He could not selfishly taint Fu Shen; the half-lifetime reputation of the Jing Ning Marquis must not be sullied by such a treacherous person.
It might sound absurd, but this was exactly what he was thinking.
Fu Shen was not wrong about his inferiority complex. With such a dishonorable background, being pointed at since childhood, one would either become ruthless or self-degrading. Yan Xiaohan’s current state was already the result of his utmost restraint.
Fu Shen actually understood clearly that Yan Xiaohan’s core issue was “taking things too seriously,” and Fu Shen had not provided enough sense of security.
In life, if one cannot live freely, at least don’t exhaust oneself internally. Born with a traitor’s fate, but not suffering a traitor’s illness. Thinking this way, it was somewhat pitiful.
Fu Shen said: “The Emperor betrothed us to essentially force you to become half a Fu family member and smoothly take over North Yan’s military power. Shouldn’t you be responsible and solidify this reputation? Why are you hiding and avoiding people?”
Yan Xiaohan said in a low voice: “You know I’m not doing this for military power.”
“Oh, you’re doing this for me,” Fu Shen said, “but when I want to be with you openly, you’re unwilling.”
Yan Xiaohan’s temper rose: “Do you think I want to sneak around? A pure national hero like you, entangling with a court dog – how would that sound?”
“Enough, I understand,” Fu Shen laughed coldly in anger, “In your heart, my reputation is less important than a mere name.”
Yan Xiaohan sighed, his anger quickly dissipating. He didn’t want to argue with Fu Shen today and tried to calm things: “Jing Yuan.”
“Now you think being with me taints your reputation,” Fu Shen suddenly raised his voice, “You’ve already defiled me, so why didn’t you think about today back then!”
Yan Xiaohan: “…”
Ancestors, please stop shouting.
Fu Shen said: “I’ll say this clearly – we are an imperial betrothal, officially married by the Ministry of Rites, legally wed, having paid respects to heaven and ancestors, performed the Zhou ritual. In the future, we’ll even be buried together.”
“We are one body. There’s no question of being worthy or unworthy. Even after leaving this room, you can righteously call me husband.”
