Chapter 46

The next day, news spread throughout the entire Imperial Star that Zhou Yao had been personally beaten by Old Marshal Zhou, breaking his legs, and sent away overnight to the border to be tempered.

The news that Auston, because Zhou Yao harbored ill intentions toward Ruan Tang, had forced the Old Marshal to send away his only son, spread throughout the Imperial Star like wildfire, further confirming Auston's obsession and extreme doting on Ruan Tang.

And just at that moment, Wen Run visited the Auston Ducal Palace under the pretext of visiting the woman said to be his mother, the eldest Miss Ruan.

However, after entering the mansion, he did not go to see Ruan Yue. Instead, led by the butler, he entered Auston's study: 'Please, His Grace the Duke is waiting for the Chief in his study.'

Wen Run nodded slightly. 'Much obliged.'

Wen Run took a deep breath and stepped into Auston's study.

The study door immediately closed automatically, and even the butler who had guided him was dismissed and shut out by Auston.

In the spacious study, only Auston and Wen Run remained.

Auston was still the same as before—a mask covered most of his face, making it impossible to see his features, leaving only a pair of blue eyes to convey his emotions.

At the moment, he was sitting lazily, hands clasped, looking at Wen Run with eyes slightly narrowed, full of mockery and sarcasm: 'Speak up, Chief Wen. One doesn’t come to the temple without a reason—what have you come to see me about this time?'

'It’s not like you’re here to persuade me to let go of my wife, like Young Master Zhou?' He was utterly disgusted by these people around Ruan Tang who had done wrong, then later regretted and clung to Ruan Tang unceasingly.

However, even so, it was somewhat unexpected for Wen Run to come see him alone.

Wen Run looked at Auston’s mad and arrogant demeanor and simply could not imagine that this seemingly crazy Duke Bluebeard—viewed by everyone as a grasshopper after autumn, bound to play himself to death—had actually secretly built up such a powerful private army and accumulated such immense strength.

But in his previous life, if he hadn’t had some abilities that made him worth using, and had survived to the end, who could have imagined it?

Perhaps Auston’s current demeanor was also one of his disguises.

This Alpha before him was truly scheming and unfathomable. Gazing at the man who seemed so transparent on the surface but was in fact bottomless, Wen Run felt a chill run down his spine, giving rise to the illusion of trying to bargain with a tiger.

But for Ruan Tang’s sake, Wen Run still chose to step forward and said to Auston with solemn sincerity: 'Wen Run wishes to pledge his loyalty to Your Grace. If in the future Your Grace should have any use for me, I am willing to serve you and place myself at your disposal.'

After Ruan Tang had said that he loved Auston, Wen Run went back and thought hard for an entire night, finally making this decision.

A fine bird chooses its tree to roost in, a wise minister chooses his lord to serve. Wen Run did not know whether this rebirth would change the future, but this Alpha’s skill, cunning, and endurance were unmatched by any brother he had—even the Emperor and Empress would feel inferior before him.

Wen Run believed in his ability, knowing that in this life, even if he couldn’t ultimately conquer this starry expanse and make the entire ocean of stars grovel at his feet, he was at least capable of self-protection and ruling over a region.

In his previous life, Wen Run had been thoroughly disheartened by the strife between the First Research Institute and the powerful families of the Imperial Star. He was utterly disappointed and heartbroken by the empire’s corruption.

Now having come back through rebirth, since Ruan Tang, the person he owed the most, had firmly chosen Auston and had married him by a twist of fate,

Wen Run thought, perhaps this was heaven’s will.

Thus, after a night of deep thought, Wen Run decided to completely give up the struggle and stop trying to change the future. He was willing to follow Auston, pledge his loyalty, and become his subordinate to escort and protect Ruan Tang.

To use his own power and effort to increase Ruan Tang’s importance in Auston’s eyes, so that Auston would treat him better.

'What joke is the Chief speaking? You are the Chief of the First Research Institute, a high-tech talent in military affairs...' Hearing this unexpected remark, Auston first narrowed his eyes and gave him a deep look, then burst into wild laughter as if he had heard something hilarious: 'I’m just a cripple. What could I possibly have for Chief Wen to pledge loyalty to?'

He didn’t reveal a trace, as if he were just a madman who only had the power the Emperor had given him, with no ambition at all, following his whims and living life his own way.

Wen Run couldn’t help but once again marvel at his profound cunning, but he did not expose Auston’s identity.

Being reborn was his protection; he didn’t want anyone to know.

'Whether Your Grace needs me or not, Wen Run is willing to follow you and be at your disposal,' Wen Run said calmly, neither humble nor haughty.

In military affairs, he considered himself to have already reached the empire’s peak level. He believed that even if Auston had no use for him now, there would certainly be a time when he would need him in the future.

'I am a madman who governs the Penal Planet, totally unrelated to the Chief’s field. What can you follow me for? What can I order you to do?' Auston’s thin lips curled, his demeanor icy. 'Or rather, what does the Chief want? What do you hope to get from me?'

Although he did indeed have a use for Wen Run, and his subordinates had advised him to get a talent like Wen Run, Auston simply didn’t like things that came of their own accord.

