Prince Han whispered to Sheng Chumu, “This is your chance to get the woman you love. You can’t miss this opportunity, it will not come again.”
Sheng Chumu was expressionless. “Your Majesty, I would like a chance to render my service to the country. I want to leave Chang’an and protect the borders.”
Prince Zhou and Yan Zifang were surprised. They had thought that he would definitely ask for Fu Rou. They never thought that he would give up such a good opportunity.
“Sheng Chumu, are you okay?” What kind of situation was this? Protect the borders? If his consort were to know about this, she would throttle him! Prince Han stopped him. “Imperial Father, he must be overjoyed and is talking nonsense.”
“No, I am not delusional. In the past, I believed that the most important thing was romance. Now I have realised that love is just an unrealistic rosy picture. From today onwards, I am cutting off everything of the past. I am willing to go to the bitter-cold borders to strengthen my resolve and repay Your Majesty’s benevolence. I will bring honour to my family.” He was going to put the past behind him and start again!
Fu Rou never expected Sheng Chumu to misunderstand her so deeply and not even give her a chance to explain. He was going to leave once and for all.
“Since that is the case, I will allow it. Sheng Chumu, today Fu Siyan’s story surprised me. Now, you do not want rewards and even volunteered for military service. I am very happy today.” The Emperor would naturally not know about the reason behind it. He only cared about this great result.
While the Emperor was delighted, the people that left Ganlou Palace had mixed expressions.
Prince Han pinched Sheng Chumu. “Are you crazy? The border is a cold and bitter place. Is it even a place for humans? Why are you making things difficult for yourself?”
Sheng Chumu was indifferent as he walked past Fu Rou without glancing at her.
Prince Han glanced at Fu Rou before sighing. He chased after Sheng Chumu and shouted, “Not only are you harming yourself, you are implicating me as well. If your sister finds out that you want to go to the border and I did not stop you, she will take it out on me when I return.”
Prince Zhou walked behind Fu Rou and asked. “Do you regret it? Exposing your identity that day?”
Fu Rou looked at Sheng Chumu’s back view. He was determined to leave. Although she was heartbroken, she did not want others to see. “Should I regret?”
Prince Zhou’s tone changed to one of delight. “Maybe it is a good thing. Didn’t you like someone with a sense of responsibility and an indomitable spirit? With this, Sheng Chumu actually feels like a hero. It is much better than when he pesters you and forces you to abandon your family and duty.”
Fu Rou could not control herself and flared up. “You are mocking someone when they are already feeling down.”
Prince Zhou smiled once again. “Someone is not in the best mood now. I think I better make myself scarce.” With someone leaving on their own accord, he had ample time in the future.
When Fu Rou looked in the direction Sheng Chumu had left once again, he was already gone.
“I am sorry.” Yan Zifang walked up to her.
“A simple apology cannot make up for what you did.” No one could force her to lie about her own feelings. It didn’t matter whether Sheng Chumu misunderstood or not, it was not for a third party to interfere.
“Then why didn’t you report me? I hid news about Hong Yide and even kidnapped you.” If she had spoken the truth, he wouldn’t have gotten a promotion or rewarded. Perhaps, he would have even lost his life.
“I promised the person that rescued me to keep it a secret.” It was not because of their past.
Yan Zifang froze. “Lu Yingying?”
“I know that you hate Lu Yunji but Lu Yingying is innocent. Even if you cannot treat her well, you should at least not hurt her.” Based on her woman’s intuition, she could sense an ambiguous sentiment between the two of them. “Yan Zifang, what you cannot let go of is a mirage of your childhood. Don't miss the opportunity to be with someone in front of you just because of it.”
Yan Zifang remained silent and watched Fu Rou walk off.
Chapter 54.2: Mayfly
On this day, Sun Lingwei arrived at Fuan Temple to repay her wish. The previous time she came, although she did not manage to get a charm, she got a very auspicious item and it worked pretty well. Today, her elder sister had given birth to an Imperial Grandson and her relationship with the Crown Prince had been mended. Sun Lingwei’s relationship with Sun Lingshu was also better now and Sun Lingwei could enter the palace frequently.
She sent her maid, Guiyuan, away to buy some incense while she walked and looked around the temple. She slowly walked to the tree which she had cried under after she did not manage to buy a charm the previous time.
“Are you looking for me?” Someone jumped out from the tree with a mischievous smile on his face. He was charming and made people like him. He was the Sheng family’s third son, Sheng Chujun.
Sun Lingwei’s eyes lit up but her words went against her heart. “Who is looking for you? But you came at the right time.”
Sheng Chujun’s lips were about to tear open from how wide his smile was. “I know. The wish that you made…”
“Mmhm, it came true.” She was still thankful to him. “That unique peace knot was very useful. My elder sister gave birth to a son and now my brother-in-law is very gentle and caring towards her. She is no longer angry with me and treats me very well...oh right. Let me return this peace knot to you.”
“Since I gave it to you, it is yours. Why are you returning it to me?” How can someone take back a love token? “Is your surname Sun?”
Sun Lingwei found it strange. “How did you know?”
“What kind of person am I? To find out the name of a pretty lady in Chang’an…” He kept himself in check. He did not want to scare her away. “Mmhm, it is rare to have a lady from a wealthy family. I know you are called Sun Lingwei. You are the daughter of Minister Sun Tan. Your sister is the Crown Princess.”
“You are amazing. You know everything.” She gasped.
“I also know that in five days, you will come back to Fuan Temple to pray for your parents.” The most important thing is to set up their next meeting.
“I do not intend to come back in five days.” She did not react.
“You will definitely come. Because in five days, I will wait here for you.”
She answered seriously, “No.”
“Why not?” He guided patiently.
“It is not proper etiquette.” She was a very filial daughter.
“You are a daughter. Why is it not proper etiquette to pray for your parents? It is filial piety. As for me, I am also praying for my parents. It is very proper.” He was also a filial son.
“You make sense…” But something did not seem right.
He continued to push. “You are a filial daughter, I am a filial son. We bump into each other here and pray for our parents together. We talk to each other and hold hands. It is alright. As the saying goes, the environment and nurture determines a person’s character. We are all good and filial people. We should become closer and become good friends so we can influence each other to become better people. Don't you think?”
She nodded, not finding anything wrong with what he said.
“Moreover, aren’t I your benefactor? I even gave you the most valuable peace knot made by the Sheng family. Listening to me is a way of paying back my kindness. Your parents should have taught you that people need to repay other people’s kindness, right?”
“Mmhm.” She nodded heavily.
“You are too obedient.” He was so lucky.
His elder brother had gotten a female tigress. His second brother got a stubborn princess. Only he managed to find an obedient little cat. His lifetime of happiness was about to start.