When did it become like this? Xu Shangqian couldn't figure it out either. He had worked diligently all his li…
When did it become like this? Xu Shangqian couldn't figure it out either.
He had worked diligently all his life and studied the classics, yet never attained a high official post. He could only manage to get a position at an academy in the city.
His wife was chosen for him by his parents based on a matchmaker's recommendation—a city girl.
Her family had originally looked down on his humble origins. Fortunately, his wife believed in his steadfastness and hard work, seeing him as a scholar, albeit without rank.
He married his wife while living in his father-in-law's house. For two years, he endured no shortage of cold sneers from the old man.
He worked steadily and diligently. Two years after marrying, he bought a small, remote house. A few years later, his wife bore him a son.
He thought it would be a happy life for three. But the boy turned out to be especially unruly...
By the time he reached thirty, he realized the burdens of life had long since worn away the stubborn, youthful spirit he once carried.
Once, he too had been a young man galloping on hunts. He too had dreamed of roaming the roads of the capital, seeing all the splendors of Chang'an.
But over time, many things were gradually forgotten. He no longer wished to speak of the grand ambitions of his youth. He just wanted to live well.
Yet time's weight never lightens by even half an ounce according to human will.
He only felt the burden on his shoulders grow heavier and heavier. Until he could no longer bear it.
Only in dreams did he still ride a tall steed, holding a longbow, galloping across the hunting grounds.
In the stands, his wife held their well-behaved child, cheering him on.
Xu Shangqian knew it was a dream. But if a dream could let him escape the burden, let it wake a little later.