27 Truth
"I already have someone in my heart, and I won't marry anyone else."
After Doctor Liu left, Jiang Yan was unsettled for a long time. She suddenly remembered that he had to drink medicine to recuperate when he first came into the mansion. She hadn't thought much about it then, but now that she thought about it... Jiang Yan took a deep breath, calmed herself, and called Zheng Pu.
Jiang Yan got straight to the point, "Huai Feng, he took poison, right?"
Zheng Pu lowered his head and remained silent.
"What exactly happened back then?" Jiang Yan unconsciously raised his voice, his anxiety mixed with worry.
Facing Jiang Yan's pressure, Zheng Pu mustered up the courage to look up at Jiang Yan. "I'd like to ask, Your Highness, were you truly planning to take a concubine?"
Jiang Yan was displeased by this, but he still said frankly, "This prince has never thought of taking a concubine. I went to Shuilan Pavilion to find Ye Guifan."
As Cui Huaifeng's personal attendant, Zheng Pu was well aware of their relationship. Jiang Yan was indeed deeply devoted to his master, but feelings can change. Furthermore, even though Jiang Yan had denied it, it was ultimately unfounded. As an outsider, how could he know whether Jiang Yan's words were true or false?
But he also had selfish motives and didn't want his master to bear all the past sufferings alone.
Zheng Pu thought for a long time and then told his past story.
——
years ago.
Cui Yuqin came out of Xuan Hall and was still frowning until she returned to her bedroom.
Zhuang Pingyao walked over to Cui Yuqin, took off her outer robe, and hung it on the wooden rack. "Old lady, won't you let go?"
"Yes, it seems that the marriage with the Zhao family is something I have no choice but to accept."
Many years ago, the grandmother of the Zhao family had done a favor for the grandmother of the Cui family, and the two agreed to marry their descendants. Unexpectedly, both had only daughters. By the time their grandchildren came around, the Cui family had only two sons, while the Zhao family had many children, but only one of them, the eldest daughter, Zhao Qiuxin, had reached adulthood. The remaining Zhao daughters were only a few years old.
Cui's grandmother was a man of her word, and fearing that the matter would be forgotten after her death, she insisted on getting the marriage done before her death. No matter how much she tried to persuade him, she refused to give in.
There's nothing wrong with a marriage between the two families, but Zhao Qiuxin's time is running out, and marrying her would mean she'd be a widow for life. To put it bluntly, it's a way to bring good luck. When parents marry their children off to bring good luck, everyone politely congratulates them on the good marriage, but privately, they're bound to be criticized.
Cui Yuqin is well-known for her filial piety. She does not want to go against her mother's wishes, but she also does not want to damage her own reputation by "selling her son". She is caught in a dilemma.
Zhuang Pingyao held Cui Yuqin's hand and said with concern, "Yuqin, I understand what you're thinking. I also know how difficult it is for you to be caught in the middle. Others don't understand your difficulties. I wish I could share your worries..."
Zhuang Pingyao then changed the subject, a hint of helplessness showing on his face, "It's just that Yu'er is still young, it's not appropriate for her to get married early. Besides, we only have one Yu'er, if she gets married, we won't see her as often in the future as we do now. Yu'er respects you as a mother very much, and he can't bear to leave us."
Under long-term pressure from her mother, Cui Yuqin has decided to compromise and agree to a marriage between the two families, but she has always been hesitant about the person to be married.
Cui Yuqin knew what Zhuang Pingyao said, but his soft words touched her heart, and she had already made a decision.
She saw the Sixth Princess's attentiveness to Huaifeng, and she originally thought that it would be a good opportunity to get closer to the royal family, which would be beneficial to the Cui family.
She was heartbroken and angry when she heard that Yu'er had been humiliated at the Sixth Princess' birthday party. She already had a problem with the Sixth Princess. However, she could still distinguish between the child's momentary humiliation and the Sixth Princess's power, and she could tolerate the conflict once.
The problem was that before the Sixth Princess left for the war, she made a mistake at work and was impeached, nearly being demoted. Later, a friend revealed that the official who impeached her was actually recommended by the Sixth Princess.
Cui Yuqin believed that she had no grudge against her, not to mention that she was so devoted to her eldest son.
But one day she suddenly had an idea and thought of her dead ex-husband.
It seems that the Sixth Princess's path is not feasible...
Cui Yuqin seemed to be lost in thought, muttering to herself, "At Huaifeng's age, it's time for her to get married."
——
Zheng Pu brought the lotus seed porridge freshly made in the kitchen into the bedroom. Cui Huaifeng was still staring at the heart knot on the table in a daze.
