To discover a person's true thoughts, one usually needs to speak with someone close to them, as individuals tend to let down their guard with those they are intimate with. In such moments, they are often willing to answer private questions.
However, at this particular time, finding someone to converse with Xiao Sheng was not easy. In Yuzhou, he basically remained indoors, making it difficult for him to form friendships.
Chang Jianyi pondered. Xiao Sheng didn't have many acquaintances, and Jin Zijue was a good candidate. But Jin Zijue was currently in Rongcheng and couldn't come to Yuzhou anytime soon. Besides, it wasn't appropriate to trouble Jin Zijue to travel to Yuzhou for a personal matter.
Therefore, Chang Jianyi ultimately settled on Lu Xian. Although Lu Xian was responsible for Yuzhou's defense at this time, there was no immediate danger. Lu Xian also knew Xiao Sheng. While their relationship wasn't as close as Chang Jianyi's with Jin Zijue, he was still someone who could be approached.
Chang Jianyi quickly found Lu Xian, explained the situation, and said earnestly, "So, I need you to find out Xiao Sheng's thoughts first. I'll have Lin Yue accompany you. The conversation between you will be relayed to me immediately."
"I'm not usually good at talking. Entrusting such an important task to me, I can only do my best. However, if my questioning isn't effective, please don't blame me, Madam!" Lu Xian said quickly.
"Don't worry, no matter the outcome, I won't punish you. You just need to inquire about Xiao Sheng's mental state and his thoughts," Chang Jianyi nodded.
Next, Lu Xian prepared to depart. Soon, Lin Yue caught up and said, "This time, you'll be the main one talking to him. I'll be listening to your conversation nearby. In short, it's best to understand Xiao Sheng's current psychological state; other matters are not important."
Lu Xian nodded and then headed to Xiao Sheng's residence. In truth, he only knew Xiao Sheng casually; their relationship wasn't particularly good or bad, and he wasn't sure if he could get the other man's honest thoughts.
When Lu Xian arrived at Xiao Sheng's home, Lin Yue had already hidden himself on a nearby rooftop, where he was unlikely to be discovered. By staying on the rooftop, he could use his abilities to overhear their conversation.
Lu Xian first knocked on the door, but there was no response. He then tried pushing it, only to find it was slightly ajar. With a gentle push, the door swung open.
Lu Xian entered the room and began searching for Xiao Sheng. He eventually found him in the bedroom, holding a bottle of white wine and pouring it down his throat while muttering something.
"Mr. Xiao Sheng, we haven't had a proper chat since you came to Yuzhou. I've come to talk with you now, so please don't mind," Lu Xian said with a smile.
"It's rare that you still have the heart to visit this cripple. I'm very touched. Since you're here, let's drink together. Drinking alone is meaningless to me anyway. It's a rare pleasure to have someone to drink with," Xiao Sheng also smiled.
Beneath Xiao Sheng was a wheelchair, which he used for movement, as he had lost all sensation below his waist.
Xiao Sheng led Lu Xian into the living room. He somehow found some peanuts and then set out two wine glasses, preparing to drink together.
"Come, come, bottoms up with this glass. After all, we were once comrades who faced life and death together. If you give me face, drink this glass," Xiao Sheng said with a smile.
From the moment he entered, Lu Xian had been observing Xiao Sheng's mental state. Based on the available information, it was judged that his mental state had been unstable, leading him to constantly beat his wife to vent his frustrations. However, since entering the room, Lu Xian had seen Xiao Sheng's demeanor. Although he couldn't stand, he seemed to have a clear mind.
"He doesn't seem to be mentally unstable. What does this mean?" Lu Xian thought to himself, filled with doubt.
"Quick, quick, finish this glass. Let's not stop until we're drunk today," Xiao Sheng continued to urge him to drink, while also picking up peanuts with chopsticks and throwing them into his mouth.
Peanuts are considered a divine accompaniment to wine primarily because of their fragrant taste. When paired with the spiciness of white wine, the stimulation is extraordinary for the taste buds. Whether in the north or south, east or west, peanuts are almost always the go-to snack with wine.
After drinking for a while, Lu Xian finally got to the point. He looked at Xiao Sheng seriously and asked, "Actually, I didn't come to drink with you solely to reminisce. I have another purpose. I want to ask, what exactly is the conflict between you and Miss Shen Yu?"
"Conflict? We have no conflict. You must be overthinking. Quick, quick, let's keep drinking!" Xiao Sheng said with a smile.
"If there's truly no conflict, then why the domestic violence? To tell you the truth, Miss Shen Yu has already found Madam and recounted everything that has happened recently," Lu Xian asked.
"This is our family matter. It seems inconvenient for an outsider like you to inquire further," Xiao Sheng's attitude suddenly changed, his expression turning gloomy, as if he didn't want to discuss it further.
