How could someone be unhappy living in a matriarchal society?

Chapter 115 No More Overturning the Case

The Empress gazed silently at the Grand Tutor Song, whose temples were now gray and who was no longer as spirited as he had been in his youth, and a sense of emotion welled up in her heart.

She sighed softly, "I never expected that Minister Song would be able to take on another disciple in his lifetime. That woman must have extraordinary talent to have earned your favor and protection."

Grand Tutor Song smiled slightly, gently straightened his clothes, and then respectfully replied, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. The Turks have been invading our borders repeatedly for many years, and the constant warfare has left our Great Ning Kingdom lacking elite soldiers and outstanding generals. This time, I am taking on a disciple in the hope of contributing to the country and finding a capable general for Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, the Empress nodded slightly in approval.

She asked with great interest, "Since Minister Song is so confident in your land, then when the palace examination comes, I will personally examine her to see if she is truly as excellent as you say."

Grand Tutor Song immediately bowed and replied, "Your Majesty is wise! I believe that Chu Ci will not disappoint Your Majesty at that time."

"Alright, let's leave today's matter here. I'm feeling a bit tired, so you may all leave now. The edict appointing Zhang Ping will be delivered to him tomorrow."

The Queen waved her hand, signaling everyone to disperse.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for your great favor."

Having achieved their goal, Zhou Yun and Grand Tutor Song bowed and took their leave.

As the two left the palace, they exchanged a glance with Fang Shiyi, who was waiting outside. They nodded to each other knowingly and then turned and left.

When Chu Ci slowly awoke, sunlight streamed through the window and fell upon the bed, bright and warm.

She rubbed her eyes, adjusted to the light, and slowly turned her head to look around.

Only then did I realize that I was in an unfamiliar room.

The room smelled strongly of medicine and was simply decorated; it looked like the backyard of a medical clinic.

Chu Ci looked down at her left hand and saw that the somewhat gruesome wound had been carefully treated and covered with a thick layer of herbs, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.

However, possibly due to excessive blood loss and prolonged lack of water intake, she felt weak and even showed some signs of dehydration.

Chu Ci propped herself up and slowly sat up from the bed. After her feet touched the ground, she paused briefly before standing up and walking towards the table not far away.

With every step, I felt like I was walking on clouds, my body light and airy.

She picked up the kettle on the table, poured herself a glass of water, carefully brought the glass to her lips, took a small sip, and felt the cool water flow over her parched throat, bringing a sense of comfort.

Then, she slowly drank the water, cup by cup, trying to make sure that the water fully moisturized every part of her body.

Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open, and Shi An hurriedly walked in.

When he saw that Chu Ci had woken up and was able to walk, a look of joy instantly appeared on his face. He quickly ran to Chu Ci's side and hugged her tightly.

"My lady, you're finally awake! You really scared me to death, waaaaaah..."

Shi An's voice was clearly choked with sobs, and tears streamed down her face, soaking Chu Ci's clothes on her shoulders.

His body trembled uncontrollably with fear and worry, like a flickering candle in the wind.

Chu Ci sensed Shi An's fear and unease, and couldn't help but feel pity for him.

She gently patted Shi An's back and softly comforted her, "It's alright, don't cry. I'm fine. It's just a minor injury and a little bleeding. It's nothing serious."

However, Shi An did not believe the Chu Ci's understated explanation.

He looked up at Chu Ci through teary eyes and choked out, "You still say it's nothing? You fainted right in front of me. If the doctor hadn't treated you in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable. I was so scared then, scared that I would lose you again, just like... just like that day."

At this point, Shi An's tears flowed like a burst dam, unstoppable.

Chu Ci certainly understood what Shi An meant by "that day".

That was a life-or-death crisis she encountered not long after she transmigrated to this world, and it was also the time she was most seriously injured.

Since then, Shi An has been filled with deep fear and dread of similar situations.

"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. It's all over now. Zhao Qing is dead, and no one can threaten our safety anymore." Chu Ci gently comforted Shi An while wiping away the tears on his cheeks.

"Don't be afraid, I'm fine. Actually, I already tried to stop the bleeding during the exam. People who practice martial arts aren't that fragile."

Shi An bit his lip so hard that it turned pale, and his forehead was covered with a layer of cold sweat, showing how terrified he was.

He said in a trembling voice, "My lady, how about... I don't overturn the case. I'll just live a peaceful and healthy life like this. I don't want to see you suffer any harm because of this. I can't bear the consequences of losing you. I will die. I really will die."

Hearing this, Chu Ci was slightly taken aback. She reached out and gently stroked Shi An's hair with great tenderness. "I never imagined that I would become more important to you than revenge."

"You are far more important than overturning the case!" Shi An answered loudly without hesitation, while tightly gripping Chu Ci's hand, as if afraid that she would disappear if she let go.

Tears streamed down his face like a burst dam. His heart was already filled with Chu Ci, and he was even at a loss as to how to cherish the woman he loved so deeply.

"My mother's wish was for me to live in peace, but now I'm not living a peaceful life at all... I almost lost you today!"

Shi An only wished he could crush Chu Ci into his own body, so that the two of them could become one and never be separated again.

"The Shi family's affairs are all my fault, and have nothing to do with you. Let's not seek revenge, okay?"

Chu Ci pulled her husband to sit down on the bedside. Instead of refuting him, she gently wiped away his tears.

After the person calmed down a bit, she began to reason with them, saying, "How could it not have anything to do with me? I am your wife, and you are the most important person in my life. No matter what, I will help you clear the name of the Shi family and exonerate them."

“I will do it as soon as possible. Once everything is over, we will settle down in Jiangnan. The spring breeze is gentle there and it rarely snows. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

Chu Ci looked at her husband with a firm gaze, which was very convincing.

However, Shi An remained worried. His red and swollen eyes and bright red nose made him look like a newborn rabbit.

"But my wife, this is far too dangerous for you. I was too naive before. You almost lost your life just by taking the imperial examination. If you were to actually enter officialdom, how many open and hidden attacks would come your way? Just thinking about this makes me restless and unable to eat or sleep. How can I not feel at ease?"

"I must have been so stupid to expect you to come to Kyoto! I was completely blinded by greed!!"

As he spoke, Shi An slapped his leg hard, "It's all my fault!"

In his previous life, Shi An sought revenge alone, which was very difficult. He thought that with his wife as a support, it wouldn't be so difficult, but he didn't expect it to be even more dangerous.

Chu Ci quickly grabbed Shi An's hand to stop him from moving around.

"No one in this world can force me to do anything. I help you voluntarily; it's my own choice, and it has nothing to do with anyone else. I'll take responsibility for the outcome; you don't need to blame yourself."

"No, that's not it. It's just that you're too kind, my wife, you're too kind..."

Chu Ci, who killed countless people in her past life, has her hands stained with blood in this one as well: ...

Am I a good person? This is the first time I've heard that.

My husband really loves me.