Chapter 24: Admitting a Mistake

Jiang Wu parted ways with that brat on a sour note.

Perhaps the sourness was one-sided; the brat had shed the caution and hostility he displayed at their first meeting, and his posture appeared significantly more relaxed. This, conversely, made Jiang Wu even more displeased—it was clear he was no longer taking her seriously. After observing him carefully for a few more days, she noted his "stay away" expression; truly, in temperament, he was strikingly similar to Chu Ling.

Jiang Wu suppressed the worry for her child and shifted her focus back to Chu Yan. The palace banquet for Chu Yan was approaching. Jiang Wu had prepared fine clothing, but upon arriving at the room, she found it already filled with an assortment of ready-made garments, along with a complete set of gold and silver jewelry. Her gaze swept over the colorful array; she realized her efforts had been superfluous.

"A-Wu."

Chu Yan looked much healthier than before, finally no longer lying listlessly in bed. She walked straight over and took Jiang Wu’s hand with a smile. "You finally came; I thought you didn't want to see me anymore."

Jiang Wu indeed hadn't wanted to see her, but after so many days, her state of mind had leveled out, so she managed a smile. "How could that be? I’ve just been too busy these past few days. I was quite offensive during our last meeting, so I came today specifically to apologize. With the palace banquet approaching, I had originally intended to bring you some clothes." She glanced toward the side. "But it seems, sister A-Yan, you have no need for them."

She didn't need them, yet Jiang Wu still had to offer her favors. Since she was destined to leave the stage, Jiang Wu hoped the transfer of this position could be peaceful; otherwise, if things turned ugly, the children would be the ones to suffer.

Hearing the address "sister A-Yan," Chu Yan’s eyes brightened. "Between us, why speak of apologies? Since you brought them, I shall naturally wear what you’ve gifted. What do men know of appreciation anyway?"

A phrase flashed through Jiang Wu’s mind: *Spoiled by favor.*

It was truly different when one was cherished; who would dare speak such words to Chu Ling? That was fine, she thought; if the two of them were happy, it was ultimately a good thing for her. In truth, if she were being purely selfish, Jiang Wu truly did not want Chu Ling to be happy with the person he loved. Why did Heaven favor such an inhuman creature so generously?

"A-Wu, you truly understand my tastes best."

Jiang Wu looked over; Chu Yan was stroking the clothes she had brought. Judging by her expression, she seemed genuinely pleased.

"As long as you like them."

She had intended to leave after dropping off the gifts, but Chu Yan pulled her into a long conversation.

"That brat of mine," she asked with a smile, "is he very annoying? If you want to punish him, those light slaps on the wrist won't do; you must use harsh methods."

When Jiang Wu first heard her mention Chu Jisheng, she felt a moment of guilt over her previous reprimand, but hearing the rest, she stared at this mother in shock. Was she serious? Yet, seeing her expression, Chu Yan’s smile only deepened.

"He is exactly like that—he speaks poorly and always wears a sour face." She paused. "However, the child has no ill intentions. I still hope you can like him."

It seemed the latter half was the true point, even though Jiang Wu only deeply agreed with the first. She didn't know why Chu Yan wanted her to like that brat, but how could that be? She offered a polite, symbolic response: "Not at all. I naturally like him. He is merely mature for his age; that, too, is just like Chu Ling."

This seemed to leave Chu Yan stunned for a moment, though her smile returned instantly.

"A-Wu," she asked again, "how have you been all these years?"

Jiang Wu didn't know how to answer. She tried to lift her teacup to hide her embarrassment. If she were to truly look back on her experiences over these years, they were utterly wretched, with nothing worth lingering over. She had originally not wanted to appear too miserable before Chu Yan, but as her gaze shifted, she changed her mind. Nothing was more important than bringing these two together.

When she set the cup down, her expression turned melancholy. "I have lived very well these years. The Master treats me very well. My food and clothing are the finest, and everywhere I go, others are respectful." This was true. After saying this, she glanced at Chu Yan’s expression before continuing. "However... the Master is not happy."

Chu Yan frowned. "What does he have to be unhappy about?"

*Right?* This person had everything; what could he possibly be unhappy about? Thinking this, Jiang Wu could not say it aloud.

"Sister A-Yan does not know," she began to spout nonsense convincingly. "Although the Master possesses everything, the person he loves is not by his side. Such loneliness is something ordinary people cannot comprehend, and it is something no amount of power or status can compensate for."

