Page 41

"Of course," assures Fu Yicen. "I'm already making arrangements."

Hearing this, Zhou Rendong finally graces him with a radiant smile, as gleeful as a child receiving a cherished toy.

"That's all I want. So that I can be buried next to my mother in the next life..."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Fu Yicen interrupts, "You'll live a long and fulfilling life."

Zhou Rendong tilts his head, looking at him with confusion in his eyes, "But father... The Prime Minister Zhou is guilty. Aren't we... all going to... die?"

Upon hearing these words, Fu Yicen feels a profound weight in his chest, as though someone is repeatedly stabbing his heart.

All these days, Zhou Rendong has been under the impression that if the Zhou family faced doom, he would be doomed as well. Yet, he seemed to have accepted that fate.

All to save the lives of the people in the southwest.

To ease their suffering!

How does this compare to the corrupt officials in the court who merely warm their seats?

This little one, despite never having felt warmth or kindness, had a heart like a mini sun, always radiating warmth and light.

How can he be so good?

How pure can he possibly be?!

"I won't let anything happen to you!" Fu Yicen said, his breathing heavy. Standing up, he declared with emphasis, "Even if the entire Zhou family faces execution, I'll protect you."

Zhou Rendong tilted his head, blinking in confusion, then after a few seconds, lowered it again.

"Weren't you planning to divorce me?"

"Divorce you?" Fu Yicen was perplexed, "Who told you such nonsense?"

Zhou Rendong blurted out accusingly, "You did! You told Miss Fu!"

Realization dawned on Fu Yicen, and he understood Zhou's unease.

He chuckled ruefully, "She won't show up again."

"Hmm?" Zhou's head shot up, blinking, "But... but just last night..."

Merely mentioning those words caused another sharp pang in his heart.

Everything clicked for Fu Yicen.

Could it be the incident behind the artificial mountain that he witnessed?

"Last night... we were both caught off guard," Fu Yicen finally admitted, "She tried to seduce me intentionally."

Zhou Rendong looked skeptical but seemed slightly mollified.

"I slashed my palm to remain lucid through the pain," Fu Yicen extended his bandaged hand, "When I heard that the Emperor had taken you, I rushed over immediately. I didn't do anything with her."

Zhou stared at his hand, lost in thought.

Knowing the potency of the drug himself, ordinary pain wouldn't suffice to counteract it. Was Fu Yicen severely injured?

"Last night..." Fu Yicen cautiously observed Zhou's expression, continuing when he saw no further agitation, "I had to intervene, or your body wouldn't have held on."

"You... didn't touch her last night?" Zhou asked tentatively.

Fu Yicen nodded firmly, "I've never laid a hand on her."

Zhou Rendong heaved a sigh of relief. The tension, confusion, and fear seemed to dissipate in an instant.

As if the very air keeping him upright escaped, Zhou crumpled softly to the bed's side.

"Dong'er," Fu Yicen hurriedly approached, holding him close, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead, "Silly Dong'er, it has always been only you."

Zhou Rendong managed a weak smile, slowly closing his eyes. The tears that had been pooling finally slid down.

He leaned against Fu Yicen's chest, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

His sole value lay in unearthing the embezzled funds of the Zhou family.

Now, with his task accomplished and left with nothing, if Fu Yicen intended to deceive him, he should just cast him aside as before.

Could he... could he trust, just this once?

Just once!

Having grown accustomed to companionship lately, he had become insatiably greedy.

He yearned to possess Fu Yicen.

Wanted him to be solely his, untouchable by anyone else!

Resting his head against the crook of Fu Yicen's neck, he nuzzled closer, reminiscent of a child seeking comfort, clinging tightly.

Fu Yicen took a deep breath, bringing over the cooling porridge, spoon-feeding him patiently.

"This is a New Year's gift."

Seeing him more composed, Fu Yicen retrieved a red pouch from his sleeve, handing it over.

"Why are you giving this to me?" He remembered receiving such gifts as a child from his mother, but weren’t they meant only for children?

"Wishing my Dong'er a year of health and smooth sailing," Fu Yicen said with a smile, ruffling his hair. "Whatever you lacked before, I'll make up for it gradually, alright?"

Tears prickling at the corners of his eyes, Zhou Rendong wiped them away, feeling a warmth in his heart, nodding in response.

The red pouch rejuvenated Zhou Rendong's spirits, fascinating and pleasing him. He turned it over in his hands, examining it closely.

After nearly half an hour, he finally climbed out of bed, dashing to where he hid his treasured bundle and silver, and opened it.

Curiously, Fu Yicen peered inside, spotting three grimy red pouches, each adorned with an embroidered winter jasmine flower.

The pouches were empty, devoid of contents.

Miscellaneous items lay scattered, none of particular value.

A jade pendant, broken in half, and... a protection charm.

Fu Yicen's gaze rested on the charm, his smile freezing, a distant memory cutting him deep.

Just three months into their marriage, the late Emperor passed away. With the northern barbarians growing restless, he was dispatched to lead the northern expedition.

Before his departure, risking punishment from the housekeeper, Zhou Rendong sneaked into his study, offering him this protection charm.

He had said that the barbarians were fierce and ruthless, hoping the charm would ensure Fu Yicen's safe return.

Fu Yicen assumed that Zhou Rendong visited his study to spy on the troop movements for Zhou Heng, helping them to gain an advantage.

Without reservation, he rebuked Zhou Rendong harshly, snatching the protective charm and tossing it out the door.

The snow was falling heavily then, accumulating a thick layer outside. The charm, once thrown, vanished beneath the white blanket, lost from sight.