Essence and Qi Collapse
Chapter 40: Essence Collapse
Qiu Man's temperature gradually dropped. When Qiu Sanniang returned home after work, she found her half-dead daughter lying on the bed.
"Xiaoman?"
After Qiu Sanniang finished shouting, she sat quietly beside the bed, carefully braiding Qiu Man's hair, her eyes depicting the facial features that had not yet fully grown.
He was born to a handsome and proud father, and was the child of Qiu Sanniang when she was at her most beautiful. Although his skin was not well-maintained, his small face was round and pointed, and the whole thing made him look delicate and beautiful.
Unfortunately, he has been sick since birth, which makes him look unhealthy and sickly.
As a mother, she had thought countless times about what a healthy Qiu Man might look like. Later, she imagined countless times that she and her mother lived somewhere else. In the end, she couldn't even protect Qiu Man when she was a teenager.
Qiu Sanniang tucked her hair in to wipe away the tears from her eyes and calmly accused her, "Madam Huan, you failed to protect my Xiaoman."
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”
"It's none of her business. She saw me before she died, and it was me who didn't save her. If you want to blame someone, blame me. I will pay you all the compensation."
Qiu Sanniang rarely dared to meet his gaze. Her usual fearful deference shattered as she angrily said, "Your Highness, Madam, you are not welcome in our home. Please leave and do not disturb the departed soul."
Peng Zuoyao also lowered his tone and said firmly, "Who the hell are you? How dare you say such words to this king..."
"Peng Zuoyan, stop talking!"
Yi Huan pinched his arm and pulled him back, his shoulders bent as he said apologetically, "Madam Qiu, I'm sorry, I'm leaving now."
Peng Zuoyan looked up with a pair of impatient eyes and glanced coldly at Qiu Sanniang on the steps, with no intention of tolerating her resentment.
"Mr. Peng! I beg you to get out of here!"
"Let's go, Madam Qiu, don't get excited and don't do anything stupid, okay?" Yi Huan knew how heartbroken a mother who had lost her child would be, and he was even more afraid that she would be depressed when no one took care of her.
Qiu Sanniang smiled dully and said without hope, "I'll wait for you tomorrow."
Peng Zuoyang glanced at Yi Huan, who looked lost and lifeless, and said, "If you're worried, I'll send someone to watch her secretly."
"Forget it, she's waiting for me tomorrow."
The next day, Peng Zuoyan sat in the carriage and did not come in with Yi Huan.
It wouldn't be a big deal if the usually tidy courtyard wasn't cleaned for a day, but Yi Huan came here every day these days and felt a slight sense of desolation.
Yi Huan stood outside the door with both feet, and his first words were still an apology, "I'm sorry, Madam Qiu."
"I've long thought that my Xiaoman would die, but I didn't expect it to happen so soon. I'm not ready yet, and I still have a lot to say to my Xiaoman."
Yi Huan went up the stairs and wanted to wipe away her tears of loneliness, but she turned around and blocked his way.
Qiu Sanniang went into the house and came out again. She seemed to be struggling to hold Qiu Man, and her thin arms were tightly holding him. Yi Huan wanted to ask her if she hated him, but there was no need to ask. If she were in his shoes, she would definitely hate him.
What I hate even more is that the murderer who caused all this is right in front of me, but I can't take revenge myself.
"Madam Qiu, I am also responsible. I would rather you blame me and vent everything. I am the one who has let you down."
"No." Qiu Sanniang lowered her head and smiled lightly, "Why blame you? When a person dies, the light goes out. No one can go back to the past."
"Madam Huan, on this final journey to rest, could you please help me send Xiaoman off?"
Yi Huan suddenly looked up in shock, unable to believe it but guessing it, and said to himself, "Xiao Man must want you to accompany her on her last journey. I call her Auntie because of you, so what's the big deal about me sending her off?"
"I was so excited yesterday. Xiaoman likes you. If you come, I will tell her. She will definitely be happy."
Yi Huan choked with emotion, grabbed her wrist, and stuttered, "Madam Qiu, things haven't reached the point where you have to..."
"After having Xiaoman, I like the identity of mother even more. Every time I think of the dark and cold road ahead and my Xiaoman being alone, I can't help but hug her immediately. Although it's bright and spacious here, it's better for us to be reunited as mother and daughter than to guard a box of ashes."
