Chapter 27: Shen Lang's New Realm

On the night of the wedding, as the candle burned in the bridal chamber, Shen Lang found himself alone in the room.

It was already the late hours of the night, and Jing Mulan had yet to enter the room.

Shen Lang had anticipated this outcome, but he couldn't help feeling a bit uneasy. After all, it was his wedding day.

Just as Shen Lang was preparing to turn off the lights and go to bed, Jing Mulan walked in.

Seeing Shen Lang stand up, Jing Mulan said, "Please, sit down."

Shen Lang complied.

Jing Mulan took a seat across the table.

"Today, I have heard many rumors about you. Some say you are vain, others say you lack talent, and some even claim you are unintelligent," Jing Mulan said. "But your performance tonight has genuinely surprised me, and it has also impressed my father."

"You flatter me," Shen Lang replied.

Jing Mulan continued, "Can you tell me why there is such a drastic change in you from when you married into the Xu family?"

"In the Xu family, I fell seriously ill and nearly died. That experience seemed to awaken my mind a bit, and I am no longer as foolish as I was before," Shen Lang explained.

"Shen Lang, there are some things I want to make clear to you," Jing Mulan said.

"Please, go ahead," Shen Lang replied.

"I have no intention of marrying anyone in my lifetime. I have dedicated everything to my family. But due to pressure from the Zhu family, I had no choice but to marry," Jing Mulan explained.

Shen Lang already knew what she was going to say, but he didn't interrupt.

Jing Mulan continued, "We are officially husband and wife, and this will not change throughout our lifetime. However, I cannot fulfill the duties of a wife for the time being. I am deeply sorry."

Shen Lang managed a smile and said, "I understand."

Jing Mulan added, "This 'time being' might be a lifetime."

"I still understand," Shen Lang nodded.

A proud woman like Jing Mulan wouldn't easily compromise with any man, even if he was her nominal husband.

In a way, Shen Lang's marriage into the Earl's residence wasn't for love; it was solely to protect his family and his own well-being.

So, there were no debts between them.

Of course, ultimately, he still owed Jing Mulan, considering that her marriage proposal had directly resolved the life-threatening crisis facing the Shen family.

"From now on, you will have freedom to come and go at the Earl's residence. You will receive monthly support, and I will take care of and respect your parents. In any situation, you can claim to be my husband," Jing Mulan stated. "But nothing might happen between us for our lifetime. I will live a lonely life. Do you agree?"

Shen Lang nodded, "I agree."

"Very well, from now on, we are husband and wife. You have suffered, my husband," Jing Mulan said.

Shen Lang shook his head, "Not at all."

He remained calm throughout, showing no signs of indignation.

"Of course, I mustn't be too selfish. I can live a solitary life, but you must carry on the family line. Xue Bing, come in!" Jing Mulan called out.

Suddenly, a young girl in a red dress walked in. She looked about eighteen or nineteen, with a pure and beautiful face, still retaining a bit of baby fat, appearing very exquisite.

"Xue Bing has grown up with me since childhood, and we are as close as sisters. I am bestowing her upon you. From now on, she will live with you and bear your children," Jing Mulan said. "You have my permission."

Shen Lang was taken aback. Jing Mulan's magnanimity and thorough consideration exceeded his expectations.

He hadn't seen this coming at all.

"She is now under your care, Xue Bing," Jing Mulan declared.

"Yes," Xue Bing blushed and answered.

Shen Lang hesitated, "This, this doesn't seem right!"

Jing Mulan spoke sternly, "I mustn't be selfish. I cannot hinder your lifelong happiness."

"No, I willingly accept all this," Shen Lang responded.

Jing Mulan furrowed her brow slightly. Did Shen Lang still hold an unwavering love for her and reject the idea of accepting another woman? Jing Mulan didn't want to become truly married to Shen Lang, but she also didn't want to hold him back.

If Shen Lang remained devoted to her, it would only deepen her feelings of guilt and unease.

"Shen Lang, please listen to me," Jing Mulan said earnestly. "You truly should not harbor any illusions about me. My lifelong dream is to lead troops into battle, to expand the territory for my family and my king. I am grateful for your affection, but please do not risk your own happiness. I entrust Xue Bing to you; this will also be an obligation to your parents."

