Chapter 132 (1/2)
Chapter 132 Cascades: Let's Never Meet Again
The skies of Summer were unpredictable. A moment ago the sun was still s.h.i.+ning brightly, but now, it was pouring. Situ sat in his study, reading reports. The Imperial decree should have reached Feng residence now. What will Feng Luodi's reaction be? For the first time in his life, Situ felt nervous. He didn't even feel this way when he first became a General and led an army for war.
The head steward's m.u.f.fled voice suddenly came from outside the door. ”General, Miss Feng is here. She is waiting for you in the courtyard in front of the antechamber. I have directed her into the house but she rejected my offer.”
”I understand. I will head over immediately.”
Situ sighed. He knew that Feng Luodi would find him to settle the issue, but he knew that he needed to be firm this time; it would be his last chance. Situ slowly walked to the antechamber. Feng Luodi was in a green dress, an umbrella in her hand. Everything looked so calm. Situ took his umbrella from the head steward and walked towards Feng Luodi.
”The rain is getting heavy, let's go inside the house.”
”Why did you ask for the decree?” Feng Luodi eyes were filled with anger as she glared at Situ, her voice cold. ”Are you planning to force your desires upon me?”
Situ looked into the eyes of Feng Luodi. ”I just wanted you to understand my feelings and resolution.”
”I don't want to know, there is no point in knowing it.” Feng Luodi didn't budge.
Situ sighed. ”That is why I had to resort to this: your att.i.tude.”
”Everything I have said and done is true and heartfelt.” Feng Luodi slowly said, ”If you still treat me as a friend, please ask the Emperor to take back his decree.”
Situ was sombre. ”Do you truly not want to marry me?”
”I have replied you many times and am not going to reply you again,” Feng Luodi continued to be unrelenting, ”I am just the daughter of an official. I have no rights and power to ask the Emperor to take back his decree. However, you can.”
”Rejecting the Imperial Decree will bring ruin upon your clan.” Situ said indifferently.
”I know,” Feng Luodi looked at him pleadingly, ”but if it is you, the Emperor might relent.”
Situ shook his head. ”The Emperor will not take back his words.”
”How do you know if you don't try?” Feng Luodi didn't give up.
Situ's temper flared. ”I won't try. I'd requested for the decree so that I can marry you; why would I want for it to be taken back?”
Feng Luodi suddenly cast her umbrella to the side and dropped to her knees, the rain drenching her in an instant. Situ wanted to help her up, but he resisted the urge. If he became relented now, all his efforts would be in vain.
Feng Luodi's voice sounded through the rain. ”I, Feng Luodi, have only knelt before my ancestors and my parents. Excluding the Emperor, I have knelt before only one outsider, and that is you. Please! Ask the Emperor to take back his decree.”
Situ's hand clenched and released. He replied, ”Do what you like, I will not help you.” Situ turned around and walked into the antechamber. He threw his umbrella down and sat down expressionlessly, not speaking a word.
The head steward stepped forward, wanting to hold an umbrella over her head, but was quickly stopped by her. She shouted, her voice hoa.r.s.e. ”If Situ Muye doesn't agree to help me, I will kneel right here, until I die.”
Situ immediately smashed the teacups on the table upon hearing her words. The head steward and the few members of the Covert Watched exchanged looks, but no one dared to say a word.
The rain continued to pour. Feng Luodi knelt in the rain, her hair plastered to her face. She quickly turned pale, and her clothes were drenched, causing her to s.h.i.+ver in the cold. The attendants of the Duke residence all watched in surprise at this scene before being dismissed by the head steward.
An hour had pa.s.sed, and Duo could not take it anymore. He rushed into the antechamber and knelt before Situ. ”General, I think we should let Miss Feng come inside the house first. She was sick in the Spring of this year, and I fear that her condition might worsen because of the rain, even taking her life.” Duo knew that it was apparent that he was exaggerating, but he had no choice. He needed to convince Situ.
The frown on Situ's face relaxed somewhat, but he quickly recovered and remained firm. ”This is none of your business. You may leave, or you will be punished according to my military laws.” Situ closed his eyes.
Duo wanted to say something but was dragged out by Quattor and Two.
”Do you want to die? How can you interfere in this matter?” Quattor held back Duo who wanted to return to the antechamber. Two nodded his head in agreement.
Another hour pa.s.sed. Feng Luodi seemed to be reaching her limits. The head steward could not bear to see her in such a state any longer and tried to persuade Situ. ”Your Highness, we can always discuss the issue in a better way. If this continues, Miss Feng might not be able to take it. Why not agree to her first?”
”If I agree to her now, this marriage will never happen.” Situ opened his eyes for a short while and said.
The head steward walked out helplessly and tried to persuade Feng Luodi. However, Feng Luodi did not even budge. This is the only method I can use to let Situ agree to my request. Even if he hates me, I can't care about that anymore.
The head steward sighed as he went back to the antechamber and helplessly signalled to the Covert Watch. Duo looked at Feng Luodi as her face turned paler. An idea came to mind and he quietly picked up a pebble in his palm. When no one was looking, he threw the stone in the direction of Feng Luodi and struck her.
”Miss Feng has fainted!”