He had loved her since childhood, his love going deep into his bones.
On every night when he missed her, his whole body would ache.
However, he found it hard to fathom Luqu's feelings.
Maybe she liked the second elder brother.
Ji Shijian couldn't ignore the sense of loss in his heart when she pushed him away.
If she didn't like the second elder brother, she wouldn't rather be the second - wife of someone else than be his lawfully wedded wife.
He had fought for so many years, always thinking that if necessary, he would rather die than not be with her.
But after truly facing death, his perception of many things had changed.
He was no longer as paranoid as before.
It was true that he could die for her.
But what about her? Would she be willing to... No, not to mention whether she was willing or not, he wouldn't let her experience the helpless pain of facing death. Even if she belonged to someone else, he hoped she could live happily and care - free.
"If I asked you to leave, would you blame me?"
He stroked her cheek. The touch was like stroking a freshly peeled egg.
This was what he had been doing in his dreams every night.
Luqu's pain was no less than Ji Shijian's.
She wondered what she could do to help him regain his confidence.
Ji Shijian had no idea what Luqu was thinking at the moment. Seeing her keep silent, his heart grew cold. He struggled to stand up.
Ji Shijian pushed Luqu away and was about to go find Ji Shisu.
He was going to return Luqu to him. Even though this decision was more painful than death to him.
However, he could face all the gossips, but Luqu couldn't.
He couldn't let her suffer such inhumane treatment.
"Shijian."
Seeing him getting up to leave, Luqu didn't know where she got the courage. She rushed forward and hugged him.
Luqu's hands tightly wrapped around Ji Shijian's waist, afraid that he would leave her at any moment.
God couldn't be so cruel to them. Just when she had decided to let down her guard and accept Shijian, Ji Shijian was about to give up this relationship.
"Take me away. Let's flee to the ends of the earth."
Flee to the ends of the earth? Such a proposal actually came from Luqu. Ji Shijian was pleasantly surprised that she could say such a thing.
What made him happy was, of course, her affection for him.
"Luqu, are you serious? Are you really willing to go with me?"
For Ji Shijian, Luqu's initiative to propose this was something he had never even dreamed of.
His voice was trembling, afraid that all this was just an illusion.
Afraid that Luqu would think it over and then regret it.
However, when Luqu nodded firmly, took his hand actively, and clearly answered him with a "Yes".
Ji Shijian's heart was filled with ecstasy.
"Okay, to the ends of the earth, I'll be unswerving."
He hugged her back into his arms. The unforgettable vow echoed in their ears.
In his broad arms, Luqu softly echoed the vow, "To the ends of the earth, I'll be unswerving."
Outside the tent, Zhao Luoning and Ji Shisu's steps were disrupted by their bold plan.
Yes, Zhao Luoning was originally going back to pack her jewelry. On the way, she met Ji Shisu and decided to come with him to see Shijian first.
Now standing here, they didn't know whether to go in or retreat.
"This is too bold. Grandmother was already hit hard by elder brother's matter. Shijian is too reckless."
Shisu was about to go in and teach this impulsive younger brother a lesson, but was stopped by Zhao Luoning.
Looking at the fair and jade - like little hand tugging at his sleeve, Ji Shisu was greatly puzzled.
Why was Zhao Luoning stopping him at this moment?
Ji Shisu didn't oppose Luqu and Shijian being together as a loving couple, but he thought they could discuss things slowly.
As the saying goes, three cobblers with their wits combined equal Zhuge Liang.
He didn't believe that with the wisdom of everyone, they couldn't come up with a compromise.
They were too naive. Apart from marching in war and doing business, Shijian had never suffered much. He would have a hard time living on his own, let alone living with Luqu, who had been with the old matriarch since childhood and was like a half - miss.
Without the support of the family, how could he survive, not to mention taking Luqu with him?
"This is their own business. Let them decide for themselves."
Zhao Luoning pulled him aside and persuaded him patiently. Ji Shisu was a bit stubborn. He frowned deeply and was very unhappy.
"But he is my brother after all. How can I just watch him leave like this? There are still many ways. Grandmother likes Luqu so much. Maybe she will give her blessing. It's not worth it for them to make such a hasty decision and abandon everything at home."
Looking at the tent shrouded in the scent of medicine, Zhao Luoning sighed softly.
"Whether it's worth it or not, only they can decide. What's the best choice depends on their own will. Promise me this time, don't disturb them. Let them go their own way. Whether it's bitter or sweet depends on God's will."
Since she had said so, Ji Shisu naturally obeyed.
"Okay, I'll follow your advice."
As Ji Shisu said, he instinctively pulled Zhao Luoning into his arms.
Fortunately, Luoning was still by his side.
Their affectionate appearance was clearly seen by Chen Chuliu, who came after them.
Besides this enviable scene, there was also the undisguised doting and tenderness on Ji Shisu's face.
She had known Ji Shisu for at least five years.
When had she ever seen Ji Shisu be so obedient to a woman?
Chen Chuliu was not willing to accept this.
She also truly loved him.
She had accompanied him for so many years. Not to mention being treated gently like this, they hadn't even consummated their marriage.
Few people would believe this if it were said.
She had been his second concubine for five years, but still remained a virgin.
Before getting married, Ji Shisu was a well - known playboy. He would find women outside but never touched her.
He had wasted her youth for so many years. If she didn't make him pay back, she wouldn't be Chen Chuliu!
Even if she had to die, she would take someone with her.
No matter how much Ji Shisu liked Zhao Luoning, only a woman could understand a woman's mind.
Zhao Luoning's weakness was Chen Chuliu's winning weapon.
Humph, Ji Shisu, just wait.
No one noticed that Chen Chuliu had been there.
Ji Shisu personally sent Zhao Luoning back to the guesthouse before leaving to handle official business.
Back at the villa.
Zhao Luoning gathered all her jewelry. After removing the hairpins, there wasn't much left.
It was understandable. In this chaotic time of war, the fact that she had so many jewelry was thanks to Ji Shisu's generous gifts.
Right, she had something else!
Zhao Luoning had an idea. She rummaged through the cabinets and finally found something from under the cabinet.
It was a jade pendant.
This was the jade pendant that man had left for her on the night at Tianxiang Tower.