After Marrying the Officer Chapter 1362 - 1361: The Grand Finale

Amidst a celestial radiance, Xia Chuyi perceived a vision of reincarnation. She and Xia Lan, it seemed, had both journeyed through this cycle, returning to a prior existence.

This revelation left Xia Chuyi in a state of profound shock.

The scene shifted, and Xia Chuyi overheard a question posed to Huo Shiqian: "General, with this duty fulfilled, can you finally marry now?"

"A duty, you say? Perhaps it is more than that..." Huo Shiqian responded, "Meeting her was a twist of fate, getting acquainted through correspondence..."

Xia Chuyi realized this recollection pertained to the period before her family's betrayal, when she had fled to the Southern region and exchanged letters with Huo Shiqian.

"She is a woman of remarkable resilience and unwavering spirit, the only one who ever captured my heart," Huo Shiqian stated calmly. "Beyond her, my interest in anyone else never stirred."

"Therefore, it may indeed be partly a matter of duty."

"However, if duty calls, I shall see it through."

"She remained unwed her entire life, and so did I."

"If a next life awaits, grant us more moments together, and perhaps my sentiments for her will transcend mere interest..." Huo Shiqian mused wistfully, his gaze fixed beyond the window.

At this juncture in the dream, Xia Chuyi's tears began to flow uncontrollably.

Could it be that Huo Shiqian had remained unmarried all those years because of her?

Concurrently, within the confines of her prison cell, Xia Lan awoke from her dream, her countenance etched with disbelief. Clutching her head, she cried out, "Impossible, utterly impossible! How could I be merely a supporting character, how could I be here to..."

To repay... to repay a blood debt!

"No, it cannot be. I am the Chosen Daughter! How could I be destined to settle blood debts? How is such a thing conceivable!" Finally, gripping her head, Xia Lan suddenly met her end as blood gushed from her seven facial orifices.

In a state of bewilderment, Xia Lan seemed to glimpse the altar of judgment once more.

Bathed in an ethereal light, Xia Lan's soul was drawn into an infinite abyss—condemned to eternal damnation.

Meanwhile, Xia Chuyi stirred from her slumber, her sudden movement startling Huo Shiqian by her side.

"What troubles you?" Huo Shiqian inquired, his brow furrowed in concern. "Did you experience a disturbing dream?"

At that moment, Xia Chuyi, still disoriented from her dream, gazed upon the youthful visage of Mr. Huo from years past. Tears welled anew in her eyes as she replied, "It was not a nightmare..."

Far from being a nightmare.

One might even call it a beautiful dream.

It transpired that Huo Shiqian had enlisted the aid of a venerable monk and utilized the Heavenly Book Jade as a conduit, enabling her to be reborn into the past.

Xia Lan's own rebirth, it turned out, was orchestrated by Huo Shiqian, affording Xia Chuyi the grim satisfaction of witnessing her enemy's just deserts firsthand.

In retrospect, the depth of Huo Shiqian's past actions for her sake became clear.

And Xia Chuyi, she had been completely unaware.

In their previous life, she had believed their acquaintance barely extended beyond that of strangers.

Thus, when Huo Shiqian had proposed in that past life, had his intentions been genuine? Was it truly more than a mere sense of obligation?

It seemed a lifetime together had slipped through their grasp!

Overwhelmed, Xia Chuyi could no longer contain herself. She flung herself into Huo Shiqian's embrace, whispering, "Husband, thank you..."

Completely bewildered, Huo Shiqian had no idea what she was referring to.

Yet, Huo Shiqian did not press her for an explanation. He simply stroked her hair gently, murmuring, "Whatever you dreamt, do not be afraid. I am here."

Hearing his comforting words, Xia Chuyi's tears flowed with renewed intensity.

Just then, Huo Shiwu, slumbering in the small bed nearby, was awakened by his mother's weeping and began to cry in unison with her.

Witnessing this, Huo Shiqian quickly scooped his son into his arms.

"There, there, don't cry," Huo Shiqian soothed his son. "A man must be strong to protect his mother in the future."

Naturally, Huo Shiwu couldn't grasp the sentiment. However, Xia Chuyi, understanding perfectly, let out a tearful laugh. "Who needs protection from this little rascal?"

Yet, fortunately, her tears finally subsided.

Only then did Huo Shiqian breathe a sigh of relief. Holding his son and comforting his wife, he continued to "cherish" this sweet burden of both old and young.

The years drifted by in quiet unison, growing old together.