Chapter Eighty-Eight: Boundless Devotion to His Wife

Within the Marquisate of Loyal Valor, Marquis Lin Baichong sat in his study, eyes narrowed as his thoughts drifted back to several months prior:

That night, as was his custom, he went to his study after dinner to attend to official matters. Suddenly, a gust of wind extinguished the lamp. Just as he was about to call for someone, a shadow materialized, clutching his throat in a deadly grip—any resistance would have meant instant death.

“Who are you? Why have you come here at this hour?” Feeling the pressure on his neck ease slightly, Lin Baichong managed to speak.

The intruder was masked, only a pair of dark, chilling eyes visible, cold as death itself. His voice sent a chill through Lin Baichong’s very soul. “You wish to know who I am? Swallow this, and I’ll tell you.” In the darkness, the masked man produced a small, round pill, pressing it to Lin Baichong’s lips.

“What if I refuse?”

“That’s not your decision to make.” With lightning speed, the man forced Lin Baichong’s mouth open, thrust the pill inside, and waited until it had fully dissolved and been swallowed before releasing him.

Terror-stricken, Lin Baichong demanded, “What did you make me take?”

A sly, sinister smile curled the masked man’s lips. “Oh, nothing much. Just a type of venom.”

“What kind of venom?”

“It has a most elegant name—‘Utter Obedience.’”

“Utter Obedience?”

“Yes, isn’t it lovely? As the name suggests, you are now under the effect of ‘Utter Obedience.’ From this moment, you must obey my every command. Defy me, and—”

“And what?”

“And then, ‘Utter Obedience’ will feast upon your brain, hollowing out your skull until you die with nothing left inside but emptiness.”

A shudder ran through Lin Baichong. He spat, “You can dream on! I’d sooner die than yield to you.”

“You don’t have to comply, of course. But I’ve heard you have a daughter—the renowned beauty of Dongling. If you refuse me, I’ll end you now, and pay a visit to her instead. Let her know what it means to be utterly obedient. Dongling’s fairest flower... what a delight that would be...” The man’s tone turned lascivious, making Lin Baichong wish he could tear him limb from limb.

“Well? Have you decided? Don’t bother calling for help. Everyone stationed outside has already been dealt with,” the masked intruder said coolly, seeing straight through Lin Baichong’s thoughts.

“What do you want?” Lin Baichong’s voice was hollow with defeat. He longed for death, but thoughts of his precious daughter forced him to endure. He knew this man’s martial skill was beyond compare; not even the entire household guard could stand against him.

“I want nothing, for now. Each month, I’ll bring you an antidote. One pill keeps you alive for a month. Disobey me, and you won’t get the next dose. You know what happens then, don’t you?”

“You despicable fiend,” Lin Baichong growled, face livid.

“Say what you like. If you want to live and protect your family, do as I say. Otherwise, even if you are unafraid of death, the moment you reveal this to anyone, your family will be corpses by morning.”

“What grudge have you against me, that you do this?”

“Do you really need to ask? For fame, for fortune—what else do men desire?” the intruder replied indifferently.

When the masked man left, Lin Baichong felt as if he had aged a decade in an instant.

...

Lin Baichong’s thoughts returned to the present as he heard the knock at the door. A guard announced respectfully, “My Lord, the young mistress is here.”

“Let her in.”

Lin Xuelian entered the study at a measured pace. Lin Baichong looked at his daughter—she had grown even more delicate and captivating, like a flower bud in spring, stirring a pang of tenderness in his heart.

“Father, it’s so late and you’re not resting?” Her voice, as melodious as an oriole’s song, carried a gentle concern.

“I still have business to attend to. Xuelian, you go rest.”

“Father, why did you petition His Majesty to strip Prince Chun of his title?” Lin Xuelian finally voiced her purpose.

“I have my reasons. As a young woman, you need not concern yourself with such matters.”

“How could you, Father? You can’t tell right from wrong. Prince Chun is a good man—how could you treat him so?”

Lin Baichong gazed helplessly at his daughter, seeing straight through her feelings. He sighed inwardly. “Xuelian, put these thoughts away. Everyone knows Prince Chun is devoted to his wife. You have no chance. You’re nearly of age now; I shall find you a good family to marry into.” If he married her off, perhaps she’d be spared from whatever may come. The thought filled him with helpless sorrow.

“Father, I came to discuss Prince Chun, not marriage!” Lin Xuelian’s cheeks flushed scarlet, and she stamped her foot in embarrassment.

“I mean it, Xuelian.”

“I will not marry! I only wish to wed a man I love!” she cried, agitated.

“Xuelian—”

“Don’t say another word, Father! I won’t marry. If you force me, I’d rather die.”

