Dugu Xiaoyi stood up, sniffling and wiping her tears, looking as if she had suffered the greatest injustice imaginable.
The entire family stared silently at the distant pillow.
After a long pause, Dugu Xiaoyi’s mother finally looked at Fanfan with utter helplessness.
“Mother, what are we going to do about this?” Old Madam Dugu huffed angrily.
“What do you mean, what to do?
Nothing to do!” She let out a heavy sigh.
“It’s already happened; what else can we do?” Dugu Zongheng glared, his voice thick with rage.
“What can we do?
This brat came in pregnant, and now the whole Tianxiang City probably knows the Dugu family’s granddaughter is carrying seed from the Lao Jun family!
What else can we do?
Damn it!
For something like this to happen in the Dugu family!
I am absolutely furious.
Better for anyone else to take advantage, than for that old bastard Jun!
This is truly a calamity for our house!” “Father, you mean…” Dugu Wudi spoke cautiously.
He finally understood: the person who made the biggest mistake today wasn't Dugu Xiaoyi, but himself.
It seemed whatever he said was wrong… he was rapidly becoming the target of the old man’s wrath… I just gave birth to a daughter!
Surely I haven't committed any great sin… “My meaning?
You fool!
What meaning is left in this house for me?
Does my meaning represent your daughter’s meaning?
If I say no, won’t the Dugu Clan reputation be ruined beyond repair?
Can’t you use that brain of yours for once?
You—you—you, are you trying to anger this old man to death?
You simpleton!” Dugu Zongheng stamped his foot and roared.
Dugu Wudi shrunk his neck and said nothing more.
It was true—saying anything earned a scolding, so maybe silence was the better option.
“Why have you gone quiet?
Weren’t you so capable?
Are you daring to stage silent resistance against me now?
You’ve certainly grown up!” The Old Master Dugu paced back and forth menacingly, jabbing a finger right at the tip of General Dugu’s nose, his spittle flying like a sudden downpour.
To think that keeping his mouth shut could also cause trouble—this time, Dugu Wudi was genuinely speechless.
“Tomorrow, arrange for someone to go to the Jun family and discuss this matter thoroughly!
We must secure a result!
We absolutely cannot let that boy wriggle out of this after having his way!
He’s already snatched up all the good fortune in the world!” Old Madam Dugu was equally formidable, bringing the hammer down.
“If he wants to marry my granddaughter, that brat still has to pass my test!
Tell him to come see me tomorrow!” “Tomorrow… perhaps that isn't ideal?
The Jun family is currently navigating a delicate time.
Tomorrow… might be a bit too rushed,” Dugu Wudi ducked his head, looking at his mother with a degree of apprehension.
“I said tomorrow is tomorrow!
Whether it’s possible or not, it will be tomorrow!” Old Madam Dugu glared.
“Those matters in the Capital, you two men, along with those seven idiots, just deal with them!
Isn’t that all there is to it?
Why make such a fuss that the whole house is turned upside down…” “That kid Jun Mòwū caused quite a slaughter in the Capital today…” Dugu Wudi murmured quietly.
Seeing no reaction, he added a compliment, “That kid is truly fierce!” “It’s good that he’s genuinely fierce!” The Old Madam nodded approvingly.
“A son-in-law of ours shouldn't be a weakling.
The rumor that he single-handedly defeated the Four Divine Xuan was just talk, but seeing him carve up the Capital today confirms his true mettle—a truly heroic man.” As she spoke, she suddenly erupted in fury: “You utter bastard, knowing full well we are allied with the Jun family now, you actually came back without offering any help!?
How utterly heartless… If Xiaoyi is bullied later because her maternal family offered no strong backing, who will bear that responsibility?
Can you handle that?” Dugu Wudi was utterly dumbfounded… So his mother was just as unreasonable as his father.
He had actually thought his mother would be the more sensible one… This was only the beginning; she was already considering Dugu Xiaoyi’s post-marital happiness… His mother’s foresight was too advanced… He watched as a cluster of women surrounded the old woman and Dugu Xiaoyi, chattering away as they moved off into the distance.
He thought he could faintly hear them already discussing the wedding banquet, considerations for childbirth, and even the naming of the future great-grandson had entered the scope of their debate… Dugu Wudi and Dugu Zongheng exchanged glances, caught between laughter and tears.
After a moment, the Old Master landed a kick squarely on Dugu Wudi’s backside.
“You scoundrel, why are you just standing here?
Do you think it looks good?
Go help out!” Dugu Wudi hastily covered his head and fled, secretly vowing inwardly: Jun Mo Xie, damn you, all because of you, you little rascal— The heroic figures rushed forward; the seven of them, before their grandfather’s gaze could fix on them, scrambled to their feet and followed Dugu Wudi, making a massive, tumbling, crawling exodus… While the outside world was in an uproar, with Tianxiang City turned upside down, Jun Mòwū was secluded in his home, focusing entirely on preparing for Elder Jun’s advancement ceremony!
In this world where strength reigns supreme, improving one’s power was the utmost priority!
As for those outside clowns, could they really escape?
After all, even if the monk runs away, the temple remains.
Revenge—Jun Mòwū was not in a hurry!
He might as well let those people frighten themselves with anxiety for a while longer.
Upon returning home, he first escorted Guan Qinghan back to her own small courtyard.
As he was leaving, Guan Qinghan suddenly called out to him.
Jun Mòwū turned back in surprise.
He saw Guan Qinghan standing timidly at the doorway, her figure so fragile, her face somewhat gaunt.
Looking into Jun Mòxǐ’s eyes, there was a hint of fear, a slight cower, and a profound sense of seeking protection… As Jun Mòwū looked at her, Guan Qinghan abruptly turned her head slightly, but a single tear dropped to the ground at that instant… A tremor ran through Jun Mo Xie’s heart.
