In life, one can but wish for everything to go their way, but must settle for merely half that brings contentment.
Upon returning to the Song Family, the old master did not rest but entered the study. Taking up a brush, he stood before the desk and with each stroke, outlined those mere fourteen characters.
Unlike his usual forceful and powerful style, today's strokes flowed like clouds and water, bearing a sense of detachment, casualness, and freedom.
That strong desire to keep people by his side seemed to dissipate greatly at this moment.
The old master's compromise came so abruptly.
Those fourteen characters carried profound meaning, especially the word "half" which spoke of an inherent helplessness of wishes unfulfilled.
Ya Ying placed the teacup beside the old master's hand, gazing at the row of characters on the rice paper, feeling a breath she had held within herself finally release.
