Chapter 139: No Comment
Su Xingyan was unaware; he seemed to be suddenly confused, utterly confused!
Was it starting from last night or perhaps earlier, or maybe from today, from this moment? He no longer knew; he only knew that it seemed everything had lost control, and he no longer knew what he should do next, or what he shouldn’t do.
Su Xingyan felt that his mind was a chaotic mess, utterly bewildered.
While walking, he caught sight from afar of Han Si Que, who had just finished arranging the evening guard. He recalled that he hadn’t had the chance to thank him for last night’s incident, so he walked over and cupped his hands to Han Si Que: "Thank you, Duke Wei, for your rescue last night, I am deeply grateful. I heard Duke Wei is returning to the Capital City; after we return, I will visit you."
Han Si Que merely nodded at him coldly: "Prince Ling, there’s no need for such politeness; it’s my duty, don’t worry about it."
He had no intention to say more.
Zheng’er is a broad-minded person, and not many can occupy her thoughts; it was clear that Su Xingyan was not likable. Han Si Que still remembered Zheng’er kneeling and pleading with the Emperor to call off her betrothal; she had sacrificed so much for that child, how could she allow others to harm her?
Perhaps because of love for the place and person, or hatred for both, he couldn’t help but pay special attention to Han Jing, thus naturally harboring some prejudice against Su Xingyan.
Su Xingyan, of course, noticed Han Si Que’s alienation and found it somewhat odd: "Does Duke Wei have some opinion on me?"
"I wouldn’t dare; you’re overthinking," Han Si Que maintained his distant tone.
Su Xingyan surprisingly didn’t mind but instead recalled what his father had just said to him. Suddenly, he asked: "Duke Wei, have you ever regretted before?"
"What do you mean?" Han Si Que was slightly taken aback; having been away from the Capital for years, he had little interaction with many ministers, let alone the likes of Su Xingyan and the other princes. Even though he brought him back yesterday, it was merely his duty, and they weren’t that close, right?
Su Xingyan smiled: "I hope Duke Wei forgives my recklessness. It’s just that I heard some things with my father just now, so I couldn’t help but be curious. Over all these years, have you ever regretted abandoning my aunt?"
Han Si Que glanced at Su Xingyan and frowned: "That is my private matter, please forgive my inability to inform you."
These words were quite serious; if Su Xingyan pursued further, it would show a lack of tact.
Though Su Xingyan was a prince, he was still just a prince without real power, while Han Si Que, armed with significant troops, was not someone that Su Xingyan could afford to offend.
Seeing Han Si Que’s expression, Su Xingyan could roughly understand why this Duke Wei disliked him.
It seems he did regret it, right?
That’s why he has stayed at the border and scarcely returned to the Capital City over the years. That’s why, because of Han Jing’s matter, he even disliked him.
But why the regret? Su Xingyan didn’t understand; if it were him, he would likely make the choice that was most beneficial for himself. As the heir to the Duke Mansion, Han Si Que naturally had to place the Duke Mansion first, and he did no wrong. But his self-imposed exile over these years, what was it for?
Su Xingyan couldn’t comprehend it, yet somehow sympathized with him. Is it true that some things, once missed, remain forever missed?
As his father said, once missed, they never return.
Is it truly like that?
"If you had another chance to choose again, what would you choose?" Su Xingyan didn’t even know why he wanted the answer so much.