4
For the next two days, Ren Jingsi did not show up, only sending word through others that he was busy with work.
This message wasn’t really meant for her, just to keep up appearances for outsiders. Luo Huanghun didn’t care at all.
When it was time to return to her family, Luo Huanghun didn’t wait for Ren Jingsi. Seeing her parents waiting in the flower hall, she remembered the misery they suffered after being exiled. She immediately threw herself into her mother’s arms and began to cry.
This was what she had longed to do most during her days wandering as a ghost in the mortal world. But every time, all she could embrace was a shadow. Now, she held her mother even tighter.
Madam Luo hugged her daughter, worriedly asking what was wrong. Luo Huanghun shook her head, only saying she missed home, and mentioned nothing else.
A teasing voice came from the side: “Now that my little sister’s married, she actually knows how to show affection.”
Luo Huanghun looked up at her brother, Luo Chenhui. He was sitting there, healthy and strong in the sunlight—no blood, no arrows, no tragic death. The concern in his eyes was just like their mother’s.
She blinked, tears still falling, and before she could call out “Brother,” Luo Chenhui tossed her a handkerchief with mock annoyance: “Why are you crying? Your eyes are all swollen, you look like a little tabby cat.”
How wonderful, everyone was here. As Luo Huanghun looked at Luo Chenhui, she suddenly remembered something crucial.
Luo Chenhui had once lost a personal seal, engraved with the words “Carefree Wanderer.” It was made just for fun with friends, so when he lost it, he didn’t care. But that seal later became key evidence used by the Prime Minister to frame Luo Chenhui for treason. It was also used to send false orders, luring Luo Chenhui to redeploy troops and ultimately leading to his death by arrow at the city gate.
Luo Huanghun dared not forget this. She casually brought it up: “Brother, didn’t you have a personal seal? Can I see it?”
Luo Chenhui thought for a moment and waved his hand dismissively: “I lost it after coming back from a poetry gathering last time. If you want, I’ll carve you a new one.”
A poetry gathering… Luo Chenhui always disliked those, so he didn’t care about losing something there.
Luo Huanghun quickly pressed, “Which poetry gathering?”
Luo Chenhui smiled: “Of course, it was your good husband’s—Ren Jingsi’s—poetry gathering! My clothes got wet by a little maid, so I changed, and when I got back, it was gone.”
Luo Huanghun’s lips tightened, her eyes burning with anger. As expected, it was the Ren family!
No, she had to get that seal back! Otherwise, Luo Chenhui would die, and the Luo family would be doomed!
During the meal, she was preoccupied with worry. Suddenly, Madam Luo asked, “Where is Ren Jingsi? Why didn’t he come back with you?”
Luo Huanghun didn’t answer. To the Luo family, her silence was as good as admitting she’d been mistreated.
Madam Luo slammed the table: “Outrageous! It’s only been a few days, and he’s already neglecting our Ling’er?” She turned to Luo Huanghun: “Don’t rush back. I’m not feeling well these days. You and your brother should go to Baima Temple and pray for me.”
Luo Huanghun wanted to hurry back for the seal, but her mother had even used her own health as an excuse, so she could only agree.
When they set out, they ran into Ren Jingsi, who had hurried over.
His eyes were filled with anger, but his face wore a gentleman’s smile: “Why did you leave without waiting for me, Madam?”
Luo Huanghun stood tall, her expression calm and gentle: “Husband, your official duties are important. These little things don’t matter.”
She was perfectly proper, leaving no room for criticism.
Ren Jingsi stared at her, as if trying to find some trace of hidden resentment or grievance on her face, but he found none.
Just then, Luo Chenhui rode forward, blocking Ren Jingsi’s gaze. The two men locked eyes, and Luo Huanghun could almost see sparks flying in the air.
They had never gotten along since childhood, and now, seeing Ren Jingsi neglect Luo Huanghun so soon after the wedding, how could Luo Chenhui tolerate it?
Luo Chenhui sneered, “Lord Ren is such a busy man. How could we trouble you with something as trivial as returning home?”
Ren Jingsi’s brows furrowed slightly: “It is my duty. If I didn’t come, some people might be dissatisfied and rumors would spread.”
He was implying that Luo Huanghun was not generous or virtuous.
Luo Chenhui’s anger flared, and he was about to retort when Luo Huanghun stopped him.
She smiled gently, her expression bright as sunlight: “Husband, there’s no need to worry. I have no complaints. I just can’t delay praying for my mother’s health. I’ll return once it’s done.”
She bowed to Ren Jingsi: “Please do as you wish, Husband.”
With that, she began urging Luo Chenhui to set off.
For some reason, seeing Luo Huanghun so unconcerned, Ren Jingsi found himself spurring his horse to follow after her before he even realized it.