binnovel Chapter 248: Sisters Wen Ji and Lu Wan Meet
Chapter 248: Sisters Wen Ji and Lu Wan Meet
Ma Teng gathered his scattered thoughts and spoke slowly, "Wenji, I have always admired and respected your father's talent and noble character. I never knew you would later endure such hardships, the hasty nature of your marriage, and now your predation by the Xiongnu. It's truly heartbreaking."
Cai Wenji was instantly reminded of those painful memories by these words, and her heart was as if hit by a heavy hammer, and she was heartbroken. But in response to the elder's questions and concerns, she had to suppress her inner grief and narrate to him, so she had to say: "At that time, Luoyang was in chaos and the situation was turbulent. My father was afraid that he had made up his mind to die, so he hurriedly betrothed me to Wei Zhongdao of the Hedong Wei family. After my father's unfortunate death in Luoyang, I also lived in a daze in Hedong, wasting my time. However, just some time ago, the Xiongnu Zuoxian King led a large army to break through Hedong County." At this point, Cai Wenji burst into tears, her voice choked with sobs and she could hardly speak: "These Xiongnu people are vicious and brutal. They burned Hedong County. They committed murder, looting, and every kind of atrocity, leaving devastation wherever they went and nearly turning this place into a living hell. The Wei family, understanding the greater good, bravely stepped forward, organizing their sons and generals to resist, but they were no match for the brutality of the Xiongnu and were ultimately utterly slaughtered. Now, only my late husband's brother remains, the sole orphan of the Wei family. Unfortunately, I was also abducted by them, but fortunately, I had Brother Chao's portrait with me. Knowing my relationship with Brother Chao, they were wary and did not dare to act recklessly against me. Finally, after careful discussion, they sent me here.
Ma Teng, moved by Cai Wenji's tragic fate, looked at her with a look of pity and compassion. He said to her, "My child, you have no family at home now, and you are all alone and helpless. It is truly heartbreaking. Since fate has sent you to Xiliang, you should rest here with peace of mind. Don't worry anymore, and treat this place as your home. Chao'er will take care of everything for you and will never let you suffer even a little injustice again."
Cai Wenji secretly glanced up at Ma Chao, only to see him looking back at her intently, his gaze filled with determination and concern. She couldn't help but blush, then she stepped forward and bowed to Ma Teng, "Wenji thanks Uncle Ma for taking me in. I have no way of repaying your kindness. From now on, I will do my duty and not cause any trouble for you."
Ma Chao, not wanting Cai Wenji to be too upset, announced, "Sun Ce and Zhou Yu are here too." Upon hearing this, they hurried forward to greet her. Cai Wenji's sudden encounter with them transported her back to her carefree days in Luoyang years before, when they had often gathered together to write poetry, paint, and play, a joyous occasion. But now, with the passage of time and the changing circumstances, she couldn't help but burst into tears, wondering why fate had played such a cruel trick on her, forcing her to endure so much hardship.
Seeing this, Sun Ce hurried to comfort her, "Sister Wenji, don't be sad anymore. It's a rare blessing to be reunited here. Let the past be the past." Sun Ce, too, was filled with emotion. The good times were gone forever, and he only hoped Wenji would cheer up. Zhou Yu echoed, "Yes, the past is like smoke, vanishing without a trace. There's still a long time to go, and things will get better. You should think more positively." Zhou Yu also felt sorry for Wenji's plight.
As Cai Wenji listened to the two people's comfort, her crying gradually stopped, but she was still sobbing, her expression full of sadness, her eyes showing nostalgia for the past and helplessness about the current situation. She wondered how to go on in the future.
Seeing Cai Wenji like this, Ma Chao felt extremely pity for her, but he didn't know what to do. He could only accompany her silently, his eyes full of concern and tenderness. He wished he could bear all the pain for her, and silently vowed in his heart that he would protect her and never let her suffer any grievances again.
The atmosphere at the banquet was heavy, and Cai Wenji's presence dampened Ma Chao's spirits. Ma Teng, sympathetic to Cai Wenji's tragic experience, arranged for her to return to her palace in the city to rest. Ma Chao made an excuse, saying, "Right, right, it's been a while since I've seen you, Wan'er. Let's have a good chat."
Cai Wenji slowly left, led by her attendants. Her petite and frail figure seemed particularly endearing. The atmosphere at the banquet was a little dull for a moment, and everyone was lost in thought.
Ma Teng sat at the table, thinking a lot. He noticed Ma Chao's expression change because of Cai Wenji's arrival, and he guessed in his heart that this guy must have fallen in love with her. But with Dong Bai, Lu Wan, and now Cai Wenji, the situation from now on would be difficult to handle. Just thinking about it gave him a headache. He didn't feel like staying here any longer, thinking about going back to discuss what to do with Ma's mother. So he stood up, clasped his fists, and said, "Everyone, I suddenly feel a little unwell. I will leave first. I hope you will forgive me."
Everyone present stood up respectfully, bowed, and said in unison: "Farewell, Your Excellency!" Ma Teng waved his hand and left the banquet surrounded by his attendants.
