you are truly beautiful!" By the riverside where the weeping willows were just sprouting tender buds, Yun Mo bent to pick a small flower from the grass and tucked it into her hair. He marveled at her. On her fair melon-seed face, a pair of beautiful almond-shaped eye sparkled brightly. Despite her sufferings, she has never displayed an ounce of self-deprecation before. Although somewhat dry, the curve of her lips was wonderful, much like the blossoming flowers of early spring.
He gently bent his head, and his slightly hot lips touched Tao Su's.
Tao Su did not avoid him. She opened her shiny black eyes and watched the boy, whose lips were savoring her first kiss.
Yun Mo's hands were shaking a bit. He pulled her tightly into his arms and whispered, "When I pass the exam one day, I'll surely take you back to my house in a grand marriage sedan."
Yun Mo, do you know? Because of your promise, no matter how hard the rest of my life will be, I am willing to bear it all.
She smiled, a smile as bright as the spring sun, lighting up the eyes of the young man.