Do Not Offend the Reborn Wicked Wife-Chapter 602: Listening to the Song of Everlasting Regret
Yang Zhuoya felt guilty; she was a well-fed person unaware of the hunger that tormented others. Su Shi accompanied her daily, offering her warmth, yet she couldn’t fathom Long Yue’s heartbreak and helplessness after losing her beloved.
Moreover, she had to face pressure from all directions.
Ordinary city folk might have their household pillars collapse; widows would attract the attention of local ruffians and scoundrels, or catch the eye of some local miscreants.
Wealthy women’s widowhood would spark covetousness in their husband’s brothers for the family assets. The stronger ones could protect some legacy for themselves and their children, but the weaker ones would be left with nothing.
As for those of the Imperial Family, even though they would be spared the above situations, how could they be faring much better?
Widows living alone were, ultimately, a vulnerable group, susceptible to oppression.
Hence, the more Long Yue needed to appear domineering and forceful during such times, to protect the Prince Mansion, herself, and her young son.
"Actually, there’s no need for the Princess Consort to be like this!"
Chang Yao had been walking next to Long Yue since earlier because he was also headed to Yunshui Building. They were familiar with each other, so they walked together.
At this moment, Chang Yao couldn’t help but say, "Princess Consort, you are Prince Mu’s widow, and General Cao’s niece. Your little uncle married into my Chang Family, and the Supreme Emperor favors you. The Young Prince is raised in Sanqing Palace and will surely excel in the future, so who would dare to insult you? You can therefore be at ease, Princess Consort!"
Long Yue smiled slightly, "Young Master Chang, some things are not as simple as one imagines!"
The Supreme Emperor ultimately must pass away; he can protect them temporarily, but not for a lifetime. Meanwhile, when A Mu departed, her heart died as well. Now, she lives only by sheer determination to raise Rui’er into adulthood.
Chang Yao was silent, for how could he not know?
Having mingled in Shengjing City, some matters were clearer to him than anyone else.
"Actually..." Chang Yao wanted to say something, but the words stuck in his heart because he couldn’t voice them.
He wanted to say that she could find another dependable person, but instantly felt his words were ridiculous. Who in this world could be more reliable than the Imperial Family?
Moreover, which wife of the Royals could ever remarry?
Thinking of this, Chang Yao found himself laughable.
He chuckled softly, carrying traces of self-mockery.
"Hey, hey, we’ve arrived! Wow, Yunshui Building lives up to its name as Shengjing City’s finest establishment; it’s too grand, too beautiful, truly an eye-opener..."
Just then, Chai Qiao’er exclaimed in amazement, her eyes set on the stunning Yunshui Building garden, cheering without restraint.
Long Yue smiled faintly, "Let’s go! Staying at home has been dull anyway; it’s a good time to get out and unwind."
"Indeed, it’s good to unwind. The Princess Consort should surely come out and breathe fresh air; staying home all day is quite tiresome."
Chang Yao replied with a gentle smile.
Nearby, one of Chang Yao’s friends couldn’t help but roll his eyes, as the Princess Consort Mu had barely begun to unwind yet managed to reprimand a maid already. Should she really go on a stroll, who knows how many might suffer.
But such thoughts he could only mumble inwardly, not daring to speak them aloud; couldn’t they see the intense aura of this Princess Consort?
"Honored guests, please come inside!"
At the entrance to Yunshui Building garden, a graceful woman greeted them respectfully, her face adorned with a gentle smile, exuding dignity and elegance.
Such a woman, placed outside, would be a lady of a distinguished family, a young heiress. Yet here, she merely served as a maid responsible for welcoming guests.
This indicated the opulence of Yunshui Building.
"This way, Princess Consort Mu!"
A maid took the lead, respectfully guiding Long Yue to a private room, followed by maids carrying a variety of dishes and desserts inside.
"Princess Consort Mu, this is Tingfeng Hall, below is the stage. Not only are there theater troupes performing, but also people singing. Should you have any needs, feel free to call for me!"
The maid said with a blossoming smile, then bowed and left.
Long Yue gazed through the window towards the stage below, seeing a theater troupe already performing a play titled "The Cuckoo Cries Blood."
The story tells of a merchant’s woman named Yingying, who falls in love with a poor scholar and wishes to be with him, but her family disapproves. Thus, Yingying secretly commits her life to him, stealing silver coins from home to send him to the capital for the imperial exam.
Later, the scholar successfully becomes the Champion Scholar, forgetting about merchant Yingying, who dearly misses him back in their hometown. Desiring status, he marries the Emperor’s daughter, a Princess, as his wife.
Worried Yingying would find him, the scholar even dispatched assassins to eliminate her, hoping to resolve matters once and for all. Luckily, Yingying miraculously survived an attack with assistance, barely escaping harm.
Poor Yingying naively believed she merely encountered danger, without realizing it was her beloved who orchestrated it, even going to the Capital City to find him.
Upon realizing her lover had married the Princess, Yingying became a laughingstock. Outraged, she sought the Champion Scholar for answers.
That Champion Scholar, immersed in a tender embrace, was unwilling to have any ties with this common woman. Fearing impact on his reputation, he begrudgingly agreed to meet her.
He deceived her with flowery words and, taking advantage of her vulnerability, allowed a stranger to violate her, ensuring that once Yingying awoke to realize her chastity was lost, she desired to drown herself in despair.
At her lowest, Yingying unknowingly overheard a conversation in an alley, from the man who dishonored her, discovering her beloved planned it all!
Learning the truth, Yingying nearly went insane, burning with anger, she accused him at the palace gate, demanding justice, intent on exposing his deceitful nature.
Yet, he was a Prince Consort—who dared question him? Feeling hopeless for vengeance, Yingying contemplated her next move until she encountered the Capital Governor. An uncompromising and benevolent man akin to the people’s nurturer, upon understanding Yingying’s plight, he sought redress for her, even confronting the Imperial Family to achieve justice. Ultimately, evil was vanquished by righteousness, and the Champion Scholar faced retribution, allowing Yingying to reclaim justice.
...
After listening to the opera, Long Yue frowned slightly, "This tune is truly dull; every time I hear it, it feels like it speaks of my mother. Are there truly men as heartless in this world?"
Long Yue cherished her loving relationship with her husband most, detesting such ungrateful men. The opera didn’t please her.
"If Yue’er doesn’t wish to watch, then let’s not watch it; let’s look elsewhere—hey, look, someone’s singing over there."
Yang Zhuoya pointed toward another platform where someone was dancing and singing.
"What dance are they performing?"
"It seems to be... The Song of Everlasting Regret!"
