Recklessly Breaking a Delicate Branch - Chapter 42

But these words sounded shocking and terrifying to Jiang Wanshu’s ears. “Zhou Yan, you aren’t joking, are you?”

Had she heard him correctly?

Zhou Yan actually wanted her to bring them before her Imperial Father and Mother?

Her parents were such solemn and stern people. If they knew she had been rescued for so long but hadn’t found a way to return to the palace—and instead brought back a man saying she wanted to marry him—wouldn’t they be worried to death or consumed by rage?

“Do I look like I’m joking?” Zhou Yan glanced at her, a trace of impatience flickering in his eyes.

At this, Jiang Wanshu’s unease grew.

“No, it won’t work! If Father and Mother see me bringing a man back, they’ll be livid!” Her words were agitated, her hands moving in a frantic gesture of refusal.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Yan spoke with sudden gravity. “Option one: follow me back to the grasslands. Option two: take me back with you. How you choose is up to you.”

Since this matter had to be faced sooner or later, and given Jiang Wanshu’s indecisive nature, it was better to settle it early.

“I—I don’t want to! I’ve been missing for months. If I bring a man back, people will gossip. They’ll say behind my back that I didn’t follow the woman’s code, that I’m shameless and loose.” Jiang Wanshu tried to remain calm, refusing to let her spirit be crushed even if she was losing the argument.

Zhou Yan turned his head. “So you actually care about those things.”

Jiang Wanshu fell silent.

She didn’t care for herself, but once she was labeled like that by the public, the mud wouldn’t just splash on her—it would hit her Father and Mother as well. People would condemn the Emperor and Empress for not knowing how to educate their own child. Those who were already dissatisfied with her parents’ rule would seize the opportunity to spread rumors.

Furthermore, the sisters she used to play with would be branded with the label “birds of a feather flock together.”

She could ignore her own reputation, but she couldn’t ruin them.

Regarding this, Jiang Wanshu showed clear reluctance.

“It is so difficult for a woman in this world. We are not like you men; no matter what scandalous affairs you’ve had, as long as you achieve success and establish a career later, people easily forget your past misdeeds.”

“But women are different. A woman’s world is restricted. For a woman to have an illicit affair with a man before marriage is an immense humiliation. Once such a rumor spreads, it’s not just her—everyone around her suffers for no reason.”

Jiang Wanshu spoke earnestly, trying to make him give up.

Zhou Yan sat and listened seriously. Then, with great solemnity, he said, “I will give you only one month. After one month, I will appear before your Imperial Father and Mother as your future husband. And during this month, I will stay by your side.”

Jiang Wanshu’s eyes widened as she looked at him in disbelief. “I don’t want that!”

She refused again, but this time Zhou Yan gave her no further chance. “I’ll give you one night to think about it. I want your answer tomorrow. If you’re still hesitating then, I’ll choose for you. Don’t regret it when the time comes.”

Without waiting for her to speak, Zhou Yan snatched the keys left on the bed and walked out. Before closing the door, he turned to remind her:

“Don’t think about running again. I’m guarding this spot tonight. If I catch you again, you’re dead. Suffer the consequences. I await your answer.”

With that, Zhou Yan locked the door from the outside and stood there tall and imposing. His stature was massive and his expression sharp enough to be terrifying. Passersby went out of their way to avoid this giant of a man, though a few bold young girls watched him from a distance, drawn by his handsome features.

Zhou Yan didn’t spare them a single glance.

He cared for none of that. What he cared about now was Jiang Wanshu’s choice.

No matter which she chose, he would be the beneficiary.

Inside the guest room, Jiang Wanshu was a tangled mess of nerves, staring at the door where Zhou Yan had departed, her hands gripping the sides of a soft pillow.

She wanted to return to the palace, but this man had chased her down and demanded she take him with her to meet her parents, otherwise, she wouldn’t be allowed to return at all.

She was no match for him. Once he set his mind on something, not even several oxen could pull him back.

