Explore Chapter 15 of 'Moment in Peking' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
Spring arrived. The sky over Tai'an was a vast expanse of blue, the sunlight warm and soft. In the Zeng family garden, Mulan flowers were in full bloom, their white petals swaying gently in the breeze, exuding a faint fragrance. Mulan and Sunya strolled in the garden, both silent, lost in their own thoughts. Since Mulan returned from Shandong, her relationship with Sunya had become delicate. Although Sunya was only eleven, his fondness for Mulan had already surpassed the innocent friendship of childhood. He often stared blankly at Mulan, and Mulan felt an indescribable joy.
Mrs. Zeng observed this and secretly schemed in her heart. She had privately discussed with Mrs. Yao that if the two families could become in-laws, it would be the best possible outcome. Mulan was clever, intelligent, and well-mannered-she was the ideal daughter-in-law. However, Mulan's father, Yao Si'an, was a liberal man and might not be willing to betroth his daughter so early. Mrs. Yao, on the other hand, thought the Zeng family was a good match, of equal social standing, and that if Mulan married Sunya, she would surely be happy in the future.
The betrothal of Manniang and Pingya had been settled. Old Lady Zeng made the decision, officially betrothing Manniang to Pingya. Although Manniang was shy, she was happy inside. She often confided in Mulan at night, talking about their future days, a blush always rising on her face. Mulan was happy for her, but also felt a touch of envy.
One afternoon, Sunya pulled Mulan to the depths of the garden to see the Mulan flowers. That Mulan tree was a hundred years old, its blossoms clustered thickly, like a white cloud. Sunya picked a flower and handed it to Mulan, stammering, 'Lán-meimei, this flower is for you.' Mulan took the flower, her face turning red. She knew Sunya's feelings, but she didn't know how to respond. She simply lowered her head and said softly, 'Thank you, Sunya-ge.'
Sunya gathered his courage and said again, 'Lán-meimei, when I grow up, I will marry you, okay?' Mulan's heart pounded fiercely. She looked up, met Sunya's sincere eyes, and nodded. Sunya jumped for joy and pulled Mulan's hand, spinning under the flowering tree. Their laughter echoed through the garden, like the birdsong of spring.
From then on, the relationship between Mulan and Sunya grew closer. They studied together, played together, and although they sometimes quarreled, they quickly made up. Mrs. Zeng and Mrs. Yao saw this and were secretly pleased. Yao Si'an, however, was not anxious. He felt that his daughter was still young and there was no need to discuss marriage too early. But Mulan's mother thought this was a good match that should not be missed.
Days passed one by one, and spring deepened. The Mulan flowers began to wither, petals falling to the ground like a white carpet. Mulan and Sunya stood under the tree, watching the falling petals, feeling a sense of melancholy. Sunya said, 'Flowers wither but will bloom again. Let us be together forever, okay?' Mulan nodded, but tears almost fell from her eyes. She didn't know what the future held, but she was willing to believe Sunya's words.
Soon, the Zeng family received an imperial decree that Zeng Wenpu was to return to the capital to resume his post. Mrs. Zeng decided to take the children and accompany her husband to the capital. Manniang had to stay in Shandong temporarily to observe mourning. Before departure, Manniang bid a reluctant farewell to Mulan, and the two agreed to meet in Beijing in the future. Mulan got into the sedan chair and looked back at Tai'an gradually receding in the distance, her heart full of anticipation for the future.