在皇后鞋裡散步 A walk in the empress shoes Zài huánghòu xié lǐ sànbù

CHAPTER FOUR

"Father, you were aware?" Xui Ying glanced at his father, a hint of surprise crossing his face before he regained his composure. "Yin'er, your mother and I have known for quite some time now. Ever since your last birthday, we could sense your desire to pursue the imperial exam. We were simply unsure of how to approach the topic with you."Xui Ying gazed at his father, General So Ying Sang, who in turn returned the gaze to his determined son. To his surprise, Xui Ying remained unfazed, as if he had long anticipated the news about to be delivered.

Ever since his transformation in his previous life, Xui Ying's hair had borne the distinctive emblem of a carrier. The Duke's household sought to establish a bond with the prestigious General family, and thus approached them with a proposal for engagement.In that moment, Xui Ying felt a wave of distress and resistance towards the idea of marriage. His parents, witnessing his anguish, were deeply concerned. However, just as they were grappling with this predicament, an official decree arrived, altering the course of their decision. This time, Xui Ying would accept the proposal.

"Father understands that you are not at ease with this, but I promise, my child, that I will ensure your well-being in the future," his father assured him, his voice filled with sincerity.

Nodding quietly, Xui Ying acknowledged his father's words, his heart burdened with conflicting emotions.With a lump forming in his throat, Xui Ying held back his emotions and nodded in response. It had been far too long since he heard his father's tender voice, coaxing and comforting him. Since the heavens granted him a second chance, he vowed not to allow his family to suffer under the hands of the tyrant again.

"Yin'er, let us go and see Mother in the main hall," his father said, his voice filled with a renewed sense of purpose. "We must not keep her waiting, as the day's meal must be ready."

Eager to fulfill his responsibilities as a son, Xui Ying followed his father's lead, his heart filled with determination to protect his loved ones from any harm that may come their way.

As Xui Ying and his father walked towards the main hall, their footsteps were accompanied by the sound of the guards and his two personal servants following closely behind. The weight of responsibility rested on his shoulders, and he felt a mix of nervousness and excitement.

Upon entering the hall, Xui Ying's eyes immediately fell upon his mother and younger brother. They sat gracefully at the table, with his grandmother seated nearby. A servant stood by, assisting his grandmother in washing her hands in a basin, a symbol of respect and honor.

Xui Ying couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth in his heart as he approached his family. The sight of his loved ones gathered together brought a sense of familiarity and comfort that he had missed dearly. He knew that he had been given a second chance, and he was determined to cherish every moment with them.Xui Ying's grandmother's voice broke through his thoughts, bringing him back to the present moment. Her words echoed in the hall, causing everyone to turn their attention towards him and his father.

As his gaze met his mother's, Xui Ying couldn't help but feel a pang of pain in his heart. The last time he had seen her, she was in a state of suffering, covered in bruises and restrained in a prison cell. The memories of what she had endured haunted him, and he couldn't shake off the guilt he felt for not being able to protect her.

In his previous life, Xui Ying had been foolish. Despite receiving training in the art of war from a young age, he had allowed himself to be consumed by an obsessive love, making choices that led to tragedy. Now, everything from his past life seemed like a distant memory, faded and distant after awakening in this new reality.

He took a deep breath, pushing aside his inner turmoil. This was his chance to make amends, to protect his family and ensure their happiness. As he stood in the courtyard of his mother's Fu, watching her calmly sip tea, he vowed to himself that he would never let history repeat itself. He would use his second chance wisely and make sure that his loved ones never suffered again.Xui Ying's words were filled with remorse as he stepped forward and kowtowed before his grandmother and mother. "Greetings, grandmother. Greetings, Mother. This son and grandson have been unfilial. I have not visited my mother or grandmother for a few days. This son asks for forgiveness."