Chapter 83: No Regrets, No Fame (12)

Chapter 83: No Regrets, No Fame (12)

He Chun had gone three days without eating. As usual, Lady Zhao was the first to weep. Zhe Wan couldn't figure out where she learned this, but every time she cried, it was with exaggerated tones, wailing, "How can this be? Three days without food, how can anyone endure it—"

Her eyes were swollen from all the crying.

The Earl of England, however, viewed this as a positive development. He spoke a few comforting words through the door, keeping his distance.

Seeing Lady Zhao's relentless sobbing, he tried to reason with her, "He needs to come to terms with it himself."

He was somewhat relieved, "He Chun hasn't completely fallen yet."

His spirits were still lifted. This was due to him having been held in high esteem since childhood, with everyone catering to him. It would take more time for him to truly come down to earth.

Now, he seemed to be taking on a more grounded demeanor.

But Lady Zhao only remembered her son's three days of fasting, fearing for his wellbeing. In her desperation, she vented her grievances towards her husband, "Your words are empty, you do nothing. All I wish for is our children's safety, but you desire their wealth and status. You sent one into the palace, and now you want to send two more—"

The Earl of England, caught off guard, allowed her to speak these words, which made him break out in a cold sweat. Immediately, he sternly rebuked, "Nonsense! Stop talking at once!"

Zhe Wan dismissed the others, leaving only her and Song Yueniang behind – Song Yueniang was supporting Madam Zhao, unable to walk on her own.

Zhe Wan had intended to leave, but Duke of England stopped her, saying, "Eldest daughter-in-law, persuade He Chun to at least come out and eat something."

Three days of reflection and sorrow were enough; any longer would be detrimental to one's health. He had planned to come and reason with He Chun once three days had passed.

Zhe Wan nodded and made her way towards the study door. Standing some distance away, she would have to pass by Madam Zhao to reach the entrance.

As she walked past her, Zhe Wan could sense Madam Zhao trembling violently. She thought to herself that this time, Madam Zhao's grief seemed genuine.

Just as Zhe Wan was about to pass her, Madam Zhao suddenly shouted, "What right do you have to intimidate me? If you have the courage, direct your anger at Yingjie's grave—"

Before she could finish her sentence, Duke of England slapped her.

Her face swelled from the blow, and she stared at him in disbelief, "You dared to hit me?"

"I've mourned for your parents and bore your children – how dare you strike me?"

And he did it in front of their children.

Duke of England: "Do you have any idea what you're saying?"

He took a deep breath. "At our age, we shouldn't be the subject of ridicule for the younger generation."

Madam Zhao was so enraged she lost her wits. "What's so funny? If I'm a joke, aren't you an even bigger one? When Yingjie passed away, you knew very well what you said to the Empress Dowager and His Majesty. You claimed it was her fate, that she lacked blessings—"

Duke of England hissed through gritted teeth, "What else could I have said? Should I have thrown a tantrum like you?"

He knew Madam Zhao had been bottling up her anger.

And indeed, Madam Zhao couldn't hold back any longer. "Back then, you failed to protect Yingjie, and now you can't protect He Chun. What good are you? Why do you get to yell at me? If not for my children, would you be where you are today? Back then, His Majesty didn't think highly of you; he even called you a mediocrity! Have you forgotten all that? Huh? Do you want me to remind you?"

As she spoke, she grew more agitated, struggling to catch her breath.

The Duke of England's face darkened. He felt utterly humiliated. Clenching his teeth, he said, "Enough! I'll let it slide this time because you're concerned for He Chun."

Turning to leave, he was suddenly slapped across the face by Madam Zhao. Caught off guard, he dodged slightly but still got scratched on the neck by her nails.

He held his neck in anger. "You're insane! I still have to attend court tomorrow. Do you want to create chaos in the household?"

Indeed, there's wisdom in marrying for virtue.

He took a deep breath and said, "Calm down and think if you can utter those words outside!"

After he left with a swish of his sleeves, Lady Zhao collapsed on the floor in tears. Song Yueniang struggled to support her. "Mother, let's go back first."

If they didn't leave now, she wouldn't have the strength to hold her up anymore.

Lady Zhao wiped her face with a handkerchief and softly acknowledged. She looked at the door again, but Lihua Chun still hadn't opened it.

