Chapter 2: It's Late at Night, Cousin, Please Behave Yourself
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Evening approached, and dusk began to settle.
Outside, snow had started to fall at some unknown time, gently drifting down in a rustle. After a night, a thick layer had gathered on the branches, bending them down in strange arcs under its weight.
Shen Hua leaned against the couch, eyes lowered in deep thought.
In her heart, however, she was as anxious as if it were burning.
"My lady, why not go and plead with the clan elders? He is the most fair and has always looked after you over the years. Surely, he could offer some guidance." Yicui lifted the curtain, bringing in the medicine from the kitchen.
The dark, thick concoction looked bitter at a glance.
Shen Hua tugged at the corner of her mouth, with a hint of irony.
Fair?
But the clan elders and Shen He Wen had long been colluding.
The matter of adoption couldn't have happened without their instigation.
As for care.
In her past life, when she was imprisoned, Shen He Wen held the lifeline of the main household and turned his focus onto her. Shen Xue-shi did not come to her rescue. Desperately, she sought the help of the clan elders.
The clan elders only turned around and handed her back to Shen He Wen. With the same kind demeanor as always, they spoke words that pierced the heart.
—Yangyang, listen to your second uncle. He and your father are brothers. How could he possibly harm you?
—Shen Qu treats you as his sister. You are a daughter of the Shen Family, and the engagement is long broken. Moreover, you are bedridden, your days are numbered. It's better to comply and sacrifice a bit for your uncle and cousin. That way, you could still hold some value.
—Listen to the clan elder, don't cause trouble. If it comes to that, no one's face will look good. It's best for a family to remain harmonious.
Calling her by her childhood name, the posture of an affectionate elder, yet the words were as venomous as can be.
Shen Hua drank the medicinal concoction in a few gulps. She did not take the sweet candy Yicui had prepared. The medicine didn't actually improve her condition, but it was better than nothing.
Seeing Shen Hua's spiritless demeanor, Yicui tried to say something comforting.
"Once the mourning period is over, and you enter the He Family, Young Master He will protect you. With him around, you won't suffer any grievances."
Yicui thought these words might console Shen Hua a bit.
However,
Shen Hua only gave a low laugh, tinged with ridicule but assured.
"He Chu will come tomorrow to break the engagement."
Yicui's eyes widened suddenly.
"No... that's impossible. Young Master He hurriedly came to offer condolences upon receiving the mourning notice yesterday, constantly mentioning you."
"The marriage between the two families was set long ago, how can he break his promise and become unfaithful?"
Condolences?
He was merely using it as an excuse to probe the Shen family's situation.
That seemingly considerate and attentive He Chu was but a hypocrite.
The He Family agreed to the engagement only for fortune. With the main household's fall, the He Family was anxious to withdraw hurriedly, even turning to curry favor with the second household.
Afraid that if they delayed a moment, she, Shen Hua, would sap the He Family's blood.
Whom could she turn to?
Even if she reported it to the government, she would still be at fault.
Shen Wei would soon be laid to rest.
Obstructing the establishment of heirs was not only unfilial but rebellious. A grave crime indeed.
In her current state, she lacked the power to topple the second household. This was an undeniable fact.
——
Shengjing
Inside the Marquis Yangling Mansion
The room was already lit like daylight.
Faint wisps of incense smoke wafted, elegant yet subtle, permeating through the incense burner, filling the room.
Cui Yun sat upright, his expression cold, flipping through a book with the demeanor of a noble son in every gesture.
Suddenly, he flicked his fingers and looked towards the window frame.
Then, a slight sound came, and someone broke in through the window.
He wasn't a bit panicked, calmly retracting his gaze.
Cui Yun set his book down without the slightest intent to welcome.
"A rare guest."
The man's voice was as cold as ice and snow, matching his appearance perfectly.
Were his temperament not so frosty, the girls of Shengjing would likely be even more enthralled.
Xie Xun raised an eyebrow and stepped forward, not showing a hint of awkwardness for breaking in.
There was no actual friendship between Cui Yun and Xie Xun.
Yet Xie Xun had come with an urgent request.
"Young Master Cui."
"I need you to receive someone for me, Shen Hua, daughter of Shen Wei of the Shen Family's Embroidery Workshop in Fengzhou."
Xie Xun was to lead troops against bandits immediately after receiving the imperial decree, leaving no room for delay, so he spoke straightforwardly.
He clasped his hands and gave a courteous bow to Cui Yun.
Yet his tone was suffused with indescribable nostalgia.
"Her elder brother passed away early, but we were friends. I hope you can settle her well, and upon my return, I will surely repay the favor."
Xie Xun thought he would have to spend great effort in persuasion.
However, after scrutinizing him for a few seconds, Cui Yun simply replied.
"Alright."
A prepared long speech by Xie Xun:...
Cui Yun's brows slightly knitted: "But..."
"Why do you seek me out instead of your close friend, Heir of Prince Gong?"
Xie Xun paused briefly.
With no good humor, he replied: "That Ji Huo is famous for being a libertine, unable to move at the sight of a pretty woman. Shen Hua is in poor health, what if she gets frightened? My return date is uncertain, how could I be at ease?"
Xie Xun glanced at Cui Yun. Since he was asking for help, he decided to praise him a bit.
"But Young Master Cui, you're different. In all of Shengjing, everyone knows your heart is as cool and aloof as the moon shining through a clear night, unmoved by women."
"The noble sons all say that even if a goddess stood before you unclad, you would not be stirred."
"You're the most suitable person to handle this."
This didn't come off as praise; rather, it sounded like an insult regarding a man's capabilities.
Yet Cui Yun's expression remained unchanged.
After Xie Xun left, Ji Qing, who had been waiting outside, entered respectfully.
"Master, should we investigate the background of the Shen Family girl?"
"No need."
Although Xie Xun had been abroad for many years, being from Duke Fu's Mansion, how could he not have the connections to address matters?
What was he apprehensive of?
Upon closer scrutiny, Xie Xun's words earlier were full of inconsistencies.
Nevertheless, Xie Xun had calculated correctly; there was no one else in Shengjing with tighter lips than Cui Yun.
Cui Yun was not at all interested in Xie Xun's secrets, nor did he have any desire to pry.
Ji Qing: "The road to Fengzhou is long. Master, if you remain in Shengjing, I can go to fetch her."
"No."
Cui Yun resumed his reading, fingers gently turning a page as his eyes settled on the densely packed scripture, his voice unwavering: "I will go personally."
He never engages in unprofitable dealings. Just exerting a bit of effort this time could ensure he's owed a favor by Xie Xun, the son of the Duke Fu.
That's enough.
The night was deep.
Cui Yun stood up, having made some calculations in his mind.
He stepped out of the courtyard, the night was silent, with Ji Qing holding a lamp for illumination.
"Cousin," a gentle female voice came from not far away.
"I have made some sweet soup, sent at Old Lady Feng's command."
The person respectfully curtsied, bashful and timid.
Cui Yun furrowed his brows.
There were too many cousin girls seeking refuge at the Cui Mansion. Having never paid much attention, he couldn't distinguish who this person was right away.
Nevertheless, the manners of a noble son prevented him from rebuking bluntly. Yet his words, devoid of warmth, dismantled her and doused the young lady's burning affection completely.
"I am at the study, no one dares disturb my tranquility. It's late, cousin, please take care."
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