Chapter 1583: Sadness

Chapter 1583: Sadness

Editor: Henyee Translations

The restaurant, seemingly ordinary, boasted a menu of comforting home-cooked dishes. Mushroom roasted chicken, lamb roasted with onions, beef brisket stewed with white radishes, stir-fried meat, vermicelli cabbage, pork—the array was enough to elicit greedy expressions from the children. Despite their visible hunger, they restrained themselves, unwilling to make the first move. A collective gulp echoed in the room.

Observing the children’s plight, Qiao Xuan took pity and urged them to sit. “Dig in, before it gets cold!”

Grateful, Liu Fu expressed his thanks, prompting the children to follow suit. Only then did they settle down to eat.

Once chopsticks met food, the children couldn’t help but hasten their consumption. Half of the dishes vanished from the table in no time. Their rapid eating, however, lacked rudeness, and Qiao Xuan’s gentle assistance softened the scene.

Shao Yunduan, Zheng Sangge, and others experienced a notable shift in mood. Rounds of dishes and a few glasses of wine later, Wu Guan unexpectedly broke into tears. It took him a while to regain composure, wiping away tears before smiling at Shao Yunduan. “I apologize, Brother Yunduan!”

Having overseen numerous struggles and hardships, the brothers had maintained a relentless pace for years. Gathered around a table, sharing a decent meal and laughter, they reflected on the distant past.

Although melancholy briefly settled in, Shao Yunduan poured wine and reassured, “There’s no obstacle in this world that can’t be overcome. Now that the court is aware, they’ll handle it. Let’s discuss it later.”

Zheng Sangge, however, expressed reluctance, his brow furrowing. “I have no intention of involving myself with the Imperial Court anymore. The same goes for these children. The Imperial Court doesn’t owe us anything. We’re incapable, and there’s no one to blame but ourselves.”

It was an undeniable truth.

Having retreated from the battlefield, who among them hadn’t felt this way?

Nevertheless, they were alive—a sentiment that brought satisfaction, especially when compared to their fallen comrades.

Despite life’s challenges, the children were gradually maturing each day. As they aged, it was hopeful that their circumstances would improve.

However, gaining favor with the Imperial Court proved to be an arduous task, one that was financially beyond their means. Moreover, the prospect of entangling themselves in the conflicts among the princes, risking disaster, was a fear they couldn’t shake.

Shao Yunduan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, recognizing that Zheng Sangge and the others had likely grown so disillusioned with the court that they accepted their situation with unusual calmness.

Reflecting on the past, they had received compensation upon retirement—15 taels of silver for the disabled and 20 taels for the deceased. While not a significant sum, if properly distributed among those entitled, it could have eased their hardships. Yet, the reality was different, leaving Shao Yunduan with a mix of emotions.

The allure of the silver was undeniable. Even a small business venture could have made a significant difference in their lives. Some might not even receive a single tael, further complicating matters.

Shao Yunduan found himself grappling with complex emotions, questioning the worth of investing effort in such an imperial court. He pondered the potential impact of the seemingly ‘kind’ Crown Prince and whether his efforts to effect change were worthwhile. Disappointment had eroded his confidence, and he no longer harbored the desire to remain in the capital.

Smiling with a sense of resignation, Shao Yunduan spoke slowly, “I’m not suggesting that you pursue an official position or rely on the court’s charity. Saving yourself is not an impossible task. There are alternatives worth exploring.”

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