This woman!
This beautiful woman, this peerless beauty—who knew how much she had endured?
What hardships had she gone through?
What had she sacrificed?
Who had ever shown her any understanding?
Perhaps in this world, this era where men dominate and women are treated like servants or clothing, only Jun Mo Xie, a soul transmigrated from the modern age, could truly see her suffering, truly understand her state of mind!
Only he could put himself in a woman’s shoes and consider things from her perspective!
Was it truly right that others didn't fear for her?
This woman, usually as cold as snow and as aloof as the moon, was ultimately still a woman; she was finally revealing her vulnerability.
Perhaps before, Guan Qinghan’s coolness and arrogance were all born of sheer necessity… A young girl, in the prime of her youth, treated by her family as a tool to curry favor with the powerful, her future set in stone!
Upon learning her fiancé was a heroic figure, the girl’s heart found some solace.
But not long after, the wedding date was set.
Just as she was waiting to be adorned in red and marry into wealth, to manage the household and raise children for a lifetime, devastating news arrived: her fiancé had died young in battle!
Having just suffered a huge blow, she was then forced by her family to marry a memorial tablet.
Part of it was voluntary, part was coercion!
But wasn't that voluntary surrender itself a form of force?
If she stayed with the family, she would likely just become a tool to connect with another powerful house!
Coming to the Jun family to live out her life as a widow might actually offer a measure of peace and freedom.
At least she would have escaped those ugly manipulations!
That ‘willingness’ was rooted in despair—despair toward her family, toward kinship!
Otherwise, why would a girl as lovely as a flower, as poetic as a dream, with all her intricate feelings, choose to marry a dead hero and remain a widow for life?
But Guan Qinghan truly had no other path left!
She was desperate!
Desperate about her family ties, desperate about her lineage, desperate about her own life… desperate!
She arrived at the Jun family like that, and thankfully, the Jun family treated her kindly, allowing her to pass these few years peacefully.
But then, the incident at the Blood Soul Villa occurred!
Her family, toward whom she had already lost hope, came pressuring her again!
Guan Qinghan already had a history with them!
But the Jun family had forcefully carved out a piece of sky for her!
Therefore, for the Jun family, she held no regrets!
No regrets for anything she did!
That’s why, when she followed the army to Tiannan, she secretly carried the intention of sacrificing herself to protect the Jun clan members!
Though she didn't end up sacrificing herself, through a twist of fate, Jun Mo Xie, her young brother-in-law, was poisoned and hanging on the brink of death!
The perpetrator had already vanished.
She could have left anytime, but stuck in the military camp, where else could she find a woman?
But could she just watch her young brother-in-law burn with desire and die?
Under immense duress, Guan Qinghan offered herself to save him!
Some might argue: Guan Qinghan knew Dugu Xiaoyi was hopelessly devoted to Jun Mo Xie, so why didn't she call Dugu Xiaoyi back to fulfill their relationship?
But one must realize, how could a young girl utter such a thing?
Moreover, why did Dugu Xiaoyi run away?
Did she not know the consequences of administering the drug?
Who administers something without knowing what will happen?
Although Dugu Xiaoyi was such an oddity, Guan Qinghan was not!
She could only think: since she did it, why flee?
Since she fled, how could she return now?
With that line of reasoning, Guan Qinghan had no choice!
She could only use her own purity to ensure the continuation of the Jun family, the last bloodline of her benefactor’s house!
Guan Qinghan had no other option, and she would not shrink back!
Regardless of whether she harbored any feelings for Jun Mo Xie, at that moment, retreat was not permitted!
But Jun Mòwū was saved, while she herself was plunged into a massive vortex!
The torrent of judgment from the entire human world?
Having had relations with her husband’s younger brother as a sister-in-law… regardless of the reason, this black pot she could never escape!
Personal reputation!
The honor of two great families!
Chastity!
Integrity!
All of it crushed her until she couldn't breathe!
After the incident, if Jun Mòwū had shown even the slightest hesitation, Guan Qinghan would have already committed suicide!
To have managed to force herself to return to Tianxiang City was the bravest act of her entire life!
All for that one sliver of hope in her heart… Jun Mo Xie did not disappoint her!
But she remained as fragile as duckweed adrift in the wind!
A wave of emotion stirred Jun Mo Xie’s heart.
He strode forward two steps, and the two faced each other deeply.
Jun Mo Xie clearly saw the helplessness and desolation in Guan Qinghan’s eyes… Jun Mo Xie gazed at her intently, slowly reaching out his hand to grasp hers, saying gently, yet firmly: “Do not be afraid!
Everything… I am here for it!” Jun Mòwū’s words were like a heaven-shattering sword, slicing through the gloom covering the entire sky!
Revealing a sliver of light in the overcast heavens!
These words were more like an oath carved into the world—until the mountains crumble and the rivers dry, until winter thunder roars and summer snows fall—a shoulder as solid as towering peaks presented itself before Guan Qinghan’s eyes!
Guan Qinghan’s eyes lit up brilliantly!
Her lips trembled twice, and she tried to pull her small hand back timidly, away from that warm palm.
Although she didn't want to.
But Jun Mo Xie did not let go; instead, he gripped tighter.
He repeated his words.
“Do not be afraid!
Everything, I am—here for it!” Guan Qinghan stopped struggling, letting him hold her hand, her lips moving soundlessly twice, but two lines of tears traced down her cheeks!
This hand, it was truly so strong!
So… warm!
Guan Qinghan wept uncontrollably!
【Ti: Dear reader, the current chapter has reached the last page of this book】