She sobbed, "He truly is heartless."

Once everyone had left, Zhe Wan spoke to Xuan Yue, "Ask someone to place the lunch at the entrance later."

Xuan Yue asked, "What if Eldest Young Master hasn't eaten?"

Zhe Wan replied, "Leave it for an hour. If he doesn't eat, take it away."

Xuan Yue sighed.

But this time, He Chun took the bait.

He couldn't stomach the lavish feast, only managing to drink half a bowl of porridge. With a ghastly pale face, he lay on the chair, asking Song Ting to summon Zhe Wan. "I might never leave this place alive."

Indeed, the emperor had truly cast him aside.

Zhe Wan simply responded with an "oh."

He Chun found her indifference appealing. Compared to his father's disappointment and his mother's excessive affection, Zhe Wan's cold demeanor as usual was a relief to him.

He studied her face intently and noticed that she was indeed very calm, unlike his own aura of despair. There was a vitality in her gaze and between her brows.

He began to admire her. "It seems like nothing can scare you."

Zhe Wan: "Is that all you wanted to tell me?"

He Chun shook his head.

He continued, "If I don't make it out, what would you think?"

Zhe Wan: "Whether or not you can leave, I will still do what I desire."

She had always lived by this principle, and she would continue to do so in the future.

He Chun coughed, then said after a moment, "It's good that you can think this way."

Zhe Wan smiled but didn't respond.

She hoped he would still say the same in the future.

He Chun paused and continued, "In this life, it seems I truly only have Chuan-ge as my heir. If I cannot leave, only he can carry on our family name."

"We must educate him well then."

Zhe Wan: "Is that so? Are you implying that you realize you haven't properly raised him before? Besides, your father and brothers are still there; it isn't Chuan-ge's turn yet."

He Chun fell into a long silence before he spoke, "They are them, not us."

This time, he had seen his father for who he truly was.

Father is quite status-conscious. But a son doesn't criticize his father. He didn't wish to share these thoughts with Zhe Wan, so he said instead, "You've just heard what Mother said. Father... According to Mother, back then, Sister didn't want to enter the palace at first, but Father insisted on sending her."

It was clear how ruthless Father could be.

This time would be no different.

He didn't need to guess to know that Father wouldn't have made any efforts for him outside. One, he couldn't do anything; two, Father was timid.

He was afraid of implicating himself.

As for Mother...

He whispered softly, "Mother loves both me and Sister, but in Third Brother's case, we must yield our positions to him."

"Mother still cries for me now because it hasn't been long since I fell. In due time, there will naturally be a hierarchy."

As for the others, "Second Brother keeps to himself, Third Brother looks down on me, Fourth Brother is conscientious, and Fifth Brother has some ambition but isn't capable enough for significant roles. Although we are blood brothers, you know that we haven't had much conversation in the past."

Now, he regretted it. "I should have interacted more with them."

As siblings, why hadn't they confided in each other before?

He Chun couldn't help but feel regretful. The only solace was that Zhe Wan still had some influence with the Empress Dowager. "In that case, I won't worry about you and Chuan-ge being bullied if I lose my power."

Upon hearing his seemingly heartfelt words, Zhe Wan found it rather amusing.

She recalled the same period in her previous life when, for some reason, he had suddenly become enlightened. He had called her and Chuan-ge in and first spoke to Chuan-ge alone for over an hour. Then, he summoned her and, with a solemn expression, said, "From now on, do more and speak less. Absolutely avoid causing trouble, or else even I won't be able to protect you."

Zhe Wan had thought something terrible had happened and nodded fearfully. When she asked what had transpired, he simply replied, "Mind your own business if it's not yours to know."

After that, she dared not inquire further. It wasn't until later that she realized: When had she ever caused trouble?

She had always strived for perfection. If not for her mother-in-law's harsh criticism and her siblings' scheming, she would never have encountered any mishaps.

She had been excellent all along.

Unfortunately, she came to this realization too late.

Addressing He Chun, she said, "If you're willing to teach Chuan-ge, then do so. Don't be inconsistent, showing up only occasionally, or Mr. Wu will make a mockery of you."

Not another word was spoken.