“Xuelian, you—oh, what have I done to deserve this?” Lin Baichong watched his daughter storm out, headstrong as ever, and rubbed his temples with a sigh.

At that moment, the candle went out. Lin Baichong knew—the masked man had returned. It was time for his monthly antidote. Sure enough, in mere moments the dark figure stood before him. Lin Baichong glanced at him without a word.

“Marquis of Loyal Valor, you’ve done well this time. Zhongli Yu has been stripped of his title. I’ll credit you with this success,” the masked man said first, unconcerned by Lin Baichong’s cold glare.

“Enough talk. Give it here,” Lin Baichong snapped, barely concealing his hatred.

“Don’t be like that—we’re partners now. Help me, and rewards will follow,” the man replied lightly, tossing a pill neatly into Lin Baichong’s mouth.

“I care nothing for your rewards. Just let me go—don’t force me to commit these heinous acts anymore,” Lin Baichong gritted out.

“How is it heinous? All you did was speak a few words. Enough. You’ve had your medicine. When I need you again, I’ll come,” the masked man said, vanishing into the night.

Unbeknownst to them, everything had been observed by another shadow concealed within the Marquis’s residence. This was one of Zhongli Yu’s covert guards, sent to gather intelligence. Now that the truth was clear, he departed, racing toward the Gu family manor a hundred miles away.

Receiving the report, Zhongli Yu frowned deeply, worry shadowing his face. The situation was grim. According to the spy’s findings, at least ten officials had already fallen under the control of the Venom Sect. These men, desperate to survive, might yet commit even more unconscionable, unspeakable acts. Zhongli Yu looked out at the sky—it seemed darker than before, as if storm clouds were gathering.

He returned to his chambers to check on his wife. These days, Zhan Yan had been plagued by severe morning sickness, barely able to eat. She was now two months pregnant; it was said such symptoms typically lasted until the third month, meaning she had another month to endure.

The thought of his wife suffering for another month left Zhongli Yu anxious and restless, pacing like an ant on a hot pan. He visited Doctor Meng’s clinic daily, urging him to find some remedy for Zhan Yan’s discomfort. Zhan Yan had often tried to comfort him, explaining that every woman must endure this, and that his worrying was futile. Some women did not suffer as much, but most did, so she did not find her hardship unusual.

Approaching the bed, Zhongli Yu saw his wife asleep. Her already delicate face had grown thinner, making her look even smaller and more fragile. His heart ached fiercely—he wished he could bear her suffering himself. It was midday; she had risen late, and now needed another rest, a sign of her ordeal.

Gently caressing her face, he whispered, “Yan’er, I mean it—one child is enough for us.”

Half awake, Zhan Yan heard his low voice, and opened her eyes to see him gazing at her, worry etched deep. Her heart warmed, and she smiled, “What’s wrong? You look as if the sky is falling. I’m perfectly fine, aren’t I?”

“Yan’er, childbirth is too hard. Let’s not have any more.”

She gave him a helpless look. “Husband, this isn’t so terrible. I’m not that weak. It’s just a bit of nausea for now—another month, and I’ll be better.”

“A month feels so long,” he muttered, shooting a glare at her still-flat belly, as if blaming the little one inside for her suffering.

Amused by his antics, Zhan Yan said softly, “Don’t you have plenty to do these days? Why are you always at home?” Since they were putting on a show for the emperor, there ought to be much to occupy him—why was he always at her side?

“Nothing is more important than you. If I’m not watching over you, I can’t rest easy. I’ve delegated most tasks to my subordinates,” he replied tenderly, stroking her thin cheek.

“Are you sure that’s wise?”

“Don’t worry—it’s fine.”

Zhan Yan was happy to have his company. Illness makes one vulnerable; though she had been strong and independent in her previous life and for all these years in this world, once she met Zhongli Yu and felt his constant care and affection, she had grown used to relying on him.

“Husband, shall we go for a walk?”

“Can you manage? Would you like me to carry you?”

“That’s not necessary—I can walk. Lying around all day isn’t good for me or the baby. Some fresh air will do us both good.”

“Where would you like to go?”

“There’s that Xiyue Lake nearby, isn’t there? A few days ago, I asked Second Brother to invite Biran out there, but we’ve never been. Shall we take a stroll there?”

“Very well. It’s autumn now, the weather is turning cold. Yan’er, wear something warmer.” He fetched an autumn cloak from the wardrobe and draped it over her shoulders, then carefully supported her as they went out.

Watching his solicitous manner, Zhan Yan laughed. “Husband, I’m quite steady on my feet. There’s no need to help me like this.”

“No, you’re weak—you should be careful.” Zhongli Yu insisted, unwilling to take any risks.

