Chapter 680 - 673_1
"Even if you can’t bear it, you must endure! Do you think you’re the only one who is angry? I also want to flay that thief Ceng Lu alive, but now is definitely not the time to act. Do you want to involve the whole family because of your momentary impulsiveness?" Jiang Ziqi saw Zhao Erhu looking like he was about to seek revenge on Ceng Lu and quickly dissuaded him. If it were anything else, Zhao Erhu might not listen, but Jiang Ziqi knew very well what mattered most to him.
Jiang Ziqi’s words quickly extinguished Zhao Erhu’s burning passion. Zhao Erhu clenched his fists in frustration, and the veins on his forehead did not recede but morphed into another form of restraint. "I’ve worked so hard and risked my life precisely to protect my wife and children, to provide for them, so that they can live without worries and not have to suffer humiliation. That scoundrel Ceng Lu actually dared to covet my wife. Had it not been for Eunuch Li’s intervention, who knows what would have happened. Can I just endure all this repression? Does that still make me a man?"
Zhao Erhu’s voice was full of resentment and anger. He also knew that his wife was not a weak woman who would be easily manipulated. Even if Eunuch Li hadn’t stepped in, she would not have let Ceng Lu take her away. Having so many servants at home was not just for show. But there’s always the possibility of something unforeseen, and without being by his wife’s side, he always felt unsettled. What’s more, Ceng Lu’s threat loomed constantly, and even now, it had not been resolved. It was not strange for Zhao Erhu to be anxious and upset.
"What does it mean to be a man? Do you think being a man is about finding someone to fight with over a bit of indignation and rage, disregarding the safety of your family? Besides, Ceng Lu, including the behind-the-scenes Ceng Family and Empress Ceng Fei, are already despised by the Emperor and their fate is sealed. They are doomed to a bad end. Now he is merely a chess piece in the Emperor’s hand, being used for his last bit of worth. Why would you risk so much for a dying man, possibly wasting all your previous efforts and even inviting more serious consequences? I thought you were clear-eyed about these matters after being out in the world for so long. Do I need to remind you of this?"
Jiang Ziqi understood that Zhao Erhu’s judgment was clouded by concern, but if he didn’t speak sternly, he feared he wouldn’t fully convince this man who cherished his wife as his life.
Zhao Erhu also treated Jiang Ziqi as a friend, venting his innermost feelings. Even if he understood in his mind, there would always be feelings of injustice and anger. After Jiang Ziqi’s words, Zhao Erhu had completely calmed down.
"Thank you, Brother Jiang, for awakening me. I was blinded by anger after hearing what Eunuch Li said and acted recklessly. Still, the matters in the capital are almost concluded and I have reported to the Emperor; I should rush back to Zhao Village immediately. No matter what, right now my only desire is to return there without a moment’s delay. Who knows what further outrageous acts that scoundrel Ceng Lu might commit? Even though I know my wife is not someone who can be bullied, right now I can only rest easy once I return to her side."