Chapter 269: Chapter 212: Playing the “Bad Guy

During this period, Shen Ruoxi truly felt utterly exhausted, a fatigue that stemmed from deep within her heart.

In truth, she didn’t need to act this way, because even if she did nothing, no one would have a word of criticism for her.

However, she resolutely did so, not only did it not gain favor, but it might also invite idle gossip from others, making her efforts particularly taxing, as her sacrifices and hard work might go unappreciated.

But how can one live in the world considering only oneself?

The Fifth Sister-in-law was able to return from the gates of death entirely because of Chunyu Che’s rescue, and the two of them were fond of each other.

In this complicated situation, Shen Ruoxi willingly played the role of the “bad person,” feeling that it might be worth it.

She sighed softly in her heart and then spoke gently, “Elder Sister-in-law, Chunyu Che’s actions are simply to make himself beyond reproach, but who can truly know his inner thoughts?

Since he promised to take the Fifth Sister-in-law away and protect her well, why don’t we hope for the best?

Does the Elder Sister-in-law really wish for the Fifth Sister-in-law to perish tragically? I thought over many matters, but ultimately, shouldn’t these be the decisions of the Fifth Sister-in-law herself?

This concerns the situation between the two countries, whether it will add to the seeds of hatred or resolve past animosities, everyone knows deep down what choice should be made!

Elder Sister-in-law, setting aside the Shen Family, and not mentioning that the husband I married has high rank and power, we have nothing to fear, but isn’t the key still the desires of those two involved?”

The words seemed to stun the Yang Family, as Shen Ruoxi spoke more subtly, but she still heard the deeper meaning.

It means that following Chunyu Che’s departure is Zou Family’s own choice.

Did she bear it alone to calm the troubled waters, or did she have other plans?

The Yang Family found it hard to believe that a member of the Zou Family would fall for an enemy, after all, it was Chunyu Che who killed the Shen Family Army, which naturally also included Zou Family’s husband.

The Yang Family pondered for a moment and said, “If the Fifth Sister-in-law really chose this for the sake of peace between the two countries, then we must stop her, wouldn’t her departure be seeking her own death?”

Shen Ruoxi knew that the Yang Family was probing, looking for the boundaries of the matter, whether the Zou Family truly had feelings for Chunyu Che.

But she couldn’t speak plainly, because she held the belief that the living were far more important than the deceased.

If alive, one should choose a way for oneself to continue living.

Immersing in pain, decadence, and mourning for the deceased won’t bring them back, it would only add to the trouble, better instead to live the present life well.

“Elder Sister-in-law, just remember that this is the Fifth Sister-in-law’s own choice. Today my husband and I will dine with them, and afterward the Shen Family must rely more on you.”

I’ve asked my husband to seek a suitable candidate, hoping for someone to marry into the Shen Family to help you support this family.” Shen Ruoxi said sincerely.

The Yang Family’s heart was like a tangled mess at this moment, yet the departure of Zou Family seemed to already be an irreversible outcome; even if she was filled with discontent, she was powerless to change it.

After a long while, she reluctantly opened her mouth with difficulty, “Fine, I understand, after all, the Shen Family belongs to you, Shen Ruoxi.”

Shen Ruoxi gazed at the Yang Family, her heart a mix of emotions, not knowing how to comfort her.

She also didn’t know whether the decisions she made were right or wrong, whether the Shen Family would blame her for this a hundred years later.

But at this moment, the only thing she was sure of was that she had to think for the living because that was truly the life her Fifth Sister-in-law wanted.

“Elder Sister-in-law, there are indeed many injustices in this world for women, and as women, we shouldn’t help men add more shackles to us.

Perhaps my strength is weak and I cannot change the world, but at least I will not lend aid to a tyrant.

Everything I do is for your sake, I hope Elder Sister-in-law does not misunderstand. I am returning to the Prince Mansion.” Saying this, Shen Ruoxi turned and left.