Resentfully weighing the two choices he had given her, she pulled the covers over her head.

Gradually, the night deepened and then faded, replaced by the brightness of dawn.

It was the morning of the second day.

The October weather was already chilly. Early in the morning, Jiang Wanshu climbed out of bed with messy hair and put on layers of clothing.

On her fair but pale face, dark circles had formed under her bright eyes. She hadn’t slept all night, only managing a brief nap just as dawn approached.

There was a knock on the door—two short, one long. Jiang Wanshu knew Zhou Yan wouldn’t be so polite; she didn’t even have to guess to know it was Yulu.

She called out toward the closed door, “Come in.”

As soon as she spoke, the door opened. As Yulu entered, Jiang Wanshu could clearly see the man’s iron-strong wrist in the corner of her vision.

He really stood guard out there all night?

Jiang Wanshu wondered. It seemed this man truly wouldn’t leave without an answer; he was dead set on making her choose.

If that was the case, she would give him exactly what he wanted. Once she chose the path and they were back on her turf, if she turned the tables on him, he’d better not regret it.

Thinking of this, a flash of cunning crossed her eyes.

Yulu, as expected, came in and set down the washwater. Fearing Zhou Yan might hear, she leaned in and whispered, “Mistress, why is that barbarian here?”

“I don’t know. Either way, our escape failed.” Jiang Wanshu sighed, her eyes full of regret.

Yulu turned pale with fright. “Ah! Does that mean we have to go back to the grasslands?!”

They were already in the Central Plains, only a step away from the palace.

Jiang Wanshu shook her head. “We are still going back to the palace today.”

“The barbarian agreed?” Yulu was shocked.

Jiang Wanshu picked up a towel, soaked it, wrung it dry, and pressed it to her face. “It’s fine. He’s coming back with us.”

Yulu was utterly stunned.

“Ha! Won’t the Emperor and Empress be livid when they find out?” Yulu didn’t exaggerate; she spoke so loudly that Zhou Yan looked inside.

Immediately, Yulu was silenced by a look from Zhou Yan that was as sharp as a blade.

At this, Jiang Wanshu felt a headache coming on. Looking at the man who had already walked into the room, she felt a wave of dizziness.

“So, what is your choice?” Zhou Yan stared at her fixedly, determined to have an answer.

Since she had to choose eventually, she might as well say it now. At least it would be better for both of them.

“I choose for you to come back to the palace with me,” Jiang Wanshu said helplessly.

Zhou Yan raised an eyebrow, clearly satisfied. “You should have said so earlier. Then I wouldn’t have had to stand outside all night.”

This remark earned him a glare from Jiang Wanshu.

He made it sound as if she were some great criminal who had forced him to stay out there. It wasn’t like she asked him to guard her.

She muttered under her breath, only to be interrupted by Zhou Yan again.

“What are you mumbling about?” Zhou Yan frowned, eyes full of displeasure.

Is she speaking ill of me?

Doesn’t she fear the dark?

He had long noticed Jiang Wanshu’s fear of the dark. Having shared a bed with her for so long, he knew that if the candles weren’t lit at night, she would huddle closer to him than usual. He had kindly stayed out there to accompany her, and this was her attitude!

She looked up at the “easily fooled” man before her and felt a secret sense of relief.

Once she returned to the palace and regained her power, a “strong dragon” like him wouldn’t be able to suppress a “local snake.” When that time came, she could do whatever she wanted with him.

Unconsciously, a slight smile touched her lips.

She looked at him, noting the expensive fabric of his clothes, and instructed Yulu, “Yulu, go and prepare a few sets of men’s clothing.”

Hearing this, Zhou Yan’s eyes instantly darkened.

“Wanwan, you dare buy clothes for another man!” This was rebellion! Her “Ma Ge Ba” was right in front of her, and even if she wanted to please some lover to get them into the palace, there was no need to gift such intimate items!

Support