Chapter 1380: What could she have done wrong? [Seeking monthly votes]
The sounds inside the room were sometimes clear, as if the Lord were whispering in his ear, and sometimes indistinct and chaotic. Luan Xin resisted their intrusion, his expression pained as he tried to shut off his hearing. But they were omnipresent, relentlessly drilling into the depths of his mind.
Shen Tang joked with Gu Chi, "I was originally thinking that if I won the bet, I would make you work overtime at the government office for ten or fifteen days without any conditions, and I would take your monthly salary. I never expected that we would be so in sync and have the same answer. Wang Chao, did you write this because you heard what I was thinking?"
Gu Chi smiled and said, "No, it's because we're of one mind."
The Qiu family sent the ransom money, and Qiu Cheng had to die.
Even if you don't die, you're doomed!
Luan Xin almost bit his lower lip until it bled.
So it turns out we were telepathically connected! We truly were telepathically connected.
How could he deceive himself, how could he force himself to blame Gu Chi? Qiu Wenyan wasn't driven to his death by Gu Chi's own initiative; it was the Lord and Gu Wangchao who conspired to kill him. His guess at Qiu Wenyan's funeral years ago was true!
But Gu Chi was good at reading people's minds and deceived him.
Knowing full well that Gu Chi possessed such a scholarly virtue, he still ignored numerous doubts and forced himself to accept a relatively acceptable outcome. Who could he blame for all this? Was it Gu Wangchao's cunning, or his own foolishness, so easily falling into the spiderweb woven by a wise ruler? Becoming the prey willingly? Initially, he had clearly intended to endure years of grudges and then seek a better opportunity.
He even said he wanted the emperor to die by the scribes of his ministers.
They plotted to have her die at the hands of Qi Yuanliang, who murdered his master.
However, he betrayed himself.
Her soul submitted to her lord before her body, constantly finding excuses for him and harboring hatred towards Gu Wangchao. As long as Gu Wangchao took all the blame for driving Qiu Wenyan to his death, her lord would be innocent. She was merely a benevolent ruler blinded by treacherous ministers.
What could she have done wrong?
No one is perfect; everyone makes mistakes.
Those who have made mistakes and acted arbitrarily are treacherous officials.
The fault lies with Gu Wangchao, not Shen Youli.
Over the years, he firmly believed in this and never considered the doubts—his lord was decisive in killing and ruthless, and was well-versed in both open and covert schemes. He had ruled his subordinates for many years without causing any trouble. How could Gu Wangchao dare to act on his own as such a lord?
Why wasn't Gu Wangchao reprimanded for acting on his own initiative?
Admittedly, she treated Gu Ren's descendants well, allowing Wu Xian to live and fulfilling the popular reputation of "deep affection between brothers," and even bestowed titles upon the two of them—a privilege that many meritorious officials had not received, but the two of them did—but was the emperor really so benevolent as to be foolish?
Looking at the other competitors, how many of them have fared well?
Her ruthlessness and decisiveness have remained unchanged for more than a decade.
Would such a lord be swayed and misled by Gu Wangchao?
Luan Xin still remembers the shock he felt when he first learned about Gu Chi's way of the scholar. His first reaction was, "[Shen Youli definitely doesn't know about his way of the scholar], [This matter could be used as leverage to sow discord between the ruler and his minister]." A ruler might like a minister who can figure out his intentions and enjoy the other party spending all their thoughts on him, but he would never tolerate his own thoughts being exposed to the other party's eyes. This is the greatest taboo for a ruler!
Once she finds out, Gu Wangchao will surely die.
Later I realized I was overthinking it.
She knew Gu Chi's abilities and didn't mind him hearing her innermost thoughts; in fact, she reveled in this overly intimate connection. Luan Xin was confused, bewildered, and perplexed. His established understanding had been forcefully shattered by his master, the intense impact engulfing him from head to toe. The world he saw had transformed from chaotic and dark to vibrant and dazzling! He could force his body to ignore her virtues, but he couldn't stop his soul from being drawn to this color, nor could he make his reason cooperate with his body.
The better she did, the more flustered and confused Luan Xin became.
He could only look for the other person's flaws, hoping they could help him suppress this uncontrollable attraction. He searched and searched, like digging up a radish only to find mud along with it; each flaw that excited him was accompanied by a host of virtues that frustrated him. This abnormal emotional tug-of-war tormented Luan Xin, eventually arousing his wife's suspicion: "Is my lord having affairs?"
What is two-color?
Beneath Luan Xin's calm exterior lies a thunderous roar.
Seeing his unwavering resolve, the lady began to doubt her own judgment: "If he is not distracted, why does my lord often toss and turn in bed?"
Leisurely and carefree, yet tossing and turning in bed.
Isn't this showing concern for others?
The reason why the lady did not suspect that Luan Xin's restlessness was due to official business was because she knew her husband's abilities. During his many years under Qiu Cheng, he had never been troubled by official business. At that time, Luan Xin was a clerk in charge of household affairs. He had a considerable workload, but he did not need to rack his brains to plan and scheme. Why would he need to be restless? Since it was not for official business, it could only be for a specific person.
