She was slightly astonished. “I know I should not have come but I couldn't help but try. When I think about it, I am embarrassed. Please take it as if I did not come here today.”
“Sheng Chumu already has someone else.” His source of news was a lot better than hers. “Lian Yan’er from Swallow House. Back then, she was Sheng Chumu’s confidante. Now, she has entered the Duke Lu Residence. He is supposed to reflect at home yet he has beautiful company. He is not as lonely and pitiful as you imagine him to be. Fu Siyan, you should start thinking about yourself.”
She turned sharply. “I don’t believe you. Although Sheng Chumu is not perfect and we have gone through many things, he is not indecisive.”
He snorted, “You are so confident in yourself? Fine! Then let’s make a bet. If you lose, you have to accompany me for a day.”
She silently agreed. There was a small gap in her heart that she had always hoped to make up for. However, since Sheng Chumu did not give her a chance, she had to create one for herself!
A few days later, the book <<Broad Geography>> was completed. Prince Han took the chance when the Emperor was happy to help Sheng Chumu get out of his house reflection punishment. Prince Zhou made an arrangement with Fu Rou to go to Duke Lu Residence on the day that Sheng Chumu had duty. When it was about time, Sheng Chumu wore a set of light armour and walked out of the door looking impressive.
Prince Zhou wanted to smile but did not. “Do you want me to go with you? I can lend you my shoulder to lie on in case you want to cry and become too weak to stand…”
Fu Rou looked at him coldly. Prince Zhou raised both his hands in surrender. “Fine, I talked too much. Go then, I will be here waiting for you to come back crying.”
Fu Rou ignored him and prepared to walk up to Sheng Chumu. However, she saw a lady run out of Duke Lu Residence. She was gorgeous and had an enchanting aura.
“Chumu, you forgot your wallet.” Her movements were gentle as she pulled on Sheng Chumu’s sleeve.
Prince Zhou made a yo sound. “That is Lian Yan’er.”
Fu Rou pursed her lips tightly. They could hear what they were saying from where they were standing. Sheng Chumu took the wallet from Lian Yan’er. “Only you are careful.”
Lian Yan’er pouted playfully. “Is being careful my only good point?”
Sheng Chumu smiled as he praised her. “Not only are you careful, you are skilled as well. You managed to deal with my mother so well.” His ears could finally rest and he did not need to worry about looking at pictures of noble ladies whenever he opened his eyes.
Prince Zhou looked down and saw Fu Rou’s pale face. “Forget it, let’s return to the palace.” What kind of bet is this? He felt a stinging feeling in his heart.
However, Fu Rou took a deep breath and walked up determinedly. When Sheng Chumu saw Fu Rou, his smile froze. Lian Yan’er took a step back but continued to hold onto Sheng Chumu’s sleeve.
“What relationship do you have with this lady?” Fu Rou asked Sheng Chumu. There are times the truth is not what you see. She wanted to hear him say it personally.
Sheng Chumu’s eyes flashed before he lifted his chin obstinately. “What relationship do I have with her?” He pulled Lian Yan’er to his side. “You have no right to ask!”
Fu Rou’s eyes turned cold. “Repeat that.”
Sheng Chumu’s heart seemed to shrink but he remained harsh. “It will still be the same even if I say it a hundred times! Do you think I will always be a fool in front of you? Do you think I will still be devoted to you after getting played by you over and over again? From the start till the end, it was always you then let me down. Who are you to criticize me? We have already cut off our relationship and have nothing to do with each other! It does not concern you whether I have a woman by my side or am in a relationship!”
Fu Rou fell silent for a moment before chuckling in bitter silence. “Okay, I understand.”
Sheng Chumu looked at Fu Rou’s departing figure as his hand that was on Lian Yan’er shoulder fell weakly to his side. His anger filled gaze quickly turned cold and filled with pain.
Lian Yan’er, however, snuggled tightly up to him. “Chumu, your speech just now was so powerful.”
“Ah?” Sheng Chumu stared blankly. “Just now? What did I say?”
Lian Yan’er smiled gently. “You said that that woman treated you like a fool and kept playing you. You said that you have already cut off all ties with her and have nothing to do with her. You were so grand and manly when you said it.”
Sheng Chumu suddenly yelled, “No!” He rushed in the direction that Fu Rou was leaving as he shouted. “Rou’er, I don’t mean what I said!”
What was he playing at? He had been intentionally avoiding her recently and even went to the borders. But all it did was to embed her shadow more deeply into him. This time, she came to find him on her own accord. Isn’t this the best chance for him to step down?
However, when Sheng Chumu turned the corner, he quickly halted in his steps. Once again, he looked on as Fu Rou extended her hand out to Prince Zhou and rode away with him.
“Sheng Chumu, how many times do you want to get played by her? How many times must it be before you are done?” He grabbed the small dagger by his waist and fiercely stabbed it into his thigh. Fresh blood gushed out. He did not even frown. “I swear on my own blood that I will not make the same mistake ever again. I will not have any hope for Fu Rou anymore. I will not be delusional, obsessed or stubborn! Even if she kneels and begs me, I will not give in!”
Chapter 67.1: Treacherous
The sandalwood gave out a string of distinct smoke. The Crown Princess was arranging flowers. Pine branches and chrysanthemums were the main highlight while reed grass was used to decorate. The entire set up looked noble. Consort Han sat by the side, sipping tea with her eyes lowered. One small sip, another small sip. She looked graceful and carefree. One could not be bothered while the other had nothing to say.
As Consort Han drank her tea, she cursed Prince Han in her heart. Prince Han had taken credit for Sheng Chumu and expressed that he may have done something wrong. He should not have presented the <<Broad Geography>> book on the first court session that the Crown Prince attended after hurting his leg. It seemed like he was trying to steal the Crown Prince’s limelight. The Crown Prince was unhappy. Hence, he wished for Consort Han to accompany the Crown Princess. He wanted her to chat, give a gift and laugh with her, in hopes of salvaging some of their brotherhood.
Ever since the Crown Prince was injured, Consort Han had never visited. First of all, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess had made use of the situation to make her husband suffer. Secondly, they were petty and had caused her younger brother to suffer. She recalled how this couple had forced her husband to go onto the battlefield. She did not even complain. In the end, because of some nonsense spouted by a seamstress, the couple started to have the intent to hurt them and was dictating what was right and wrong.
The truth was ever since the Crown Prince married Sun Lingshu, the relationship between the Eastern Palace and Han Mansion had deteriorated. Sun Lingshu only knew how to convince the Crown Prince by making use of their couple relationship. Sun Lingshu has already given birth to an Imperial Grandson and gained the Crown Prince’s love. She should have cheered up. Why does she still have such a sinister aura? Ultimately, Consort Han was from a military general family and she could not stand the Crown Princess.
However, as Consort Han saw that her teacup was almost empty, she thought of her husband’s plump face and round eyes. Her heart softened.