SWHCBB 76

Chapter 76: Zhiyu’s Past Life / Walking Toward Death in Despair and Grief

His vision spun. Wen Jue felt as though he were caught in a vortex, powerless to resist, dragged deeper and deeper, until suddenly he arrived at what looked like a bedchamber.

The person before him was still that same “Wen Jue,” slumped over a desk, one hand pressing on an open book, both eyes closed, seemingly asleep. But he looked even thinner than before.

Wen Jue didn’t understand, why were all his dreams revolving around this other “Wen Jue”? He wanted to wake up…

“Zhiyu…” A hoarse voice rang out.

It was Yunchuan! Wen Jue’s heart leapt in joy and he tried to answer, but no matter what, he couldn’t make a sound.

“Sorry, my mistake. I should’ve said Fifth Prince.” Yunchuan’s voice turned cold, laced with a hint of scorn. “Did you have fun playing with me? I won’t be joining anymore. Doesn’t it disgust you to submit beneath a man? Don’t worry. I’ll never touch a single finger of yours again. Better for both of us.”

These words, Wen Jue had never heard Yunchuan say anything like them before. Hearing them now, it cut through him like ice, chilling him to the bone.

The “Wen Jue” at the desk suddenly opened his eyes, sat up, forehead beaded with cold sweat. He stared blankly for a few seconds, then braced his arms against the table, clutching his head, his face twisted in pain.

Wen Jue quickly realized, Yunchuan’s words had been aimed at this other “Wen Jue.”

It seemed… in this world, Yunchuan had discovered the truth.

The realization hit Wen Jue. His heart pounded with fear and confusion. Just how deeply had this world’s Yunchuan loved that “Wen Jue”? How close had they once been?

If it had only been a physical relationship, why would this “Wen Jue” look so tormented now? Wen Jue couldn’t imagine. He only knew that his Yunchuan was so good to him, so good he would rather die than let go.

But… what if his Yunchuan also ended up like this one, realizing that his love had been wrapped in schemes and lies, half-truths told only to evoke sympathy and pity, all to achieve selfish ends?

What if all the disguises were stripped away, revealing his real self, would Yunchuan, too, come to despise him?

He wanted to believe the words Yunchuan had once said to Zhuge Qing. But could he believe them? Dare he believe them?

The deeper the love, the greater the hatred. Just like now.

It was as if this “Wen Jue” was warning him: don’t fall too deeply, or one day, you’ll become like me.

Defeated. Hollow. Dying in despair and grief.

“Wen Jue” brushed his fingers over the book on the table. His dull eyes showed a trace of longing. Then, he suddenly called out, “Changning.”

Changning entered immediately. “Your Highness, what is it?”

“Wen Jue” asked, “Where is the army returning from Xige campaign now?”

Changning hesitated, a trace of concern flickering across his face.

“What is it?” “Wen Jue” frowned. “Did something happen?”

Changning shook his head. “No. The army returned to the capital half a month ago. A few days ago, His Majesty held a banquet at the palace to welcome the generals. Her Highness the Princess knew you were unwell, so she forbade anyone from disturbing you. She only sent over some gifts.”

He quickly changed the subject, his tone deliberately cheerful. “Oh! Her Highness said she’ll come visit you in a few days. She’s always wanted to take you to the mountain villa to recuperate. I hear it’s beautiful there, like paradise! A perfect place for rest and pleasure! I’d love to go. Your Highness, let’s go together!”

No matter how animatedly he spoke, “Wen Jue” only sat there blankly. After a long while, he lowered his gaze. It wasn’t clear whether he had even heard Changning.

Wen Jue watched with a growing ache in his chest. He probably knew what “Wen Jue” was thinking…

Changning’s forced cheer got no response, and that hurt Wen Jue even more.

“So he’s been back for over half a month,” “Wen Jue” said at last. “And he still won’t step foot into this residence, not even once?”

Changning faltered, shoulders drooping like a withered eggplant. He gave a muffled hum of affirmation.

“Wen Jue” sat silent for a while, his face expressionless. Even Wen Jue couldn’t guess what he was thinking. He didn’t know what this other version of himself had gone through, how could he know what was in his heart?

Without any trace of sorrow or disappointment, “Wen Jue” stood up, closed his book, and said, “Go to the study. Prepare brush and paper. I want you to write him a letter for me.”

Changning was startled. “Write what?”

“Wen Jue” replied calmly, “If you do not return home, the General’s residence may soon be renamed the Prince’s residence. If you still wish for Prince Yi to live, then please return at once, we must speak.”

The letter had the air of a veiled threat. Not a single word showed softness or affection. Changning hesitated. “This…”

Who tries to persuade someone to come home like this? If he misses him that much, why not just show it? A little soft pleading, and wouldn’t Jiang Chuang come back?

This was also what Wen Jue himself thought. If you love him so much, why be so stubborn? If you can’t speak your heart, couldn’t you at least act sweet and submissive like you did in the beginning?

“Wen Jue” prompted again, “Go write it. After it’s sent… if he doesn’t return within a month, then we’ll go to that villa you mentioned for rest and pleasure.”

Changning nodded and turned to leave.

Wen Jue didn’t know whether “Jiang Chuang” had ever come back. All he knew was that the world began to spin again. His surroundings shifted, then shifted again.

This time into the sound of clashing swords and cries of battle, so loud they made Wen Jue’s head throb.

His vision cleared. Before him, in the deep mountains, two armies clashed in front of a ruined estate. Blood soaked the ground from the gates to the inner courtyard. The two sides were locked in combat, eyes red with killing intent, no one backing down.

Wen Jue’s heart pounded with confusion. When he saw the one leading the charge, it was Changning, his soul nearly fled in terror.

Changning’s gaze was ruthless, his face splattered with blood. Gritting his teeth, he wove through the fray, striking fast, twin blades in hand. Wherever his blade passed, armored soldiers fell, heads rolling.

His once soft, round face now looked terrifying, like a demon risen from hell. He would not stop until every last one was dead.

But no matter how skilled he was, he couldn’t withstand the endless stream of enemies. A flash of a blade behind him, Changning’s back was split open by a gash deep enough to show bone.

Changning!!!

Wen Jue screamed with all his might, but no sound escaped. He could only watch helplessly as Changning was wounded.

Suddenly, another figure appeared at the doorway of the estate, it was the Third Prince. He stood there, face blank, watching the carnage. Then he slowly smiled, cold and sinister.

From behind him, another figure stepped out, Zhuge Qing?!

The Third Prince looked at Zhuge Qing. “You truly are clever, strategist. You opened my eyes. Simply keeping him locked up was dull. Why not use him as bait? Draw out all the big fish and eat them one by one. Once this round of killing is done, let her know. We’re not easy prey. If she can’t bear to lose her dear brother, then she’ll have to play by our rules.”

Zhuge Qing gave a shallow bow, smiling faintly. “Your Highness flatters me. But this tactic is only a delay. If too much time passes and Her Highness the Princess hardens her heart and sacrifices the Fifth Prince… then our chess piece becomes worthless.”

The Third Prince narrowed his eyes. “Then all the more reason to use him well, and quickly.”

A terrible premonition rose in Wen Jue’s heart.

So all of this… was because of him?

The Third Prince clapped his hands. Soon, two soldiers stepped forward, pushing out a large cage.

Inside the cage, was “Wen Jue.”