Fuzhu's Ballad

47

Chapter 47 Greed takes root in the heart

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The summer morning light was as bright and refreshing as usual, but the orderly marching footsteps and clanging of armor outside made the atmosphere tense and heavy. Lan Dan couldn’t help but listen carefully to the various sounds coming from outside the courtyard, imagining how magnificent the scene of going to war would be. She had lived in peaceful times since she was a child, and when the Battle at the Dragon Wall happened, she was too young to have any impression. She had seen parades and even the Emperor’s personal expedition, but those were just for show. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like when two armies really fought.

She looked at Shentu Rui, who stood in the middle of the room with his arms stretched out, being helped by Sun Shi Xiang and two soldiers to put on his armor. His graceful and charming figure was now clad in heavy armor, making him look bulky, but still attractive. She couldn’t do anything but sit in her chair and watch. She unconsciously smiled, thinking about what a great man he was… and he used to be hers. Well, she allowed herself to be so shameless, knowing that a man like him could not be owned by anyone, but she wanted to think so. In the long years to come, she was willing to think of him on beautiful moonlit nights, remembering the laughter and quarrels they had when they were together. Because he was the first person she had truly loved, even Shentu Cheng and the harm he brought her became insignificant. She had gazed at him on the desolate grasslands and kissed him in the beautiful rapeseed flower fields. She finally knew what it was like to love someone.

The only regret was that this kind of liking was one-sided.

The most profound impact that Shentu Cheng had on her wasn’t the foolishness of adolescent love, but rather the sorrow that comes with unrequited affection.    

Because she knew how sad it was, she dared not even persevere. Even if the other person was Shentu Cheng, the pain would be unforgettable. If it were Shentu Rui, she might not even be able to live. Second Sister’s words inspired her deeply. Every surviving member of the Xiao family, no matter what misfortune they carry, must strive to live on and provide shelter for the other surviving members of the Xiao family to the best of their ability. Of course, this was the thinking of the weak remnants of the Xiao family. The real strong ones probably wouldn’t care about anyone else. Strength itself was infused with other people’s blood, as exemplified by the Shentu brothers and Lan Huang. Lan Dan admitted that she was weak and wanted to live with dignity in the way of the weak. She wanted to go to Jingu.

She considered many options and ultimately chose Jingu, which was located west of Da Yan and Beimo, where the Silk Road trade was very prosperous and powerful. It would not be easy for Shentu Rui to extend his hand to Jingu. She had seen the girls of Jingu in Fengyang, who were unrestrained and passionate. She also inquired privately and found that in Jingu, girls engaging in business were very common, and men and women were not as rigidly divided by status as they were in Da Yan. As long as she worked hard, perhaps the surviving bloodline of the Xiao family could come to Jingu to seek refuge with her. Although they would be leaving their hometown, they should be able to leave their past behind and live a happy life. She had secretly packed her luggage, and the Jingu headscarf and clothes she bought in Fengyang would come in handy, which she didn’t expect at the time of purchase. Perhaps it was fate.

“What are you smiling at?” Shentu Rui asked, pulling her back from her reverie.

“Smiling at how good you look,” she praised honestly. Time was running out, and she didn’t want to waste any more of the beautiful moments between them on pointless emotions.

Shentu Rui was taken aback by her answer. Sun Shi Xiang next to him couldn’t help but chuckle, making him feel slightly embarrassed. He glared at Sun Shi Xiang and shouted, “Get out and keep watch. If you dare to step away from the doorstep today, I’ll take your life!”