Luan Xin lay back down, pulled the blanket over her, and turned away, leaving her with the words: "Don't overthink it."
Without the two colors, he thought of the two masters.
Luan Xin was determined to be loyal to both masters.
That idea is absolutely insane!
But another voice within him quietly persuaded his soul—no, not persuaded, but bewitched—why the madness? Wenyan Gong's death had nothing to do with her; it was all the work of treacherous villains. She was innocent; she shouldn't have to bear unwarranted prejudice! Luan Gongyi, you're wasting your name. You're just and fair to others, yet you insist on dragging an innocent person into this mess?
Yes, he shouldn't have done that.
In an instant, a single thought can expand the vastness of the universe.
His body lay on the couch, feigning sleep, but his soul found liberation, breaking free from moral shackles and following its most primal instincts.
Today, he asks himself—
"Is the Lord wrong?"
"She did nothing wrong."
Who is in the wrong?
"You, Luan Gongyi, are the one who is wrong."
"You're just fooling yourself!"
"You've become ungrateful!"
Every accusation ultimately pointed to himself.
In comparison, even Gu Chi seemed less unlikeable.
【Luan Gongyi, are you completely unaware?】
A thunderclap exploded in his ears, his body felt like it was being electrocuted, his hands and feet went numb, but his consciousness was clearer than ever before.
He recognized the voice as belonging to Qiu Cheng.
The scenery before him underwent a dramatic transformation; the surrounding landscape magnified while he shrank. A tremendous force shoved the insect curled up in the corner away, and he saw a speeding carriage run over his legs, the excruciating pain tearing at his limbs.
The image flashes by, showing an old face.
[My clinic doesn't employ idlers. You can stay here, but you'll have to work. Leave as soon as your leg injury heals.]
Several more days passed.
The aged voice carried pity: "You beggar, if you leave my clinic, you'll have nowhere to go. And you've used so much good medicine lately… I'm not one to take advantage of kindness; I just want to point you to a good place. Will you go?"
He entered the Luan family mansion and gained an older sister.
His elder sister brought him a nephew named Luan Cheng, who was registered under his name.
His dark, thin body gradually grew taller and stronger, from a child to a teenager, from a teenager to a young man who had lost his childishness, and then from a spirited young man he fell into the mire. He saw a pot of boiling water poured down, mercilessly turning his bloody flesh white.
He forgot how long he had been in hell.
The demons of hell chuckled: "Justice?!"
Li He, standing beside the demon, chimed in: 【Beautiful calligraphy!】
The demon said in a playful tone, "It is indeed a good character."
Qiu Cheng, acting as a mediator, persuaded the evil spirit to relent: "Since Brother Wenyan has spoken, I will naturally give him face. In any case, he has learned his lesson, so let's leave it at that. However, there's one thing: Brother Wenyan should know how much our kind of family abhors any illegitimate or improper stains, and we absolutely will not allow any stains to creep onto our heads!"
Qiu Cheng assured him: "Of course."
Luan Xin managed to escape: "My Lady, let's return to the Luan residence."
That wasn't his older sister, nor was it his home.
Seeing his dejected state, Qiu Cheng frequently visited him and even offered to provide him with shelter: "Although I, Qiu, lack worldly talent, I have earned a good reputation through years of hard work. If Gongyi doesn't mind, you might as well come over; we are currently in need of a strategist."
Luan Xin shook his head, afraid the other party would misunderstand, and explained that he wanted to travel and clear his mind. Perhaps seeing more would broaden his horizons and help him fully recover from this setback. He had a vague premonition that if he could break through this barrier, he would surely gain something.
Upon hearing this, Qiu Cheng smiled and cupped his hands in blessing, saying, "In that case, I wish you, Lord Luan, continued success in your literary endeavors, and I look forward to our next meeting."
Luan Xin hesitated for a moment, then said, "Alright, it's a deal."
Qiu Cheng gave him a way out.
If it weren't for Qiu Cheng, he would have lost his life that year.
Another clap of thunder pulled Luan Xin back from his chaotic thoughts.
[Luan Gongyi, you know everything but pretend you don't!] The long-absent, young, and spirited Qiu Cheng stood beside him, looking down into his eyes, his tone a mixture of reproach and helplessness, [Why doesn't Lord Luan drink from his sword and commit suicide to prove his loyalty!]
Luan Xin lowered his head and remained silent.
Even now, can you still be loyal to a traitor without any reservations?
Luan Xin: [She's not a thief.]
Or, can you walk away unscathed with a clear conscience?
【cannot. 】
[Could she still avenge me and die by killing her master?]
Luan Xin's voice trembled: "...No."
Then you have nowhere to retreat!
As the last word fell, the illusion vanished instantly, transforming into a sword before him. This sword, however, was not the one Luan Xin usually wore on his sash; it was a simple, gleaming longsword with an extremely thin and bright blade, reflecting his face.
