The sun set in the west, and the winter chill was fully realized. The flurries of snowflakes danced under the neon lights, showcasing the beauty and pride of life. The icy mist rose gently, enveloping the residence in a blanket of white.
He opened the door and stepped inside, where the fire crackled warmly.
Today’s military meeting reported that Ruan Yu had escaped and was nowhere to be found.
He ascended the stairs, the sound of the Rosewood clock marking the passage of time. Pushing open the door to his room, which was usually lonely and desolate, he sensed a unique presence. His dark pupils tightened as he noticed another person in the room. With his lips pressed into a tight line, his voice was as cold as the swirling snowflakes, “What are you doing here?”
“We're already married; your room is now my room. Am I not allowed to come?” Jiang Yating blinked her sparkling eyes, her diamond brooch glimmering on her shoulder. Seeing Shangguan Shaoyi frowning deeply, her mood dimmed slightly. She pointed to the bedside, “I’ve put away that photo of you and Miss Cheng. Let bygones be bygones; don’t dwell on the past.”
“Get out.” He didn’t look at her; his cold voice carried a hint of anger.
Jiang Yating raised her eyebrows defiantly, her red lips curving into a perfect arc, “No way.”
The cold muzzle of a gun was aimed at her temple; her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her hair cascaded down to her waist. The hem of her skirt brushed against the floor, and the scent of sweet orange perfume filled the air. Her fingertips carried a faint fragrance as she gently bit her bright red lips, “Shangguan Shaoyi, if you have the guts, kill me.”
“You think I wouldn’t dare?” His pupils narrowed sharply as he slowly squeezed the trigger.
Jiang Yating grasped the gun's muzzle with a dreamy gaze, “Let me go, and I will leave. Tomorrow you must accompany me to the department store; we’re lacking many things at home that I need to buy.”
“Let Xiaojing take you; I have matters to attend to tomorrow.” He lowered his weapon. After all, Jiang Yating was a lady from the Jiang family; she wouldn’t overstep or challenge boundaries in conversation. However, such a person needed more caution; one could never know when she might pull off something astonishing.
Jiang Yating smirked and removed her shawl, playing with the diamond brooch in her hands. “Shaoyi, this isn’t very interesting. We are indeed in a political marriage, but it will continue indefinitely. I’ve been married once before; now that I’m married to you, there won’t be a third time. Your Cheng Mo Su will never return either; I will forever be your wife. If you keep this up, life will truly become unbearable.”
He suddenly moved and raised an eyebrow, “What do you want?”
"It's very simple." Jiang Yating sat up straight. "If I agree to one of your conditions, you must also agree to one of mine. That way, neither of us loses out. You let me go out to find another room to stay in, and I will agree. Then you must promise me to go to the department store with me tomorrow."
"The day after tomorrow." He glanced at her and said calmly.
"Deal." Jiang Yating stood up, holding the shawl in her hand, which was filled with the scent of sweet oranges.
He silently closed the door. The moon was hidden in the sky by heavy snow, and the unusual cold adorned the desolation of human hearts. He pulled open the light blue curtains, opened the window, and dispelled the strange smell in the room.
After several days and nights without closing his eyes, he could no longer withstand the drowsiness and fell heavily asleep on the desk. His long and strong fingertips just touched a collection of Yeats' poems, and in his dreams, he recalled reciting poetry with Moxu, her soft and melodious voice seeming to linger in his ears.
Such a night did not feel long at all.
He slowly opened his eyes as the purple-gray morning light dispersed the ice and snow. Rubbing his sore eyes, he got up and closed the window. After washing up and putting on his uniform, everything ready, he took a deep breath and walked towards the door.
In the living room stood Cheng Yi, who had turned gray-haired, his relatives continuously passing away left him increasingly haggard. He turned his head to look at Shangguan Shaoyi, his lips trembling violently as he reached for a nearby bone china cup and smashed it directly onto Shangguan Shaoyi's head.
Due to not having rested properly for several days and having caught a chill from leaving the window open all night, he suddenly felt overwhelmed; everything before him went black, and his head began to spin. Just as he was about to fall backward, Shen Deputy Officer immediately supported him, glaring fiercely at Cheng Yi.
"Mr. Cheng, you are being unreasonable!"
"Am I being unreasonable or is he? My only daughter, my only family in this life—he couldn't even protect her!" He pointed at Shangguan Shaoyi's chest, anger and resentment bursting forth. "How could you promise me this! Do you even remember?"
Shangguan Shaoyi shook his head; his blurry vision gradually became clear. He brushed off Shen Deputy Officer's support and stood upright, his pitch-black gaze filled with determination. "Father-in-law, it's my fault; I couldn't protect Moxu. Do whatever you want with me."
"You said it!" Cheng Yi reached for the gun holstered at his waist and aimed it directly at Shangguan Shaoyi's temple, his hands trembling.
"Young Marshal!" Shen Deputy Officer was stunned, unable to close his mouth, hurriedly moving his steps. "Mr. Cheng, please calm down, this has nothing to do with the Young Marshal..."
"Shut up!" Shangguan Shaoyi's voice was cold, with no trace of fear in his handsome brows. "If this can appease you, then please go ahead! Shen Deputy Officer, after my death, the military power will be yours. I have already prepared the documents yesterday. With our current relationship with the Jiang family, you will surely live up to expectations. I only hope you can help me reclaim Feng Province and comfort my father's spirit in heaven!"
Cheng Yi was taken aback. He initially thought Shangguan Shaoyi was merely using this method to seek his understanding; he never expected that Shangguan Shaoyi was truly seeking death, without a hint of pretense.
The door was violently pushed open, and Xiao Zuowei rushed in, hurriedly pressing down on Cheng Yi's gun muzzle. Yeh Zhenzhen also quickly pulled Cheng Yi aside.
On a winter morning, everything was still asleep; the withered branches and the fleeting frost made everyone feel suffocated and heartbroken.
"Shaoyi! You're simply being ridiculous! How long do you intend to wallow in despair?" Xiao Zuowei grabbed his collar. "What did that telegram you sent me mean? What do you mean by asking me to preside over a funeral?"
Funeral?! The people around were frightened into silence by these two words, their pupils dilating rapidly.
Shangguan Shaoyi withdrew his cold gaze, brushed aside Xiao Zuowei's hand, and stood against the sunlight, his expression hidden. "Yes, I originally wanted to apologize to my father-in-law with my death, so I invited friends and family from all sides. I hope you can hold my and Mo Su's funeral together; it would fulfill our wish of living and dying together."
He paused, ignoring everyone's astonished gazes. "Now the situation is just right; the Jiang family has also expressed their willingness to support us. I have signed an agreement with them. I believe Shen Deputy Officer can complete the task of reclaiming Feng Province."
He raised his gaze, and for once, a glimmer of light shone in his black eyes. "Father-in-law, I failed to protect Mo Su; I am willing to die!"
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