Chapter 15: Devotion and Heartbreak
After Lu Qiaoqiao left the Lian family, the string of related cases was officially concluded.
Yun Zixing, as if granted a pardon, gleefully departed the Lian household and wasted no time in seeking out Linglong to pour out his longing.
Meanwhile, the Qiao brothers remained under Lian Zheng's watch. Deep down, Lian Zheng didn't truly believe everything was Lu Qiaoqiao's doing. But with irrefutable evidence and overwhelming public opinion against her, he had no choice but to relent.
Yet if it wasn't her, then who was it? Unable to unravel the mystery, he could only continue deploying guards to protect his wife and daughter.
Barely an hour after Qiaoqiao's departure, Di Yun arrived at the Lian residence.
For the first time, Lian Heng witnessed the depth of Di Yun's temper.
"Sometimes," he began coldly, "what you see with your own eyes or hear with your own ears isn't the truth! Whether my aunt has been wronged, I will prove with facts! But now she is gravely ill, and you cast her out without even notifying me? Where can a frail, sickly woman go in such a vast world?"
Standing at the entrance of the main hall, Di Yun's icy voice reverberated with suppressed anger. His imposing presence radiated an almost tangible chill.
Di Yun's fears mirrored Lian Zheng's own anxieties. Conflicted and disheartened, Lian Zheng sighed deeply, unable to find the words to respond.
Even Yu Luoying, who harbored a deep resentment toward Qiaoqiao's machinations, felt a flicker of pity at the thought of her forlorn departure in poor health.
"It was the third madam's decision to leave," the maid Xiaoshan finally mustered the courage to say, her voice small but resolute as she defended her mistress.
Di Yun ignored her completely, his piercing black eyes fixed on Lian Zheng with unyielding intensity. "Lian Zheng! My aunt has always been devoted to you, yet you failed to protect her when she needed you the most. Others' mistrust is one thing, but your lack of faith—your abandonment—has left her heartbroken and disillusioned.
"If you were going to treat her so cruelly today, why did you make grand vows of love in the past? Why did you bring her into your home? Why give her fleeting happiness? Do you think your wealth and power entitle you to take wives at will, to be unfaithful, to use and discard women as you please?
"My aunt may have come from humble origins, but love knows no rank or status. She gave her entire heart to you, and you owed her the same in return. Now, you've left her to wander aimlessly, broken and adrift. Tell me, Lian Zheng, are you truly at peace with yourself? Can you honestly say you have no regrets?"
With that, Di Yun turned on his heel and strode away, leaving behind an indignant and resolute figure.
His words, each one weighted with fierce conviction, struck like thunderclaps in the hearts of everyone present. Lian Zheng stared after Di Yun, stunned and speechless.
"If you were going to treat her so cruelly today, why make vows of love in the past? Love knows no rank or status. She gave her entire heart to you, and you owed her the same in return…"
How many men in this world, Lian Heng wondered, truly understood love? How many could uphold the promises they once made?
Lian Heng, deeply moved, shook herself from her thoughts and rushed after him. "Young Master Di! Please wait!"
Di Yun paused just as he reached the courtyard gate. Hearing her call, he turned back, his gaze meeting her earnest eyes.
"I'm sorry, Young Master Di," Lian Heng said, her voice soft but steady. "Please don't be angry. I don't believe Third Madam would ever harm my mother or me. If you need to gather more evidence, I'll do my best to help."
Di Yun looked at her, her sincerity reflected in her clear, honest gaze. His expression softened slightly.
"Thank you, Lian Heng," he replied firmly. "I will continue the investigation and clear my aunt's name. Once I find her, I will ensure she has no further ties to the Lian family."
His tone was resolute, every word echoing with finality.
He called her father Lian Zheng. He called her Lian Heng.
It was clear that in his heart, he had severed all ties with the Lian family.
"I'll send people to look for Third Madam," Lian Heng said gently. "You focus on uncovering the truth."
Her heart ached slightly as she looked at him. Though he was four years her senior, her memories from a past life made her regard him with an almost protective, sisterly affection. She was used to his calm, gentle, and scholarly demeanor. To see him now, so impassioned, so unlike himself, made her heart twinge with sorrow.
"Lian Heng, you're a good girl. The danger hasn't passed. Be careful," Di Yun said, his dark eyes softening with a hint of concern.
"I will," she replied, warmth spreading through her chest.
At least, she thought, he hadn't let his anger blind him completely. Toward her, he was still kind.
"For now," Di Yun said gravely, "safety is more important than happiness. Take care of yourself."
With that, he turned and walked away, never once looking back.
Safety and happiness.
Unbidden, Lian Heng's mind filled with the image of countless lanterns floating in the night sky, of wax plum blossoms carrying whispered blessings.
"May Lian Heng be safe and happy."