Chapter 32: Shattered

Chapter 32

Shattered

Although the Hou no longer harbored as much disdain for Nie Shuang, being shouted at so disrespectfully by his son sparked an uncontrollable fury that he argued harshly.

"You fool! What on earth is worth clinging to in that wretched woman? I went through the trouble of finding you a noble, proper wife, but you’re stubborn beyond reason. If you refuse to marry, I’ll have you bound and locked up. If you’re not ashamed, I’ll chain you and drag you to the ceremony myself!"

"I’ll never marry Yuelan. If you’re so sympathized with Master Chen, why don’t you marry his daughter yourself and make her your principal wife!"

It seemed his son had been spending too much time with that merchant’s daughter. How else could his tongue have become so sharp? The Hou’s mustache twitched in anger.

"If you think you can bind me, Father, we’ll see if you’re capable enough."

Song Qilin spoke to his father with defiance. The Hou, left speechless, could only point his finger in outrage.

"If you don’t tell me where Nie Shuang is, I’ll take this matter to the Da Li Court! I’ll accuse you of kidnapping your own daughter-in-law, and whether she’s dead or alive is in question. If you don’t care about losing your reputation, then go ahead and try me!"

The Hou was on the verge of collapse. He never thought his typically obedient son could be so fierce. He had always dismissed the rumors about the Jade-Faced Reaper, believing they were exaggerations, but now that his son was willing to challenge his own father for the sake of a woman, made him realize just how serious people had been.

Even with his father, he left him with no way out.

Was letting her go the right choice? But keeping her close and allowing her to influence his son could be far more dangerous.

On top of that, the Hou couldn’t afford to lose face. He had promised his friend that his son would marry his daughter. The entire city knew about the upcoming marriage, and both families were progressing with the preparations. Both he and Xu Shi knew that their son would return to the border in a few weeks, so they rushed to prepare everything themselves. So, how could they stop the wedding now...?

"Qilin! Don’t test my patience. Forget about Nie Shuang and marry Yuelan. Nie Shuang is safe, and you have nothing to worry about."

"I need to see her with my own eyes!"

Song Qilin refused to back down even slightly. The Hou sighed in frustration. That woman wasn’t wrong—without sending Song Qilin far away, there was no way to separate him from her. Now that his son had returned, the only thing on his mind was seeing her again. But how could the Hou bring Nie Shuang to him?

"If I don’t see for myself that she’s safe, I’ll report this to the Da Li Court. Father, make your choice!"

The Hou’s anger boiled, causing his old injury in his right leg to flare up in pain. His face paled as he glared at his son and threw his cane at him while shouting,

"You damned son! You’re blind! Do you think she loves you? She only loves money..."

"The Hou!"

Xu Shi, who had just arrived, interrupted quickly. Such things should never be spoken out loud. Qilin could never find out that his father had paid off his wife to make her leave. If he discovered that Nie Shuang had left for the sake of money...his heart would shatter.

"Mother! Where is Nie Shuang!? Is she safe?"

When Song Qilin saw his mother, he immediately asked. Xu Shi dismissed the servants and gently took her son’s hand, guiding him to sit on a chair before speaking.

"Qilin, my dear son, Nie Shuang is fine. She’s safe. Your father wasn’t lying to you. She left because she believed she didn’t belong here..."

"I don’t believe it!"

Song Qilin interrupted his mother immediately. How could anyone lie with eyes like that? No matter what anyone said, even if it was his own parents, he couldn’t believe that the gentle look Nie Shuang gave him was a lie.

"Qilin...she’s not in any distress. Trust me. She doesn’t want you to chase after her. You must respect her decision."

"That’s not true! She and I...she and I..."

We promised each other we’d run away together. How could she leave me behind and go alone...?

"Qilin, I know this hurts, but think about it. If she hadn’t willingly left, what can your father and I do? You know us well—we are people of honor. We wouldn’t do anything deceitful behind your back."

Xu Shi spoke even though it pained her deeply.

"Perhaps...we neglected her too much. When you brought her into the household, didn’t you also take in two concubines at the same time? And now with the situation of Yuelan’s marriage—although it wasn’t your decision, perhaps her heart couldn’t bear it. Qilin, some people, once they make up their mind, cannot be swayed. It’s time...to let her go."

Xu Shi knew these words would break her son’s heart and make him blame himself, but it was better than giving him false hope... It was better than letting him learn the truth—that his plan to elope with Nie Shuang had been exposed. That truth would only cause him deeper pain, the realization that the love he held dear had betrayed him.

Xu Shi had never seen her son cry before, but today, she saw his eyes filled with tears, and it broke her heart. How could a mother bear to see her child in such pain?

Even the Hou was taken aback—Song Qilin was shedding tears!

"I will go find her. I will beg her forgiveness. Whatever she asks of me to make amends, I’ll do it."

Song Qilin rose to leave, but Xu Shi held him back.

"It’s no use. You must move forward, Qilin. Marry Yuelan."

Without a word, Song Qilin left, not even looking back. That day, the entire capital seemed to be in turmoil. It appeared that someone of great influence had mobilized their forces, spreading out in various directions outside the city. No one knew who they were searching for.From that day, Song Qilin did not return to the household for three years. In the end, the marriage between the Song and Chen families never took place.