She caught Chu Yan’s grave expression and realized she was listening intently. Sensing it was working, she suppressed her disgust and tried to paint that bullying, cold-blooded monster as a piteous, deep-feeling soul.

"He often sits in a daze, though I do not know what he is thinking about." In reality, he was likely thinking of how to kill someone.

"That peach orchard you lived in before—he tends to it himself." This was true.

"To bring you back, he planned this war for a long time. These past two years, he has hardly eaten or slept." This was also true.

Jiang Wu sighed. "Only when he is drunk does he truly reveal his heart, and the name he murmurs... is always yours, sister A-Yan." This was a lie; Chu Ling would never allow himself to get drunk.

Since the conversation had reached this point, Jiang Wu decided to be blunt. "Sister A-Yan, I know the bond between you and the Master. I only want to say that you have both suffered for so many years. Now that you have finally reunited, there is no need to worry about me." *I want you two to be together more than you do yourselves.*

Chu Yan’s expression shifted throughout her words. Finally, after a long period of contemplation, she asked, "Do you want to leave Chu Ling?"

Jiang Wu’s gesture of using a handkerchief to wipe away non-existent tears froze. She had not expected this person to extract her true intent from such a mix of truth and lies. She absolutely could not admit to this, so her expression turned serious. "Sister A-Yan, I have deep roots of affection for the Master, and there is the bond of so many years between us. If it were not for the hope that he could be truly happy, how could I be willing to leave him?"

Jiang Wu’s expression was one of profound devotion. She could not easily say words that would leave her vulnerable; given Chu Ling’s nature, if he knew she wanted to leave, what would happen?

Chu Yan finally just said, "I understand."

What exactly did she understand? Jiang Wu was unsure if she had grasped her meaning, and she spent every day like an ant on a hot pan.

Until this day, when she went to find Chu Yan again. The courtyard was strange today; it was already quiet, but now it was even more deserted. Not a single servant could be seen. Jiang Wu left her attendants outside and went in to see for herself.

As she approached the main house, she heard faint voices. She could distinguish Chu Yan’s voice, and wondering if they were discussing private matters, she felt it might be inappropriate to burst in without announcing herself. Just as Jiang Wu was about to step back, another familiar voice drifted over.

"No."

Her footsteps froze. How could Jiang Wu not recognize Chu Ling’s voice? Moreover, this "no" was delivered in his absolute, non-negotiable tone. In an instant, her heart felt as if it had been grazed by a feather—she was consumed by curiosity. Before her brain could react, her feet seemed to have a mind of their own, moving forward two steps.

Now, Chu Ling’s voice was even clearer.

"She must be my wife. Once she is, she is for a lifetime."

Jiang Wu realized immediately that he was talking about her. The possessive arrogance and inexplicable stubbornness in the man’s words made her heart tremble violently, giving rise to a panic as if she had been spotted by a venomous snake.

"Then I do not agree either." This was Chu Yan’s voice.

Jiang Wu immediately reconstructed their entire conversation in her mind. Without a doubt, this talk was critical for them. Chu Ling must have proposed marrying Chu Yan, but judging by his words, he was unwilling to give her the position of legal wife. As for Chu Yan—there was no need to guess; she had expressed her refusal to be a concubine over a decade ago.

Jiang Wu was furious. What was going on in Chu Ling’s head? Chu Yan had already relented; why didn't he quickly bring the sedan chair and perform the rites of a legal marriage? Why insist that *she* must be his wife? Was his brain broken?

***

Just as she was fuming, a familiar figure appeared—Chuyi.

Jiang Wu saw him about to salute and frantically waved her hands to signal him to stay quiet, terrified of interrupting the crucial conversation inside. However, Chuyi seemed unable to understand her hints and spoke aloud: "Mistress."

As soon as the sound emerged, the room went quiet. A moment later, the door opened. Jiang Wu glared fiercely at Chuyi, who showed no sign of guilt, before turning her gaze to the man standing at the doorway.

"Master."

Sensing an inexplicable rage radiating from Chu Ling, Jiang Wu forgot to be angry at Chuyi and lowered her head, not daring to make a sound.

"What are you here for?" Chu Ling’s tone was unpleasant.

"I..." Jiang Wu didn't know why, but a wave of grievance suddenly welled up. Chu Ling had always spoken this way, and she should have been used to it or indifferent, but at that moment, her heart stung. "I just came to see sister A-Yan."

