Chapter 260: Double Standards Dog
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
“WHAT DID YOU SAY?!!”
Jiang Yuan’s voice cut through the air like a sharp shriek, her expression as if she had just witnessed the unthinkable. She stared at Rong Che, disbelief etched across her face.
“You want to marry into her family? Become Madam Xu’s live-in son-in-law? She doesn’t deserve it!” Jiang Yuan, only fifteen at the time, had been rescued by Rong Che during a dangerous escape from her home.
That same year, Lu Yan Shu had a mishap in the water, and Rong Che, worried about Shi Yun, secretly returned from his military post at the border to save her. This act of bravery cemented Jiang Yuan’s affection for him, and she vowed she would marry no one else.
Whenever there was talk of finding a suitable match for Rong Che from the Protectorate Duke’s Mansion, Jiang Yuan would sabotage it, ruining the chances of many potential brides. Once, a young girl innocently praised General Rong as a heroic ideal partner. Jiang Yuan, using this as a pretext, publicly humiliated the girl, who was also only fifteen and quite sensitive. Humiliated, the girl chose to marry far from the capital.
Jiang Yuan always saw Rong Che as hers alone. The sudden emergence of Madam Xu was a shock.
Rong Che’s face was set in an icy expression, his eyes distant and unyielding.
“You better be respectful to Shi Yun! If I catch you speaking ill of her again, I will not be merciful!” His tone was stern, his glare menacing, sending shivers down Jiang Yuan’s spine.
Tears welled up in Jiang Yuan’s eyes as she looked up at the stern, aloof general she adored. Rong Che was not just a formidable military man but also backed by the influential Protectorate Duke’s Mansion, and his sister was the queen. He was a catch by any standard in the capital.
“Didn’t you promise back then to remain single until North Zhao was at peace?! That you wanted no romantic distractions!”
“I simply don’t want distractions from you.”
“I only wish for distractions with Shi Yun!” Rong Che declared with conviction.
“You…” Jiang Yuan trembled with anger. “Your family is rich and powerful. She’s clearly after your status!” Jiang Yuan couldn’t accept it; she couldn’t bear losing to Madam Xu.
“There are plenty of powerful people out there. She must see something special in me!” Rong Che couldn’t help but smirk at his own flattery. “Don’t waste your efforts on me.”
Jiang Yuan burst into tears. “But I… I’ve loved you for so many years… I’ve waited so patiently. All I want is to marry you,” she sobbed.
“We have no bad blood… Why turn my kindness into hostility?” Rong Che looked at her earnestly.
Jiang Yuan turned ashen, devastated by Rong Che’s sharp words. “What’s so wrong with me… that you’d rather be a son-in-law in her family than marry me?” Her eyes, filled with sorrow, met Rong Che’s indifferent gaze as he scanned the crowd.
He was looking for his Shi Yun.
“I don’t like women who wear too much perfume… I don’t like yellow either. You always wear light yellow dresses. I don’t like chatty women; they irritate me. And your scholarly demeanor makes me feel uncouth. We’re just not meant to be. Don’t waste your time on me.” Rong Che’s words struck Jiang Yuan hard, each one a blow to her pride.
“Miss Jiang, my heart is taken. Please keep out of my personal matters and stay away from me. I’m about to propose, and I need to stay committed.” Rong Che maintained a respectful distance, his voice loud and clear.
Jiang Yuan’s frustration was palpable. Just then, Rong Che’s demeanor changed from stern to radiant as he spotted someone.
“Shi Yun… be careful, the floor is slippery,” he called out tenderly, his voice soft as though he feared startling her.
Today, Madam Xu was dressed in yellow.
“Shi Yun, yellow suits you wonderfully. And what is that delightful fragrance you’re wearing? It’s so fresh and appealing,” Rong Che complimented, trying to make conversation with Madam Xu, who merely smiled and thought him naive.
“It’s agarwood,” replied Deng Zhi, smiling gently.
Jiang Yuan inhaled sharply. Agarwood! She also wore it! And yellow! Even though Madam Xu was more learned, why did she receive such different treatment?
Rong Che escorted Madam Xu to her seat next to the Protectorate Duke’s grandmother, a place of honor.
“Sit here. You must be tired from the journey, right?” the old lady said eagerly, gripping Madam Xu’s hand warmly. Rong Che kept glancing their way, envious he hadn’t yet touched her hand. The old lady shot him a look, then patted Madam Xu’s hand as if to show off, “I’m holding my future daughter-in-law’s hand.”
“What are you doing amidst all these women? Leave us!” the old lady scolded him. Reluctantly, Rong Che stepped back, his gaze still fixed on Shi Yun.
Jiang Yuan, fueled by jealousy, eyed Madam Xu with hatred. As she moved to approach, a chilling sense of danger overwhelmed her. Her face paled, her teeth chattered, and she broke into a cold sweat. It felt as if stepping closer would lead to a bloodbath.
She turned stiffly to find Rong Che watching her with a cold, murderous intent. Shaking uncontrollably, she was engulfed by his intimidating presence. He wanted her gone. Just her mere presence near Madam Xu seemed an unforgivable offense to him.
“Tao’er, help me…” Jiang Yuan whispered fearfully, not daring to meet Rong Che’s gaze. She retreated to a corner far from Madam Xu, and only then did Rong Che look away. When he looked up again, he was starry-eyed, gazing adoringly at Madam Xu.
“I thought he was oblivious to love. Turns out… All his affection is reserved for Madam Xu. He’d even threaten my life for her…”
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
Lu Chao Chao, sitting quietly beside Madam Xu, occasionally peeked at Jiang Yuan. [That lady seems to have bad intentions towards Mommy… But she looks scared of Uncle Rong…]
The event was the queen mother’s birthday banquet, a grand celebration in the palace. The array of dazzling gifts caught everyone’s eyes, including little Lu Chao Chao’s.
Shortly after, the chief eunuch announced, “The king has arrived…”
As the king entered with the queen, everyone knelt and shouted, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”
“Long live the queen! Long live the queen!”
“Rise,” the king commanded gently. He led the queen to their seats, his tone warm and their interaction unusually intimate, leaving the gathered nobility and officials whispering. When had the king and queen become so close?