The days spent recovering were the happiest of Luo Huanghun’s life.
She changed Murong Feng’s bandages and taught him about herbs; he taught her wilderness survival and escape skills. Their feelings grew rapidly, and Luo Huanghun felt a rare sense of peace.
But as the victorious general over Qing, Murong Feng could not live this life for long.
He had to appear at court—so many things awaited him.
Though the emperor was muddle-headed and the court full of traitors, the people of the Great Yin were innocent. Murong Feng had to uphold his responsibilities.
Luo Huanghun, meanwhile, was “coincidentally” found by her family and returned to the Luo household.
Murong Feng sent his trusted aide, Bai Zhi, who had returned with him from Qing, to protect Luo Huanghun. Bai Zhi was icy and obedient to Murong Feng’s every command. Even though she clearly resented protecting Luo Huanghun, she never disobeyed.
Luo Huanghun could sense Bai Zhi’s hostility and tried to avoid conflict.
After so long, Ren Jingsi was finally released. He was much more subdued and steady, the spirited young man of the past gone, replaced by a calculating politician.
He often came to the Luo family to apologize, but was always driven away by Luo Chenhui.
Sometimes, when he looked at Luo Huanghun, there was an unmistakable sadness in his eyes.
At first, Luo Huanghun ignored him, but gradually, Ren Jingsi’s supposed devotion began to spread—especially after he sent Li Linger away.
Ren Jingsi had held high office from a young age, had a bright future, and now seemed so devoted that people began to say Luo Huanghun was ungrateful and the Luo family was too harsh.
When the two-month deadline arrived, Luo Huanghun decided to speak with him. They met at a restaurant.
It was the first time in so long that Luo Huanghun really looked at Ren Jingsi. He was much thinner, his features sharper and more somber.
His whole demeanor had changed—he now had some of the Prime Minister’s presence.
This was a Ren Jingsi she didn’t recognize at all. In her past life, when the Prime Minister controlled the court and the Ren family was at its peak, she’d never seen Ren Jingsi like this.
“Since I returned, I’ve had the same dream over and over,” Ren Jingsi’s voice was hoarse. “I see you cast aside by me, locked in a dark room, wasting away, and then…”
Tears streamed down his face. “It feels so real, as if it really happened. I don’t dare let you come back, but I can’t stop myself from wanting to see you. Luo Huanghun, what am I supposed to do with you…”
Seeing the once-proud Ren Jingsi like this, Luo Huanghun sighed. Seeing his regret, she suddenly let go of her past resentment.
She had hated and blamed him, but living again, she realized she wanted to live well—for herself, for her family, and for Murong Feng—more than she wanted to wallow in hatred.
“Have you ever considered that your dream might be real? Ren Jingsi, if you truly regret it, then let go.”
She looked steadily at him and took out the divorce agreement. “There’s no way for us anymore.”
Ren Jingsi’s eyes reddened. “Is it Murong Feng?”
Luo Huanghun nodded, her eyes soft.
Ren Jingsi gazed at her, then closed his eyes and accepted the agreement.