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墨書 Inktalez
Although her sister no longer remembered their family, nor him, as long as she was alive, that was enough.
Over the years, he had never truly seen Su Rong for who she was; it seemed that experience always held its weight.
Perhaps he bore all of this alone to avoid causing them any trouble, which explained why their grandmother had taken a liking to him.
"When will Grandma be back?"
Thinking of this led him to another question. It had been two years since he last saw her, and he wondered how she was doing. Their bond was so strong; if it weren't for Su Rong caring for the Su Family, their grandmother wouldn't have gone south alone.
He still felt grateful towards her.
"It should be soon. Last time General Wei came by, he mentioned it would be in a month or two."
*
Meanwhile, Xia Muxin walked alongside Wei Jianshuang by her family's fish pond and chicken coop, glancing back at her from time to time. After a while, she asked:
"Do you enjoy this simple life?"
Although Wei Jianshuang had spent years fighting alongside her brothers, she had never experienced such a rural lifestyle. The unpleasant smell wafting from the chicken coop and duck pen was overwhelming, and the strong fishy odor from the pond made her momentarily speechless at Xia Muxin's question. However, she was not one to flatter or tell lies; she shook her head with a smile:
"No matter how beautiful it is, it's not suited for me."
Indeed, she wasn't accustomed to this kind of country life. They washed their clothes in a river, had no proper bathroom, and cleanliness was not a priority when it came to meals. She had standards in these matters; even on the battlefield, she maintained discipline.
She had always relied on her own abilities rather than the protection of her brothers.
She sat upright, never afraid of what others might say. It was precisely because of her demeanor that no one dared to gossip about her.
However, Su Yan-Chu was an unexpected presence in her life. This man stirred a deep sense of protectiveness within her, making her want to shield him for a lifetime.
Previously, she had disliked Su Yan-Chu, viewing him as a coward who had fled to such a distant place from the capital to avoid battle and death. He had even become a merchant, which she despised. Yet, as she got to know him better, she found herself gradually attracted to him—not just because of his straightforwardness and intelligence in business, but because of who he was as a person.
On the surface, he appeared weak and gentle, but beneath that exterior lay a resilient spirit. He was like a block of ice that could not be warmed. She had followed him for over a year, yet he remained distant from her. Even their first kiss had been something she orchestrated; he had run away, more shy than she was.
Thinking of this made Wei Jianshuang's face flush. Perhaps in her subconscious, she didn't truly favor men like him, yet she found herself inexplicably drawn to him.
Watching his aloofness left her increasingly confused. She didn’t know how to capture his attention. Sometimes, she felt resentment toward Xia Muxin because he still held feelings for her, even though she was married and had children.
"So... do you love him?"
Xia Muxin smiled knowingly. She couldn't change someone's upbringing; it was evident from her eyes that she disdained merchants, which is why she asked so directly.
Love...
In this feudal era, how many people would openly admit to such feelings?
Perhaps Shen Muhan was just an exception; otherwise, Shen Muqing and Yan Zhouwan would have married long ago instead of dragging things out for so long.
But for Wei Jianshuang, she believed herself to be a woman who loved boldly and hated fiercely, which is why she asked so straightforwardly.
It was evident that Wei Jianshuang was conflicted at that moment, as her expression betrayed everything. However, Xia Muxin understood deeply that she and Wei Jianshuang would never become friends, for she lacked the warmth to integrate into Wei Jianshuang's mundane life.
Xia Muxin's question made Wei Jianshuang's heart tremble, prompting her to reflect on whether her feelings for Su Yan-Chu were love or merely a sense of pride in conquest.
Such a question had never crossed her mind before, but today, when Xia Muxin asked it, she suddenly realized.
Yet, in that moment, she didn't know how to respond to Xia Muxin.
Love...
A simple word, yet ultimately difficult to utter.
"From a friend's perspective, Su Yan-Chu is very considerate and someone worthy of lifelong trust. It's just that he is indifferent to worldly affairs—he doesn't seek power or engage in conflict. He stays away from the hustle and bustle, relying on no family connections, starting from scratch to achieve what he has today. His efforts are undeniable and cannot be erased. Everyone's dreams are different; while you enjoy the thrill of battle, he prefers tranquility and comfort. But if there’s no compromise, what meaning is there even if we are bound together?"
