Results (3)
“Hmm… the iron chain is probably in the warehouse. Anyway, it will take a lot of trouble to move such a heavy thing over without attracting unnecessary attention, so maybe it is still around the mansion.” After Mu Mingtang said those words, she hesitated for a while before asking, “That… that chain was used to chain you… why do you…”
“I used to think it was an imprisonment and an insult.” The night wind blew slowly, carrying the unique moistness and coolness before the rain. Xie Xuanchen’s voice seemed to melt with the wind, “But now I can somewhat understand why did they do it.”
That chain was initially a prison sentence put on him by his biological father, the former emperor, and Xie Xuanchen had tried his best to escape that imprisonment. Now, Xie Xuanchen himself made the choice to pick up the chain once more and put it back on his hands, all because he wanted to keep Mu Mingtang away from harm. He couldn’t take the risk. In case he really did lose control during that one hour, at least there would be black iron chains to restrain him from taking any actions.
“No.” Mu Mingtang held Xie Xuanchen’s hand tightly, and tried to persuade him, “I believe you won’t lose control. I will accompany you, and I will always guard you.”
“No.” Xie Xuanchen denied her suggestion without even thinking. “It’s too dangerous, you rest in our bedroom with peace of mind till it is over.”
“No.” Mu Mingtang was also very determined, looking at him with eyes filled with resolve, “If you will not let me follow you, I’ll sneak out and come to you, and if that were to happen then it’ll be even more dangerous.’
If Xie Xuanchen really wanted, he could make Mu Mingtang stay in Yulin Hall, but he did not have the heart to use such a forceful move on her.
Xie Xuanchen struggled for a long time before finally turning around and just holding Mu Mingtang’s hand firmly, without saying a word.
His only weakness was Mu Mingtang, and she was also the one who gave him the confidence to move forward. He was prepared to put up with anything as long as his wife was with him. He was therefore willing to endure the terrible torture, which was going to be like a knife slowly slicing him flesh, and he even thought of using the chains which had once brought him the endless humiliation.
***
The next day, Mu Mingtang accompanied Xie Xuanchen to Zhenqingtang. The little Taoist carefully added a pinch of incense ash, mixed it with wormwood and lit it, putting it in the room, and then locked the door from the outside.
[TL Notes: Wormwood is a woody shrub with a bitter aromatic taste.]
If Xie Xuanchen could endure and take control over the pain, neither the door nor the lock was necessary, but if Xie Xuanchen couldn’t control it, no amount of locks would be able to stop him.
Mu Mingtang and the little Taoist could only wait outside, and they were all betting on Xie Xuanchen’s willpower.
As the little Taoist and Mu Mingtang anxiously waited outside the door, the night wind carried the water vapours from the lake, making it a bit cold. The little Taoist shivered involuntarily, hugged his arms tightly to stop himself from trembling: “It’s so cold here.”
After speaking, the little Taoist looked strangely at Mu Mingtang: “Aren’t you feeling cold, princess?”
Mu Mingtang shook her head with her eyes fixed on the closed door. The little Taoist followed her gaze and said, “It is going to take time. Why don’t we sit in the attic for a while? It’s too windy here.”
Mu Mingtang shook her head again and replied softly: “No need. If you feel cold, go and rest for a while.”
The little Taoist hesitated: “It’s cold and dark here, if you’re alone, you…”
“I have no fear of the dark. Thank you, little Taoist, for your kindness,” Mu Mingtang grinned at him. “You have worked hard today; now go relax for a while. The plush cushions inside the attic are all brand new and have not been used frequently. If you need anything, just ask. There is no need to be polite.”