Scent Of Time

Chapter 21

“When I wanted to impersonate someone else, why didn’t Father tell me I shouldn’t do that? When I wanted to drug and scheme Zhong Yelan, why didn’t Father say that a woman shouldn’t degrade herself like that? Isn’t it essential for parents to guide their children when they go astray? My mother may live in the backyard and have limited experience. But you, Father, have always been my support. Why did you never say what’s right or wrong when you know it?”

If Hua Xiang had disciplined Hua Qian strictly, would Hua Qian make fewer mistakes? I don’t know how this conjecture will turn out, but now, I’m sad.

Hua Xiang’s face was cloudy. I wiped my tears and spoke, “Can Father still say that you are not just thinking about power?”

“Disrespectful.” Hua Xiang flared up. “If I didn’t have this power, do you think you and your brother would have whatever you want? You’ve taken all the benefits, and now you’re blaming me for neglecting you?”

“Then does Father know what I want?” I stood up. “I want nothing more than a good ordinary life as a family. If Father wants to prove that everything is only for us, you should resign. I have enough money to find a small place to live the rest of our lives without worry about food or clothing.”

“If I resign, who will protect your willful and arrogant brother in the future? I let you marry into the Jin royal family because I thought if me and your mother weren’t around afterward, you could give him a hand. But you only know how to play with your missy temper and don’t think about others.” Hua Xiang seemed to be getting angrier. His face reddened, losing his previous elegant demeanor.

“In the end, Father still can’t let go of the power in his hands, ah. You were still using elder brother as an excuse.” I couldn’t help but laugh as if there was suddenly a desert in my heart where not an inch of grass grew.

“Has Father ever thought this monstrous power is also a hot potato? If Father falls off the pedestal, what awaits the Hua Family? What will happen to the Hua clan? I won’t give Father any more support. This Princess Consort Jin, I don’t want ……”

Slap. A crisp slapping sound rang out.

“Master.” Mrs. Hua’s shocked cry also rang out.

I only saw Minister Hua fall back into his chair. His eyes spitting fire as he stared at me, “Rebellious daughter, you rebellious …… daughter.”

Mrs. Hua stepped forward to stroke his chest, smoothing his breath. Her eyes signaled me to apologize, and even Hua Shen nagged and tugged at my sleeve.

I stroked the side of my face. I feel only a fiery pain. It seemed I really pissed off Minister Hua. That’s why he strikes so hard. I tried to hook the corner of my mouth but sucked in my breath instead. It hurts.

I covered my face and spoke, ”It seems Father and I can’t talk anymore. Why don’t we wait for Father to calm down and then think about my words? If Father insists on being this prime minister, please forgive this daughter for being unfilial.”

After saying that, I turned around and left, ignoring the angry roar of Minister Hua and Mrs. Hua’s retention behind me. For the sake of this Hua family, I had done all I could. I had reminded all I had to remind, so it was up to Prime Minister Hua to make the right choice. I have received enough speculation and malice daily because of my status as Minister Hua’s daughter.

After taking a few steps, Hua Shen chased after me. He followed behind me, hesitating yet still pulling me back.

“Sister, how could you talk to Father like that? Look at how angry Father is. You’d better apologize to Father.” He tugged on my sleeve and said carefully.

“Does brother think I did wrong?” I stopped motionless and spoke.

Hua Shen stammered for a long time but did not say anything.

Remembering his words of defense to me in the house, I felt my heart soften, so I took his hand. Perhaps I hadn’t been this close to him for a long time. He looked a bit overwhelmed, and my nose was slightly sour.

“Brother, do you want to choose the daily battle of glory and riches, or do you want to live in peace as a commoner?” I looked at him, unable to look away. It would be nice to have support in this Hua Family.

Hua Shen shrunk his head. When he saw that I was not relenting, he finally opened his mouth, “Is Sister overthinking? With Father around, what are you afraid of? Why do you have to live as a lowly person ……?”

I laughed to myself. Hua Shen was accustomed to these brocade clothes and delicious food. The second generation of government officials are unwilling to be a commoner. In this entire Hua Family, no one listened or trusted me. So, how can I reverse the ending of the Hua Family?

When I became Hua Qian, I never thought of surviving alone. So, every day, I went to great lengths to minimize my losses and preserve everyone. However, it’s still difficult for me alone to hold up the entire sky of the Hua Family. I let go of Hua Shen’s hand, turned around, and continued to walk out. Hua Shen silently followed to send me off, no more words.

I couldn’t say that I was disappointed. If the villain returned to the right path effortlessly, that would be too much simplicity. One couldn’t change other people and things with only a few thoughtful words. That kind of thing would only happen in a fairy tale.

Out of the Hua Mansion, next to the carriage, Hua Rongzhou looked at me surprisedly. Perhaps my cheek had already swollen with a palm print on it. I barely smiled and spoke, “Go back to the mansion.”

Hua Rongzhou nodded without asking any more questions.

When I entered the King Jin Mansion, I ran face to face with Zhong Yelan, who was about to pretend he didn’t see me, but he suddenly gave a start and walked towards me.

“Who hit you?” His tone did not ripple, as if asking how the weather was today.

“Who else could it be? I’m afraid there aren’t many people who can beat me.” I shrugged my shoulders and spoke helplessly.

Zhong Yelan frowned and didn’t say anything. Because my face hurt, I made a bow and turned around to leave. However, I heard Zhong Yelan speak behind me, “Your status today is still Princess Consort Jin. Don’t let bystanders bully you and lose the face of the King Jin Mansion for nothing.”

I turned my head, but Zhong Yelan avoided my sight. I smiled and was about to speak when I saw a figure appear not far behind him. With a change of mind, I walked over and hugged his waist, putting my head close to his chest, and immediately felt his body stiffen like a piece of iron plate.

“What… what are you doing?” He spoke but didn’t push me away.

I did not release my hand and raised my head to meet his gaze, smiling brightly, “Letting the King understand some logic, ah.”

He frowned, and I continued, “Because at this moment…Mu Yao is right behind you.”

Zhong Yelan subconsciously pushed me away with too much force. I even stumbled a few steps and nearly fell. He looked back, but Mu Yao had turned away with a pale face.

“You ……” Zhong Yelan glared at me. His eyes were full of fire.

“That’s why, Your Highness, as you can see if I stay in the King Jin Mansion ……” I interrupted him, “Then your beloved can only hide behind you forever and can’t rise to the top.”

Zhong Yelan continued to look at me. I still smiled in response. The fire in his eyes gradually extinguished. He turned around and chased after Mu Yao, no longer caring about me.

I stopped smiling. When I smile, my face hurts, and this expression is too intolerable.

“Miss, why are you like this …… today,” Qian Zhi stammered.

“Like a hedgehog?” I caught her words.

She nodded. I covered my face and tried not to involve the redness, “I am using the simplest and most direct way to make him understand. If I stay in the King Jin Mansion, the person he loves will not be able to stand by his side in a bright and honorable way. I am forcing him to make a choice.”

Qian Zhi wrinkled her eyebrows and didn’t say anything else. During this time, under my influence, she began to feel I was incompatible with Zhong Yelan.

Turning my head to meet Hua Rongzhou’s gleaming gaze, I patted his shoulder, “Little friend, don’t follow our bad example, huh.”

He instantly blushed up to his neck. Qian Zhi also had a speechless look.

There was another reason why I did this. That was, those who are vulnerable are most afraid of others coming to extend their hand. To extinguish fantasies that shouldn’t be there. That’s why I push away all possibilities.