Perhaps it was this very ideology that mattered to Su Yan-Chu, leading them to their current state. After all, Xia Muxin had observed closely that Su Yan-Chu had not looked at her even once.
Not to mention they were not just an engaged couple; even ordinary friends wouldn't be this indifferent.
"Is this why you called me out?"
Wei Jianshuang's lips curled into a faint smile as she gazed at Xia Muxin for a long while before finally asking.
"Sort of. I just want you both to be able to move forward together. From a friend's standpoint, I hope he can find happiness. Perhaps you understand him better than anyone else. Why does the Su Family choose to distance themselves from him, preferring to dote on a woman with no blood ties?"
These were things Shen Muhan had later mentioned to her. Although he only touched upon them briefly, she still felt sympathy for him—simply because his fate clashed with that of Prime Minister Su's family, they ostracized him. This must have been why he chose to leave home.
In truth, many things we only see superficially; without a deep understanding, we are never qualified to judge.
Perhaps in business, Su Yan-Chu can be a bit cunning at times, but Unmerciful has always adhered to the unchanging law.
However, after being alone for twenty years, it is time for him to end such a life.
The Su Family can no longer hold their pride; they have now remembered that they have such a son and are trying every means to bring the two together, even issuing a strict order that they must marry.
Actually, Xia Muxin does not intend to play the mediator; she simply wants Wei Jianshuang to integrate into the world of someone she likes while also allowing that person to enter her own world. It would be unfair otherwise.
Having grown accustomed to a life of fighting and killing, genuine emotions rarely surface, and even the way one looks at others is different. If she does not lower her head, even if they end up together, it will only be a matter of time before they hurt each other deeply.
Perhaps only those with families and children can truly understand this point.
No relationship can remain at a constant temperature for a lifetime. Instead, it fulfills the saying that over time, couples become like old friends—inseparable yet interchangeable. However, similarly, one can also hold another hand.
What allows a couple to reach the end is not just mutual responsibility or children; it may involve more tolerance and respect.
Perhaps it is that silent understanding that becomes habitual.
"No matter what happens, I must thank you. I know I am strong-willed and may even force him to like everything about me. Yet I have never followed him in liking what he wants. Perhaps this is our greatest difference, and no wonder Shen Muhan is so obedient to you."
Perhaps this is what makes Xia Muxin unique; as long as a man has eyes for her, he will remember her for a lifetime. Even if they cannot become husband and wife, Wei Jianshuang feels inferior in this regard but will still love the person she cares for in her own way.
Honest words may be hard to hear; Xia Muxin takes her advice to heart and considers Su Yan-Chu's feelings. However, she will not imitate Xia Muxin nor deceive Su Yan-Chu in her mannerisms. What he needs is for Su Yan-Chu to genuinely remember her in his heart.
And for a lifetime.
In just a few simple words, Xia Muxin finished what she had to say, only to realize that there was nothing else to discuss.
“Muxin, weren’t you supposed to cook today? It’s getting late; shouldn’t we get started?”
The atmosphere fell into an awkward silence due to the lack of conversation. However, Yan Zhouwan suddenly spoke up, successfully rescuing Xia Muxin from the discomfort. She quickly replied, “I got it, I’ll be right there.” With that, she turned to Wei Jianshuang and offered an apologetic smile. “Look at my forgetfulness. Shall we head back together?”
“No, I’d prefer to walk alone for a bit.”
Wei Jianshuang smiled back at her, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes as she coldly replied.
After nodding, Xia Muxin turned and left.
She wasn’t quite accustomed to such situations and wondered if today’s encounter would be of any use or if it might lead to misunderstandings. She felt Wei Jianshuang looking at her with the gaze of a rival, which made her very uncomfortable.
“How was it? Was her attitude okay?”
After walking for a while, Yan Zhouwan quickly caught up with her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, leaning in to whisper in her ear.
“It was nothing. I don’t know why you’re so nervous. She’s just an ordinary person, right? Besides, I’m just being hospitable; it’s not like I’m afraid she’ll eat me alive.”
- End of Chapter -
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