Looking at the three characters before him, Hua Yunfei's hand trembled slightly where it rested against the stone tablet, and the bitterness at the corners of his mouth grew more pronounced.
"Love... it's so difficult."
Hua Yunfei let out a long sigh, his thoughts in turmoil. Scenes of his time with Xia Qiuer surfaced in his mind, lingering there no matter how he tried to shake them off.
In truth, he could have accepted Xia Qiuer. It was normal for powerful people in the world to have several wives and concubines. If Jiang Ruoyao were her usual self, she would only be happy for him, give him a thumbs-up, and praise him for finally getting a clue.
But Hua Yunfei was a man who took responsibility. He couldn't deceive himself, and he didn't want to deceive Xia Qiuer.
He admired Xia Qiuer and had a favorable impression of her. He thought she was a good girl, but he knew there was no romantic love in his heart for her. At most, he could regard her as a good friend or confidante.
He thought that once she realized he didn't love her, Xia Qiuer wouldn't choose to stay, either.
If he kept her by his side out of pity, deceiving her in the process, it would be disrespectful to her, and she wouldn't be happy.
"Feelings really are the greatest taboo on the path of cultivation."
"I hope Yaoyao won't find out about this after she comes back. Otherwise, I'm done for."
The Imperial Court.
Xia Qiuer had just returned to her bedchamber when a woman as radiant as moonlight appeared beside her. It was the Imperial Empress.
"Is something troubling you?" The Imperial Empress took Xia Qiuer's hand.
"Mother, after today, Qiu'er won't cry anymore."
Xia Qiuer buried herself