After Ma Teng left the banquet, Ma Chao's face darkened and he could no longer suppress his anger. He shouted at the Xiongnu envoy, "Go back and tell your Zuo Xian Wang to get ready. Ma Chao will have to go to a battle sooner or later! He invaded Xiliang without any reason and now he has committed such a crime against Hedong County. How can we let him go?" The voice was like thunder, shocking the hearts of those present.
The envoy was so frightened that his face turned pale and he trembled all over. He kowtowed repeatedly and shouted, "General, please have mercy on me! General, please have mercy on me!" But Ma Chao was impatient, his brows were furious, and he ordered, "If it weren't for your meritorious service in escorting Wen Ji back, I wouldn't even care about you as an envoy this time and would have taken you out and beheaded you directly." The envoy was so frightened that he dared not breathe or speak another word.
Ma Chao looked very upset. He waved his hand and said to them, "Kick them out!" A team of soldiers received the order and immediately stepped forward, dragging the Hun envoy out of the door.
Ma Chao then picked up the wine glass, took a deep breath, and said, "It's rare that everyone is lined up like this. Don't let the crazy Xiongnu disturb our interest. Please relax!" Everyone in the field dared not disobey and responded one after another. The atmosphere of the banquet was slightly eased.
After three rounds of drinks, everyone's minds gradually became active again. Some of them were smiling, while others spoke earnestly, asking for trade with Xiliang and other matters.
Ma Chao raised his head slightly and said, "This matter can be discussed with Lord Xun and Mr. Xun. It's a good thing that you have come from afar. In three days, it will be the right time to review my Xiliang troops, especially the Jie and Di envoys. You must not be absent." He swept his eyes across everyone present with a sharp look.
The two envoys hurriedly handled the matter, knelt on the ground, and said in fear and trepidation: "We are following the general's orders and will never disobey."
Ma Chao nodded with satisfaction and continued to drink and have fun with everyone. The atmosphere at the banquet gradually became lively again.
In the courtyard, Lu Wan was sitting by the window, sewing in her hands, her mind wandering. Suddenly, an urgent call came from outside the door: "Miss, Miss Wen Ji is here, come out and meet me!"
When Lu Wan heard this, the needle and thread in her hand dropped to the ground with a "click". She stood up suddenly, her face full of surprise and disbelief. Not even bothering to fix her messy hair and skirt, Lu Wan hurried to the front hall.
Along the way, her heartbeat accelerated rapidly, as if it was about to jump out of her throat. Cai Wenji's face and the good times they had spent together kept appearing in her mind.
When Lu Wan finally arrived at the front hall and saw the familiar yet slightly haggard figure, tears instantly blurred her eyes. The moment Cai Wenji saw Lu Wan, her emotions also rushed out like a flood.
The two ran towards each other desperately, hugging each other tightly. Lu Wan's arms were tightly wrapped around Cai Wenji's back, while Cai Wenji buried her head in Lu Wan's shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably. Their tears soaked each other's clothes, and all the longing, concern, and joy of reunion were vented in this embrace and tears.
Lu Wan and Cai Wenji reunited after a long separation, finding a quiet corner to sit down. Lu Wan held Cai Wenji's hand tightly, her eyes filled with excitement and joy. Her voice trembled slightly as she said, "Wenji, it's been so long since we last met. I never thought I'd see you again today." Cai Wenji's eyes welled up with tears, and she softly replied, "Yes, these days of separation are truly indescribable."
The two then began to recount their separation. Cai Wenji's voice choked with emotion as she recounted the hardships and setbacks she had endured over the years: "Sister Wan, after I left, I was first displaced and homeless. Then we encountered war and several life-or-death experiences. Now the Wei family is empty, leaving only me and this child to struggle in this chaotic world." Lu Wan lamented Cai Wenji's pitiful fate, periodically wiping tears from her eyes with a handkerchief. When Cai Wenji mentioned her loneliness and the dependence on Wei Ji's son, Lu Wan cast his gaze upon the well-behaved child, his eyes filled with fondness and pity.
Lu Wan gently stroked Cai Wenji's hair. Looking at her, she spoke with heartache, "Wenji, you've suffered. If there's anything I can do to help you in the future, I'll ensure you don't suffer any more." Cai Wenji looked at Lu Wan gratefully, nodded slightly, and continued, "Sister Wan, this child is very sensible. Although he's still young, he knows how to share my worries. It's just that I often worry about his future, afraid I won't be able to give him a stable life." Lu Wan comforted her, "Don't worry, Wenji. Together, you and I will protect him. Tell me, what are your plans now?" Cai Wenji sighed softly, "I don't ask for anything else now. I just hope to find a peaceful place for my child to grow up safely." Lu Wan pondered for a moment, then lowered her voice, "Wenji, Brother Chao is a man of integrity. Perhaps he can help you. But... but the circumstances are complicated, and we need to think things through carefully." Cai Wenji frowned slightly, "I understand what you mean, sister. But given my current status, I'm afraid I'll cause him trouble."