Is it really necessary? Yi Huan didn't ask such an embarrassing question. He took the stiff Qiu Man with steady force and stared at Qiu Sanniang's flat face with a dead heart.
"Mrs. Qiu!"
Qiu Sanniang half-stopped, her usually thin back was like a dead branch in winter, lonely and heavy hidden among the branches. When the wind blew, it would fall down and disappear into the dark and gloomy earth.
Yi Huan took a step forward and said, "What if Xiaoman wants to see you from heaven? Both mother and daughter are dead. Is there anyone left in this courtyard? If you are gone, who in this world will remember you?"
Qiu Sanniang turned around slowly, wondering why she was crying even more sadly than herself, who had lost her daughter. However, she was so sad that she just wanted to end it all.
"I hope the promise between Xiaoman and I can be fulfilled. I also hope that my Xiaoman can be healthy in the next life. If the disease is still there, I hope someone can cure it."
Yi Huan wanted to persuade her again, but was interrupted by Qiu Sanniang's cold and unfamiliar tone.
"Madam Huan, I want to dress up for a while, please don't disturb me."
"…good!"
The moment the door was closed, Yi Huan turned around and shed tears of regret.
On the cart in the yard, the cold wind was howling provocatively, gray clouds were condensing in the dim blue sky, and Yi Huan sat on the cart, as quiet as an old clock.
"Ah Huan, it's cold in the yard. Let's go home and warm up first."
Yi Huan knew he was talking about the next door. That was his home, and she had no home anymore.
Looking at the child in the car, who was wrapped up with only his eyes exposed, Yi Huan suddenly said, "I was planning to buy Xiaoman a light orange winter coat. It must look very nice."
"You can wear it even when you're in the coffin." Peng Zuoyuan glanced at him indifferently, and then felt that Yi Huan's clothes were too thin and the wind outside was too strong.
Qiu Sanniang died by hanging herself.
After hearing the voice, Yi Huan waited and only pushed open the wooden door after Qiu Sanniang had completely fulfilled her wish.
The wind from outside rushed in like an avalanche, lifting up her gray skirt and swaying it irregularly back and forth. Her face was covered with strange makeup. She faced the gate, willing to die.
Even though he had expected it, it took Yi Huan several seconds to come back to his senses. He choked and sadness flowed from his eyes.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have recognized you, shouldn't have come here, and shouldn't have let him see you. I'm sorry for you and your daughter."
Peng Zuoyan was willing to let her handle these matters, but only on the premise that it would not harm her body.
She squatted on the ground, holding Qiu Sanniang in her arms, lost in thought. Peng Zuoyang tried to persuade her, "She committed suicide. It was her fate. It has nothing to do with you. Don't be too sad. I'm your subordinate, Ah Huan. It has nothing to do with you. Don't be sad. The ground is cold. Let's bury her, okay?"
"Have you ever held Xiaoman in your arms? Have you ever really looked at what she looks like? You're not her husband, but you're Xiaoman's biological father. You're pretending not to have the responsibility of raising her, yet you're being hypocritical here."
Peng Zuoyan thought about her words carefully and shook his head seriously.
He never cared about girls, especially those who could be called toys. Qiu Sanniang had a vulgar personality and dull looks, so how could she possibly win the heart of Peng Zuoyuan?
"To you, apart from power, wealth, and gold, women and children are all things that can be discarded at any time. Peng Zuoyan, are you sincere? Is your heart red? Your conscience has been eaten by a dog!"
Peng Zuoyan was quiet for a moment, restraining the resentment in her words, and said gently, "Except for you."
"How can I be so worthy of this?"
Yi Huan raised his head and shed tears, saying to himself, "Those who beg for mercy will not show mercy, and those who resent are just greedy dog-skin plasters, playing tricks on people."
Peng Zuoyan remained silent for a few breaths, tentatively reached out and touched her fingers, then curled them up in the air and thought a lot carefully.
He wanted to make endless promises and weave a paradise full of love and power. Ren Yihuan was envious after hearing this. Even if Yihuan wanted the whole world, Peng Zuoyuan could give it to him in five or ten years.
But Peng Zuoyan knew very well that what Yi Huan wanted was not this, but true feelings and sincere love.
"Ah Huan, what I want to say is that although I'm not your perfect match, you agreed to follow me willingly. I will never let you down. From now on, I will always put you first. I truly love you."
