Wherever you go, I will go.

Chapter 99 Wherever you go, I will go.

Liang Shanbo did not answer directly, but asked, "Yingtai, do you still remember when Mr. Xie and Mrs. Xie personally came to Wansong Academy to examine me last year?"

Zhu Yingtai nodded: "Of course I remember."

A look of reminiscence appeared in her eyes as she softly said, "The scene of that day is as vivid as if it were right before my eyes. Mr. Xie and Mrs. Xie tested you in five areas: philosophical discourse, poetry, military strategy, wrestling, and archery. Mr. Xie gave you a sword that awaits its time, and Mrs. Xie gave you a piece of paper depicting the image of pine and cypress. Brother Liang shone brightly that day, and although I wasn't there to see it, I was still very happy."

Liang Shanbo nodded slightly and then asked, "That day, not only did I receive a sword from Mr. Xie and a letter from Mrs. Xie, but I also personally asked Mr. Xie for a promise that I could ask him for a favor in the future. Do you remember this?"

Zhu Yingtai's heart suddenly stirred, and in an instant, it was as if the clouds and fog had cleared, and everything became clear.

Her body involuntarily leaned forward slightly, a hint of barely suppressed excitement in her voice: "Of course I remember, how could I forget? Brother Liang, are you perhaps planning to ask Mr. Xie for help with our marriage?"

Liang Shanbo nodded: "That's right, I'll go and ask Mr. Xie to act as matchmaker for us."

Zhu Yingtai couldn't help but ask, "When you asked Mr. Xie for that promise, was this the only thing you were thinking about?"

Liang Shanbo nodded again, his expression calm: "That's right. I already knew you were a woman back then, and I had already decided that I would marry no one but you in this life."

But I am perfectly clear-headed. For a poor scholar like myself to marry a young lady from the Zhu family of Shangyu, there is a thick wall of social status and family background standing between us, which I cannot break down on my own. I need to borrow strength, the strength of Mr. Xie, and the prestige of the Xie family of Chenjun.

So when you asked me what I needed to ask Mr. Xie for, I said it was inconvenient to tell you, but I would tell you when the time was right.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yingtai's heart surged with emotion, deeply moved once again by his long-hidden sincerity.

She was indeed very curious at the time, wondering what important matter Brother Liang had that made him so earnestly seek help from Mr. Xie.

She asked him once, and he said it was inconvenient to say, so she followed his advice and didn't ask any more questions.

But after pondering it for a long time, she felt that it was mostly related to Brother Liang's career prospects, and that he was seeking his help and an opportunity to stand out.

Now, she knows the truth.

When Brother Liang made that promise, his heart was set on her, not on his own career or future, but on the day he could marry her. At that time, he had already begun to secretly pave the way for their marriage, planning it all by himself for so long.

Liang Shanbo gazed into Zhu Yingtai's bright, clear eyes and said calmly, "Yingtai, there is no time to lose. I intend to speak frankly with Mr. Meng tomorrow and request to graduate. If all goes well, we will leave Wansong Academy and head to the Xie family manor in Shining to see Mr. Xie."

Zhu Yingtai's heart skipped a beat.

Today was the first time she had met Brother Liang as a daughter, the first time she had revealed the truth she had kept hidden for so long, and the first time she had heard him say those words that made her both laugh and cry.

She originally thought that their marriage should be discussed and weighed carefully, but he said that there was no time to lose. For the sake of their marriage, he was so decisive and resolute, not willing to drag things out at all.

She steadied herself and asked, "Brother Liang, will Mr. Meng allow you to graduate abruptly?"

Liang Shanbo said, "Judging from my opinion, you will most likely agree."

He didn't offer much explanation, but Zhu Yingtai understood perfectly well.

Zhu Yingtai understood Mr. Meng's character.

She has personally witnessed how Mr. Meng has treated Brother Liang over the past two years.

Mr. Meng accepted Brother Liang as his disciple, teaching him in the pine-shaded courtyard. He recommended Brother Liang to Xie Xuan, and when Brother Liang fell into a fever and coma, Mr. Meng personally visited him at his bedside and sought medical help. The relationship between Mr. Meng and Brother Liang was far beyond that of a typical teacher and student; it was a profound bond of gratitude and kinship, almost like that of father and son.

If Brother Liang tells the truth honestly, Mr. Meng may be surprised or regretful, but he will most likely not stop him.

