Chapter 89: Parallel

Chapter 89

Parallel

After Kang Wang had left, Nie Shuang invited the elders to stay at the mansion. However, both the Hou and Elder Furen felt uneasy. They had not treated their daughter-in-law well in the past, to the point where she had run away. How could they now shamelessly enjoy food, drink, and rest in a mansion that their daughter-in-law had built through her own hard work?

When they thought about the early days of her marriage in the Hou Manor, Song Qilin had taken in two concubines at the same time and assigned her to stay in a distant, small quarters. Although the Elder Furen had not harbored any ill intentions, she had not looked after Nie Shuang either, leading to servants being disrespectful toward her. Worse yet, the Hou had even offered Nie Shuang money to divorce his son and had traveled to Huangjing to request that she disappear. The memory of it still made him feel ashamed.

On the other hand, Nie Ran and his wife had no such complicated thoughts and were more than happy to accept Nie Shuang’s invitation to stay. The Hou, although slightly envious that they would get to be closer to their grandchildren, didn’t mind as he had already bought a mansion next door. Now, he could visit his grandchildren anytime. After all, Nie Ran would eventually have to return to manage his business, leaving the children to grow closer to him instead. The Hou thought with satisfaction

As Nie Ran and Xiao Yi Niang followed the servants to their quarters, the Hou and Elder Furen finally had a chance to speak privately with their son.

"Qilin, regarding Young Miss Mu, has Kang Wang really thought this through?"

The Elder Furen was the first to ask. She was aware of the political intricacies at royal court and had always treated Kang Wang like one of her own, making her concerned about the situation.

"The matter is as Kang Wang stated, Mother. There’s no need to worry. In a few days, the Mu family will come to take her back. There is nothing more to it between them."

Although Xu Shi was still uneasy, the Hou interrupted with a stern voice,

"It’s not that Wuqian took the blame on your behalf, is it? He’s the type to sacrifice himself for his friends. If it was you who caused this mess and brought shame to your wife, I won’t let you off."

Song Qilin glared at his father. Wasn’t it his father who had driven Shuang Shuang away in the first place? And now he had the audacity to accuse him?

"Shuang Shuang is my wife; there’s no need for you to defend her. I’ve never wronged her. But you, Father—secretly buying a mansion in Huangjing without telling Mother—how much of the Emperor’s reward did you secretly pocket for that?"

Hit where it hurt, the Elder Furen immediately turned to her husband, her eyes flashing with anger. The Hou glared back at his son.

"You insolent boy. How dare you incite discord between your parents?"

The Hou, who had once been so proud of his son, couldn’t believe how insufferable he had become after getting married. He hadn’t even had time to properly scold him when a chilling voice from his wife cut through the air.

“The Hou...explain this whole matter about the neighboring mansion. Where did you get the money from, and how come I never knew you had this much hidden away?”

The Hou cleared his throat, trying to maintain his serious demeanor, though his voice softened significantly as he addressed his wife.

“Furen, back when I was still on the battlefield and victorious many times, I never kept track of the rewards I received. Whatever treasures or gifts you didn’t like, you would just stash them away in my personal vault. This time, I had the butler open that vault for the sake of our grandchildren. I didn’t want to dip into the household funds that you manage. We’re both getting on in years, so why not stay here and help raise the grandchildren together?”

Xu Shi sighed. The Hou was still as stubborn and willful as ever. Once he set his mind on something, there was no changing it. Scolding him further would be pointless, so she turned back to speak with their son.

“Neither you nor Wuqian should be involved with the Mu family. They’re locked in a vicious power struggle with the Pei family. I don’t want you two getting caught up in their disputes.”

“Elder Furen, there’s no need to worry. Nie Shuang has handled this under the name of Xiangyun Tea House. When the Mu family comes to retrieve their young miss, none of it will affect His Highness or Qilin. I’ve made sure to keep her stay at Kang Wang’s palace a secret.”

Xu Shi finally relaxed at this, reassured by her daughter-in-law’s careful handling of the matter. She had grown even more fond of Nie Shuang during this visit. Not only was she beautiful, but she had also given birth to three adorable grandchildren. Looking around, there wasn’t a family in the capital as fortunate as theirs. It was a pity that Nie Shuang didn’t wish to return to the Hou Manor. Otherwise, Xu Shi would surely become the most envied mother-in-law and grandmother in the entire capital.

