Chapter 6: My Husband Is Different from Before

Throughout the entire Prince Yan’s residence, the mere mention of the Eldest Young Master was taboo.

In fact, it was a forbidden topic even in the former capital, Yingtian City.

The same kind of taboo that once surrounded the imperial heir, Zhu Xiongying.

Anyone who dared speak his name might find no one able to save them.

Even after so many years, within the walls of Prince Yan’s mansion, the name remained forbidden.

Apart from Zhu Di and his wife, perhaps only Yao Guangxiao dared to speak it.

“The past is the past,” Zhu Di said slowly, lifting his head to gaze at the starry sky outside the hall. His expression grew colder with each word. “Since I have chosen this path, I will fight to the very end! Even in death, I will have no regrets!”

Yao Guangxiao immediately performed a Buddhist bow, bending low before Zhu Di. “This humble monk is willing to accompany Your Highness on this journey.”

…

The next day.

Zhu Zheng awoke in the side chamber.

Not sure how many hours he had slept, but the exhaustion of the previous night had vanished completely.

He exhaled deeply and slowly sat up, heading straight outside his room.

“Father!”

As soon as the door opened, two small children—one boy, one girl—ran joyfully toward him.

The girl wore a cute red dress; the boy was handsome and well-featured.

Clearly, both had inherited the looks of Zhu Zheng and Guo Yuer, and were quite striking.

“Hey,” Zhu Zheng greeted happily, scooping one child into each arm.

“Father,” the boy, Zhu Qi, pouted adorably, “where did you go last night? We didn’t see you at all.”

Zhu Zheng chuckled warmly. “Father had some matters to attend to, so he couldn’t be with you.”

His love for his son and daughter was evident—after all, they were his own flesh and blood.

Since their grandmother’s passing, they were the only remaining bonds he had in this world.

After a night’s rest, gazing upon his children, Zhu Zheng’s eyes held a special meaning.

“Qi’er, Xi’er,” he called softly, “come down now.”

“Father just woke up and hasn’t washed or eaten yet.”

Guo Yuer approached with a basin of water, her tone strict as she addressed the two little ones.

Under their mother’s stern gaze, the children reluctantly climbed down from Zhu Zheng’s arms.

“Husband, you should wash up,” Guo Yuer said gently.

“Marrying a virtuous wife like you was truly my good fortune,” Zhu Zheng teased as he took the towel to wash his face.

“Husband,” Guo Yuer blushed slightly, “the children are here.”

Women of this era tended to be rather conservative.

Zhu Zheng laughed heartily, his happiness not merely because the family was together, but because his secret advantage had awakened—he had found hope for the future.

To be honest, when he first married Guo Yuer, he ran a small distillery and earned a modest profit, thanks to his knowledge of modern brewing techniques.

Later, to completely sever ties with commerce, he passed the official examination and became a government clerk—a low-ranking position, but a step up from his previous status.

Guo Yuer’s social standing was considerably higher.

Though she cared little about status, Zhu Zheng inwardly did.

He wanted to provide a better life for his wife and children, to clothe and feed them well.

But he had no means to do so—until now.

Zhu Zheng could now extract attributes from corpses and open treasure chests containing divine artifacts. The future held limitless possibilities.

Perhaps someday, when the time truly came, with the world so vast—

Were noble titles and high ranks ever a birthright?

What he had once failed to give his family, he would now give them tenfold.

“Husband,” Guo Yuer smiled softly, “I feel there’s something different about you today.”

“What do you mean different?” Zhu Zheng set down the towel and rinsed his mouth, puzzled.

“You seem more confident than before,” she replied thoughtfully.

After all these years together, she could sense the change in him.

At her words, Zhu Zheng smiled and said solemnly, “Not only am I more confident, but I will ensure our family lives the best life possible.”

Saying this, he drew Guo Yuer close, full of determination.

“As long as our family can live peacefully, I will be content,” she murmured, nestling in his embrace.

Just then—

“Cough, cough.”

A deliberate cough came from outside the courtyard.

Hearing this, Zhu Zheng gently released Guo Yuer and smiled. “Brother-in-law, I didn’t expect you to come in person.”

At the gate stood a man dressed in fine clothes—Zhu Zheng’s elder brother-in-law and Guo Yuer’s elder brother, Guo You.

“Brother,” Guo Yuer hurried forward to open the gate.

“Uncle,” the two children called out sweetly.

It was clear the whole family was very close to this brother-in-law.

“Yuer,” Zhu Zheng said, “take Qi’er and the others to start their lessons.”

Clearly, Zhu Zheng sensed that Guo You’s sudden arrival meant trouble.

After Guo Yuer led the children back inside, Guo You’s smile faded and he said gravely, “Prince Yan has rebelled. You know, don’t you?”

“The entire government clerk force was absorbed. Last night they cleared corpses in front of the mansion all night. How could I not know?” Zhu Zheng replied with a smile.

Guo You looked surprised at Zhu Zheng’s calm demeanor. “Treason and rebellion, a crime punishable by extermination of nine clans. Aren’t you afraid?”

“The reorganization put me in the logistics corps, which marks me as a follower of Prince Yan. When the imperial army besieges the city, the prince’s chances won’t be good.”

Seeing Guo You’s serious expression, Zhu Zheng smiled and countered, “Brother-in-law, do you really think my father-in-law would betray Prince Yan?”

“No,” Guo You answered firmly.

“In that case, even if I wasn’t in the logistics corps, my family would still be doomed. After all, I’m part of my father-in-law’s nine clans,” Zhu Zheng said with a laugh.

Guo You hadn’t expected Zhu Zheng to be so fearless.

On the way here, he thought his brother-in-law’s family would be terrified—accused without reason of treason and rebellion, facing clan extermination.

But seeing Zhu Zheng now, it was clear that was far from the truth.

“Enough,” Guo You said sternly. “Don’t joke around in times like these. I’m here because Father sent me.”

He reached into his chest and pulled out a wrapped book.

“Father has arranged everything for your family.”

“This contains orders to leave the city, new identities with changed names and origins, and travel permits.”

“Once you’re out of the city, take Yuer and the children as far away as possible. Leave Beiping Prefecture,” Guo You said, handing the documents to Zhu Zheng.

…