"No, I don't want this with you."
Peng Zuoyan sighed softly, held her hand in his hand, and said willingly, "You still want to blame me, but I'm happy too."
On the way out of the city for the burial, Yi Huan was brought back to his senses by the sudden chill on his face. Looking up, he saw the sky changing from white to dark, indicating the first snow of late winter.
"It's snowing. It's really cold."
Peng Zuoyao took the cloak beside him and put it on him, saying carefully, "Go back quickly and drink the ginger soup to drive away the cold. It would be bad if you catch a cold."
Because of this incident, the tour ended in vain. Yi Huan locked himself up in silence at home, speaking little and laughing little.
Peng Zuoyang was eager to hold on to Yi Huan, and taking care of her day and night was not enough to make him feel safe. The only way to make the world bright was to get married to her.
"Ah Huan, this is the only wish I have in my life. Look at me, please grant it to me."
Peng Zuoyan walked up to her side and said sincerely, "Ah Huan, the position of Regent Princess, mistress of the mansion, my wife for life, Ah Huan, are you willing?"
"You forgot, your wife's name is Cui Luan."
Peng Zuoyuan paused, and his expression changed without leaving a trace. Thinking of Cui Luan who was lingering in a remote place, the idea of silencing him flashed through his mind. As long as Yi Huan nodded and spoke, Madam Cui would immediately find out that there was no such person.
"Ah Huan, if you have any grudges, I can handle it."
Yi Huan snorted and said indifferently, "Whether there is someone else or not, I am not willing to do it."
"If you dare to let me enter the family tree, I will destroy your Peng family ancestral hall. If you dare to marry me, I will burn down the Peng Mansion."
The stubbornness and stubbornness in her eyes were more of a promise. Peng Zuoyan believed that she would do what she said. It was a happy thing and he didn't want the two of them to have an unhappy relationship.
Peng Zuoyan smiled and sighed, then said softly, "Forget it. The marriage is between the two of us. Everything else should be simple. As long as we have you and me, that's all that matters."
"I can participate, but I have conditions."
Peng Zuoyan showed a hint of joy and asked, "What are the conditions?"
"If you don't come to my hospital for a year, I will marry you."
"A year is too long, how about March?"
Yi Huan refused to give in and insisted, "One year is one year."
"Okay. I agree." Peng Zuoyan had no choice but to compromise. Hearing her nod, he was happy in his heart, and the corners of his eyes, which gradually became curved, were filled with joy.
The word "wife" can evoke hope and yearning in people because of their different identities.
Peng Zuoyuan walked out of the yard with light steps. While thinking about going to the palace to ask for another decree, he was also thinking about how to write invitations to various parties. He didn't even notice the steps under his feet. He had to ask Chang Er to hold on to steady himself.
"Master, be careful."
"Chang Er, I haven't been this happy in a long time. She promised me something with her own mouth, and she will never go back on her word."
Peng Zuoyan is more inclined to regard one point of sweetness as ten points. There is no other opposite sex around Yi Huan. As long as he works hard and persists, the bright moon will shine on him one day.
Chang Er inadvertently glanced at the locked courtyard, swallowed his guess, and said in agreement: "Madam has always been the madam of the mansion."
Or maybe those in power are deceiving themselves. As subordinates, the second-in-command can see it clearly and is afraid that the master's wish will not be fulfilled. If the master satisfies this little bit of sweetness, it's fine. But if he wants more, it may be that he is doing something he knows is wrong.
On the day of the wedding, Peng Zuoyang was dressed in festive and luxurious clothes from head to toe, while Yi Huan arrived late and wore plain clothes, and they walked through the ceremony in a hurry.
No one dared to stop Peng Zuoyuan from entering the bridal chamber, but he insisted on smiling and entertaining all the guests in the mansion.
As night fell, Peng Zuoyuan had dealt with all matters. After taking a bath and burning incense, he changed into a newly tailored dark red brocade robe and quietly walked into the courtyard.
The small window was open, and Yi Huan sat there writing. There wasn't much red silk outside the house, but it made the decoration look a little different.
Peng Zuoyan felt the relaxation in his chest and stood there for several minutes before walking in.
"Ah Huan, are you interested in writing? I will definitely observe carefully."
