Just as Mu Junze was about to bring down the whip for the second time, he suddenly sensed something and tossed the whip to a guard. He turned around and grasped Su Che's hand, using his own body to shield Su Che from the horrific scene behind them. His tone was gentle.
"I didn't mean to scare you. Let's head back."
Su Che nodded. The force of that whip had indeed caught him off guard. It was the first time he had seen Mu Junze act with such intensity; he must have been quite agitated. However, Su Che knew that Mu Junze had held back. He never thought of Mu Junze as a gentle person.
A general who had fought on the battlefield and witnessed countless lives lost had given all his tenderness to him.
"I hope I didn't frighten you too much. I... I really didn't mean to..."
Mu Junze was flustered and anxious, fearing that Su Che would distance himself after being scared by him. Even though they were already married, Mu Junze's nervousness around Su Che had never diminished.
"I understand. You don't need to be so tense all the time. I want you to be your true self in front of me, the most genuine and free version of you. You should also give me a chance to understand you."
Mu Junze looked into Su Che's eyes, his own eyes slightly reddening. Unable to help himself, he leaned in and kissed Su Che, holding him tightly as if he would disappear in the next moment.
From then on, wherever they went, they were almost inseparable. Even Xun Yuan Emperor teased Mu Junze about it when he found out.
"You're a grown man, once a decisive warrior on the battlefield, respected by everyone as a prince. Why do you carry your wife around everywhere? It looks like you're about to hang her on your waist! Aren't you afraid of being laughed at? A dignified Duke Beiqin should maintain some decorum!"
"He's not going anywhere, and besides, he's not conjoined twins. He has his own things to do. Are you afraid that being so clingy will drive him away?"
After hearing Xun Yuan Emperor's words, Mu Junze realized that he had been overly possessive and had overlooked many things; he just felt that having Su Che by his side was the safest place for him.
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty."
"Yes, that's good to hear. Fortunately, Su Che has a good temperament and tolerates your antics. I will consider the matter regarding the Imperial Merchant; the Su Family is well-regarded by the people, so it should be fine."
Feeling embarrassed, Mu Junze scratched his head and became serious upon hearing about important matters.
"However, given your current relationship, it’s inevitable that people will criticize it, saying that the Su Family is benefiting from Duke Beiqin's status. Have you and Su Che discussed this?"
"Zi Qi means that since it is unavoidable, one might as well not worry about it. Being hesitant and cautious will not yield good results. He does not want to live in the eyes of others; he just wants to do his best within his capabilities and fulfill his responsibilities."
The Xun Yuan Emperor nodded, feeling a growing fondness for Su Che. He sensed that Su Che was exceptionally courageous, and he even looked forward to his future performance.
It had been a long time since such a pure and straightforward person had appeared in the court. On second thought, this might not be a bad thing. With Mu Junze around, even if someone wanted to reach out, they would have to think twice, especially considering Mu Junze. If Su Che could truly be utilized, he would be a sharp sword!
After returning, Mu Junze informed Su Che of today’s discussions. Seeing the apologetic look on Mu Junze's face, Su Che couldn't help but smile. He spoke gently and patiently, as if comforting a child. He never intended to blame Mu Junze; he understood that Mu Junze cared too much about him. They were both newlyweds, and it was important to take time to communicate and adjust.
Now that Mu Junze had realized this, it was easier for him to free up some time for his own matters.
Su Che organized his things in preparation for a short stay at home while also planning to address the issue of the mole. However, as soon as he entered the Su Family residence, he found everyone busy packing up. Confused, he inquired and learned that Xu Mu's mother had heard about Xu Mu's situation from somewhere; her condition had worsened, and the doctor said she only had a few days left.
Regardless of the circumstances, she was all alone now, with her only son imprisoned. The Su Family was the only one who could take care of her remains. Su Father and Su Mother couldn't bear it any longer and ultimately decided to step in and handle the situation.
Upon seeing Su Che return, Su Mother’s face was streaked with tears. Su Che hurried forward to support her.
"Che'er, your cousin... he's going to leave us soon. No matter what, it's the last chance to see him. Can we arrange for them to meet one last time?"
Hearing this, Su Father approached with an unhappy expression and tugged at Su Mother, softly scolding her.
"Do you think the government office is just any place? This is ridiculous! How can we do such a thing?! We have already shown enough compassion; this is just foolishness!"
Su Che quickly stepped forward to mediate, saying he would ask about it himself. After all, Aunt and Xu Mu were different; she was kind-hearted and a wonderful person.
Before Su Che could consult with Mu Junze about this matter, Mu Junze arrived at Su Father’s side with some people. Seeing the anxious atmosphere in the Su Mansion and preparations for a funeral made him worried.
"What happened? Is Xu Mu back?"
"Xu Mu? Isn't he in prison? What's going on? Why is Capital Garrison here too? Could it be…?"
Su Che had an uneasy feeling as he noticed Mu Junze's serious expression nodding in affirmation; he knew his suspicions were correct.
Xu Mu had escaped.
What he did not understand was that Capital Garrison was heavily guarded, and after that night, even more personnel had been dispatched. How could anyone have managed to slip away? Even if he had fled last night, it would likely be too late to pursue him now.
We can only investigate his accomplices and see if we can learn of his whereabouts, Su Che thought.
"Spread the news about Aunt's serious illness. If he is still in the capital, he will surely hear of it. If he is not... then it must be fate. We can also have someone keep an eye on Aunt's side, just in case he hasn't left the city yet."
Mu Junze nodded and gave the orders. He stayed behind, concerned for Su Che's safety.
The next day, the Su Family prepared to visit Xu Mu's mother. A scout brought news that a person resembling Xu Mu had been spotted at Worthy Prince's mansion but seemed to have been driven away before heading west out of the city.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Tao couldn't help but spit in disdain.
"Bah! Truly a disaster that brings ruin for generations; look at how he has escaped!"
Meanwhile, Su Che already understood and shook his head helplessly. The direction Xu Mu was heading was opposite to where his mother was located. Aunt Xu had been relocated to the eastern outskirts later on, initially to make it easier for Xu Mu to visit her. However, ever since Aunt Xu was settled there, Xu Mu had been returning less and less frequently, eventually barely visiting even once a year.
With the news released yesterday, if Xu Mu had been paying attention, he would likely have known by now. Now that he was heading west, Aunt Xu would probably leave this world with regrets.
…
At the same time, within Worthy Prince's mansion, Mu Tingxiu was in a furious rage, smashing everything in the room into pieces. The servants kept their distance, afraid to approach.
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