Chapter 305: United in Life and Death
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
“Yes, we must get out of here!” someone shouted from the crowd.
“I’m not sick! There aren’t any red spots on me! Why should we be locked inside this city to die?!” another voice cried, filled with desperation.
“There are so many of us here; can’t we break through the city gates?” a third voice chimed in, brimming with a mix of fear and anger.
“The king has abandoned us! The court has abandoned us! The royal physicians can’t save us; they can’t save any of us! Waaaa…” The crowd’s emotions were on the brink of an eruption.
Watching their neighbors collapse, one after another, the people grew increasingly terrified.
“Desolate City’s people are the descendants of criminals. It was our ancestors who committed crimes, but do we deserve to die too? Should all tens of thousands of us perish?” a man shouted, his voice raw with anguish.
“Let’s go! There are so many of us; can’t we break through the gates?” another yelled, the fear turning into fury.
“At worst, we’ll go down fighting!” a bolder voice declared, and the crowd echoed with agreement, gripping anything they could use as a weapon—hoes, kitchen knives—rage twisting their faces.
Lu Zheng Yue felt a chill crawl up his spine as he gazed down from the city wall. Rows of soldiers stood there, their bows drawn, arrows aimed straight at the city gates. Below, more soldiers held long swords, their presence cold and commanding.
“You officials hide behind the scenes, waiting for us to die off so you can leave,” a man accused, pointing a shaking finger toward the City Lord’s mansion.
“Then let’s go down fighting! We want out too!”
“If we die, but our children get out, it’s worth it!” another cried out.
The crowd’s shouts grew louder and louder, their voices like a storm, each word tightening the tension on both sides like a drawn bowstring ready to snap.
The people of Desolate City were many. If they truly charged through the gates, fearing no death, it would surely bring chaos to North Zhao.
“You officials only exploit the people! You don’t care if we live or die! I’ll fight you to the death!” a man standing in the shadows suddenly roared, his eyes wild and bloodshot.
Without warning, he slashed his arm with a knife, the blood spurting out and staining his hand. Then, like a madman, he rushed at Lu Zheng Yue, intending to smear his blood on him.
Rumors had spread among the common people that the disease could be transmitted through blood, saliva, or even air. This man was willing to risk everything to spread it.
“Go to hell! Come down to hell with us!!” he screamed.
Bang!
A loud crash echoed across the tense atmosphere. Rong Che had returned just in time. He kicked the crazed man to the ground, the impact sending him sprawling.
The man howled in pain as Rong Che continued to kick him, each strike more punishing than the last.
“You scum! Who gave you the guts?!” Rong Che roared, his fury unrestrained.
Lu Zheng Yue watched without stopping him. His eyes were cold as steel. Only when the man was nearly unconscious did he speak.
“Regarding this epidemic, I, Zheng Yue, have never hidden behind the scenes, fearing for my life. I’ve always stood on the front lines. Does anyone have any objections?” His voice was strong, unwavering.
The crowd fell silent, lips pursed tightly.
“I know you are worried—worried that the court has abandoned you. But here I swear, I will not slaughter this city, nor will I abandon any of the people!” he declared. “I will stand firm until the end!”
“As an official of the court and its representative, let me set your hearts at ease!” With that, he bent down, scooping up a handful of the man’s blood from the ground.
A collective gasp rose from the crowd.
He tore off his face veil and faced the sick without hesitation, his face calm, blood dripping from his hands as he held them up for all to see.
“My father was Marquis Zhongyong, my stepfather is the Protectorate General, my mother is a first-rank royal lady, and my sister is Princess Sunshine! I swear to live and die with the people of Desolate City!” His eyes were bright and unyielding, the stars in them shining with a fierce resolve that left the crowd in awe.
The once raging crowd suddenly quieted down.
Creak.
The gates of the General’s Manor slowly opened, revealing a figure dressed in fiery red—Wen Ning. Her face was calm but determined, wearing a bright red wedding dress. She walked up to Lu Zheng Yue, lifting her veil with a gentle yet firm hand.