Peng Zuoyan walked in with great interest, and the smile on his face was filled with some shy admiration.
Yi Huan wiped the ink residue from his fingertips with a handkerchief and said lightly, "For your wedding."
"Ah Huan is so thoughtful. I'm very happy."
After seeing the large characters "This hatred will never end", Peng Zuoyuan's expression of joy froze slightly. He pretended to be happy and said, "Madam wrote this herself. Put it away quickly."
"I've regretted it so many times. If I hadn't given you that piece of dry bread, if I hadn't accepted your offer of help when I was sending the escort, if I had committed suicide earlier, you wouldn't have had the opportunity to take advantage of me, and we wouldn't be in this situation today."
"Ah Huan, these are all our fates. It's God who is unwilling to let us break up, and has given me opportunities again and again, allowing me to be closer to you."
Everything was forced by Peng Zuoyan, it was his fault, but even though she was tortured to this point by him, he still couldn't bear to let go, so he let him go further and further on this road. It is better to be in a relationship with a distant partner than to have nothing to do with each other.
Peng Zuoyan laughed and said, "Let me serve Ah Huan as a slave in my next life to make amends. I can be beaten and scolded by you."
Before Yi Huan was connected, the evening breeze carried the dried flowers to the table. They should have been blooming green on the spring equinox, but they were so dead that they couldn't even return to the mud.
Thinking of herself, she sighed with lassitude: "Since ancient times, autumn has been sad and lonely, but spring is so bright and beautiful. Spring days are inferior to morning days, and so are the days and nights."
"Madam, you are well-versed in writing. Go, write down these two sentences, frame them, and place them in my study."
The people below answered yes, and Peng Zuoyan was in high spirits, seemingly unaware of her disgust.
Peng Zuoyao elegantly poured two glasses of wedding wine, sat down and invited her, "Ah Huan, our ceremony isn't over yet. Let's drink the wedding wine together and be in harmony and happiness."
Yi Huan tilted his head in confusion and immediately reminded him, "Tonight is the first day you fulfill your promise."
Once the agreement was made, Peng Zuoyan's self-deceiving mask was exposed. He was half forced and half compromised into this marriage, so he didn't even deserve a complete and smooth wedding night.
Peng Zuoyan froze for a moment, then said with a smooth smile, "Ah Huan, today is different. There's no need to rush. We haven't finished the process yet."
"Are you going to do something treacherous again?" Yi Huan asked affirmatively, as he was not surprised by his refusal to keep his promise.
Peng Zuoyan was choked on the spot, wanting her to understand more about the changes in him, and trying to convince himself not to rush into things.
"Okay, since I've made a promise, I won't break it."
Holding two glasses of wine, Peng Zuoyan asked persistently, "Ah Huan, let's drink this cup together to complete the etiquette, and then I will leave immediately."
"In my previous life, I must have been a wicked person who committed countless crimes, including murder, arson and looting."
Peng Zuoyan was puzzled by her change of topic and asked, "Why are you saying that suddenly?"
"Otherwise, how could I have met you?"
"Ah Huan, fate and destiny have tied us together. Instead of fighting, it's better to accept it. You can learn to take a step forward. I've been waiting for you in front."
"I don't want a future with you."
"Forget it, it's good that you're by my side." Putting down the cup that he had been holding for a long time, Peng Zuoyan stood up silently, walked two steps towards her, and looked at her reluctantly.
"Ah Huan, I'm very happy today. After tonight, we will be a married couple. Madam, ha, you are my madam."
Yi Huan took a half step back impatiently and said to the guest, "You should leave now."
"I've been reading a lot of stories lately about people who end up together through sheer coincidence. Tell me, will I wait until the day you change your mind?"
"laugh."
Yi Huan laughed mercilessly and said sarcastically, "Your subordinates are trying to coax you into believing the lies they picked out, and you believed them?"
"How pitiful."
However, there must be something hateful about a pitiful person. Yi Huan did not sympathize with him, but rather hated him.
Peng Zuoyuan stepped forward and asked slowly, full of expectation, "Do you think we can also fall in love with each other over time, like a loving and happy couple?"
Yi Huan glanced at him inexplicably, as if to say, what are you thinking about?
"Ha." Peng Zuoyuan smiled, hands behind his back, and then swore helplessly, "It's okay. I can wait, and I'm happy to wait."
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