It is the Lord's sword.
This thought quietly surfaced in Luan Xin's chaotic mind.
His fingers trembled as he gripped the hilt and picked up the sword.
The moment the sword touched his neck, it left a small bloodstain. With just a slight exertion of his wrist, this sword, capable of cutting through iron like mud, could take him away just as his lord had taken away countless enemies.
For a long time, the sword did not move an inch.
Instead, Luan Xin lowered his head slightly and laughed.
The laughter emanated from his chest, a hint of madness faintly discernible. Luan Xin was now certain that his lord's often-repeated words were true: "Whether scholarly or martial, none of them are mentally sound: Is this show entertaining?"
A fierce aura tinged his eyes, giving him a somewhat sinister look!
Time, which had stood still around us, began to flow again.
Inside the room, Shen Tang snapped the wooden box shut.
"Go to Tangyuan and tell Old Cai... ah, no, I mean tell Wenyan Gong some good news. The Qiu family has sent the ransom money. He's regained his freedom, and I'll send someone to escort him back to the Qiu family tomorrow." Shen Tang's cheerful voice reached Luan Xin's ears. The next second, Luan Xin, who had been ignored by the whole world, regained his presence, and the two people in the room were startled by his presence.
Who's outside?
A palm strike came straight at Luan Xin.
It's not fatal, but it can immobilize a person.
Shen Tang and Gu Chi rushed out, and Luan Xin looked at the two standing opposite him; they were also looking at him. Even in the dream, the master didn't kill him indiscriminately, but merely frowned and asked, "Who are you? How did my sword end up in your hands?"
"A former subordinate of Qiu Wenyan?" Gu Chi recognized Luan Xin. Thinking of what he and his lord had just plotted, Gu Chi felt murderous intent and said, "My lord, this man cannot be allowed to live."
Luan Xin chuckled and said, "I didn't entirely wrong you."
In either case, Gu Chi is the most murderous.
A treacherous minister is a treacherous minister; he's the same in dreams and in reality.
Gu Chi was somewhat puzzled by his words.
Why are you spouting all this gibberish for no reason? Do you think you can get away with this by pretending to be a ghost?
Shen Tang asked, "How much did you hear?"
Luan Xin countered, "Why does Your Majesty insist on killing Qiu Wenyan?"
He finally asked the question and waited for the answer.
Shen Tang was surprised by his form of address. Looking at the sword in his hand, his broken and vulnerable expression, and his watery eyes that seemed about to cry, she inexplicably felt as if she had wronged him somewhere. Gu Chi also noticed this and secretly elbowed her.
Telepathic message: [My Lord?]
Listen to this, he's still only calling me "Lord".
This former retainer of Qiu Wenyan actually called me "Lord"?
Where did he get involved in this romantic entanglement?
Shen Tang was speechless, knowing that it was impossible to keep this person alive, but he didn't mind letting the other party die knowing the truth before he died: "Why do we have to kill him? First, it's to make an example of him, otherwise everyone will think that I can step on him. Second, he offended Gong Xi Chou."
Luan Xin guessed the first reason, but he didn't know there was a second one. He smiled wryly and asked, "When did I offend General Gongxi?"
Shen Tang: "Not long ago, on the front lines."
Luan Xin murmured, "On the front lines?"
“Look, that old bastard… it’s Qiu Wenyan. When he broke through the defenses, he cursed in front of the entire army, ‘Gong Xichou, I’ll f*** your ancestors!’ Gong Xichou cares most about his ancestral register. Even if I don’t kill him, Gong Xichou will secretly take care of him.”
Luan Xin had no doubt about this possibility.
This is something Gong Xichou could do.
Even if the Lord could spare Wenyan Gong, Gongxi Chou would not.
He sighed, "I see."
Shen Tang said to Luan Xin, "I cannot keep you here."
As the familiar longsword pressed against his neck, Luan Xin's chaotic heart regained its tranquility, and he whispered, "Xin Zhi."
Before Shen Tang slashed open his neck, he made a request.
"Without the Lord's intervention, can the letter come of itself?"
Shen Tang narrowed her eyes slightly, but did not refuse: "Please."
Luan Xin held his sword to his neck, his gaze complex as he glanced at Gu Chi and then at Shen Tang: "My lord, farewell."
Having said that, he drew his sword and committed suicide without any hesitation.
As his consciousness was swallowed by darkness, a strong sense of suffocation dragged him into a bottomless abyss. In the void, Luan Xin suddenly opened his eyes, fiercely resisting the pressure of that external force.
"Who do you think you are!" From the void, he suddenly turned around, his face pressed against a blurry shadow. He could see a hint of panic in the shadow's eyes. "You dare to possess me?"
|ω`)
It's so painful! I couldn't stop scrolling through Xiaohongshu for over ten hours straight, I just couldn't stop, sob sob. I never realized I had such poor self-control...
P.S.: No updates yet. I'll update during the day; I can't stay up all night anymore.
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