Zhu Yingtai then asked, "Is Mr. Xie really willing to act as our matchmaker? I remember Brother Liang once said that if he were to ask Mr. Xie for help in the future, he would do it if he felt it was within his power, but if he felt it was difficult, he would not help."

Liang Shanbo pondered for a moment and answered truthfully, "I am not entirely sure about this matter either, but I think that Mr. Xie values ​​me highly, and he said that this is a gentleman's promise," so he will not easily break his word.

As for arranging a marriage between you and me, although it inevitably puts him in a difficult position, it is ultimately within his power; it's not an impossible task, nor is it without a way forward.

Zhu Yingtai pondered for a moment, then said, "If Mr. Xie is indeed willing to act as our matchmaker, given the prestige and influence of the Xie family of Chenjun, the Ma family will likely not dare to force us into marriage again. I just don't know if my parents will agree to my marriage with Brother Liang."

Liang Shanbo's voice softened slightly: "I don't know your father and mother very well, so I'll need you to take the time to persuade them about this."

He paused, then his expression hardened again: "Now that things have come to this, this is the best way. If that doesn't work, we'll think of another way. In short, as long as you're determined to marry me, I, Liang Shanbo, will marry you no matter what it takes, no matter the cost!"

He gazed into her eyes and asked solemnly, "Yingtai, would you be willing to come with me to Shining to ask Mr. Xie for help?"

""

Zhu Yingtai and he locked eyes.

Her eyes were glistening with tears, the droplets swirling in her sockets. His eyes, however, held a resolute and unwavering determination, like a mountain that would not budge no matter how fierce the storm.

She choked up slightly: "Brother Liang, have you really thought this through? Are you really willing to do this for me?"

'

Without the slightest hesitation, Liang Shanbo nodded: "I am willing."

Zhu Yingtai no longer hesitated. She took a deep breath, raised the back of her hand to press against the corner of her eye, then looked at him and nodded vigorously: "Brother Liang, wherever you go, I will go!"

Liang Shanbo couldn't help but smile, feeling both joy and emotion, as well as a sense of relief.

He understood that in this era, for a young woman from a prominent family like Zhu Yingtai to make such a decision—to elope with a poor man and seek an uncertain future—required not only deep affection for him but also immense courage.

This courage is not something an ordinary woman possesses, but Zhu Yingtai did.

He placed a hand on the low table between them and asked softly, "Yingtai, are you afraid?"

Zhu Yingtai looked down at his hand on the low table.

The hand was long and strong, with distinct knuckles, and the palm was facing upwards, resting there quietly.

For the past two years, this hand had taught her to read, drawn a bow for her, played chess with her, held her hand by Mirror Lake, and sheltered her from the rain with its coat. But never before had it been so open and honest, brimming with obvious love, waiting for her to place her hand on it.

She placed one of her hands on the low table, gently nestling it in his palm, and softly replied, "I am afraid, but with Brother Liang, it doesn't matter if I'm afraid!"

Her hands were not delicate, unlike the fair and soft hands of ordinary noblewomen. Just as there was a hint of heroism in her eyes, her hands were also somewhat slender and strong, and had long been calloused. This was because she was naturally taller than the average woman, and because she had long disguised herself as a man, pretending to be a young gentleman, and had spent a long time practicing archery with Brother Liang at the academy.

On the low table, Liang Shanbo slowly closed his hands, gently holding hers, and then gradually tightened his grip, as if he wanted to transfer all the warmth of his palms to her.

She could feel the warmth of his palms, and the calluses on his hands from years of doing push-ups and practicing archery. This warmth and roughness made her feel comforted and at ease.

It was as if as long as his hand was in hers, there was nothing to fear ahead.

Wherever he goes, she will go; it probably doesn't matter anymore!

Liang Shanbo got up and walked out of the bedroom, through the main room, and came to the eaves.

Yin Xin stood under the eaves, her face pale and looking frightened, but she still bowed respectfully to him and said in a low voice, "Young Master Liang."

Liang Shanbo smiled slightly: "Sijiu, from now on, may I call you 'Silver Heart'?"

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Yin Xin paused for a moment, then nodded.

For the past two years, she had been pretending to be a pageboy named "Sijiu". Now that her lady had told Liang Langjun the truth, she naturally no longer needed to pretend to be a pageboy in front of him.

Liang Shanbo then laughed and said, "Your young lady is calling you inside; she has some private matters to discuss with you."

