Chapter 192: Thank You
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
On a bitterly cold night, the wind howled, swirling snowflakes through the air. Rong Che stood outside the door, a statuesque figure against the icy backdrop, his shoulders blanketed with snow and his eyebrows frosted white.
When Madam Xu appeared, a vibrant glow ignited in Rong Che’s eyes. “Shi Yun…” he called out, his voice carrying through the cold air.
The brave general, usually fierce in battle but now awkward in tenderness, clumsily pulled a hand warmer from his coat and offered it to her. “Warm your hands. It’s snowing heavily.” His nose was red from the chill, and his hands had turned a shade of purple from the cold.
Madam Xu was taken aback by the gesture.
“The last time it snowed this heavily, you faced danger, and Marquis Yuan Ze rescued and then married you. This time, I won’t let anyone else have that chance,” Rong Che declared, locking his gaze intently on hers.
Lu Yuan Ze frowned, watching as Madam Xu took Rong Che’s hand.
“I’m not cold. Feel for yourself.”
Her hand was surprisingly warm against Rong Che’s icy, battle-hardened one.
Flushing, Rong Che stammered, “Re-really not cold, heh… heh…” His awkward laughter reminded one of a son from a wealthy family, unaccustomed to such personal exchanges.
Lu Yuan Ze’s expression darkened. “Why is General Rong here?” he demanded, his eyes fixed on their clasped hands. [What does this mean?! Why is Rong Che escorting her home at night? What are his intentions?]
A panic stirred in Lu Yuan Ze’s heart, a feeling of losing control.
Madam Xu pulled her hand away, but Rong Che tightened his grip for a moment, clinging to the warmth.
Facing Lu Yuan Ze, Rong Che let his formidable battlefield presence show—this was the fearsome general known across nations! Lu Yuan Ze instinctively stepped back, feeling an overwhelming intimidation from Rong Che’s imposing stance.
The legendary warrior’s reputation was indeed well-deserved.
“Of course, I’m here to escort Shi Yun. She’s as delicate as a flower; what if someone were to take advantage of her? While you may not care, others truly value her.” Sensing he might intimidate Madam Xu, Rong Che softened his aura and smiled at Lu Yuan Ze.
“I must express my gratitude, Marquis Yuan Ze. You truly are a benefactor to the Protectorate Duke’s family,” Rong Che said earnestly.
He had resigned himself to a life alone after his beloved married another. But then… Lu Yuan Ze divorced her.
Ahahaha!
It felt like a divine blessing, a joy so profound he woke up laughing from his dreams.
He had prayed before every deity he encountered, hoping they would lead Madam Xu and Lu Yuan Ze to divorce.
Yes, he was that brazen and humble, but he would never confess that to Madam Xu.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Lu Yuan Ze, confused, saw General Rong grasp his hand sincerely. “I’ve admired Shi Yun for eighteen years. Missing out on marrying her was my greatest regret. Thanks to your decision, I now have a chance.”
“You are a great benefactor to the Rong family. We will forever remember your kindness.”
Lu Yuan Ze’s heart seethed with rage, his breath heavy, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at Madam Xu.
“You… you and him…”
Madam Xu glanced at Rong Che, who was clearly provoking Lu Yuan Ze, yet she chose not to contradict him.
“What I have with General Rong is none of your concern,” she declared, moving towards the steps.
Rong Che looked sincerely grateful. “You are a good man. May you find peace and many blessings. Thank you, Marquis Yuan Ze, for this opportunity. I will remain grateful for the rest of my life.”
Ignoring Lu Yuan Ze’s reaction, he hurried after Madam Xu.
Once they were alone, Rong Che, with the eagerness of a lovestruck youth, turned to Madam Xu. “Shi Yun, did I do well?”
Madam Xu offered a reproachful smile. “You might just anger him to death with your words.”
“How so? I merely spoke the truth,” Rong Che replied, serious yet passionate.
Madam Xu sighed deeply, her expression troubled.
“General Rong…”
“You can call me Brother Che, like before,” he interjected, his eyes filled with hopeful anticipation.
Madam Xu’s demeanor softened.
“Brother Che, I’ve endured eighteen years of hardship in the Marquis’s household. I’m physically and mentally exhausted. I’m not sure how to open my heart to new feelings yet. Sometimes… I even recoil from other men. I… I haven’t decided yet…”
Rong Che’s eyes shone with understanding and compassion.
“Shi Yun, I won’t pressure you,” he assured her, his voice gentle.
“Just knowing you’re living well is enough for me.” His eyes moistened.
At that moment, baby Chao Chao, cradled in Madam Xu’s arms, was sound asleep, allowing Rong Che to speak freely.
Rong Che’s voice lowered as he touched his chest, trying to calm his own nerves.
“Do you know? I’m not the noble man you think I am.”
“I’m despicable, shameless, selfish, and lowly. I could never let go of the woman I love, but I also couldn’t bear to ruin her happiness.”
“So, I could only hope the heavens would intervene.”
“I’ve visited countless shrines and prayed to countless gods.”
“About a year ago…” Rong Che paused, his expression solemn.
“I discovered a small, broken stone statue. It was ancient and badly damaged, unrecognizable as any particular deity.”
“I offered it wine and food, believing in its power.”
“That night, I dreamt of you and Lu Yuan Ze loving each other. But in the dream, he kept a mistress for eighteen years, and there was no Chao Chao. You were left to care for Lu Jing Yao as your own, and she betrayed you, leading to the downfall of your family.”
“I saw the crown prince, foolishly doting on Lu Jing Yao.”
“I couldn’t bear the thought of you suffering like that. I let you go because I wanted you to be happy, not to witness you walking towards your demise!” Rong Che’s voice trembled with emotion, his eyes filled with tears.
Seeing Madam Xu’s stunned face, he chuckled self-deprecatingly. “I know it sounds absurd.”
“But then I learned Lu Yuan Ze indeed had a mistress. His daughter is named Lu Jing Yao, and his son, Lu Jing Huai. Everything matched my dream, so I believed it.”
He needed to return to the capital early, driven by this newfound knowledge.
Madam Xu, visibly shaken, clenched her fists tightly, deeply moved by Rong Che’s evident panic and fear.
“And in the dream, what happened to you?” she asked hoarsely, her eyes locked on his.
[He had betrayed North Zhao, joining forces with Xuan Jichuan to avenge Momma, only to die on the battlefield.] Chao Chao piped up from the side with her thoughts.
On the other hand, Rong Che hesitated, his expression troubled, but he chose not to reveal this dark outcome. Instead, he smiled faintly. “Don’t worry, I was very happy in the dream,” he lied, hoping to reassure her with his smile.
Tears began to fall from Madam Xu’s eyes, drop by drop.