Although Zheng Pu helped to cover up his affair with Jiang Yan, the truth would eventually come to light, and his family would eventually find out. Strangely enough, his mother hadn't objected to it at first, and even considered trying to get close to Jiang Yan, but for some reason she suddenly changed her mind.
A few days ago, the letter between him and Jiang Yan was burned to ashes in public by Cui Yuqin, and he was ordered not to leave his yard from that day on.
After that day, he tried to send messages but was stopped every time. He also never received any letters from Jiang Yan again, and the two of them stopped communicating from then on.
He hadn't heard from her in a long time, and when he did, it was bad news. Rumors abounded throughout the court that Jiang Yan's life or death was unknown at the border, and there were even rumors that she had died in battle.
Cui Huaifeng never slept peacefully since then. He always dreamed that she was in trouble and woke up every night, feeling very anxious.
"Master, please drink something." Zheng Pu brought the bowl of porridge to Cui Huaifeng. Cui Huaifeng had not eaten properly for several days. It was better in the past few days. When he learned the bad news about Jiang Yan a few days ago, he did not eat a grain of rice for two days in a row.
Cui Huaifeng's wandering mind was brought back to normal by Zheng Pu. He couldn't bear to refuse Zheng Pu's kindness, so he thanked him and took the drink, but couldn't swallow it after drinking half of it.
Zheng Pu comforted himself that at least he had drunk some, so he stopped trying to persuade her and cleared the bowl.
The housekeeper suddenly entered the room and said, "Master, the master wants you to come over. He said he has something important to discuss."
Cui Huaifeng and Zheng Pu looked at each other and said calmly, "I understand."
Cui Huaifeng stood up and followed the housekeeper to the main hall. Sitting there, besides Cui Yuqin, was a strange middle-aged woman. Cui Yuqin enthusiastically introduced her as Zhao Qiuxin's aunt, and Cui Huaifeng bowed and greeted her.
The two boasted to each other and chatted back and forth. Cui Huaifeng stood quietly listening, but his mind was already far away, thinking of Jiang Yan.
As the two elders were chatting, they suddenly changed the subject and began to discuss the marriage between Cui Huaifeng and the Zhao family.
Cui Huaifeng, who was originally distracted by Jiang Yan, was shocked when he heard what the two said. He slowly raised his head and realized that his mother wanted him to marry Zhao Qiuxin.
Aunt Zhao smiled and said, "Then let's do it on the third day of next month. It's a good day."
"Okay, I think so too. I'll give the order later and ask them to prepare well."
Aunt Zhao looked at Cui Huaifeng and said comfortingly, "Don't worry, Huaifeng, you will marry into our Zhao family and we will treat you as our own son."
"My son won't get married." Cui Huaifeng's voice was not loud but clear enough.
"What did you say?" Cui Yuqin's smiling face suddenly turned cold, and Aunt Zhao's expression was not very good either.
"I don't want to and won't marry Zhao Qiuxin." Cui Huaifeng looked straight into Cui Yuqin's eyes with a serious expression.
Cui Yuqin was stunned. Although her son had a cold temper, he was able to judge the situation and rarely contradicted her.
Cui Yuqin was publicly humiliated, especially in front of her future in-laws. She angrily said, "It's the mother and father's orders, the matchmaker's words. You have no say in whether you want to or not!"
"I already have someone in my heart, and I will not marry anyone else but her."
The confession that came out of his mouth surprised even Cui Huaifeng himself.
This was the first time he expressed his feelings so frankly. If he hadn't been pressed step by step, he might never have said it in his entire life.
It's a pity I didn't tell her in person first. If she heard this, how would she react? She would probably be very happy.
Cui Huaifeng smiled very briefly, but the smile was quite bitter.
Cui Yuqin looked extremely unhappy, and she managed to hold back from losing her temper in front of the Zhao family. Aunt Zhao also looked very unhappy.
Neither mother nor son would give in, and the atmosphere became tense.
"Someone come! Send the young master back to his room to calm down. You are not allowed to eat until he calms down." Cui Yuqin narrowed her eyes, unable to suppress her anger.
——
Cui Huaifeng was imprisoned for several days in a row. If Zheng Pu had not secretly brought him food to fill his stomach, he would have starved to death at any time.
Cui Yuqin came several times during this period, and she ignored Cui Huaifeng's weakness, or rather, was satisfied with it, hoping that he would give up and compromise. But no matter how she coaxed, beated, threatened, or forced, Cui Huaifeng still refused to give in.
Cui Yuqin was so angry that she walked away several times.
