He spoke word by word, his heart aching. "Once I leave, I don't know when I'll be able to return. The Western Regions are bitterly cold and desolate. I don't want you to go there and suffer with me, Wanqing. It would be better if you..."
Chen Wanqing didn't wait for him to finish. She raised her hand and slapped him right across the face.
"Zhao Jing, say that again if you dare." Tears streamed down her face, her eyes filled with anguish. "I married you, and I will follow you for the rest of my life. You promised to treat me well forever. Do you think I'm someone who can only share in your joy but not your hardship? You want me to divorce you, don't you? Don't even think about it! Zhao Jing, I cannot let my child be born without a father to care for them..."
Zhao Jing's voice choked. "Wanqing, the Western Regions are far too harsh. I won't agree to let you go."
