Chapter 134: Conditions
Chen Xingcai expected Hong Tianque to fly into a rage, but instead he stared at her for a long moment before revealing a meaningful smile: "As long as you agree to become the Hong Family's head and marry the Zhao family's son, all terms are negotiable."
The hall's candlelight flickered, making Chen Xingcai's eyes appear exceptionally clear. She dropped her playful expression and said coldly: "Not interested. Let your defeated subordinate serve as Hong Family's head." As she turned, her hair ribbon fluttered lightly, "I prefer being my father's daughter."
A dangerous glint flashed in Hong Tianque's eyes: "You keep mentioning that wild father of yours. Aren't you afraid I'll truly send someone to eliminate him?"
Chen Xingcai spun around abruptly, widening her eyes as if looking at a fool: "???"
She could scarcely believe her ears.
"You want to eliminate my father?"
"It seems you still don't understand what the Hong Family represents." Hong Tianque stood with hands behind his back, his black robe stirring without wind. "But since you've returned, I'll give you three days to consider." He clapped his hands. "The person you wish to see will be brought to you."
An elderly woman in crimson palace attire emerged from a side door, bowing respectfully: "Greetings, Young Mistress."
Chen Xingcai gave a light hum, reverting to her arrogant demeanor: "Very well, I shall stay three days then." She deliberately raised her voice, "Remember to arrange a large room for me. I've been accustomed to luxury since childhood."
Hong Tianque sneered without responding. He had already investigated—her so-called adoptive father was merely a secluded rogue cultivator in some valley, without even a proper sect.
As Chen Xingcai followed the elderly woman away, Hong Ang moved to follow but was stopped by Hong Tianque. As the brothers passed each other, Hong Tianque whispered: "Remember, being born into the Hong Family means prioritizing its interests above all."
Hong Ang paused briefly, replying without turning back: "I won't let anyone harm her." Before the words faded, he had already strode away in pursuit.
...
Chen Xingcai was indeed led to an extremely luxurious room.
A carved nanmu wood bed, gauze curtains woven from mermaid silk, priceless spiritual jade tea sets on the table—even the floor was covered with thousand-year snow fox pelts. Her gaze swept past these lavish furnishings without lingering for a moment as she sighed softly and asked in a low voice:
"May I see him?"
A gentle voice came from behind: "Of course." Hong Ang stood at the doorway with a tender gaze, "However, after today's journey, you should rest well first." He paused before adding, "Tomorrow, I will personally take you there."
Chen Xingcai remained silent for a moment before finally nodding: "Alright."
...
Meanwhile, in Hong Longxiang's room, the sound of violent shattering echoed repeatedly.
Tables, chairs, porcelain, folding screens—everything breakable had been smashed to pieces. His eyes were bloodshot, chest heaving violently, as if only this could vent his fury.
The door opened as Hong Tianque walked in slowly.
Hong Longxiang jerked his head up, snarling: "Old bastard, what do you want?"
Hong Tianque's expression was indifferent as his gaze swept across the wreckage. "I came to see whether my disappointing son is truly worthless."
"Yes, I am worthless!" Hong Longxiang sneered. "Weren't you already prepared to abandon me? Just like you abandoned her back then?"
Hong Tianque shook his head: "That was the Old Ancestor's decision." He paused before suddenly asking, "But do you know why you can't defeat her?"
Hong Longxiang froze: "Why?"
"Because the Supreme Blood within you has never been fully refined." Hong Tianque's gaze was profound. "I see her heart isn't with the Hong Family. This time, perhaps the Founding Ancestor was mistaken."
Hong Longxiang's eyes burned crimson, fists cracking audibly. "I will prove it to the Founding Ancestor."
Hong Tianque glanced at him without another word before turning to leave.
After the door closed, Hong Longxiang stood motionless for a long time.
His eyes burned with unwillingness and obsession.
...
The next morning, Hong Ang arrived as promised.
"Let's go. I'll take you to see her."
Chen Xingcai's eyes lit up as she immediately rose to follow. They passed through numerous courtyards, finally arriving at a concealed underground entrance.
Damp, dark stone steps wound downward. The air reeked of decay and mildew. Flickering torches on the walls cast weak light over mottled moss and water stains. The deeper they descended, the colder it grew, until their breath condensed into white mist.
Deep in the dungeon, rust-streaked iron bars stood. The clank of dragging chains echoed sharply in the silence. Corner rats scurried past, vanishing into shadows.
Chen Xingcai stopped abruptly, her voice tight: "She... lives here?"
Hong Ang paused before answering softly, "After you... disappeared, she completely lost her mind."
Chen Xingcai's expression remained flat, only her fingertips curling slightly. "Wasn't she always unstable?"
Hong Longxiang shook his head, pain flashing in his eyes. "It's different..." He stepped aside. "You'll understand when you see her."
At the end, a heavy iron door stood ajar.
Chen Xingcai took a deep breath and slowly pushed it open—
In the dim cell, a frail figure huddled in the corner. Disheveled hair covered most of her face. At the sound, she jerked her head up. Clouded eyes showed momentary confusion before lowering again. Her fingers fumbled with a ragged doll as she murmured: "Good Chan'er... Mother's here... Chan'er, don't be scared..."
Chen Xingcai stood frozen.
She recognized her—her mother.
That once peerlessly beautiful, proud woman now clutched a tattered doll like a child, repeating lullabies from sixteen years ago.
Hong Longxiang whispered: "She... remembers nothing else."
Chen Xingcai remained silent, watching quietly. The woman she'd both loved and resented, now reduced to this madness.
Only the mother's soft humming and the faint clink of chains disturbed the dungeon's silence.
...
Hey readers! If you're eager to dive into advanced chapters, consider joining our Patreon. By joining, you'll get access to 20 chapters ahead and enjoy 8 new chapters per week. Plus, we have 2 more exciting fics with the same chapter release rate, giving you a total of 32 chapters per week! Join now and keep the adventure going!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/Alex_Cruise