After lunch, she left for the shop. Upon seeing her, Manager Zhou exclaimed, "What a coincidence! Quick, mistress, look who's back!"

Zhe Wan's heart skipped a beat as Su Lan indeed rushed out of the house and threw herself into her arms.

"Mistress!"

Su Shan poked her head out, "Well then, I suppose I'll lend you my daughter's embrace for a while."

Zhe Wan was overjoyed. "Why are you back? Weren't you supposed to return in a month?"

Su Lan replied, "I rode back on horseback. It took quite a toll on several horses, but it was faster than traveling by waterway."

Zhe Wan led her to sit down. "Why didn't you come back with the tea?"

Su Lan answered, "Sister Yuan will deliver it when the time comes."

Zhe Wan was surprised. "And what about Minnan?"

Su Lan: "Don't worry, Master. We've been here for over three years, and we've established our own connections and networks. Since this is our first time sending tribute tea to the capital, we need to ensure everything goes smoothly."

Indeed, Zhe Wan replied, "Are you eager to return quickly, or is there something urgent that requires your presence?"

Su Lan: "Hastening our return is one thing, but I also want to come back first to gather information. The letter wasn't comprehensive enough. I'll pave the way, then let Sister Yuan take care of the finishing touches."

She continued, "Ever since the day I decided to hurry back, I haven't been able to sleep properly – thinking not only of you but also my aging mother, my son, and Erlang..."

Zhe Wan hastily said, "Then you should go quickly. I saw your little tiger the last time, carried by Mother Ming. He's grown quite big."

Upon hearing this, Su Lan stood up, ready to leave. She seemed to have grown taller, her complexion a bit darker, but her spirits were high, with a bright smile on her face. "Master, I'll be back after a short visit."

Zhe Wan: "No rush. Rest well first. There's still plenty of time."

Su Lan dashed out the door. Her husband, Xu Erlang, had been waiting for her at the entrance. Seeing her, he smiled. "Hurry, the little tiger misses you dearly. I sent a servant home to prepare wine and dishes for your mother. By the time we arrive, your favorites will be ready."

Su Lan exhaled deeply, "Finally, we're home."

Xu Erlang playfully teased her, "So, are you still going to Minnan?"

Su Lan: "Go!"

She continued, "Can't you come with me? Everything is already arranged over there. The house is spacious, and there's plenty of money."

Xu Erlang, however, needed time to consider. "You've just returned. Let's not discuss this matter now."

Whether they would leave or not could not be decided in the next two years.

As they walked away, Zhe Wan commented with a sigh, "Doesn't Su Lan seem more formidable now?"

Shopkeeper Zhou replied, "Of course. Wouldn't all her efforts be in vain otherwise? Life is like rowing upstream; if you don't advance, you'll retreat. Only the mediocre fall behind, but Su Lan isn't one of them."

Then, he told Zhe Wan, "She also brought back two people with her."

Zhe Wan: "Who are they?"

Shopkeeper Zhou: "They're from the family that Shopkeeper Zhang married into."

Zhe Wan recalled the situation. She remembered that Shopkeeper Zhang had married into a widow's household, where the widow seemed to have recently remarried her daughter.

Shopkeeper Zhou remarked, "Su Lan took pity on this mother and daughter pair, who had barely started to enjoy better days when the girl's husband stole their silver and fled. The relationship between her mother and Shopkeeper Zhang was more of a formality, but they were recognized as a married couple in the area. Leveraging Shopkeeper Zhang's reputation, she orchestrated a plan to capture her son-in-law and handed him over to the local clan hall. Afterwards, she joined Su Lan in her endeavors. This time, she has brought her daughter to the Capital City, hoping to secure some form of employment."

Zhe Wan: "Not returning?"

Shopkeeper Zhou: "I inquired, and she said that one should always strive for higher places—she wishes to come to the Capital City to broaden her horizons."

Su Lan remarked that the person in question was of impeccable character, and they had known each other for several years, establishing a bond of trust.

Shopkeeper Zhou commented, "Madam Cui has left, and I just happen to be in need of someone like her. Moreover, we deal in Minnan tea, so it's even better to have a capable person from Minnan around."

"Let me test them first. If they prove capable, I'll keep them, and they shall be well-rewarded."