The pale and dark night was as thick as a haze. The strictly guarded courtyard was so quiet that it seemed a little desolate.
Cui Huaifeng curled up on his side on the bed. The moonlight outside was lonely and the dim light enveloped him.
The emotions that had been suppressed while awake finally broke free from their shackles and gushed out like a clear spring when the body was exhausted.
He thought he was cold-hearted and would never know what it felt like to be in love, let alone expect someone to love him, until he met Jiang Yan.
She understood how cautious I was, how unexpressive I was, and how cold and indifferent I was. She approached me time and time again, determinedly. No one cared about me as much as she did. As we spent time together, I fell in love with her without realizing it.
The appearance of Zhao Qiuxin made him realize that he could not accept others.
Cui Huaifeng never realized his feelings for Jiang Yan more deeply than at this moment. He just wanted to be with her, and she was indispensable in this life and the next.
Cui Huaifeng clenched the heart knot in his hand and held it close to his chest.
When she got into trouble, he had originally planned to remain single, even fantasizing that one day she might survive and they might meet again. But he also knew that his wedding to Zhao Qiuxin was approaching, and he couldn't even escape his own room, let alone resist the wedding.
At the moment, suicide for love may be the best option.
When Zheng Pu delivered food again late at night, Cui Huaifeng frankly told him his decision.
Zheng Pu immediately burst into tears and tried to persuade her while crying. He knew that marrying someone he didn't love and having to stay alone in an empty house for the rest of his life was indeed worse than death. He also knew that he was suffering too much, but he still couldn't accept the departure of someone close to him.
Cui Huaifeng gently wiped away his tears without saying much.
Zheng Pu cried for a long time, until his eyes hurt and he could hardly cry anymore, and then he agreed to Cui Huaifeng's request.
Late at night the next day, Zheng Pu finally arrived.
Cui Huaifeng had washed up, changed into a red dress, and was waiting quietly. When Zheng Pu entered the room, he smiled briefly, a rare moment.
He has handsome features, and even the bright red color cannot suppress his cool and noble temperament like a green pine.
Zheng Pu didn't cry along the way, but when he saw Cui Huaifeng, his eyes became sore and tears burst out again.
Cui Huaifeng remained calm. He gave all the gold and silver he had saved over the years to Zheng Pu to ensure his life for the rest of his life.
Afterwards, Cui Huaifeng took a look at the medicine on the table and felt particularly relieved.
Just as he was about to take it, Cui Yuqin and the guard broke in and they looked at each other in surprise.
Zheng Pu's heart skipped a beat. He said that he felt someone was watching him from time to time while he was buying medicine. It turned out that he had been followed for a long time!
Cui Huaifeng acted decisively, grabbing the medicine bag and pouring it into his mouth. Cui Yuqin also reacted quickly, rushing over to knock the remaining medicine out of his hand. She then had several guards force Cui Huaifeng to vomit, while others restrained Zheng Pu, and finally sent for a doctor.
The small room was bustling with people, and the scene was extremely chaotic.
Cui Huaifeng was eventually rescued, but the poison had already entered his system. He felt as if he were being pricked by needles, his internal organs felt as if they were being roasted by fire, his nerves were tingling, and his consciousness was blurred.
Cui Yuqin coldly looked down at her rebellious son who was half dead on the bed, her heart filled with rage that she could not vent.
Cui Huaifeng’s resistance made her more angry than ever before. No one in the Cui family had ever dared to go against her again and again!
Especially the wedding dress he was wearing, which was a slap in the face. Cui Yuqin was very unhappy that he challenged her authority.
Since he wanted to get married so badly, she would grant his wish! She immediately decided to move up the wedding date and have them wed in two days. At the same time, she ordered everyone in the palace to suppress the news.
Even Zhuang Pingyao couldn't bear Cui Yuqin's cruelty, but he could only sigh.
A few days later, the sun was shining brightly.
Cui Huaifeng was still ill, but was forced to change into her new wedding dress early, and was carried into the sedan chair and brought into the Zhao family's house.
The entire wedding was attended by no outsiders except the elders of the two families. When the frail and battered Zhao Qiuxin was carried into the hall, and the two stood facing each other, Cui Huaifeng looked even more utterly miserable than she, a dying man. The sickly bride, the groom treated like a puppet, it was like the marriage of two dead people.
The ceremonial attendant opened his mouth, and Cui Huaifeng's previously proud head was lowered under the gaze of the big red wedding character.
First bow to heaven and earth, second bow to parents, and then husband and wife bow to each other.
The ceremony is over.
【Author’s words】
I wish you all a happy Dragon Boat Festival!
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