Chapter 64 A Promise
Chapter 64 A Promise
Just after the woman regained consciousness, Lu Yuan said, "Miss, you fainted. We've brought you back to life. Do you have any family? We'll take you home."
Upon hearing about her family, the woman became somewhat frantic and said, "I don't want to go home..."
Seeing her like this, Lu Yuanchangming quickly comforted her, saying, "Okay, we won't go home."
The woman calmed down and realized she was lying in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by people dressed in official robes. She couldn't help but feel a little panicked.
"Don't be afraid, girl, this is a military camp, you're safe now," Lu Yuan said gently.
The woman looked at Lu Yuanchangming and couldn't help but feel a little infatuated. Lu Yuanchangming's eyes were firm and warm, giving her a sense of security.
She managed a weak smile and said in a feeble voice, "Thank you for saving me."
"You're welcome, it's what I should do."
Lu Yuanchangming smiled and asked, "How are you feeling now?"
"It's alright, I'm just a little dizzy," the woman replied softly.
"What's your name? Why are you alone in a place like that?" Lu Yuanchangming asked.
The woman was silent for a moment, a trace of melancholy flashing in her eyes, then she said softly, "My name is Zhao Wanqing, and I'm a villager from a nearby village. Last night, I went out to gather herbs, but I unexpectedly encountered robbers. They stole my herbs and injured me..."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yuanchangming felt a surge of anger. He slammed his fist on the table and reassured them, "Don't worry, I will send people to investigate this matter and bring those robbers to justice."
Zhao Wanqing nodded gratefully, her eyes filled with tears. She knew she had met a good person.
Over the next few days, Zhao Wanqing recuperated in the military camp and received excellent care.
Lu Yuanchangming personally inquired about her injuries and arranged for some female servants to accompany her.
As Zhao Wanqing gradually recovered her health, she began to get to know the soldiers better.
One day, Zhao Wanqing took the initiative to approach Lu Yuanchangming to express her gratitude: "General, may I ask what your name is?"
“My surname is Li, you can just call me General Li,” Lu Yuanchangming replied.
“General Li, thank you for saving my life. I have nothing to repay you with, but I have a family heirloom here, a gold hairpin, which I will give to you,” Zhao Wanqing said.
Lu Yuanchangming stepped forward, took the gold hairpin, and examined it carefully. The gold hairpin was inlaid with various gemstones, shimmering with dazzling light, clearly a gift of considerable value.
“Thank you for your kindness, Miss Zhao,” Lu Yuan said gently, but there was a hint of hesitation in his voice, “but…”
Zhao Wanqing's heart sank; she knew what Lu Yuanchangming was about to say.
“General, I know you’ve always valued simplicity, but this gold hairpin is a gift I specially gave you, hoping it will bring you good luck on the battlefield,” she explained eagerly.
Lu Yuanchangming nodded, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes.
He handed the gold hairpin back to Zhao Wanqing, his tone gentle yet firm: "Miss Zhao, I appreciate your kindness, but I really cannot accept this gift."
A hint of disappointment flashed in Zhao Wanqing's eyes, but she did not show any dissatisfaction.
“General Li, is it because you think this gift is too expensive? I can change it to something else.” Zhao Wanqing raised the sachet at her waist.
Lu Yuanchangming shook his head, returned the gold hairpin to Zhao Wanqing, and said softly, "Miss Zhao, it's not because the gift is valuable, but because I don't like women giving me gifts. Miss Zhao, you should give this gift to the person you admire."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Wanqing felt a deep sense of loss.
She understood that Lu Yuanchangming's rejection of the gold hairpin was a rejection of her love.
But she didn't get angry at the time.
"General, I understand," Zhao Wanqing asked softly, "Does General Li have someone he admires?"
Lu Yuanchangming shook his head and said, "I still haven't met the person I like, but I like the life of a hermit, and I may grow old alone."
Zhao Wanqing stood in front of Lu Yuanchangming, her heart filled with complex emotions.
She had just handed him the exquisite gold hairpin when he politely declined.
