Chapter 266: Chapter 209: The Three-Year Promise

As Shen Ruoxi’s words fell, the room was instantly engulfed in a momentary daze, as if the atmosphere had solidified, creating a sense of awkwardness.

After a while, the Zou Family replied in a low, slow voice, “Ruoxi, I don’t know what to say. I always feel like someone like me doesn’t deserve to continue living in this world.”

Shen Ruoxi’s gaze was firm, and her words sincere, “Take good care of Xiang’er. I’ll talk to the sister-in-law myself.

I just hope you can be the real Zou Ruoxian again, rather than living under someone else’s title.”

The Zou Family finally could not suppress her emotions, tears streaming down her face, crying out, “I’m not leaving, I’m not leaving, okay? Ruoxi, I feel like I’m a sinner.”

Chunyu Che knew in his heart that it was almost impossible for the Zou Family to accept all of this without any psychological burden.

But things had reached this point, even if he had to bind her, he would take her back to Beichang Country.

“Xian, you have no way out anymore,” Chunyu Che’s voice was calm yet resolute.

“They probably can’t tolerate the two of us either,” the Zou Family looked distressed, her eyes filled with worry.

Chunyu Che naturally understood that the “they” Zou Family referred to were the ministers of the Beichang Dynasty.

He said coldly, “If a defeated country doesn’t recognize reality, I will make them see it. Even I am dressed in criminal status, let alone them.”

Shen Ruoxi couldn’t help but feel a bit of admiration for Chunyu Che.

He could face the mistakes Beichang Country had made and was brave enough to take responsibility.

Chunyu Che had suffered greatly since childhood, yet he did not grow crooked; that was truly rare.

“How about a three-year term?” Shen Ruoxi’s voice broke the heavy atmosphere in the room, her tone calm but undeniable.

“Three years?” Chunyu Che frowned slightly, seeming somewhat surprised by the term.

“After three years, I will visit Beichang to see my fifth sister-in-law and Xiang’er. If they want to come back with me, you must not stop them; if they wish to continue living in Beichang, I would have no objections.”

Shen Ruoxi looked calmly at Chunyu Che, waiting for his response.

Chunyu Che’s expression froze, and after a long silence, he said, “Okay, but you won’t be able to take her back.”

After speaking, he looked seriously and deeply at the Zou Family, solemnly said, “I am not on a whim, nor am I ignorant of love as you say.

Since I’m given this chance, I won’t let go easily. Though there are many concerns, I hope we can all try a little harder.

Xian, I promise you, if the situation in Beichang stabilizes, and someone appears in the court whom I can trust as a king, I’ll abdicate the throne and travel the world with you.”

The Zou Family was originally quite straightforward, like a man, always brave in pursuing love.

At this moment, after making her decision, she nodded without hesitation and said, “Alright, I trust you.”

Shen Ruoxi’s heart inexplicably surged with a sour feeling, perhaps thinking of her fifth brother, she silently prayed in her heart, hoping he wouldn’t blame her.

She nodded slightly and said, “Alright, I’ll go to the Emperor with my husband, and you just take care of yourself.”

“Will do,” the Zou Family choked, and yet, there was no way back.

Previously, Shen Ruoxi indeed harbored concerns.

On one hand, because of their opposing positions; on the other hand, she worried that Chunyu Che harbored unspeakable secrets. But at this moment, she had figured it out.

In this world, there are no eternal enemies, nor are there eternal friends.

Her fifth sister-in-law was just an ordinary backyard woman, so what could Chunyu Che’s purpose be?

Moreover, he had saved her life, with such deep affection, what was there still to worry about?

As Shen Ruoxi and Jun Moling turned to leave, the Zou Family could no longer suppress her emotions, bursting into tears.

The crying was tinged with bitterness, confusion, and endless guilt towards her late husband.

She ultimately became one of those willful women in other people’s mouths, failing to remain faithful.

Chunyu Che gently stroked her back, deciding to let her cry to her heart’s content.

