The Husband’s Scheme

The imperial consort and Afu are waiting for you to return, and—and Xia Zhiyuan, don’t you want to see him again?” 　　Yunqiao took a long time to answer, her voice weak but calm. “He’s right beside me.” 　　I was stunned, with a bad feeling. “He…” 　　”He can finally be quiet, not having to think about anything,” she said tenderly. “Though we did not share a bed in life, sharing a tomb in death is not bad.” 　　”What are you talking about?” Xia Zhiyuan was likely dead, but I couldn’t let Yunqiao give up hope. “If you go like this, what will the imperial consort do? What will Afu think? He’ll believe his mother abandoned him for a man! You’re already irresponsible; do you want to end up being hated by your own child?” 　　She didn’t respond. 　　”Say something!” I frantically clawed at the stone wall, wishing I could create a crack. “You’re so weak! Irresponsible, are you even worthy of being a Jiang family daughter? For a man—” 　　”I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I—have no choice left. Ayao… please tell them I’m sorry.” 　　I heard her breathing gradually calm. Silence returned, with only the sound of water droplets, drip, drop. 　　I waited a while, hearing nothing else, my mind blank. 　　After sitting dazedly for a while, I moved back to An Jin’s side, hugging his waist. His breathing was faint but continued. If not for this, I might have completely collapsed. 　　”Brother Jin…” I lay on his shoulder. “If you leave me, I won’t be able to live either.