The Yang Family could only nod blankly, watching Shen Ruoxi’s slender yet determined figure gradually fade from sight.

Her lips pressed tightly together, her brows furrowing deeply.

Evidently, today’s farewell feast did not include her; Zou Family was set to leave tomorrow, and her heart churned with complex emotions yet she didn’t know how to vent them or who to blame.

In the guest house where the envoy from Beichang Country stayed, Shen Ruoxi and Zou Family gathered at the table, conversing softly.

Outside, their husbands and the Emperor were enjoying wine together.

Originally, the Emperor wanted to set a farewell feast for them at the Imperial Palace, but Jun Moling politely declined, citing unwellness.

Actually, he just didn’t want to leave Zou Family’s side for even a moment, fearing for her current lack of mobility; he couldn’t relax until she returned to Beichang with him.

Therefore, he chose to host the banquet at the guest house, staying by Zou Family, waiting for tomorrow’s journey.

The Emperor, hearing of his refusal, did not press the matter.

However, upon learning that he invited Shen Ruoxi and her husband to the banquet at the guest house, he came personally to bid farewell.

Jun Moling appeared calm but spoke with unyielding determination, “I have no major flaws, just one — if anyone makes my wife uncomfortable, I will not let them rest easy.”

How could Chunyu Che not understand his meaning, he was referring to Zou Ruoxian.

After all, there were very few people Shen Ruoxi cared about.

This was undoubtedly a warning to him, to treat Zou Ruoxian well. But Zou Ruoxian was his wife whom he had risked his life to rescue; how could he not treat her well?

Chunyu Che fully understood their concerns.

Here in Dayi, things went smoothly, but upon returning, they faced numerous obstacles.

The senior ministers in court who cared deeply for him, what criticisms would they have for his decision?

But he had already prepared his responses in his mind, ready to face them without fear.

“Prince Zhan, you may rest assured, we are connected now; as long as the commitments between our two countries hold peace and friendship, the doors of Beichang Country will always be open to you, welcoming you anytime,” Chunyu Che said sincerely.

“Indeed, they will be,” Jun Moling responded indifferently, his expression as calm as still water.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor furrowed his brows slightly, wondering what Jun Moling truly meant by these words.

Was he really planning to shed all official duties and roam freely?

Chunyu Che then spoke again, “Based on Prince Zhan’s words, are you preparing for a long period of rest?”

The Emperor’s brows furrowed even more tightly, this seemingly innocent question hid deeper implications, a slight misstep might make it seem like the Emperor couldn’t tolerate powerful officials, getting rid of them after using them.

But Jun Moling just smiled lightly and said with ease, “Ruoxi has endured misfortunes, her family suffered such a great calamity, leaving no male members in the Shen Family, so I can be considered a son of the Shen Family.

Back then, His Majesty was too embarrassed to mention the word ’matrilocal husband’ to me, but in simple terms, that’s what I am to the Shen Family.

So, everything follows Ruoxi’s lead, whatever she does, I will follow.”

The Emperor shook his head and sighed silently, he truly dared to say anything.

No matter how great the Shen Family’s contributions, could they be greater than the Royal Family? After all, they were but subjects.

Chunyu Che, hearing this, seemed to ponder it deeply, then turned to the Emperor, “Emperor Dayi, henceforth, all of the Shen Family’s spouses will be ’matrilocal husbands’?”

The Emperor, hearing this, showed a wry smile and said, “Indeed, we had considered this before; these families are the households of loyal and righteous officials, we must consider their futures.

Priorly, they were unwilling, but now that Princess Consort Zhan has brought it up, it’s time to select a husband to marry into her Elder Sister-in-law’s family.”

At this moment, Chunyu Che seemed to suddenly realize, and then said, “If Prince Zhan is a ’matrilocal husband’ for the Shen Family, am I also one?”

The Emperor shook his head again in private, thinking to himself, is the title of ’matrilocal husband’ somehow pleasant to hear? Why is everyone eager to take it upon themselves, showing no semblance of a prince or an emperor?

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