Chapter 573: Chapter 573, Tearing Off the Mask (2nd Update)
But the budding adoration, as she watched him entwined naked with the very woman she loathed for her affectations, instantly shattered into disarray, never to kindle again.
Expecting to be the primary wife, would she agree? Would the Luo Family consent?
Foolish daydreams, even the position of Noble Consort was a stretch, let alone being nothing but a concubine, with children who would only be born out of wedlock.
Aspiring to marry into a prestigious family, wishful thinking!
“Clearly, it’s not you!” the Marchioness added finally.
The Marquis stumbled backward several steps.
“I, I…”
Initially he hadn’t, but afterward, he investigated—it was his mother’s idea.
Yet she did not trust him.
“Wanjun…” the Marquis softly called, “is there really no chance left at all?”
“Yes!”
She was resolute.
The Marquis pressed his lips together, his eyes suddenly reddened, and he slowly made his way to the door. When he reached the threshold, he murmured faintly, “In your heart, I can never compare with your brother Zichen, no matter what I do or how hard I try. One mistake, and all my goodness vanishes in an instant. You only remember my despicableness, my shamelessness!”
“But Wanjun, if only you had a shred more trust in me, a bit more tolerance, we wouldn’t have come to this pass!”
The Marchioness, upon hearing the word “Zichen,”
was beyond shocked.
Zichen, the Princely Heir’s style; he knew all along.
“Since you are so determined to cut ties, I, as you wish!” said the Marquis as he walked out.
But as he crossed the courtyard gate, he suddenly tripped and fell.
“Marquis!” the gatekeeper exclaimed in alarm.
The Marquis remained silent, slowly got up, and continued walking away.
He was no longer young, yet he still couldn’t let go of the love in his heart.
Today, he could finally let go.
He could finally let go…
Whether it was for Wanjun, whom he dearly loved, or the Crown Princess who wouldn’t tolerate a speck of dust in her eyes and would whip him,
It was all in the past.
“Hehehe…”
The Marquis let out a laugh.
This year’s spring arrived so late; at this hour, it was still cold enough to chill one’s bones.
Inside the house.
The Marchioness slowly sat down in her chair.
She lifted her hand and gently wiped away her tears.
The love in her heart had faded long ago, long before they had children, focused solely on her children, especially with the increasing number of concubines and illegitimate daughters in the inner court, her interest in romantic love had faded.
Whether towards the emperor or the Marquis. The feelings had become so diluted as to be nonexistent.
What remained was perhaps exploitation, maintaining the current facade.
But in reality, everyone knew, she and the Marquis couldn’t even keep up appearances, because those concubines and illegitimate daughters in his harem constantly reminded her…
Love, no matter how profound, will always fade with the passage of time.
Only maternal affection grows richer and deeper. Having suffered under a cruel mother-in-law, she never oppressed or humiliated her daughters-in-law but sincerely taught them, advising them on how to be proper ladies of a noble family.
Without a mother-in-law dictating, and since her sons had earnestly sought their brides, naturally, they lived in harmony and affection, and there was no need to instruct them much. They were well-bred ladies, thoroughly taught by their mothers at home.
Why should she interfere?
Yet she couldn’t help feeling a tinge of melancholy.
What she once longed for—affectionate fathers and filial sons, respectful and loving spouses—had now culminated in an open rupture.
“Huh!” She exhaled softly.
All would be well if only her daughter returned, as long as she came back.
All the discontent would turn into contentment.
The Marquis returned to the front courtyard.
The maid brought hot water for him, attending to his washing up.
“…” He looked at the maid before him.