"Did I not tell you not to have contact with her?"

Jiang Wu bit her lip tightly and said nothing.

"Why are you being so fierce with her?" Chu Yan had appeared at some point and was standing next to Chu Ling.

The early summer sun made Jiang Wu feel slightly dizzy. In her memory, before Chu Yan was sent to marry, the two were often together—a talented man and a beautiful woman, a perfect match in anyone's eyes. More than a decade later, after Chu Yan’s return, Jiang Wu saw them standing side by side once again.

One in black, one in white—they were still that perfect match.

The sting lasted only a moment before Jiang Wu ignored it. She desperately wanted to send them away to finish their conversation, to say that she really did not want this position of Prime Minister's wife.

Whether it was Chu Yan’s words that worked, Chu Ling did not say anything more to blame her and left without a word. As he passed by, Jiang Wu felt his lingering displeasure. Was it because Chu Yan had refused his offer of concubinage?

Why? Why, when he clearly hated her so much, did he insist on holding onto her? Why would he not let her go?

A fire was burning in Jiang Wu’s heart, mixed with that trace of grievance, growing ever stronger. Beneath her lowered lashes, she watched the hem of his black robe pass by. When it was about to vanish from her sight, Jiang Wu turned and followed him.

"Master."

The person in front ignored her.

Jiang Wu, unable to contain her anger, quickened her pace. She had to make this clear to him today; how could there be such an unreasonable person in the world? The man’s strides were long, and she had to jog to catch up.

"Master." She called out again from behind.

Still no response; all she could see was a cold back. Jiang Wu was already tired from running, and as her speed slowed and the distance between them grew, she reached out and grabbed the hem of his robe.

The wide sleeve of the black robe was pulled into an arc, and the gold-embroidered pattern on the edge stung her eyes. In a moment of distraction, Jiang Wu stumbled and stepped on the hem; as she fell forward, she was caught firmly by a pair of hands. Her hand was still clutching his sleeve.

"Master," Jiang Wu felt Chu Ling stabilize her and prepare to pull away, so she gripped him tighter. She looked up at the man who stood so much taller than her. "You do not need to feel guilty toward me."

Chu Ling’s gaze was cold. "What?"

Jiang Wu maintained her grip on his arm, gathering the courage of a lifetime to look directly into his eyes. "In these eighteen years, Master, you have not treated me unfairly."

It didn't matter if these words were insincere; she desperately wanted to end this. Why did Chu Ling refuse to let her go? The only explanation she could think of was guilt. After all, they had lived together for so long, shared the same bed, and raised two children. Although the word "sympathy" seemed impossible when applied to Chu Ling, it was the only explanation.

"My only hope now is that you can be happy. If only sister A-Yan can give you that happiness, I am willing to ask for a divorce."

She spoke the last four words with great trepidation and in a whisper, because with every word she spoke, the man’s face darkened. By the time she finished, the chill in Chu Ling’s eyes could have killed anyone.

"Ask for a divorce?"

He laughed. A man who rarely laughed, his furious laughter was so terrifying that Jiang Wu’s hands unconsciously loosened, though she dared not move or pull them back. These words had clearly touched Chu Ling’s reverse scale. The man before her was a version she had never seen; in those eyes, like deep pools, there was not only coldness but a madness that would destroy everything.

This was not the man she knew—the man who remained calm even when furious. She had always thought she feared Chu Ling, but only at this moment did she know what true terror was. The desire to flee had never been so urgent.

She took a small step back, and this action seemed to stimulate Chu Ling. The man suddenly reached out, grabbed Jiang Wu by the collar, and slammed her against the wall. His hands, pampered but calloused, pressed against her neck. Jiang Wu felt like prey under the claws of a beast, about to be torn to pieces, unable to move a muscle.

"Did I not tell you? Do not have such thoughts again! You..." Chu Ling’s enraged words trailed off suddenly. The sight of her weeping and gasping seemed to jolt him awake, and he immediately released his grip.

Jiang Wu gasped for air. She didn't know why, but before Chu Ling let go, his hands hadn't actually applied force. Yet, seeing Chu Ling like this, she felt as if she were suffocating.

"My head hurts." Jiang Wu sobbed. It wasn't an excuse to escape his anger; her head truly felt as if it were splitting open.

As her body slid down the wall, she was caught in an embrace. The man said nothing, holding her tightly. Her consciousness began to drift away from the pain. Before she lost consciousness, Jiang Wu seemed to hear the man’s ghostly, haunting voice: "Want to leave? You are dreaming. Call Physician Sun."

