Chapter 18

The time spent recovering from her injuries was the happiest period of Luo Huanghun’s life.

She would change his bandages and teach him about medicinal herbs, while Murong Feng taught her survival skills and how to escape in the wild. Their feelings for each other heated up rapidly, and Luo Huanghun even felt a sense of peaceful, quiet contentment.

But as a general of the Great Yin Empire, Murong Feng couldn’t afford such a life for long.

He had to appear at court; there were too many matters awaiting his attention.

Although the Emperor was dim-witted and incompetent, and the court was dominated by treacherous officials, the common people of Great Yin were innocent. Murong Feng had to stand firm in his duty.

As for Luo Huanghun, she was “accidentally” found by the Luo family and returned to their estate.

Murong Feng sent Bai Zhi, a trusted aide who had returned with him from the Qing Kingdom, to protect her. She was a cold, icy woman who obeyed Murong Feng’s every command; even though she was clearly dissatisfied with the task of protecting Luo Huanghun, she did not defy his orders.

Luo Huanghun could sense the hostility Bai Zhi held toward her, so she tried her best to avoid conflict.

After so much time had passed, Ren Jingsi had also been released. He had become much more silent and steady. The spirited, high-flying young man from before seemed to have vanished; he had learned to restrain his emotions, appearing more like a deep, calculating politician.

He often went to the Luo residence to beg for forgiveness, but was chased away each time by Luo Chenhui, who would rush back just in time.

Occasionally, the look in his eyes when he gazed at Luo Huanghun held an unconcealable sadness.

Luo Huanghun originally didn’t want to pay him any mind, but gradually, rumors of Ren Jingsi’s “deep affection” began to spread, especially after he sent Li Ling’er away.

Ren Jingsi had held a high position since his youth, his future was bright, and he was now seen as deeply devoted. People began to say that Luo Huanghun didn’t know what was good for her and that the Luo family was being too overbearing.

When the two-month deadline arrived, Luo Huanghun decided to have a talk with him. They met at a restaurant.

For the first time in a long while, Luo Huanghun looked at Ren Jingsi properly. His frame had thinned considerably, and the contours of his face were more defined, making him look more somber.

In particular, the aura he carried now bore a striking resemblance to that of Prime Minister Ren.

This was an entirely unfamiliar Ren Jingsi. Luo Huanghun lowered her eyes; in her past life, when Prime Minister Ren held the reins of power and the Ren family was at the height of its influence, she had never seen Ren Jingsi look like this.

“Since I returned, I’ve been having a recurring dream,” Ren Jingsi said, his voice hoarse. “I see you cast aside by me, locked in a dark room, withering away day by day, and then…”

As he spoke, tears began to fall. “It feels so real, as if it truly happened. I don’t dare let you come back, yet I can’t stop myself from wanting to see you. Luo Huanghun, what should I do with you…”

Watching the once-haughty Ren Jingsi like this, Luo Huanghun sighed. Seeing his remorse, she suddenly felt a sense of release regarding the events of her past life.

She had harbored resentment and hatred, but having been given a second chance, she realized that rather than trapping herself in bitterness, she wanted to live her life well—for herself, for her family, and for Murong Feng.

“Have you ever thought that the dream might be real? Ren Jingsi, if you truly regret it, then let go.”

Luo Huanghun looked steadily at Ren Jingsi and produced the divorce papers. “There is no possibility for us anymore.”

Ren Jingsi’s eyes turned red. “Is it because of Murong Feng?”

Luo Huanghun nodded, a hint of softness appearing in her eyes.

Ren Jingsi gazed greedily at her face for a moment, then closed his eyes and took the papers.