Chapter 550: with translation of chapter title

General's lady, don't be afraid.

It's truly just a request for you to enter the palace and have a chat.

Eunuch Ji deliberately showed a hint of a friendly smile.

Li Qingluo: "Eunuch Ji, you've misunderstood. I was just wondering how many days I might spend in the palace on this trip; things happened suddenly, and I haven't made any arrangements at home."

Please, Eunuch Ji, grant me the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn so I can settle things at home, would that be alright?

Saying this, Li Qingluo glanced at Que'er beside her.

Que'er hurriedly shoved a bulging money pouch into Eunuch Ji's hand.

Upon seeing Que'er, Eunuch Ji's eyes brightened noticeably.

He remembered this girl.

That night at the evening banquet, she actually had considerable skill.

Eunuch Ji gave Que'er a few more looks, making her angry but unable to speak out.

Li Qingluo furrowed her brows slightly, whereupon Eunuch Ji smiled: "Madam, go quickly and return quickly."

Li Qingluo, with Que'er in tow, hurried back to Tangdi Residence.

Que'er kept her brows knotted; Li Qingluo, seeing this, said: "You stay home and keep watch for me. This time I'll take Xi Qiu into the palace."

Que'er looked shocked and disagreed.

"Miss, entering the palace this time is fraught with danger! Although Xi Qiu is steady, she hasn't yet fully opened her heart to us, and she doesn't know martial arts—how can she handle affairs for you?"

"Miss, let me go instead."

"The palace is crowded and complicated; a misstep could cost one's life. Let me follow you myself, then I'll be at ease."

Que'er looked anxious.

Li Qingluo shook her head and insisted: "Just arrange it this way; you listen to me."

"During these days at home, you and Sha San can discuss your marriage together."

"Take care of your lifelong matter early."

Que'er's eyes reddened in a dazed stare: "Miss, you… you don't want Que'er anymore?"

Li Qingluo shook her head, laughing: "Silly girl, from now on you'll be my Que'er granny; I'll never let you leave me in this lifetime."

Only then did Que'er raise a hand to rub her eyes, laughing and crying at once.

Just the matter of marriage…

Que'er, thinking of what Zhui Yu has done these past months, couldn't help but feel a headache.

After he woke up, knowing he had bitten a chunk of flesh off her arm that was nearly torn away, once he could get out of bed he followed Que'er all day.

No matter how Que'er tried to drive him away, he wouldn't leave.

Once, when she was furious, she shoved him away; he stumbled and fell to the floor, his head hitting the table corner, blood pouring out, yet he didn't care at all.

Que'er jumped in fright, wanting to go help him, but she heard him say: "This is exactly the punishment I deserve."

"That day I hurt you; I ought to repay you a thousandfold."

Que'er flushed with anger: "Do you think I care about this? I only protected you that day because I was following the son‑in‑law's orders; otherwise I would have killed you then!"

Having said that, Que'er turned and started to walk away.

Zhui Yu, behind her, gave a bitter smile: "Yeah, I'd be better off dead."

Hearing him so despondent made Que'er angry.

She turned and slapped him across the face.

"Are you even a man?"

"Is your life even yours?"

"Your two masters have placed great hopes in you, caring for you thoroughly. While you were unconscious, as long as His Highness was at home he would come see you personally, asking after you several times each day."

"Miss also continually sent you precious medicinal herbs; your food, clothing, lodging, and travel—nothing was not arranged according to their standards."

"If you die, first consider whether you could face them!"

Having cursed him, Que'er strode off.

After two days, Zhui Yu began again to follow Que'er like a ghost.

Except for Tangdi Residence, he dared not enter.

Wherever Que'er was, there he was.

Later, the frightened Que'er dared only to hide beside her own young lady, not daring to wander anywhere.

During those few days of the Spring Festival, Sha Nan had some free time.

Que'er then went to look for Sha Nan several more times.

Sha Nan thus noticed Zhui Yu's shadow.

The veins on his forehead bulged instantly; he clenched his fists and went to find Zhui Yu to fight.

Sha Nan, not much of a talker, unleashed all the techniques he knew.

Every move was lethal; he used killing techniques.

Zhui Yu also held nothing back, putting all his resentment and anger into his moves; each wished to beat the other to death.

For a moment, they were evenly matched.

Seeing this, Que'er at the side anxiously cried out for Li Qingluo to be summoned, and only then did the two release each other, their bodies covered in wounds.

Thereafter, both lay in bed for over half a month before they could get up.

Qin Ling treated them while cursing, his beard half‑turned white from the ordeal.

Afterwards, Que'er accompanied Li Qingluo to find Zhui Yu and asked him what he really wanted to do.

Zhui Yu looked as if he'd just recovered from a serious illness, a gaunt, wretched sight.

Seeing Que'er come over, he was originally still happy, but seeing Que'er's cold, icy expression, he became discouraged again.

Que'er, do I then have no chance left?

Those ridiculous things I said earlier were all my fault. Even if I were to lose half my life, I would still consider it as making amends to you.

As for my cousin's affair, I would willingly die and go to hell, taking the blame for her! But I cannot bear to watch you marry Sha San.

Originally... originally you liked me.

I don't know if you have let go of me, but I simply cannot let go of you.

Que'er, please give me one more chance; don't abandon me, don't leave me, okay?

Que'er had fled.

Only when facing Li Qingluo did she dare to cry out.

Miss, he has become terribly thin.

I am not a good young lady.

Li Qingluo patted her head: "Who said that? If our Que'er weren't a good young lady, how could she have attracted two such outstanding gentlemen, both of whom are deeply concerned for you?"

They are not blind.

However, Que'er, this is a lifelong matter; you really need to think it through.

As for what kind of person Zhui Yu used to be, you understand it better than I do.

He is unrestrained and indulgent, not bound by trivialities; although he can be overly lively and flighty at times, he is truly a man of feeling and righteousness.

If he were not a man of feeling and righteousness, he would not be troubled by the so-called cousin and marriage engagement.

Now this love has turned him into a trapped beast, and he may lose half his life.

If you have made up your mind not to want him anymore, then be ruthless in letting go. A short pain is better than a long one; he will eventually recover.

And Sha San, his heart toward you is also utterly sincere. Although he is steady and reserved, only when he is with you does he truly seem like a living person.

Do you know how much Sha Yi and the others envy him?

But if your heart still favors Zhui Yu more, if you cannot let go of Zhui Yu, is that fair to Sha San?

Que'er slowly lowered her head.

She went to see Sha San.

Sha San's recovery is much faster than Zhui Yu's.

Because Que'er comes to see him personally every day and also feeds him his medicine.

Sha San's whole face glowed with health; compared to Zhui Yu, one is like basking in spring breeze, while the other is still mired in the swamp, unable to escape.

Unwilling to lie to Sha San, Que'er said she had just gone to see Zhui Yu.

Sha San's face instantly filled with tension.

But he did not mention Zhui Yu; instead, he took Que'er's hand and talked about other things.

I heard the pastries at the East Wing Studio are unmatched in South Peace. I have long wanted to personally take you to buy and taste them; would you like to go out with me these two days?

Sha Yi and the others have been urging, asking when we can drink our wedding wine... I, I said I would wait for your decision, Que'er.

Whenever you want, then that's when; okay?

Miss, after the year you might need to send someone to Glory Joy to handle affairs; would you like to go with me?

Que'er tightly gripped Sha San's hand.

Sha San!