Shen Lang gazed at Mulan for a minute before replying, "Since you are so gracious, I will accept it humbly."

He then turned to the charming maid and said, "Xiao Bing, it's almost dawn. Hurry up, let's not delay."

Huh? Mulan was stunned.

I am very generous, but... Shen Lang, aren't you too direct? Can't you show some restraint and conceal it a bit?

Shen Lang was not pretending. His wish was fulfilled after successfully marrying into the Earl's family.

But she had made it very clear. They were to pretend to be a married couple, to treat each other with respect and courtesy. Could Shen Lang still eagerly pursue her, or vow to protect her innocence?

It was impossible. He had been single for over forty years, and he couldn't afford to waste his time.

"Then, goodnight." Mulan left because the jerk had begun to loosen his belt, and she would be too late if she didn't leave now.

...

"Xiao Bing, it's getting late. Let's rest," Shen Lang said.

Xiao Bing looked at Shen Lang, unfastened her buttons, and tears fell from her eyes like pearls.

What does this mean?

Why are you acting as if you're sacrificing yourself, as if you're about to walk into a fire pit?

Am I so handsome? Am I not good enough for you?

"Xiao Bing, don't you want to?" Shen Lang asked.

Xiao Bing, with red eyes, did not speak but cried even harder.

Shen Lang was speechless. Could this young girl not see his worth?

"I don't know, I don't know..." Xiao Bing cried.

Well, then, forget it. Forced love is not sweet.

"Fine, then go to the next room," Shen Lang sighed.

Instantly, Xiao Bing's delicate body flew out hurriedly.

"Wait..." Shen Lang called out.

Xiao Bing stood in place, looking somewhat frightened at Shen Lang.

Shen Lang said, "Xiao Bing, I am a very friendly person. I never force anyone. You will see when we spend more time together."

"Okay." Xiao Bing nodded with her head down.

"But some things can't be avoided forever," Shen Lang said, "I'll give you some time to prepare yourself mentally."

Xiao Bing ran away even faster.

...

The next day, Shen Lang and Mulan had breakfast together, with Xiao Bing serving on the side.

Mulan said, "Husband, today I should be visiting my in-laws with you, but I'm held up with military affairs. Can you bring some gifts home for me?"

"Sure," Shen Lang said.

After a while, Mulan asked, "Husband, do you have any thoughts or goals for the future? You can share with me."

"Not really," Shen Lang said.

Mulan added, "How can you not have any goals?"

Shen Lang said, "Well, I do have a very ambitious goal."

"What is it?" Mulan asked.

Shen Lang said, "To kill the Xu family and make Xu Qianqian kneel before me begging for mercy."

"Ah..." Mulan was stunned.

Aren't men supposed to have lofty ideals, and even if it's false, they should show magnanimity? Husband, your direct vindictiveness, is it really okay?

Mulan said, "I can understand your thoughts, but I'm afraid that might not be easy to achieve."

Shen Lang said, "Even with the power of the Earl's family, we can't kill the Xu family? Then, can I go and deal with Tian Hong first?"

Mulan said, "I'm afraid that won't work either. Tian Hong is the commander of the Xuanwu City militia, under the command of the city lord, and has just pledged allegiance to the Xu family. If our Earl's family takes action against him, it would be considered interfering with local government, as nobles are not allowed to intervene in local affairs."

Shen Lang said, "So, the Earl's family isn't as powerful as it seems? It can't even do that?"

Mulan said, "I'm sorry for that."

Shen Lang said, "Then can I, as the nephew of the Earl's family, slap Tian Hong's face in the Black Clothes Gang? Don't tell me that's not possible too, even a gang leader can't be bullied, then our Earl's family is really too weak."

Mulan looked at her husband in distress, and for the first time, she doubted whether she had chosen the right husband.

Seeing Shen Lang's eager look, Mulan, as if compelled by a devil, nodded and said, "Well, that's possible."

Shen Lang pushed his bowl away and said, "I'm full. You take your time, my lady. I'll take my leave."

Mulan looked at Shen Lang's quickly departing figure in astonishment.

Husband, your desire for revenge is really too strong. Can't you even wait for fifteen minutes?

...

Note: Before the release, two updates of five to six thousand words each day, one at noon, and one in the evening. After the release, more updates. Thank you, everyone!