She shook her head and let him have his way.

Xiyue Lake was quite close to the Gu manor; within the time it took to drink a cup of tea, they reached the shore. The path was busy with people, all of whom could not help but stare as Zhongli Yu and Zhan Yan passed by. In this small town, few had ever seen such distinguished figures. Zhongli Yu’s noble bearing astonished the townsfolk, who wondered when such a handsome, refined gentleman had come to Wenyang. The woman at his side was even more breathtaking—her beauty so natural and flawless that one glance was not enough to satisfy the eye.

The air by Xiyue Lake was indeed refreshing. Several tall sweet osmanthus trees stood on the shore, and it was their season to bloom. The path was strewn with delicate golden blossoms, their fragrance faint yet pervasive in the air. Breathing in the scent, Zhan Yan felt her spirits lift. The soft osmanthus petals underfoot were like a golden carpet, springy and gentle.

Zhan Yan took a deep breath, then exhaled with satisfaction. “How lovely! Husband, the air is so fresh here—I adore the scent of osmanthus, it’s so soothing.”

Seeing her improved spirits, Zhongli Yu felt relieved. “You like osmanthus?”

She nodded. “Yes, it’s so comforting. If I could smell this every day, I think my morning sickness would be much less.”

Zhongli Yu pondered for a moment, then produced a signal flare and launched it into the sky. In a flash, Feng Lin appeared before them. As the chief of the Hidden Guard of Youran Pavilion, Feng Lin was supposed to remain at Zhongli Yu’s side at all times, but Zhongli Yu disliked being shadowed constantly, preferring to summon him only when needed.

Zhan Yan was a little puzzled—why call Feng Lin during a lakeside stroll?

Zhongli Yu said calmly, “Feng Lin, transplant these osmanthus trees to the Pear Fragrance Courtyard at the Gu manor.”

“Master?” Feng Lin was incredulous. Was he really summoned just to move some trees?

“Is there a problem?” Zhongli Yu asked mildly, seeing Feng Lin’s disbelief.

Feng Lin quickly composed himself. “None, sir. I’ll see to it at once.”

Zhan Yan also looked at her husband in disbelief. Just because she had remarked that the osmanthus scent soothed her nausea, he was going to have the trees moved to their home? Wasn’t that a bit much?

As Feng Lin was about to act, Zhan Yan hurried to stop him and turned to Zhongli Yu. “Husband, what are you doing? These trees belong to Xiyue Lake—they’re for everyone. How can you just move them away?” In her mind, Xiyue Lake was a public scenic spot; its trees were public property, and her husband’s actions were an appropriation.

“Yan’er, you’re mistaken. These trees are wild, they belong to no one. Once Feng Lin moves them to our home, they’re ours,” Zhongli Yu replied, unconcerned. If he could ease his wife’s sickness, he would pluck stars from the sky if need be—let alone transplant a few trees.

“Even if they’re wild, must you move them? Isn’t that rather domineering?” Zhan Yan examined the lake closely; it did seem natural, the trees growing in scattered clusters. They truly might be wild, but she still felt uneasy.

“What’s domineering about it? Didn’t you say the scent would ease your nausea? This way, you’ll have it every day.”

For a moment, Zhan Yan was speechless. So her husband could be this unreasonable. How greatly he spoiled her—just a casual remark, and he would move mountains for her. Seeing his mind was made up, she said no more. As he’d said, the trees seemed wild, so let him do as he wished. For the first time, Zhan Yan realized what it meant to be cherished without limit—and as the one being cherished, her heart brimmed with sweetness and happiness.

With Zhan Yan now silent and Zhongli Yu unswayed, Feng Lin could only resign himself to his task. The trees were robust, at least a decade old. Digging them out intact and replanting them would not be easy, but Feng Lin’s martial prowess was supreme. A touch of internal force loosened the earth, and he circled beneath a tree, wrapped his arms around it, and with a powerful lift, uprooted it entirely.

He bowed. “Master, I’ll take this one back now, and return for the others.”

Zhongli Yu nodded. “Go. Call Lihun and the others to help. Have Qingxian find an expert in planting trees to guide you in transplanting them to the Pear Fragrance Courtyard.”

“Yes, sir.”

Feng Lin hefted the great osmanthus tree and, using lightness skill, sped toward the Gu manor. Passersby saw only a massive tree flying through the air, Feng Lin’s figure completely hidden behind it.

“Look! How can a tree be flying through the sky?” pedestrians cried in astonishment, seeing the huge osmanthus tree gliding rapidly overhead.

Countless onlookers glanced up, but in an instant the tree had vanished from view, leaving many to suspect that the one who cried out must have been seeing things.