Curious, she glanced at Chu Yuan, wondering if he inherited Zhang Wei’s temperament, explaining his kindness toward her. However, she soon noticed Chu Yuan bore no resemblance to Zhang Wei.
Chu Yuan lit three incense sticks and knelt with Ruan Ning before the memorial tablet, softly saying: “Mother, your son is married and has brought his wife to see you.”
Zhang Wei turned away, wiping tears again.
After paying respects, Chu Yuan helped Ruan Ning up and told Zhang Wei: “The emperor has become increasingly stubborn. I plan to take her away from the capital.”
Zhang Wei was shocked, asking: “Can you leave? Do you have a proper plan?”
This wasn’t Chu Yuan’s first attempt to escape. Each time, the emperor retaliated by killing his close servants in the Bian Xiang Palace to manipulate Chu Yuan’s emotions. To avoid such consequences, he had stopped allowing anyone to serve him for the past two years.
Zhang Wei frowned. People labeled Chu Yuan as bloodthirsty, but he only targeted the emperor’s surveillance squads. Zhang Wei understood that Chu Yuan often acted out of uncontrollable rage, caught in a tragic cycle. When would the emperor finally leave him alone?
Chu Yuan said calmly: “I must go. I can’t let her be controlled by the emperor like I was.”
Zhang Wei asked: “Where are you going, Yuan?”
“To the frontier, to fight enemies.”
Chu Yuan believed that he could only release the beast within through killing on the battlefield. Earning military merits would give him power and prevent the emperor from confining him.
Zhang Wei thought for a moment, then solemnly nodded: “Excellent.”
Though difficult, it suits you perfectly.”
He rummaged in his clothes and retrieved a jade bracelet from his inner pocket, handing it to Chu Yuan: “This was your mother’s most cherished possession. Now that you’re married, take it.”
The bracelet, still warm from Zhang Wei’s body, was accepted by Chu Yuan, who stroked it and laughed: “The emperor has been crazy searching for it. I knew father had hidden it.”
“Indeed,” Zhang Wei smiled, “the emperor can’t do as he pleases.”
Chu Yuan carefully placed the bracelet on Ruan Ning’s wrist, which fit perfectly against her fair skin.
Zhang Wei sighed: “If your mother could see this, she’d be overjoyed.”