The latter half was likely addressed to someone nearby.

Physician Sun? That uncomfortable old man? Jiang Wu wanted to cry even more; she wanted to say she didn't want him, but she couldn't make a sound. Finally, she lost consciousness completely.

***

Jiang Wu could not recall the events of that day later. She only knew she had fainted, and after waking, aside from a headache, she felt no discomfort.

Not long after she woke, Ah Ye and his sister came together.

"Mother, do you feel any discomfort?" Chu Ye asked with concern.

Jiang Wu smiled and shook her head. After waking, she had specifically asked who had treated her and was relieved to hear it was the usual physician; she must have misheard the name "Physician Sun" before losing consciousness. Thinking this, her gaze shifted to Nian Yin, who was standing silently behind Ah Ye. "Nian Yin, why are you standing so far away? Come here to Mother."

After many days together, her relationship with the two children had gradually grown closer. Seeing her daughter standing so far away, she naturally called her over.

Hearing her mother call, the girl, who had been keeping her head down, suddenly looked up, her eyes brimming with tears. Jiang Wu was stunned. She saw a trace of panic in the girl’s eyes—not the caution she had shown when they were unfamiliar, but the true panic of someone afraid of being hurt.

She was bewildered and heartbroken. How could she ever bear to hurt her daughter?

Nian Yin finally sat down on the edge of the bed. Jiang Wu watched as her daughter’s hand tested the air near the bed, not daring to touch her. Feeling a pang of sorrow, she grabbed her daughter’s small hand. "Nian Yin."

The tears in the girl’s eyes could no longer be suppressed. They rolled down, and she leaned forward to hug her mother on the bed. The little girl cried until Jiang Wu could feel the dampness on her shoulder, making her own heart ache and twitch.

"Mother," Nian Yin said in a muffled voice, "I am so scared."

Jiang Wu hugged her back, comforting her constantly. "It’s okay, Mother is fine. There, there, don't get too worked up; don't make yourself sick." She was still concerned about her daughter’s heart condition.

Standing to the side, Chu Ye watched the mother and daughter embracing and lowered his eyes. He knew what his sister was afraid of. She feared her mother would be hurt, and even more, she feared that upon waking, her mother would no longer look at them with tenderness. Perhaps that initial trauma had been too great for Nian Yin to emerge from the shadow.

***

Until the palace banquet, Chu Ling did not appear.

Jiang Wu enjoyed the leisure; she had been truly frightened by Chu Ling. Being bad was not the worst thing; being bad to the point of losing one's senses was the most terrifying. She now felt that the Chu Ling of that day was his true face.

As for Chu Yan, she did not go to see her again. Let those two struggle; she could only pray that Chu Yan would persevere and win this standoff.

Even if she were reluctant, on the day of the banquet, she still had to enter the palace with Chu Ling. Having not seen each other for many days, the two met outside the manor as if nothing had happened—at least, that was how it appeared. Jiang Wu only dared to call out a hurried "Master" before obediently standing to the side, lowering her head to avoid looking at him.

She could feel his appraising gaze on her. Just as she was becoming stiff from the attention, the gaze finally shifted.

"Get on the carriage."

Jiang Wu felt a sense of relief and walked toward the carriage, though the thought of being in the same vehicle with this man made her sigh again. Once inside, she moved into a corner, wishing she could press herself into the wooden wall.

A moment later, she heard a voice outside command "Depart." The carriage moved, but Chu Ling did not enter. Jiang Wu was stunned. She peeked through the curtain and saw the man in his scarlet official robes riding on horseback.

She finally breathed a sigh of relief. Without a shred of attachment to his back, she let the curtain fall and happily moved to the center to sit.

*I hope he hates me; I hope he divorces me immediately,* she prayed silently.

***

After entering the palace, Jiang Wu was first summoned by the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager was Chu Ling’s younger sister, not very old, with a gentle and soft nature. Jiang Wu thought perhaps Chu Ling had favored this temperament when he arranged for her to occupy the Middle Palace; she was certainly easy to manipulate.

The Empress Dowager seemed to like her sister-in-law. Jiang Wu rarely visited the palace, so now that they had met, the Empress Dowager held her back for a long time. Jiang Wu thought her quite pitiful—so young, yet forced to stay in a place where there was no one to talk to.

