31_days | [July 28] [Shendiao Xialu] The Divine Equation

Title: The Divine Equation
Day/Theme: July 28/loneliness is anger given a better name
Series: Shendiao Xialu
Characters: Huang Rong, Lady Ying
Rating: G

Shendiao Xialu © Jin Yong, et al.

"You must admit this place is much nicer than the Black Swamp," Huang Rong said, eyes resting briefly at each of the three houses - somewhat pointedly, Lady Ying thought. "You have company, too - human company. We are both old women now, Madam, and at our age all enmities are best buried. Your companions must have known this, as well."

"My companions are indeed good men, even if they care nothing for numbers." Lady Ying's eyes appraised Huang Rong shrewdly from amidst their network of wrinkles. "If you have the time, would you like to spend a night or two in my house? I have sheets of math questions waiting to be solved."

Huang Rong brought her hands together in a salute. "That sounds marvelous indeed - however, I'm very much occupied nowadays. There have been more attacks on Xiangyang lately, and they're getting more violent by the week. I heartily apologize. But Madam will, I believe, enjoy a long and peaceful life from now on. There will be plenty of time for you to work out those questions."

Lady Ying snorted. "Oh, you are just as glib as when you were a little girl."

"I am being perfectly sincere, I do assure you. But for Xiangyang's current situation, I would have invited you over." Huang Rong grew a little more sober. "Lady Ying, I beg of you, please don't look back and feel any regret about the forgiveness you have given."

"Because I'm too old now for things like spite and grudges?"

"No." Huang Rong sounded somewhat wistful. "Because you earn this contentment, and so do those two men."