He Lianhuang’s face was as black as coal, and his voice chilled by several degrees.”Are you threatening me?”
“Yes, I am. I may love you, but certainly not enough to allow you to trample on my pride.” Xi Lin raised her head defiantly in affirmation of her threat.
After all that had been said and done, she would not stay by his side no matter how much she loved him. Enough was enough. She had been more than patient with him and was tired of having her feelings hurt by his inconsiderate words and actions.
She was the most favoured Princess of the Dongshu Nation – not some common woman he had picked up from the streets. She deserved his respect. The more she tried to exercise tolerance, the worse He Lianhuang’s attitude became. She would be doing herself and her country a disservice if she remained, so she chose that moment to announce her divorce. Xi Lin decided to write it off as a poor match in love.
It was for the best. He Lianhuang’s callous treatment would have deeply saddened Xi Lin had she loved him any more than she presently did.
Feng Tianlan stood to one side, watching the exchange quietly. Although it was true that the Bailan Alliance would make a move, Feng Tianlan wondered where her friend got her confidence from. She did not even know if she could convince the Fengyun Alliance to aid her, let alone the Princess of the Dongshu Nation.
She and Su Jingfeng were bitter enemies. They swore to kill each other on sight. How on earth was she supposed to convince such an enemy to come to her aid? It was utterly ridiculous!
“Tianlan, we’re leaving.” Xi Lin grabbed Feng Tianlan’s hand and marched off. She did not spare He Lianhuang a second glance.
He Lianhuang blocked their path with a quick step forward. “Xi Lin, don’t you dare take another step.”
Xi Lin locked eyes with He Lianhuang. “I have Tianlan with me. I can do as I please. I’m not like you, He Lianhuang – a man whose only ability is to push those around you away. Mark my words, If you don’t protect the interests of your Xi Yuan Nation and its people, you’ll end up with nothing.”
He Lianhuang heard her threat loud and clear. Gritting his teeth, he turned to Feng Tianlan for support. “Dai’er…”
“Helian, I still think of you as a friend, but if you insist on doing things your way, then we won’t even be friends,” Feng Tianlan said calmly, “I need not act as Shen Qingdai any longer. You’ve seen my methods. I strike down all who oppose me without exception. I won’t show mercy on account of my past feelings towards you.” Feng Tianlan murmured coldly as if she was talking about the weather.
Anyone who dared mess with her bottom line would find themselves buried six feet under. It did not matter whether they were friends or that these friends of hers had repented. All would kneel and know her wrath.
He Lianhuang swayed on his feet as he regarded the two women in front of him. Dai’er was still wearing Si Mobai’s clothes, and an air of indifference seemed to hover around her. Standing by her side was Xi Lin. She was dressed in her palatial robes, staring at him haughtily. The expression she wore dared him to act to his detriment. It was a very provocative expression.
Xi Lin pulled Feng Tianlan and brushed past He Lianhuang’s wobbling form. “You’re too stubborn for your own good, He Lianhuang. Take care.”
Xi Lin left with Feng Tianlan in tow. She did not look back. She had never wanted to marry him in the first place, but circumstances conspired against her, forcing her to act for the benefit of her nation over that of her own. Otherwise, she would not have gotten herself pregnant with Wang’er and stayed behind with him.
He Lianhuang watched the two ladies leave, feeling his head pound in time to the soft patter of their feet. His vision blurred. He did not want Xi Lin to leave, but the words were stuck in his throat and refused to come out.
Xi Lin hugged Wang’er and said with a smile, “Wang’er, your mother is going to take you away, okay?”
Wang’er wrapped his small arms around his mother’s neck, his eye lighting up with excitement. “Mother is not allowed to go back on her word. Those who go back on their words are liars!”
“I promise. Mother can’t bear to part with you. You’re the apple of your mother’s eyes!” Xi Lin kissed Wang’er’s forehead. Everything was going to be alright.
Feng Tianlan eyed the mother and child through squinted eyes. “Sister Lin, have you thought through your actions at all?” She asked Xi Lin softly.
“Yes, I have. It’s meaningless to force the issue. Just because I love him doesn’t mean he’ll return my affections. Letting him go is the best for both of us.” Xi Lin smiled. This time, she had really thought it through and that it would not work between her and He Lianhuang.