Unsolicited kindness is either treason or theft.

Wen Run knew that Auston was wary of him, so he didn’t conceal anything and said straightforwardly: 'For Ruan Tang.'

'For Ruan Tang?' Auston looked at him with sudden interest, a mocking smile curling at the corners of his lips.

Wen Run promptly replied: 'Yes, for Ruan Tang. Ruan Tang is unwavering in his feelings for you. I hope that Your Grace will treat him well in the future—even if it’s false or just for show, do not let him down.'

He had returned through rebirth solely so that Ruan Tang could be happy in this life, and that all things would go according to his wishes.

'Chief Wen is truly full of concern and deep affection for my wife,' Auston said with a cold laugh. The moment he smiled, the next his face abruptly changed. He slammed his hand on the desk, sending everything flying, and glared into Wen Run’s eyes, furious. 'Who do you think you are? You think you have the right to meddle in things between us husbands? You once trampled him into the dust, and now you come to me with your fake sincerity, urging me to treat him well—don’t you think you’re ridiculous?'

He despised people like this above all. Late-coming remorse simply didn’t deserve the name.

Wen Run was startled by his mood swings, his expression changing slightly, but he still said: 'I also know that spilt water can’t be retrieved. But Ruan Tang is the only clear-headed blood relative I have left in this world. I was clouded by hatred before, and I have let him down immensely. I know I have wronged him, and I have no standing to interfere in his matters...'

'But now, I still hope he can live well.' He met Auston’s dreadful gaze.

Auston laughed coldly, and spoke slowly from a position of superiority: 'What happens between him and me is none of your business. I don’t need your loyalty either. Get out, Chief Wen.'

He yawned, looking bored.

Wen Run also knew that his offer of allegiance could not succeed in one attempt, so he nodded to Auston and took his leave: 'My resolve will not waver. In the future, if Your Grace ever needs Wen Run, just give the order. I will go through fire and water for you without hesitation.'

He had come to this life anew, only wishing to do everything in his power to guard Ruan Tang, ensure his well-being, and add to his happiness.

The two of them concluded the conversation, each harboring their own thoughts.

Meanwhile, Ruan Tang was completely unaware of this. Right now, he was sitting in the imperial palace, dining with the Empress.

'I heard that Auston drove away Old Marshal Zhou’s only son and forced the old marshal to break Zhou Yao’s legs for you. I’ve never seen Auston care so much about an Omega. You must seize the opportunity and have a child...' The Empress held Ruan Tang’s hand, still acting as if she were extremely fond of him, repeating the same old refrain.

In the past, Ruan Tang had only wanted to keep to his own corner, unwilling to be a pawn. To everything the Empress said, he would only respond with obedient words, but his actions showed no trace of compliance, and he treated the Empress with empty courtesy, without any real closeness.

But this time, he completely changed his usual approach. He took the initiative to refill the Empress’s teacup, put on a troubled expression, and said in a low voice: '...Imperial Mother, actually, I’m very afraid.'

'What is it, child? Tell Imperial Mother, what are you afraid of?' The Empress hadn’t expected Ruan Tang, who had previously been just like a piece of wood that wouldn’t say a word no matter what, to take the initiative to speak. But on the surface, she asked with extreme concern.

In her eyes right now, Ruan Tang was the most useful tool in the world. But this tool was not yet in her hands; she had to carefully entice and win him over.

Ruan Tang did not speak, but looked nervously at the servants around them.

The Empress understood at once and dismissed the attendants, then looked at him cautiously: 'Can you tell me now, child?'

'The Duke... he scares me. My current situation also scares me...' Ruan Tang lightly bit his lip, looking truly very scared.

Ruan Xi, who had once been adored like the moon among the stars, instantly lost everything and was scorned after losing Zhou Yao and Ruan Ming’s protection. Coupled with the true cause of his mother’s illness and those troubling people who pestered him endlessly, Ruan Tang was thoroughly awakened to the current situation. He realized that he and Auston could not keep to themselves and live their own lives well; he had to step into the fray.

Moreover, drifting along relying on others’ favor and luck was even more impossible. He had to find a way to grasp power himself, so that he could truly have a position that no one could shake.

And his position as the Duchess of Auston, which offered ample opportunities to interact with various political figures and those in power, was his best chance.

'...With Auston being the way he is, I can understand why you’re afraid. But isn’t he quite doting on you now? Seize this time and grit your teeth to conceive a child. Once you have a child, if you don’t want to stay by his side, I can certainly help you move out to protect the pregnancy...' The Empress was somewhat uncertain of his intentions, but thinking of her own eldest son’s condition, she could sympathize with Ruan Tang’s fear, yet still seized the chance to repeat her old proposal: 'Once you give birth to the child, everything will be fine. You and I and my grandchild will possess everything in the entire empire, and you will naturally become the most honored person...'

Her skill at making empty promises was truly remarkable.

'But, Imperial Mother, if I have a child, will my future really be better?' Ruan Tang suddenly raised his eyes and questioned back.

He was not a fool. Since the Empress wanted to use him as a pawn, she had to pay the corresponding price. There was no way a few words would make him risk his life and be at her disposal.