Chapter 257: Life and Death, Never to Meet Again

Chapter 257: Life and Death, Never to Meet Again

A'Ruo shook her head, "Auntie, I'm fine."

"Don't lie to me. Auntie has watched you grow up. How would I not know what you're like?" Auntie looked much better this afternoon and was able to sit up to talk with A'Ruo.

A'Ruo forced a smile, "Auntie, what was I like before?"

"Our A'Ruo used to be the liveliest child, always running around like a little boy. You were always jumping up and down, without a single rule of a girl."

Hearing this, A'Ruo was startled. She had forgotten what she was like before. Her tears, which had already dried, began to fall again.

Auntie hurriedly reached out to wipe away her tears, saying painfully, "Auntie knows. Being a concubine is never truly satisfying."

"Marrying into a higher status is like swallowing needles, but becoming a concubine is like swallowing ten thousand needles. No matter how well the main family treats you, if you become a concubine, you'll always have grievances."

Tears began to roll down uncontrollably.

"A'Ruo, don't cry."

"Auntie!" A'Ruo hugged her tightly.

At that moment, she finally regretted it.

She regretted not listening to her, regretting her past foolishness, regretting all her previous actions.

Clearly, the path of a legitimate wife was laid out before her, but she didn't choose it.

She had caused trouble all her life and ended up as a concubine to Cheng Yunshuo, and she was even happy about it.

She believed that as long as she had favor, she had nothing to worry about.

But in reality, she had nothing!

If she had married as a legitimate wife, even if the person didn't love her, there would still be respect. Just like Lu Lingyun, who had respect and power throughout her life. Now, she's in a miserable state!

She truly regretted it!

"Cough, cough, cough!" Auntie coughed violently.

A hint of blood spread around A'Ruo. She looked up to see her coughing up a mouthful of fresh blood.

"Auntie!"

"Don't cry. Auntie is fine."

"Auntie, I'll go get a doctor!"

"No need to get a doctor. Auntie is leaving." Auntie tightened her grip on A'Ruo's hand, "The only thing I can't let go of in this world is you. You lost your mother at a young age and had a hard life. They all say you're rebellious, but Auntie knows you just wanted people to like you more. After Auntie is gone, you must take good care of yourself."

A'Ruo cried uncontrollably.

Seeing this, Auntie forced a smile, "No more crying. Our A'Ruo used to be a brave woman."

Upon hearing the words 'brave woman,' A'Ruo was stunned. She quickly stood up and wiped her eyes vigorously, "Auntie, I'll go get a doctor for you. I have to save you!"

"A'Ruo! Cough, cough, cough!"

A'Ruo took her brother's horse and rode straight to the Marquis's mansion.

She had to find Cheng Yunshuo; this was her final plea.

The very last time.

The horse swiftly reached the Marquis's Mansion, and she immediately sensed something was off.

A new courtyard called Bishui Pavilion had just been opened in the back.

And two red lanterns had been hung up.

She stood there stunned for a moment, then heard the servants whispering, "Another new concubine has entered the mansion."

"The new one looks just like the one who used to be at Yuerong Pavilion."

"Yes, everyone agrees she looks just like the one from Yuerong Pavilion. She’s sure to be favored!"

In her daze, Du Ruo understood.

Bishuo had entered the mansion.

But at this moment, she didn’t care about Bishuo at all. She needed to find someone and ask where Cheng Yunshuo was. Looking up, she saw Cheng Yunshuo approaching.

"Crown Prince!"

Her form of address had completely changed from Master to Crown Prince.

Du Ruo hurried to Cheng Yunshuo and dropped to her knees with a thud.

Seeing Du Ruo appear at this moment, Cheng Yunshuo frowned slightly.

"What is it again? If it's about Bishuo, just keep quiet."

"It's not about Bishuo," Du Ruo pleaded, her face gaunt. "Crown Prince, I was ignorant and angered you before. Please forgive me; I won’t upset you again or speak ill of... Concubine Li."

Hearing this, Cheng Yunshuo’s frown deepened.

"What is it that you want?"

"Please, Crown Prince, help me summon the imperial doctor one more time!" Du Ruo bowed repeatedly.

Cheng Yunshuo had never seen Du Ruo like this before.

Whether the naive or spirited Du Ruo, she had never acted like this before.

Now, it seemed her spirit had been dulled by hardship, and she had finally learned the obedience and understanding he had always wanted.

But this new side of her...

"Get up!"

"Crown Prince, I won’t stand until you help me!"

Du Ruo had seen the reality clearly and understood her position. She had no support or capital to make Cheng Yunshuo do anything for her.

She had none, so she would beg!

In any case, she wouldn’t act foolishly or cause pointless trouble. She had learned her lesson.

Cheng Yunshuo felt a deep ache in his heart seeing her like this. The thudding sound of her forehead hitting the ground resonated deeply within him. His tightly pressed lips began to loosen. Just as Cheng Yunshuo was about to respond, a gentle voice interrupted.

"My lord, why are you still here?"

Bi Shuo emerged from Bishui Pavilion in a peach-colored gown, the traditional attire for a newly admitted concubine.

"Isn't this Concubine Du? Concubine Du, what are you doing? Please speak clearly," Bi Shuo gracefully approached.

With Bi Shuo's words, Cheng Yunshuo also said, "Get up and speak."

"Crown Prince, please ask the imperial physician to save my aunt!" Du Ruo begged, still prostrating herself.

Seeing this, Bi Shuo frowned and said, "Concubine Du, this doesn't seem like a request, but more like coercion! Though I, Bi Shuo, am of lowly status and shouldn’t interfere, I am, after all, from the palace. Imperial physicians aren't just anyone can summon. If word gets out, it will tarnish the Crown Prince's reputation! The Crown Prince's standing has not been favorable lately, and if more trouble arises, even the Marquis's Mansion might be implicated! Concubine Du, please don't put the Crown Prince in a difficult position any further."

With just a few words, Bi Shuo closed the door that Cheng Yunshuo had just begun to open. Seeing Du Ruo still kneeling, seemingly manipulating him, he coldly said, "I just said you were sensible, but it seems there's been no progress at all! Servants, take Concubine Du away immediately!"

Face down on the floor, Du Ruo believed she wouldn't feel any more pain, but hearing Cheng Yunshuo's words felt like a heavy blow to her heart.

At that moment, all her dreams and hopes shattered.

She no longer held any illusions.

Her mind raced with thoughts, and she recalled Lu Lingyun’s words: nothing matters more than oneself.

"So that's what it means," Du Ruo thought.

Suddenly, Du Ruo let out a bitter laugh.

As the servants dragged her, she pushed everyone away and stood up from the ground. Wiping her tears for the last time, she looked at Cheng Yunshuo with determination and said, "Master, this is the last time I call you that. All the past events were my confusion, and I acknowledge my mistakes. From now on..."

"We will never meet again, not even in death!"

Her aunt had once said that her A'Ruo was a chivalrous woman.