After you die, take your ashes to apologize

Wei Shuo's shout shook the roof tiles!

His imposing aura was even more startling.

At this moment, he was not just a furious Prince Consort. It was as if he had returned to his days of campaigning in the northern frontiers, leading iron cavalry straight into barbarian camps, radiating a majestic and intimidating sharpness that made people afraid to look him in the eye.

The personal guards within the estate subconsciously took half a step back.

Wang Ming's face also filled with shock.

Even Ren Tianye slightly narrowed his eyes.

Only now did they truly understand the worth of this humble-born general who had risen to the rank of Marquis of Changping purely through military merit. If such a talent were not dragged down by the Eldest Princess's chaotic affairs, he would undoubtedly be a pillar of the imperial court!

With a general like him around, he could quell the majority of the world's rebellions; he was infinitely better than that useless trash, Lu Qing.

Yet, facing such a formidable presence, the Eldest Princess, Xiao Ruyi, remained entirely placid, presenting a demeanor as tranquil and indifferent as a chrysanthemum.

Not even the slightest ripple of emotion stirred in her eyes.

She said lightly, You and I are one as husband and wife, yet you always insist on settling accounts so clearly with me. Alas, fortunately, I knew you would be like this early on, so I never held out any hope for you.

And you are not worth my holding out any hope.

I have already taken pen to paper to record all your various misdeeds, clearly documenting your lifelong tendency to pander to the powerful, your ruthless methods, and your murderous butcherings.

In due time, I will make it known to the entire world!

I will let the people of the world know what a bitter hardship it has been to spend half my life with you. However, a true noble person does not waver in their integrity when facing peril. I...

Xiao Ruyi began to refer to herself by her royal title again, her tone rising a few pitches, I, too, shall not be inferior to others.

I will not fight, nor will I snatch!

I will not steal what others love, nor will my mind harbor filthy schemes.

I merely married the wrong man!

Hearing all this, Ren Tianye felt that if a plate of sunflower seeds had been placed in front of him, he would definitely be cracking them open but forgetting to swallow.

This drama was getting a bit too explosive!

Treating him like this while he was alive, and still refusing to let him off after he died?

Even going so far as to spread rumors and slander him?

Was this really someone as tranquil and indifferent as a chrysanthemum?

The physician beside them was also incredibly nervous. He had been earnestly sought out by Su Hong, who paid him three visits, presented him with generous gifts, and promised to take care of his grandson. Only then did the elderly man make the arduous journey across mountains and rivers, traveling thousands of miles from the northern frontier.

All just to save this man.

Having examined the wounds earlier, he knew he could save him—he absolutely could save him!

But damn it, if things continued like this, how was he supposed to save him?

He was no immortal deity!

Wouldn't that mean letting down Master Su Hong's earnest intentions?!

He had already quietly slipped a pill from his robes. It was a medicine he had painstakingly formulated over many years, drawing on his experience of treating countless wounded brothers-in-arms in the northern frontier camps.

He did not have many, and they were incredibly precious.

But right now... he could not afford to be stingy!

Sure enough, upon seeing blood spilling from the corners of Wei Shuo's mouth, the physician did not hesitate. He applied another acupuncture needle, then pried open Wei Shuo's mouth and pressed the pill inside.

The pill melted upon entering the mouth, saving a lot of trouble.

A few traces of vitality returned to Wei Shuo's ashen face. He was about to stand up and angrily retort; after all, he was proud all his life, rising from a humble background to the position of Marquis of Changping. Not only did he not take the slightest advantage of the Eldest Princess's estate, but he also constantly subsidized it with his own means, yet she still did such a thing.

Right now, feeling that his days were numbered, he lay on the sickbed and looked back at half his life. He only felt it was a complete mess, his sincere heart having been fed to the dogs. The only thing that could bring a few more smiles to his face was the memory of stirring up storms among the barbarian tribes and breaking through the Helan Mountains.

If such a heroic life were to be subjected to baseless rumors after his death, and by his most intimate wife no less, leaving his reputation ruined and utterly disgraced, he would not be able to rest in peace even in the underworld.

Xiao Ruyi, you...

No, General, please pace yourself... the physician hurriedly pressed him down, holding him down tightly. He had only one thought in his mind: Do not die.

With this press, the physician applied some specific techniques.

It rendered Wei Shuo unable to move. The physician had just breathed a sigh of relief when he heard a commotion outside the door, as if someone was trying to force their way into the Eldest Princess's estate. His heart trembled.

One must know that the Eldest Princess's estate covered a vast area. They were in the front hall, which was still quite a distance from the main gate. For the noise to reach all the way here, how was his patient supposed to rest and recover?

Before I came, I knew saving him would be difficult, but I truly never expected it to be this difficult!

And the difficult part isn't even the arrow wound!

As the physician was thinking this, a personal guard had already rushed in from outside. He first ran over and whispered something into Wang Ming's ear. Wang Ming then quickly walked over and leaned close to Ren Tianye's ear.

