The Qing Ben Family: Book 1 5: Fragrance Ground to Dust
0%
墨書 Inktalez
" prince Han, I have heard that you have recently sent people to Peixian in search of your family. We are brothers, and as long as you are willing to surrender and submit, I will release your father and wife. If you choose to be ungrateful, I will execute your family right before both armies and see how you will face the world’s warriors in the future!" 0
 
Xiang Yu sat high upon Black Steed Wu Zhui, a handsome man whose striking features had often been seen alongside his Yu Ji in recent days. 0
 
Every time Lu Zhi saw them together, she couldn't help but wonder why she couldn't be like prince Chu's Yu Ji, always by Liu Bang's side. 0
 
It was just a matter of fighting on the battlefield, just a matter of facing arrows and spears; she was not afraid to take risks as long as she could watch him and accompany him. 0
 
But alas... 0
 
Her gaze slowly turned toward Liu Bang. Everything he possessed today must have come at a great cost! Now, he had finally achieved his dream of becoming the esteemed prince Han. How could she bear to see him suffer humiliation for her sake? 0
 
She bit her lip, her teeth pressing tightly against her tongue, when she heard him respond with a long-lost booming voice, "Since you remember that we are sworn brothers, my family is your family. If you decide to execute them, please do not forget to share a bowl of soup with me." 0
 
Lu Zhi suddenly looked up, her pupils widening silently in shock, her heart feeling as if it had been tightened into a dried jujube pit. 0
 
She thought he would be troubled; she had even prepared herself for the possibility of sacrificing herself before both armies. Yet it turned out... he had never considered giving up anything for her. 0
 
Her body trembled uncontrollably, shaking like a leaf in the wind, her complexion seemingly withering away in an instant. 0
 
A mouthful of blood spurted from her lips as her body slowly fell backward. The sky above was so bright, just like the day she first saw it from atop a horse. 0
 
That day, who was it that gently said, "You, Lu Zhi, are the most important woman to me, Liu Bang!" 0
 
 
For eight years of marriage, she transformed from a sheltered young lady into a humble farmer, cooking and serving. She bore children for him, managed the household, and honored her parents-in-law. She endured the pain of longing and the agony of solitude for him. She suffered imprisonment and humiliation for him, and in return, all she received was this meager share! 0
 
Liu Bang, how cruel your heart is, how cruel! 0
 
In the autumn of 203 BC, Liu Bang used the Honggou Peace Talks to deceive Xiang Yu into releasing Liu Taigong and Lu Zhi. After being a hostage for two years and four months, Lu Zhi finally saw Liu Bang again, along with the Qi, who had come to welcome her back to the Han camp. 0
 
That woman possessed the youthful beauty that Lu Zhi once had. Her skin was delicate and fair as she smiled and bowed gracefully towards her. 0
 
"Sister!" the Qi slightly bent her knees; although it was a respectful address, there was no trace of reverence in her tone. 0
 
Lu Zhi gathered all her strength to shift her gaze towards Liu Bang. Deep down, she still held a glimmer of hope; perhaps he would offer her an explanation. Maybe the harsh words he spoke on the battlefield back then were merely a tactical decision. However, after Liu Bang held her hand and gently patted it twice in comfort, his gaze quickly returned to the Qi. 0
 
The other hand hidden in her sleeve slowly relaxed, revealing blood seeping from the crescent-shaped imprint in her palm. She lowered her eyes, concealing the sorrowful and indignant look within them from everyone around. 0
 
This man was no longer the pillar of support in Lu Zhi's life. 0
 
From that moment on, she remained silent until the following year when Liu Bang officially ascended to the throne and she was formally crowned as Empress. 0
 
When that heavy golden decree was placed in her hands while she stood in the main hall of Weiyang Palace, adorned in phoenix crown and colorful robes, she looked down at the ministers and palace maids kneeling before her and couldn't help but recall the time when Liu Bang had taken her riding in Peixian, asking if she enjoyed the feeling of being high above everyone else. 0
 
Back then, she had been consumed by romantic feelings, her heart racing like a startled deer. But at this moment, she felt as calm as still water. She knew she loved this feeling; however, she no longer wanted anyone else to grant her such lofty respect. 0
 
Only by becoming strong enough could she protect herself and those she wished to safeguard. 0
 
 
" Zhi'er, look, everything I wanted to give you back then, I can now!" Liu Bang held her hand as they walked towards Langhua Palace. 0
 
"I'm happy, of course I'm happy! Your Majesty's favor towards me and the Crown Prince and Princess is something I am deeply grateful for!" She knelt in reverence, hearing a satisfied laugh from above her. 0
 
That night, she washed away the years behind the screen, the delicate and fragrant rose petals could not restore the youthful softness of her hands. With her long hair cascading like clouds, she walked barefoot on the cold marble floor of Langhua Palace towards Liu Bang. 0
 
As the bright yellow silk curtains slowly descended, when she shed her fragrant robe, she caught a glimpse of Liu Bang's fleeting disappointment in his eyes, causing her heart to ache slightly. 0
 
Her body, now touched by the frost of time, could not compare to Qi Ji, could it? A cold smile played at the corners of her mouth. 0
 
Liu Bang seemed to snap back to reality, a hint of awkwardness and guilt rising within him, transforming into a long kiss that fell upon her neck with a sense of compensation. 0
 
The bright yellow satin blanket stirred like waves as Lu Zhi opened her eyes wide, gazing at the soft glow above the glass canopy, silently shedding tears. 0
 
The fragrant incense of yesteryears had finally dissipated into the air, never to return. 0
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Comment 0 Comment Count

The Qing Ben Family: Book 1
00:00/00:00
1X 1X

Display Setting

Font Size
-
18
+
  • Amy
  • Mary
  • John
  • Smith
  • Edward
The Qing Ben Family: Book 1

00:00

00:00

  • Amy
  • Mary
  • John
  • Smith
  • Edward