Consort of a Thousand Faces

Chapter 507 (1): Unyielding Personality (unedited)

Despite clearly knowing that she has someone she likes, I still used extreme methods and took her. She must really hate me; she wouldn’t leave with me. I am able to predict everything, and I thought my heart would definitely not move in this lifetime, yet I still fell; suddenly and utterly.

Su Xi-er’s brow scrunched up when she heard what Pei Qianhao said, and she glanced at him. Her heart sank when she saw Pei Qianhao nod at her.

Brother Hu must have let Zhen Yu down, but Zhen Yu is too fixated on him that she is unable to accept this reality. Hence, that could be why he thinks it’s better for Xie Yun to take her away. Not only can we reclaim the power, we can also prevent Zhen Yu from finding out the truth about Brother Hu forever. As for how things will be for Zhen Yu in the future, that would have to depend on Xie Yun. Although he’s very despicable, but to become such a sorry plight because of a woman, he must really love her.

Pei Qianhao walked to his bed. “As to how things will exactly unfold, that would have to depend on you. One thought is all it takes to decide between life or death.[1]”

Xie Yun looked up at him, and a soft chuckle escaped from his lips. “One thought is all it takes to decide between life or death; what an apt phrase. Only if I die will she remember me for an entire lifetime. If she can disregard having face and look for Brother Hu, maybe he will accept her.”

He then closed his eyes. Humans are very selfish; I’m still very selfish even until now. After fighting for power for so many years, I have only ended up with a tired heart and the misery of loving but not obtaining. Death is a kind of relief for me to free myself from everything. At that very moment when I was tumbling down the mountain, I didn’t think of Liuli.

I’m someone who even forgot about my own younger sister, and I even hurt Zhen Yu; am I not extremely selfish?

Seeing his face filled with despair, Su Xi-er couldn’t help but stand up. “Aren’t you worried that Zhen Yu may be pregnant with your child? A woman past the prime of her youth has a child out of wedlock, but the father doesn’t take responsibility; even if she gives birth, people will only call the child a bastard child who is unwanted by the father. Xie Yun, can you bear to leave Liuli and Zhen Yu?”

She was very clear that if Xie Yun died before he handed over his power, even if they could reclaim his power by themselves in the future, it would still be very troublesome. Situ Lin is still young, and Dongling and Xiliu are developing quickly. If turmoil breaks out in Beimin because of complications in reclaiming the power, it wouldn’t be worth it.

Xie Yun’s eyes widened and turned ruthless upon hearing the words ‘bastard child’, clenching his fists. “This Prince will accept treatment. I hope that I can see Zhen Yu when I wake up. As for power...” He looked towards Pei Qianhao. “Just take it away if you want, but you have to leave behind the Xie Family’s estates and power we have established over the years. Liuli needs to marry, and that would be her dowry.”

“Don’t worry, this Prince will only reclaim your military power; I won’t touch your family estates, fields and stores at all.” Pei Qianhao coldly stated.

I don’t lack silvers. Apart from the military power, nothing else catches my eyes.

Xie Yun slowly closed his eyes. After experiencing a close shave with death, I have decided to let go of my power. I feel the most free at this very moment. What Liuli said is right; I’ll lead a better life if I learn how to let go.

Su Xi-er immediately walked out of the room and summoned all the imperial physicians to go in.

Soon, the imperial physicians were assigned their own tasks: diagnosing the pulse, discussing to determine the condition of the injuries, find the medicinal herbs, pound the herbs, and simmer the medicine.

Imperial Physician Zhao came forward and deferentially bowed. “Prince Hao, Commandery Prince Xie’s injury is very severe. We’re afraid that his legs...”

1. This phrase is thought to have been from Buddhism.