He whispered, General, someone outside is trying to force his way in, looking like it is a matter of utmost urgency. He calls himself Censor Wang, so I presume it is...

Wang Ming did not finish his sentence, but Ren Tianye already understood. Wei Shuo had been cursing a certain bastard, and the Eldest Princess kept mentioning a Lord Wang. He figured...

The person arriving was exactly him!

Call him in!

Ren Tianye issued the order without hesitation.

Yes, sir!

Wang Ming went to relay the order. Not long after, a middle-aged man walked in. He wore a long robe, had a few strands of beard on his chin, and possessed a lean, angular face that could be considered quite handsome.

To have such features at his age, one could imagine he must have been a dashing young gentleman in his youth.

Upon entering, Censor Wang's gaze first swept over Wei Shuo, and his eyes lit up, carrying a sense of profound pleasure as if a great vengeance had been exacted. However, he quickly shifted his gaze to Ren Tianye.

He gave a slight bow and then said evenly, Just now, when I entered the gate, I noticed soldiers standing guard. Upon asking, I learned they were your personal guards, Grand Commandant.

The Eldest Princess is an important minister heavily relied upon by His Majesty and a pillar of the Great Yu dynasty. The late Emperor once praised her as the white jade pillar supporting the sky and the purple gold beam spanning the sea of Great Yu. It is true that you command troops, Grand Commandant, but isn't lining up your personal guards inside the Eldest Princess's estate going a bit too far?

Ren Tianye remained impassive.

Inwardly, however, he felt a surge of irritation that significantly dampened his good mood for enjoying the drama. But this irritation was not directed solely at this Censor Wang; it was also aimed at those ministers in the imperial court.

Were they respectful to him? Yes, they were.

But they absolutely refused to serve him.

But did these people have integrity? There truly were not many who did. As far as he knew, the most honorable Duke of Zhenguo was already dead. Now, only the Superintendent of the Household, Pei Jingzhi, still had a heart full of righteous blood. As for the rest...

Their behavior was very strange.

They were lukewarm toward him. It wasn't that they disliked him, but they didn't get close either. It was as if everyone had their own business to attend to and completely turned a blind eye to him, Ren Tianye.

He said lightly, Recently, there have been disturbances in the capital. I was worried about the safety of the Eldest Princess's estate, so I specially dispatched troops to protect it. Why... does this require your commentary?

Censor Wang immediately bowed. So that is the case. It seems I was too presumptuous. I hope the Grand Commandant will not take it to heart.

Seeing that Ren Tianye did not reply, he continued, Today, I was invited here by the Eldest Princess. There are some private matters to be handled here. It is truly excellent that you are present, Grand Commandant.

You can serve as a witness!

He gave Ren Tianye another measured bow before turning to look at the Eldest Princess, Xiao Ruyi, and asked, Eldest Princess, you invited me here saying you wanted to bring a conclusion to the events of that year.

I have come as promised.

I wonder...

Censor Wang looked at Wei Shuo. Exactly how does General Wei intend to apologize to me?

Hmph!

"I made it clear to you beforehand, General Wei. The Eldest Princess and I were childhood sweethearts, and she was supposed to marry me. But during the martial arts tournament to select her husband, you just had to step forward. You even dared to deliberately defeat me, preventing us lovers from finally being together. You caused me to break both my legs, and to this day, they still ache whenever the weather turns cold and damp."

"Such behavior is truly despicable."

"I will not forgive you easily."

"You must show your sincerity today!"

The Eldest Princess, Xiao Ruyi, smiled faintly and said, "Lord Wang, rest assured. Wei Shuo will show his sincerity."

Saying this, she crouched down and said, "Wei Shuo, you have been too willful and reckless your entire life, committing so many wicked deeds. Now that you don't have long to live, it is the perfect time to settle everything."

"I know you are proud and arrogant, and you feel this is a humiliation, but how can one live in this world without enduring some hardships?"

"Just bear with it and suffer a little grievance."

"This way, even in the underworld, your heart will feel a bit more at ease."

The physician kept one hand on Wei Shuo's pulse while looking pleadingly at Ren Tianye, hoping he would put a stop to this farce. He knew that if they continued to provoke Wei Shuo like this, it would be a miracle if he didn't pass out.

Unfortunately, before Ren Tianye could receive his signal, Wei Shuo's dying body suddenly sprang up. With all the strength he had left, he threw a punch, landing it squarely on Censor Wang's punchable face.

Wei Shuo was already at the end of his rope, so the force of this punch wasn't actually that great. However, he was a formidable warrior, and even at his weakest, he was still stronger than an ordinary man. Censor Wang, on the other hand, was a frail scholar who had held nothing but a pen all year round and couldn't take a beating at all.

Thus, only a miserable shriek was heard.

Censor Wang covered his face and tumbled to the ground.

Before he could even yell, Ren Tianye's voice rang out from the side.

"Hmm, I, the Grand Commandant, will certainly bear witness for Lord Wang. Wang Ming, take note: Censor Wang was almost brought to tears by a single punch from Wei Shuo."

