Wu Zhenhai presented the facts, reasoned with her, and tried every kind word he could think of, but Mingzhu simply wouldn't budge.
He has a temper too!
He watched Mingzhu walk inside, and said angrily, "Ruanruan, you'll regret this!"
"Even if I regret it, I can't beg you back."
Mingzhu was determined not to let him succeed.
I used to depend on him and put him first in everything.
He had no idea that what he perceived as her little temper tantrums were actually the result of her careful consideration and deliberation, which had gone through countless cycles of anxiety and uncertainty in her womb.
Are you happy?
I was happy.
But she wasn't foolish enough to let herself get caught up in that fleeting pleasure.
Besides, being with other people doesn't necessarily mean you're unhappy.
But Mingzhu didn't want to find anyone else.
She was certain that her brother and sister-in-law cared for her, and she cared for her brother and sister-in-law; but with another man, one could never know what he truly desired—whether it was the power of the royal family or her.
Even if someone is attracted to her, it's uncertain whether they're attracted to her stunningly beautiful face or to her as a person.
In a sense, the Old Cabbage Stalk has actually stood the test of time.
--When she was with him, none of this existed.
But living with him? That would be a completely new challenge. Forget it.
It's fine if he only addresses her needs occasionally, but he's unwilling to do so; he insists that she take responsibility.
Unfortunately, all I want to do in this life is be a bad woman, so I'll stay far away from her.
After leaving the Prince's mansion, Wu Zhenhai went to Tao Ma's house in a huff.
He threw a silver ingot in the door and ordered wine and food to be prepared, cursing, "I'm never going to see a woman again in my life!"
Tao Ma quickly nudged Manniang, signaling her to take care of it.
Manniang tucked the silver ingot into her sleeve and said coolly, "This is another case of being taken advantage of by a woman."
Although she didn't know the details, she felt that Wu Zhenhai's willingness to die for Zhou Xu was only a matter of time.
Tao Ma nudged her, stopping her from saying more, and gestured for her to leave.
"Wait a minute." Wu Zhenhai was also familiar with them, and called out to Manniang, "Manniang, let me ask you, what's wrong with me?"
Manniang replied, "My lord, if a woman is liked, good conditions are unnecessary; if she is not liked, good conditions are useless. A woman who does not consider conditions cannot be forced, unless you use force."
Use force?
He couldn't beat her!
Besides, he couldn't bear to part with it!
"Is there nothing that can be done?"
No, unless you cater to their preferences.
Cater to their preferences?
Wu Zhenhai felt extremely wronged.
Why didn't he cater to their preferences?
She was close to Prince of Jin, who later became her brother, and he followed Prince of Jin wholeheartedly. How much more could she please him?
I can't exactly cut off my head and give it to her, can I?
Wine doesn't intoxicate; one becomes intoxicated by their own state of mind.
After a few rounds of drinks, Wu Zhenhai said bitterly, "Let her go, let her go! That heartless woman! I want to see if she can find a better man than me in the future."
"That's definitely not possible," Tao Ma said ingratiatingly, getting up to pour him some wine.
Wu Zhenhai, his head throbbing from drinking, slumped onto the table and said, "Tao Ma, you're not behaving yourself."
Tao Ma was so startled that his hand trembled, and the wine spilled onto Wu Zhenhai's sleeve.
Wu Zhenhai didn't care and muttered, "She doesn't like me. Your Manniang always shows me respect on the surface, but who knows how many bad things she's said about me to you."
He wasn't like this when he was young.
Even if he hadn't achieved the success he has now back then, he still had plenty of women throwing themselves at him.
Is he really getting old?
Tao Ma hurriedly said, "No, no, Manniang's words were unpleasant, I was afraid you would be angry, so I scolded her away. Sir, you are no longer interested in women, and everyone is saying in private that you are trying to cultivate your virtue, so they dare not send you any!"
Wu Zhenhai: Huh?
"That Wang guy who sent you two 'skinny horses' last time not only didn't get promoted, but was actually demoted three ranks. Everyone's saying this is hindering your cultivation..."
Who would dare to do that after this?!
Wu Zhenhai slammed his hand on the table, his eyes glazed with drunkenness, and said, "Who spread these rumors?"
Tao Ma trembled with fear and stammered, "Please don't be angry, it's just... it's what everyone's saying, I don't know who started it."
The law doesn't punish everyone; who can you blame in this situation?
Wu Zhenhai: "No! This isn't enough! It hasn't even reached her ears! Continue. Here, this is five hundred taels of silver. You're in charge of this matter! Make sure everyone in the border town knows that I'm going to cultivate!"
I'm going to become a monk!
Let that weak-willed, stubborn woman regret it!
Tao Ma was completely stunned.
I wanted to ask him something, but Wu Zhenhai was already fast asleep, slumped over the table.
Tao Ma: "Manniang, Manniang, what should we do!"
Manniang came in, listened to the reason, and said, "Whatever he says, we'll do."
Let's do it.
Mingzhu had no time to think about Wu Zhenhai.
She went to find Tang Zhuyun.
"Sister-in-law, what are your plans now?"
Although the decision ultimately rests with Prince of Jin, Tang Zhuyun's opinion is clearly of paramount importance.
Tang Zhuyun smiled and said, "I was just discussing this matter with Xiu'er."
Xiu'er's eyes were red-rimmed, and she said in a muffled voice, "Just don't kick me out."
Mingzhu was startled.
What do you mean by "chased away"?
"Who chased you away? I left on my own," Tang Zhuyun said. "I've entrusted the children to you, haven't I? Mingzhu, this is what I'm thinking: if we really have to go back to the capital, I'll go with your eldest brother."
Song Jingyang will be back soon, so he will stay in the border town and take care of the four brothers Guagua and Linlin, with Xiu'er.
If possible, she would send Yanran back after she went to the capital.
Little did she know, Yanran thriving in the capital, causing a huge stir and making waves—she was practically a female Nezha.
"Mingzhu, Xiu'er definitely can't take care of everything by herself, you should stay too."
Mingzhu lowered her head and remained silent.
After a long pause, she slowly said, "I'll listen to my sister-in-law."
Although she didn't want to show weakness in front of Wu Zhenhai, nor did she want to indulge his arrogance, Mingzhu deeply agreed with the two points he made.
First, there's her face; it's a face that's sure to cause trouble.
Beautiful women are common, but this "stolen" face is still so beautiful it's unfair; she has to look at herself in the Zidu a few more times.
Secondly, Wu Zhenhai really needs to stay. He and Song Jingyang are managing the border town together, and she needs to keep an eye on him.
Even though the eldest brother is a prince, he still has many things he cannot control.
She still needs to help.
However, this time, it's hardly a matter of enduring humiliation and bearing heavy burdens.
Wu Zhenhai dared not, but she wasn't entirely without options either.
In particular, the four brothers remained in the border town.
If anything happens to her eldest brother and sister-in-law, she will risk her life to raise her four brothers to adulthood and teach them to avenge their parents!
Xiu'er said, "Your Majesty, Mingzhu is so capable, she can stay. I'll stay with you!"
"No, anyone else is fine, Wuxian live without you."
Xiu'er: "..."
This is truly an irresistible reason.
Only she and the Empress could respect and fully understand Wuxian's requests...