Finally, the Empress Dowager smiled and let her go. "Alright, I have detained you for so long; Eldest Brother will be displeased. You should go find him."

She did not know how Chu Ling managed it, but in the eyes of his family, they seemed to be a devoted, inseparable couple. It was truly chilling. However, that was fine; Jiang Wu did not like dealing with anyone of the Chu clan anyway, so she followed the suggestion and left.

Jiang Wu had no intention of finding Chu Ling as the Empress Dowager had suggested, but she didn't expect her luck to be so poor that she would run into him on the path. The main banquet was about to start, and she was originally headed there.

She encountered Chu Ling... and Princess Qingyang in the garden.

The two were discussing something. Jiang Wu didn't even have time to eavesdrop before they noticed her, and they naturally stopped talking. Jiang Wu couldn't turn around and leave, so she had to bite the bullet and greet them: "Master, Princess Qingyang, you are here?"

Qingyang’s expression was poor. Jiang Wu couldn't guess the situation and didn't dare ask. Qingyang spoke for herself: "Nothing much, just that my mother is ill." She looked at Chu Ling. "I merely wanted to understand her condition from Master Chu."

Hearing this, Jiang Wu’s eyes were full of worry. "Is the Empress Dowager ill again?"

The Empress Dowager had only two children: Qingyang and her younger brother who had died early. Since the former Emperor had passed, the Empress Dowager’s health had indeed declined; the blow had been too great.

*Wait...* Jiang Wu suddenly realized that Qingyang’s tone was off, and she reflected on it carefully.

"Since you are worried," she tentatively suggested, "you should go see her. When I was ill, Nian Yin was very worried. In this world, the feelings of children and mothers are all similar."

As she spoke, she saw Qingyang looking toward Chu Ling, so she looked that way too. The man was still his usual unfathomable, heartless self. She understood now—Chu Ling was preventing the mother and daughter from meeting. This sinister man was truly capable of anything. So, she helped guide the conversation to this topic, but unfortunately, the man’s skin was too thick.

"If Your Highness wishes to know of her condition, the imperial physicians can tell you. If you wish to see her, simply send a request; if she wishes to see you, you may."

Jiang Wu clenched her fists at the man’s malice. She almost wanted to speak on Qingyang’s behalf—who didn't know that everyone in this palace was his person? Yet, the man continued to act shamelessly.

"If she does not wish to see you, Your Highness should reflect on why. You cannot continue to be so absurd."

In the end, he pushed the fault onto others. Yet, no one dared to argue—not Jiang Wu, nor Qingyang.

After Chu Ling finished speaking, he headed toward the banquet. He paused after two steps and looked back at those still standing in a daze.

"Are you not coming?"

Jiang Wu had originally wanted to comfort Qingyang, but under his gaze, she didn't dare stay. She could only glance at the distraught Qingyang and hurry to follow Chu Ling.

The palace banquet was incredibly boring, from the songs and dances to the clinking of glasses among the guests. It was Zhang Xiu drinking in misery, Chu Chan gnashing her teeth, and Chu Yan staring straight ahead that were more interesting.

Perhaps dissatisfied with her lack of focus, when Chu Ling was toasted, he pushed his cup toward Jiang Wu, signaling her to drink for him. Jiang Wu could only pull her eyes away from the "show" and reluctantly pick up the cup.

Her tolerance was decent, but she couldn't handle glass after glass. By the time the banquet ended, Jiang Wu was too drunk to see clearly. As she stood up, she lost her balance, only to be caught by Chu Ling.

The drunken woman could no longer distinguish who was before her, and she lost her usual fear and distance. Having no strength, she leaned into the man’s arms. She sniffed—she didn't like the scent; it was an annoying person. Jiang Wu wanted to push him away, but the man held her firmly.

"I will take my leave now."

A chorus of voices echoed: "Safe travels, Master."

Jiang Wu felt herself being swept up. Too drunk to tell who was holding her, she was not well-behaved in his arms, touching and pinching here and there. Finally, she looked up and reached out to press against the man’s face.

*He’s letting me mess around so obediently; it must be Yang Zhou, right?* Jiang Wu felt reassured and lay back into the man’s arms, becoming even more unbridled.

"I want to hear a song," she tugged on his sleeve, using a tone that was half-command, half-coquettish. "Sing me a song, quickly."

The person above her was silent for a long moment before a voice filled with smoldering rage arrived:

"Jiang Wu, who do you take me for?"