"Yes, General. Your subordinate has noted it down word for word: Censor Wang was nearly sent to meet his ancestors by a single punch from Wei Shuo!"

While Ren Tianye and Wang Ming were joking, Censor Wang's miserable cries were already shaking the heavens and earth. As if suffering endless humiliation, he roared, "Eldest Princess, why is Wei Shuo still like this?"

"You two have been husband and wife for so many years, yet he hasn't learned a single bit of your magnanimity, propriety, and benevolence. He is still nothing but a vulgar brute!"

The Eldest Princess Xiao Ruyi's expression also turned slightly ugly, but as always, she didn't lose her temper. She simply stood up and shook her head. "Wei Shuo, you have truly disappointed me."

"You are barely clinging to life, yet you are still like this."

"The prestige of my Eldest Princess's Estate is nearly tarnished by you."

"However, I will not let this continue."

Saying this, the Eldest Princess walked over to Censor Wang. Hindered by the strict bounds of propriety between men and women, she did not help him up herself, but had her personal maid assist Censor Wang to his feet.

She said softly, "Lord Wang, it is my fault for not handling matters well, causing you to be injured. I will personally visit your residence later to apologize. Please do not be angry."

Pausing, she glanced at Wei Shuo and added, "However, Lord Wang, please rest assured. Although Wei Shuo still refuses to apologize to you now, his health is failing, and he won't be able to hold on much longer."

"After he passes away, I will immediately take his ashes to your estate and apologize on his behalf..."

Before the Eldest Princess could finish her sentence, Wei Shuo suddenly spat out a mouthful of fresh blood with a sound. His eyes widened, but then his body swayed, and he collapsed straight backward.

However, he did not fall to the ground.

The physician had already caught him. Feeling his pulse, he said urgently, "My lords, please stop arguing! The general's heart has been attacked by sudden rage, and his blood and qi are surging. He must be treated immediately!"

Ren Tianye stood up. "Then treat him."

He then looked at the Eldest Princess and said coolly, "Like the Eldest Princess, I, the Grand Commandant, am as serene as a chrysanthemum, neither fighting nor snatching, and very kind-hearted. I simply cannot bear to see someone die in front of me."

"I will take this man with me for now."

After saying that, he did not give the Eldest Princess Xiao Ruyi a chance to refuse. Or rather, even if Xiao Ruyi disagreed, he didn't care at all. He ordered Wang Ming, "Take General Wei back to the Grand Commandant's Estate for treatment."

As Ren Tianye's confidant, Wang Ming was increasingly able to understand his master's thoughts. This meant he was interested in Wei Shuo. But thinking about it, it made sense; anyone who could earn the merits of the Marquis of Changping in a place like the Northern Frontier was certainly worth taking an interest in.

It was just...

Wang Ming glanced at Wei Shuo, who was currently being treated by the physician.

The Great General was willing to give Wei Shuo a chance to reinvent himself, but he wondered if Wei Shuo could seize it?

To what extent could he seize it?

If he remained as soft-hearted as before, that simply wouldn't do.

He then looked at Censor Wang and the Eldest Princess again, especially the Eldest Princess, with a bit more coldness in his eyes. In the Northern Frontier army, he was known for his chivalrous heart, a trait even the Great General recognized. But this time, his heart was as cold as a blade.

Acknowledging the order, he had the personal guards support Wei Shuo and rushed back to the Grand Commandant's Estate to hand him over to the physician for treatment.

The physician finally let out a long sigh of relief.

It wasn't easy; he was finally given a real chance to save the man.

He immediately used every skill at his disposal.

However, despite his expertise in this area, it still took a great deal of effort. It was a full two hours before he managed to bring Wei Shuo back to consciousness, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Grand Commandant, his condition has stabilized."

"However, he must not be provoked again these next few days."

"As long as he is not provoked, he will recover quickly after a few more acupuncture sessions and some medicinal brews."

Ren Tianye nodded and ordered him to be heavily rewarded.

In his heart, though, he wanted to heavily reward Su Hong.

He hadn't expected that leaving Su Hong in the Northern Frontier would not only secure the money and provisions for the Northern army but also accomplish such a matter for him. He was extremely satisfied.

"Grand... Grand Commandant..."

Wei Shuo opened his eyes. Though his face was still pale, a hint of color had returned. "I, Wei Shuo, will never forget your life-saving grace, and I shall repay it even if it costs my life!"

This was typical military rhetoric and reflected the camaraderie of military men. It seemed that, deep down in his bones, Wei Shuo was still most proud of his past glory in the army.

Ren Tianye smiled. "You speak too seriously; it was merely a small effort. However, I do indeed need some manpower. Wait until your injuries heal, and we will talk about it then."

Ren Tianye's words were vague, but Wei Shuo had already understood what he meant. He immediately said, "If there is any place where the Grand Commandant can use me, please do not hesitate. It's just..."

Wei Shuo's eyes suddenly sharpened. "I wish to do a few things first before I pledge my allegiance to you. I wonder if the Grand Commandant would permit it?"