After a good nap, the children began to wake up one by one. Song Qilin brought them out for his parents to dote on. He had been practicing taking care of them and had gotten the hang of it. If not for his quick reflexes, he wouldn’t be able to handle three mischievous little ones at once. Seeing the three children clinging to their tall father like tiny bugs made everyone in the room smile warmly. Who would have thought that there would come a day when Song Qilin would turn into a doting father, personally taking care of his children? Xu Shi’s eyes welled up with tears. Her son had always been stern, bordering on harsh, much like the Hou himself. But seeing this warm side of him made her worries fade. She knew how much harder he had to work than most to uphold the Hou Manor’s honor. From a young age, he had taken on his father’s duties on the battlefield and had to balance his studies with martial arts training, all without his father by his side. The Hou had been strict, and his life was spent mostly on the battlefield, rarely returning home. As Yong An Hou Shizi, Song Qilin had to struggle alone.

But now, Song Qilin would no longer be alone...

Mu Rongying sat in silence for the entire ride back to the palace, feeling uneasy. She feared that she might be the cause of trouble for others. In her heart, she only hoped that the Mu family would send someone to retrieve her soon. The look the Hou had given her earlier clearly expressed suspicion about her relationship with the two men.

Kang Wang noticed her expression and knew what she was thinking. He, however, was not at all worried. Whatever the Hou thought was of no concern to him. Upon arriving at the palace, Kang Wang waited until Chunmei helped Mu Rongying down from the carriage before speaking.

"In three days, there will be an event launching the new Tangyuan at Xiangyun Tea House. Be prepared to leave at the Chen hour."

Mu Rongying acknowledged his words with a graceful curtsy. She was as beautiful as a flower, and her manners were flawless, having been refined to perfection. Kang Wang stood there, momentarily lost in admiration.

Mm, Young Miss Mu was truly stunning. It was no wonder that Mu Guifei was so determined to have her sent to the palace. She wouldn’t just capture the Emperor’s attention—other concubines, and perhaps even Mu Guifei herself, might be cast aside. If this beauty entered the palace, how could the Emperor not become infatuated? Men were always vulnerable to the charms of beautiful women. When that time came, anything the Mu family asked for would be granted with just a whisper in the Emperor’s ear. With her intelligence and youth, it was inevitable that the Pei family of the Empress would be at a disadvantage, which would, in turn, benefit him.

"Young Miss Mu..."

Mu Rongying paused and turned to face him. Kang Wang stepped closer, signaling for Chunmei to step aside. Once they were alone, he asked,

"Do you truly not wish to be sent to the palace?"

Mu Rongying answered confidently,

"Yes, that is true."

"If you return with a ruined reputation, even if only your relatives know, your chances of marrying into a good family will be gone. Worse, what if you’re sent to a nunnery? What would you do then?"

"Those things...do not concern me. The less important I am, the easier it will be for them to forget me. At that point, no one will care what I do. I’ve lived a life of comfort; enduring some hardship won’t hurt me. At least it will be a path I’ve chosen for myself."

Mu Rongying’s gaze was resolute, showing no hesitation. In fact, she welcomed the idea of being sent to a nunnery. This time, she had experience. If she were to escape again, she would be better prepared. She would not fall prey to evil people or bring trouble upon herself.

Kang Wang frowned, displeased with her response. He couldn’t quite explain why, but her words irritated him. He didn’t want such a beautiful, young woman to choose a path that would destroy her life. He knew well how the inner palace could consume people, but a woman with a tarnished reputation, without prospects for marriage, wouldn’t fare much better. Furthermore, high-born individuals like them grew up familiar with this way of life. Both he and she had been taught to tread over others to reach their goals. It should be easy for her to do the same. But seeing that she remained firm in her decision, he merely swung his sleeve and walked away. Mu Rongying watched his broad back disappear, sighing softly.

If it were him... perhaps she would be willing to enter the palace.

A man as noble and refined as jade, one who would protect the woman he loved even if she belonged to another. Kang Wang’s stubbornness to follow his heart nearly brought her to tears. Such a gentle and kind man was hard to find. Even though they had only met a few times, Mu Rongying could already see what kind of person he was.

Coming to her senses, Mu Rongying was startled by her own thoughts.No...His path and hers were parallel. They would never meet at the same point...