After a moment of silence, Zhao Wanqing raised her head, looking at Lu Yuanchangming with a firm yet gentle gaze, and mustered her courage to ask, "General, do you think I might be worthy of you?"
This question startled Lu Yuanchangming slightly; he hadn't expected Zhao Wanqing to ask such a direct question.
An indescribable emotion welled up in his heart, a mixture of gratitude and helplessness.
“Miss Zhao…” Lu Yuan’s voice was deep and gentle, “You are an outstanding woman, intelligent and beautiful. In every respect, you are impeccable.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Wanqing smiled expectantly, but she quickly noticed the hesitation in Lu Yuanchangming's tone.
“But…” Lu Yuanchangming continued, a complex light flashing in his eyes, “As a general, I bear great responsibility. I cannot be distracted by personal feelings. I am not considering romantic love right now.”
Zhao Wanqing's heart sank suddenly; she understood what Lu Yuanchangming meant.
Although she knew that what Lu Yuanchangming said was true, she still couldn't hide the disappointment in her heart.
“General, I understand your concerns,” Zhao Wanqing said softly, her voice tinged with bitterness. “But I am willing to share some of your burdens, whether it is the dangers on the battlefield or the trivialities of life. I hope to be your support, not your burden.”
Lu Yuanchangming looked at Zhao Wanqing deeply and said, "Miss Zhao, I am truly grateful for your kindness."
Lu Yuan said softly, "But you know, war is cruel, and I can't guarantee I'll always return safely. I don't want others to live in worry and fear because of me. You should find someone who can give you happiness and peace, not a general like me who fights all over the world."
Zhao Wanqing's eyes reddened slightly, but she forced back her tears and nodded.
"General, I understand. I will respect your decision and hope that you can find your own happiness."
“Miss Zhao, we’ve only met by chance,” Lu Yuan said in a low voice. “No matter what happens in the future, I hope you can be happy.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Wanqing understood the meaning; she knew that Lu Yuanchangming had politely declined her offer.
She took a deep breath, looked at Lu Yuanchangming with a firm gaze, and slowly said, "General, I know you have many concerns, but I am truly grateful for your life-saving grace. If it weren't for your timely rescue, I would probably be dead by now."
Lu Yuanchangming smiled slightly, gazing at her gently. "Miss Zhao, that's what I should do. As soldiers, protecting the people is our duty."
Zhao Wanqing shook her head, a resolute glint in her eyes.
"General, your saving my life is more than just a duty to me. To express my gratitude, I would like to make a promise to you."
Lu Yuanchangming raised an eyebrow, looking at her with some curiosity. "Oh? What promise?"
Zhao Wanqing took a deep breath and said slowly and deliberately, "How about this, to thank you for saving my life, from now on, as long as you ask, whatever the conditions, as long as I can do it, I will definitely agree to it."
These words stunned Lu Yuanchangming. He hadn't expected Zhao Wanqing to make such a solemn promise.
A complex mix of emotions welled up within him, a mixture of gratitude and reluctance.
“Miss Zhao…” Lu Yuanchangming’s voice trembled slightly, “Are you really willing to do this?” Zhao Wanqing nodded, her eyes filled with determination.
"Yes, General. These are my heartfelt words. I have no way to repay your life-saving grace, but I hope this promise can express my gratitude."
Lu Yuanchangming was silent for a moment, then said, "Miss Zhao, I am very grateful for your kindness."
Lu Yuanchangming was somewhat at a loss. "Alright, Miss Zhao, I accept your promise. We'll talk about it later."
A hint of relief flashed in Zhao Wanqing's eyes; she knew that Lu Yuanchangming understood her feelings.
Time has passed, and if it weren't for needing the antidote from Zhao Wanqing, Lu Yuanchangming wouldn't have remembered this promise. However, he really didn't want to get involved with this woman, Zhao Wanqing.
He felt disgusted by Zhao Wanqing's subsequent actions. He wondered if it was a mistake for him to politely refuse such a beautiful woman like Zhao Wanqing. He also longed for a confidante by his side.
To be continued... For the exciting sequel, please read the next chapter!
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