Yin Xin nodded again, bowed slightly, and walked into the bedroom with her head down.

Inside the bedroom, Zhu Yingtai was still sitting by the low table, her eyes still slightly red, but the tear stains on her face had dried, and her expression had returned to its usual composure.

When she saw Yinxin come in, she pointed to the cushions below and gestured for Yinxin to sit down.

Yin Xin sat down as instructed, her face still a little pale, and she looked somewhat nervous.

Zhu Yingtai gazed at Yin Xin, remained silent for a moment, and then asked softly, "Yin Xin, did you hear what Brother Liang and I said just now?"

Yin Xin didn't hide anything: "Please forgive me, young lady, I couldn't resist my curiosity and listened outside the window."

Zhu Yingtai nodded, not blaming her, and said, "You've heard it, so be it. I didn't ask you to avoid it. Now that you've heard it, I'll ask you. I intend to go with Brother Liang to Shining to seek refuge with Mr. Xie of the Xie family in Chenjun, and ask him to act as our matchmaker. The road ahead is uncertain, and the outcome is unpredictable. I need you to continue to stay by my side. Yinxin, are you willing?"

Yin Xin did not respond immediately, but stared into Zhu Yingtai's eyes and asked, "Young lady, do you really intend to do this?"

Zhu Yingtai gazed into Yin Xin's eyes and saw worry, unease, and concern in them. She knew Yin Xin was afraid and worried about her future.

She nodded resolutely.

Seeing the resolute look on her mistress's face, Yin Xin hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "In that case, wherever you go, I will go!"

Of course she was afraid too.

But over the past two years, the young lady has treated her very well, and their relationship is no longer comparable to that of an ordinary master and servant.

Over the past two years, she has witnessed firsthand the deep affection between the young woman and Liang Langjun, and admires their sincerity and courage.

Now the young lady and Liang Langjun are about to face a great challenge. Could it be that at this critical moment, she will abandon the young lady or even betray her?

Zhu Yingtai gazed at Yin Xin and said softly, "Yin Xin, you've worked so hard. For the past two years, you've been working tirelessly as my page, serving me diligently. And for this time, you've been willing to continue following me on a path whose outcome is still unknown."

Yin Xin smiled, a hint of embarrassment mixed with gratitude on her face, and said, "Why do you need to say such things to me, Miss? As a maid, it is my duty to serve you. There is no hardship in it. Wherever you go, I will follow. It is my duty."

While Zhu Yingtai and her mistress Yin Xin were having a private conversation in their bedroom, Liang Shanbo stood alone under the eaves at the entrance of the main hall, his hands behind his back, quietly gazing at the vast expanse of white snow in the courtyard.

The snow had not yet stopped; sparse snowflakes drifted down slowly and silently from the gray sky. They landed on the bamboo leaves of the clump of green bamboo in the courtyard, on the well curb, on the wall, and in the courtyard. A chilling stillness pervaded the world, as if all things were quietly holding their breath in the snow.

A wave of emotion welled up in his heart.

Two years ago, in the spring, he had just arrived in this world. Carrying his luggage, he crossed the Qiantang River and arrived outside Qiantang County. He took shelter from the rain in the Caoqiao Pavilion and met Zhu Yingtai.

On that day, the two became sworn brothers and swore brotherhood at the grass bridge. He solemnly called her "Brother Liang," and she smiled brightly, cupped her hands in return, and called him "Brother Liang."

From that day on, he knew what he had to do. He studied, practiced martial arts, sought a master, built up his strength, befriended powerful families, and gained their support. Everything he did was for his own future, and also to change the course of the Liang-Zhu story.

The tragic ending in the story.

The years do not live, the seasons flow.

More than two years have passed.

Today, he has finally reached this point.

He gazed at the swirling snowflakes and the clump of green bamboo in the courtyard that remained upright and verdant amidst the wind and snow, and recalled the four words Xie Daoyun had given him: "The bearing of pine and cypress."

I am reminded of what he said during his conversation at the Zhuyun Pavilion on the 23rd day of the 11th lunar month two years ago: "The land is given by fate, but the form is grown by oneself. Pine and cypress trees cannot choose their land, but they can choose their form!"

This pine tree, though unable to choose its own origins, can choose the path it chooses to take, and can also choose the path of "Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai"!

He took a deep breath, and a chilling sensation penetrated his lungs, calming the myriad thoughts in his heart and transforming them into a clear mind.

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