Chapter 20 — That Day of Reconciliation, the God of War Former Husband Resolved Not to Let Go

In the end, we still didn't leave. It wasn't that I was stubborn and tried to hold on and refuse to leave, but the situation at that time in Hoac Palace was truly too chaotic and miserable. Mrs. Huo was so angry and shocked that she vomited blood and fell into a coma, the situation was extremely dangerous. The old doctor of Hoi Xuan Duong used acupuncture and medicine, and was busy all night, before finally being able to barely breathe for her. But the person also completely collapsed, from then on he was tightly wrapped in a hospital bed, his mind was awake and unconscious. In the palace, the old servant could preside only the housekeeper who was scared out of his wits and Mama Ly. Half of the servants ran away, half were scattered, and the few people who remained still lived in fear and insecurity every day. As for Hoac Quyet... After that night, he locked himself in his study and never stepped out again. Don't eat or drink, don't see anyone. Only Mama Ly trembled every day, placing rice and soup in front of the door, and the next day, quietly bringing away cold dishes that had never been touched. The entire general's palace was filled with a rotten aura of death as if it was about to collapse. In the end, I still couldn't bear to leave. Not because I still have any old feelings for Hoac Quyet, but because I cannot stand by and watch such a once glorious mansion collapse in despair, nor can I watch those innocent old servants and that dying old woman with no one to take care of them. I told Xuan Dao to go back and take care of the shop. As for himself, he stayed, temporarily taking on the role of "housekeeper" of the Huo palace. I took Mother Ly and the remaining servants to clean up the chaotic courtyard, inventorying the stolen and damaged items - although there wasn't much left. Arrange someone to take turns taking care of Mrs. Hoac lying on the hospital bed, giving her medicine, feeding her medicine, and cleaning her body. We also have to deal with a few "old timers" who occasionally come by to find out news, or take the opportunity to throw rocks into the well. As for Hoac Quyet... I told Mama Ly to continue delivering food as usual. If he doesn't eat it, change it to a new one. I know he doesn't want to see me, and even hates me to the core. But I won't take the initiative to meet him. I stay here, just because the remaining bit of conscience and unwillingness in my heart has not completely disappeared, absolutely not because of him. Days passed by in a busy and oppressive atmosphere. Under careful care, Mrs. Huo's condition eventually stabilized. Although the body is still extremely weak, the mind is much more alert. After waking up, seeing that the person taking care of everything in the palace was me, her eyes were extremely complicated. There was shame, there was awkwardness, and in the end it turned into a long sigh, carrying endless regrets. She grabbed my hand, tears covering her face, and said intermittently: "Chieu Nhi... is... my old lady... sorry for you... sorry for you... God... retribution... it's all retribution..." I didn't say any words of comfort, just calmly withdrew my hand and continued to feed her the medicine. There are some types of hurt that cannot be healed with just an apology. I stay here, just to pray for some peace of mind for myself. In the blink of an eye, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month has arrived, Thuong Nguyen festival. Outside, there were lights and torches all over the city, bustling and noisy. But the Hoac palace is still cold and lonely, with a gloomy atmosphere. After taking the medicine, Mrs. Huo fell into a deep sleep. I carefully arranged for someone to be on duty at night, then went alone to the large, empty yard. The cold moonlight covered the fading snow and withered tree branches. The study room was still a dark and quiet place. That door has been tightly closed for half a month. I looked at that closed door, there was only a dark, empty space left in my heart. Hoac Quyet, how long do you want to hide in there? Where is his old arrogance? Where is his spirit of looking down on people? Could it be that everything has been completely buried by this snowstorm? At that moment — “Chi!” a soft voice rang out. In the quiet night, that sound was especially clear. The study door that had been closed for half a month slowly... opened. A tall but stooped figure appeared at the door.