But inside him, he was filled with admiration for Shen Ruoxi.

He initially thought the biggest obstacle would be Shen Ruoxi, but he never expected her to agree.

Facing Shen Ruoxi, he felt he was a step lower. If her attitude had been tough, he might have had no solution.

Unexpectedly, she supported them this way, and for a moment, he genuinely thought she was an extraordinary woman; of course, the woman in his arms was equally remarkable.

…

On the carriage ride back to the Shen Mansion from the Imperial Palace, Shen Ruoxi nestled in Jun Moling’s arms, her face full of melancholy.

Jun Moling gently held her, speaking softly, “Since the Emperor has already decreed, this matter can be considered to have given sufficient face, what are you still worried about?”

“Not worried, sigh!” Shen Ruoxi wanted to speak but stopped, only letting out a low sigh.

“Is it that you’re unwilling to part with Xiang’er? How about we raise her?” Jun Moling knew that her three nieces were like her lifeblood, and with Xiang’er leaving, she must be reluctant.

Shen Ruoxi shook her head lightly, “A child without a mother is so pitiable, no one can replace a mother’s place in a child’s heart, I only feel uncomfortable, it will pass soon.”

Jun Moling nodded, “Very well, tomorrow we shall dine with them.

I promise you, once things settle down, we shall visit them.

From our Dayi to Beichang, it’s only a month’s journey, not that far, is it?”

Shen Ruoxi nodded slightly, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes, “Starting tomorrow, assist in finding someone with good character and family background for the sister-in-law, I plan to find a husband for her.”

The departure of the fifth sister-in-law only made life increasingly difficult for the sister-in-law Yang Family.

Once, the sister-in-law could share dialogue with the fifth sister-in-law and bear family chores together, now it’s only the sister-in-law managing the Shen Household alone.

“Alright, I’ll handle this matter,” Jun Moling responded.

He suddenly remembered, “I recall there’s a General called Yan Zhen in the military camp who seems to have some connection to the sister-in-law.

The Yan Family and the Yang Family of the sister-in-law were family friends, as I heard from the teacher, though I don’t clearly know the specifics.

This Yan Zhen is thirty-three years old this year, with no bad habits, brave on the battlefield, he made significant accomplishments, though not eloquent, he’s a man of true integrity.

It’s just unclear why, at his age, he remains unmarried.”

Shen Ruoxi was slightly startled, she seemed to have heard someone mentioning this matter before, but didn’t pay much attention at that time, so her memory wasn’t accurate.

“Once we return I’ll ask Chuntao and the others, they’ve been home for long and should know the details. If this person is worthy, see if he can marry into the Shen Family?”

Jun Moling nodded but was not confident inside.

Yan Zhen had already been a third-rank general under his command, and after returning to the capital this time, the Emperor granted him the post of Standard Second Rank General of the Country, clearly meant to replace him Jun Moling.

That being the case, would he be willing to marry into the Shen Family? Furthermore, he just handed over the Commander’s Seal, if this Emperor-nurtured military general gets involved with the Shen Family, the Emperor likely wouldn’t approve either.

Jun Moling intended to counsel his wife that the matter needed careful consideration, but seeing her looking unwell, eyes closed sullenly, tightly holding him, he swallowed the words, decided to ask the situation later.

Upon returning to the Shen Family, Yang Family hurriedly inquired, “Ruoxi, how is your fifth sister-in-law? Why didn’t you bring her back?”

Shen Ruoxi knew that deceiving her own fifth sister-in-law wasn’t right, yet didn’t want to reveal the truth, as it concerned the fifth sister-in-law’s reputation.

She lowered her voice and said, “Chunyu Che didn’t agree, I pleaded with the Emperor, and the decree is expected tomorrow.”

Yang Family’s face immediately turned sour upon hearing this, angrily said, “Who does he think he is? I’m going to demand her, if he dares to refuse, I’ll wreck his post house!”

After that, she made a move to rush out.

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