"Although I am indeed an outsider and it's inconvenient to inquire too much, I still want to make things clear. Miss Shen Yu is the City Lord's sister. You should show some respect to our City Lord. Please refrain from domestic violence in the future; it's better for everyone. Besides, Miss Shen Yu hasn't done anything to wrong you. On the contrary, she takes care of you every day. This shows a deep marital affection, otherwise, who would care for you like this?" Lu Xian said earnestly.
The conversation between the two was continuously overheard by Lin Yue on the rooftop, who diligently recorded their dialogue in his notebook, as all their conversations were to be reported to Madam.
Xiao Sheng was silent for a moment before speaking, "Actually, I'm not an unfeeling person. I have my own thoughts on this matter. Outsiders like you shouldn't interfere. If possible, we can end this marriage next month. This way, she won't be unhappy, and it will also be a torment for me."
"Then, how exactly are you considering this matter? Would you be willing to disclose it? I want to understand your thought process. If we have something to say, let's say it quickly; there's nothing that can't be discussed," Lu Xian tried to guide Xiao Sheng.
"Regarding this matter, you must promise not to reveal it," Xiao Sheng said seriously.
"Don't worry, I will definitely keep this confidential and will absolutely not tell anyone else. I'm like a sealed bottle, only able to receive and not release," Lu Xian quickly assured him.
After receiving this promise, Xiao Sheng hesitated for a moment, then took a gulp of white wine. The spicy taste stimulated his throat, making his discontent more apparent. At this point, he slowly said, "Actually, ever since I confirmed that I would never stand up again, I've been contemplating one question: should a useless person like me continue to burden others?"
"What are you saying? Couples should talk things through. How can that be considered a burden?" Lu Xian quickly responded.
Xiao Sheng shook his head, "Actually, you don't understand this matter at all. You are not a cripple like me, so you cannot comprehend my thoughts. Every day, I watch a gentle and virtuous wife busily working around the house, whether it's helping me with my bodily needs, cleaning me, or even changing my soiled clothes. These are all tasks my wife performs. And I, a useless person, am not burdening her? Before, I still had hope of recovering the use of my lower body, but now, I am utterly useless!"
"If you have such thoughts, then why not simply discuss this matter clearly with your wife? Why resort to domestic violence? Your attitude will surely hurt Miss Shen Yu. As long as you explain things clearly, I believe she will understand you," Lu Xian continued.
"Actually, you are just an outsider, and you don't see things clearly. Let me put it this way: if I were to propose divorce, she would definitely not agree because she is a kind and responsible woman. So, upon learning my intentions, she would not agree and would remain by my side, never abandoning me. She is a woman in her prime now. To have her spend her life with a cripple like me, wouldn't that be too cruel?" Xiao Sheng retorted.
"So, under this line of thinking, you chose an extreme method. You verbally abuse and physically assault Miss Shen Yu, making her detest you, ultimately leading her to initiate the divorce. Is that what you mean?" Lu Xian asked.
"That's right, that's exactly it. My intentions are that simple. Whether you approve of my thoughts or not, I will not change my approach," Xiao Sheng said calmly.
Xiao Sheng had been in great pain all along, especially after confirming that he would never stand up again. Every day, he watched his wife busy herself with both work and household matters, handling everything perfectly. Anyone who saw her would say she was a gentle and virtuous wife.
However, every time Xiao Sheng heard others praise her, he felt deeply uneasy because he felt he didn't deserve such a woman.
At this point, Xiao Sheng was already a seventh-tier ability user, yet he still couldn't stand. Since he couldn't use his legs, he would forever be a cripple. Thus, he watched his gentle and virtuous wife busy herself with chores, while he could do nothing but drink. In this situation, his inner feelings began to change.
"Instead of dragging a good woman down for a lifetime, it's better to part with her painfully. This way, it will be good for both of us," such a strange thought gradually emerged in Xiao Sheng's mind.
However, if he directly proposed divorce, Shen Yu would certainly not agree, as she was very responsible. How could she watch her husband suffer while she chose a life of indulgence? This was Xiao Sheng's understanding of his wife.
Therefore, if he directly stated his intentions, his wife would surely not agree. In that case, extreme measures would be necessary, such as verbal abuse and domestic violence. Xiao Sheng was waiting for his wife to initiate the divorce, and if that day ever came, he would readily agree.
When Lu Xian learned of Xiao Sheng's intentions, he could only shake his head helplessly. It was evident that Xiao Sheng was also a very kind person. He didn't want to see his wife suffer by his side, so he deliberately resorted to domestic violence to make her leave him of her own accord.
"Actually, there is a better solution to this matter. That is to find a way to restore your legs and allow you to stand tall again. Then you can look at Miss Shen Yu with your head held high. Don't think this is impossible. In the Fengshen Palace, there is Wang Xiran, who is a healing type ability user. Perhaps when she reaches a certain level of growth, she can reconnect your severed nerves," Lu Xian quickly suggested.
Xiao Sheng shook his head, seemingly without hope. Just as he was about to say something, Lu Xian's expression suddenly changed.