Lu Zheng Yue instinctively stepped back, his hands still stained with the blood of the infected.
But Wen Ning only smiled softly. She reached out and intertwined her fingers with his bloody hand.
“I am his fiancée. We, as a couple, will live and die with the people of Desolate City! We will not abandon anyone!” Her voice was soft, but it carried immense strength.
She blinked playfully at Lu Zheng Yue. [Live or die, I just want to wear a red wedding dress for you, even if only for a day.]
She feared regret, the same kind she had seen in her dreams!
Lu Zheng Yue’s throat tightened. He took a deep breath, forcing back his tears.
The tension broke like a dam. Weapons clattered as they were dropped to the ground, one by one. Some of the children began to cry, and the crowd’s anger slowly dissolved into something softer.
The military leader looked at Rong Che, silently asking if they should seize the opportunity to subdue the people. But Rong Che shook his head slightly.
“Sir… Zheng Yue, we hold no grudge against you. Over these past days and nights, you’ve stood guard at the medical clinic, never fearing infection. We all see it,” a man from the crowd said, wiping his eyes.
“You are a good man,” another voice said, filled with emotion.
An elderly woman slowly walked forward, her steps heavy with years. She suddenly knelt down, her voice trembling, “My lord, I’m not afraid to die. But my granddaughter is only three; she doesn’t understand anything. Please let her leave.”
“I’m an old woman; I’ve lived long enough. I can die, but the children are innocent…” Tears fell down her wrinkled cheeks.
Thud, thud…
More people knelt, pushing their children forward.
“Lord Zheng Yue, the little ones are innocent. They are only a few years old, yet they must stay in Desolate City to die. Please, save them…” pleaded a man, his face desperate.
“We don’t want to make things difficult for you, but who can watch their children die?” the old woman wept.
“We don’t want to harm North Zhao, nor involve innocent people. No one wants to be remembered as a villain for a thousand years…” another said, his voice breaking.
“We are descendants of criminals, and we wish to leave a good impression for future generations. But everyone has a selfish heart. We want to find a way for our children to survive…” The old woman held her frail granddaughter in her arms, shedding silent tears.
The child, born in Desolate City, became a descendant of criminals. Her life had been bitter beyond measure. Now, she didn’t even have a chance to live.
Lu Zheng Yue’s voice was hoarse with emotion, “Bring the children temporarily to the General’s Manor.”
“Thank you, Lord Zheng Yue! Thank you, Lord Zheng Yue!” The crowd knelt and kowtowed.
“Chao Chao, you can stay in the west courtyard for now. We’ll let the children live in the east courtyard. Is that alright?” Lu Zheng Yue asked, concerned that his sister might get infected.
Chao Chao nodded, her little face serious.
Rong Che led the crowd back to the medical clinic for resettlement. The poor children, with their wide eyes and thin bodies, stood in front of them, trembling with fear.
Lu Zheng Yue softened his expression, crouching down to their level. “Don’t be afraid. Uncle Lu will take you to wash up, alright?”
Though scared, the little ones nodded and followed him quietly.
“These children are their weak spot,” Wen Ning whispered softly to Lu Zheng Yue.
“Second Sister-in-law…” Chao Chao suddenly called out, her little voice breaking the silence.
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
Wen Ning’s face turned bright red.
“I… I haven’t married in yet,” Wen Ning stuttered, biting her lip shyly.
Chao Chao beamed, “Even though the wedding hasn’t happened yet, Chao Chao knows you’re the best sister-in-law! I don’t want anyone else but you!”
In both her past and present lives, Wen Ning had done so much for her second brother.
After everyone had left, Chao Chao quietly tiptoed back into her room. She pulled out a small hidden bottle and carefully released Xing Hui.
Xing Hui’s form was almost transparent, his divine essence scattered, on the verge of fading away completely. He had wandered in the mortal world for thousands of years; his mind had long been lost in the endless passage of time. But when he saw Chao Chao, a flicker of clarity returned to his ancient eyes.