Vol 9 Chapter 116 (2/2)

“… Besides?”

I hesitated for a moment but felt that it was time I said this. I always thought that I should let Liu Biao tell it to her himself but we were in extraordinary times now so it’s best that I say it to her.

“Besides, I don’t think that elder brother will blame you.” I stopped when I finished and Huang Zu soon stopped as well and frowned as she turned back to look at me.

“I didn’t tell you this before as I felt that I shouldn’t be the one to tell you this.” I said as I swallowed my saliva and continued, “After I returned to Jiangxia, I discussed the battle with elder brother and the first thing he spoke about was you. Back then, elder brother did not look like he was angry or disappointed. Instead, he looked sorrowful and regretful. He also said that Huang Zu was like his adopted daughter.”

“Eh?” When I finished, Huang Zu looked at me in disbelief. I returned her gaze and nodded.

“Elder brother feels guilty about he has treated you, that he was not able to show you the love and care he would have wanted to for a girl he saw as his own daughter.” Even I was beginning to feel a little embarra.s.sed as I said so and scratched my neck as I continued, “So if you return to Xiangyang, I’m sure elder brother will be overjoyed.”

When I finished, I moved my gaze between her eyes and the ground. Her eyebrows were still creased and she stood there biting her lips. I do not know what she is thinking about but she does not seem to be as happy as I thought she would be.

“Is that so?” She said after giving a long a sigh and nodded, “So my lord thought of me as family huh? I see. I see.”

She then turned around and continued walking while looking down as though she were trying to hold something back.

“Haa…” She gave a long sigh and looked up at the skies. I slowly made my way beside her and saw that she had her eyes closed. When I took a closer look, I saw the traces of tears in the corner of her eyes. Only then did I realise that she was controlling her emotions.

All these years, Huang Zu must have thought that she would never be a part of Liu Biao’s family. Because of that and because of her loyalty to Liu Biao, she continued to quietly work for him and probably planned on quietly dying.

Now that she knows the truth, she’s probably feeling very emotional. But really, there’s no need to hold back and she ought to let it out. Perhaps this is because she has been like this for too long. Like how Gong You and Liao Hua are, I doubt they can change even if they want to. Especially when Huang Zu is so stubborn too.

When I listened closely, I could hear her muttering ‘I see’ over and over under her breath. Instead of emotional, she’s probably moved and grateful, that she has a family and that she’s still alive.

“So please don’t say things like you’ll get punished, or doubt the path that you are walking on.” I said and plucked up the courage to pat her back, “If you want to go back, just hand over the work you’re in charge of to someone else before you leave. Of course, I hope that you’ll keep my secret safe.”

I smiled stiffly as I tapped the ugly gra.s.s hat of mine. It’s important that my survival remains a secret for now so I decided to tell her ahead of time.

“I understand.” Huang Zu said as she lowered her head and shook it, probably to prevent her tears from falling, before hastening her pace, “I’ll do as you said and return to Xiangyang.”

“Huang Zu, slow down, will you?” I smiled as I followed behind after her, feeling that it was about time that I let her go back, “Well then, I’ll have someone take over from you–”

“What are you talking about?”

“Eh?” I was very surprised when Huang Zu interrupted me. When I looked over, I saw that Huang Zu had a smile on, a smile that seemed genuine and extended to her eyes.

“Ah! … May I ask what the problem is?” I got a little too engrossed staring at her and only managed to reply after a moment’s pause.

“I will return,” Huang Zu said as she raised her hand and flicked her hair, “But after I’ve successfully defended Xinye.”

When she finished, she continued walking ahead.

Huang Zu… If you can, I really hope that you can stay.

“But I have to make something very clear.”

“Ah… Un?”

All of a sudden, Huang Zu slowed down and because I was trying to catch up, I ended up overshooting and turned back to look at her. When I did so, I saw that she had a kind expression as she looked at me.

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