Chapter 60 "Xue Mingyao, I like you, I like..."

There's no better time than now. Since she was discovered anyway, Xue Mingyao didn't bother to hide it anymore and readily admitted that her injury was fake.

In the bedroom, once the cloth straps were removed, her two legs were perched gracefully, their delicate skin radiating health.

"You're lying to me."

Xie Zhuo held her ankle, his face as gray as a winter cloud, making the air in the room feel stagnant.

Xue Mingyao pulled her legs back and sat cross-legged, not feeling guilty at all. She said, "So what if I lied to you? You also lied to me while wearing a mask."

"How can they be the same?"

Xue Mingyao agreed, “It’s different. You lied to me for months, while I only lied to you for a few days.”

"If you hadn't been exposed today, you would have been pretending for months!"

"No, that won't happen. Pretending to be sick is a hassle; you've overestimated my willpower."

Xue Mingyao, with her mischievous and playful demeanor, even smiled at him, both beautiful and dazzling. Xie Zhuo looked at her with eyes that seemed to be cutting with knives, "Why did you pretend to be injured to deceive me?"

"Because it's fun to tease you." Xue Mingyao bit her lip with a smile and repeated Xie Zhuo's words from more than half a year ago, as if she had gotten revenge.

"Xue Mingyao!"

Xue Mingyao then calmed down a bit and said lazily, "I'm giving you a chance to take care of me, otherwise you'll be giving me the cold shoulder every day, and life won't be easy."

Xie Zhuo couldn't stand her attitude any longer. He flicked his sleeve and said angrily, "What are you saying? You speak so confidently without any remorse. Do you know how many garrison matters I've neglected because you order me around in the mansion every day?"

Xue Mingyao clapped her hands. "Did I ask you to stay home with me? Did I beg you to stay home with me? I couldn't walk or jump during the day because my foot was in a splint, and I was in a lot of pain."

Xie Zhuo laughed angrily, "Xue Mingyao, do you have no heart? Others are good to you, and you trample on them like this. You feel proud of yourself for making me worry about you, don't you?"

“That’s right!” Xue Mingyao said frankly. “I was going to ask you the same thing. You clearly care about me, so why don’t you dare to admit it? You like me, but you insist on saying you hate me. Don’t you think you have a problem?”

Xie Zhuo's facial muscles stiffened; he opened his mouth but didn't utter a sound.

Xue Mingyao got excited and said, "What do you think I was doing, pretending to be injured and seducing you? Wasn't it to take your heart out and see it for myself?"

"Xie Zhuo, I'm asking you, even now, you still won't say you like me?"

The young woman's face was full of determination. Xie Zhuo sat down blankly, his previous accusatory tone having subsided considerably. He turned his back to Xue Mingyao, refusing to look into her bright eyes.

After a long pause, his deep voice, like a frozen river in winter, laboriously transformed into words and reached Xue Mingyao's ears.

"Yes, Xue Mingyao, I like you, I like you to the point of madness."

What does it mean to be "to the point of madness"? Xue Mingyao didn't understand.

The moment she heard his reply, an unexpected wave of sadness welled up in her eyes, and tears streamed down her face.

Had she waited so long for those words?

It's as if a version of myself from seven years ago is living inside me, that little girl who used to hit him, scold him, kiss him, and cling to him every night, falling asleep to his heartbeat, wishing she could never let go, stubbornly and proudly saying, "You'll like me eventually, because I've never met a man who doesn't like me." Now, she finally hears the words she most wants to hear.

Xie Qinglang eventually fell in love with Xue Mingyao.

Xue Mingyao wiped the moisture from the corner of her eyes with the back of her hand, thankfully Xie Zhuo couldn't see it.

"You should have told me sooner! If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have had to go through all those troubles. Maybe I would have agreed to marry you out of consideration for our past relationship," she said jokingly.

Xie Zhuo gave a bitter smile. As expected, he had brought this humiliation upon himself. Xue Mingyao's usual high-handed attitude made marriage seem like a handout to her.

She doesn't have feelings for him.

He turned around slowly, "Do you know why I'm unwilling to admit it?"

Xue Mingyao blinked.

Xie Zhuo calmly said, "Because liking you is too painful. You are selfish and domineering, do whatever you want because of your status and position, fickle and promiscuous, treat men as playthings, and never know how to take responsibility. You are the kind of woman I can't stand the most and don't want to get close to the most."

Xue Mingyao's heart suddenly turned cold. She never expected that what she heard was Xie Zhuo's proclamation denouncing her.

"Since I met you, everything has changed drastically, and I'm no longer in control of my own destiny. If you ask me, I would rather I had never met you than to be whipping myself every day, letting my mind wander and sinking into lust."

When I say I hate you, I'm never lying.

Xie Zhuo's eyes reddened, and his voice trembled, "I hate that you are this kind of person, and I hate that I like someone like you!"

Xue Mingyao stared at him in shock, then suddenly burst into a few shrill laughs.

"You insulted me, Xie Zhuo, how dare you insult me ​​like that! Who I am is none of your business, and I didn't force you to like me!"

"No coercion?" Xie Zhuo sneered. "What are you pretending to be innocent for? I was just studying peacefully. You were the one who provoked me. Weren't all the things you did to me just to force me to like you?"

Xue Mingyao was speechless for a moment, then said, "Then I should blame you. I was chasing the rabbit in the first place, why did you stop me? Who spoke first in our first conversation?"

Xie Zhuo gritted his teeth and added another sentence to the manifesto: "Turning black into white and being completely unreasonable!"

"You're being unreasonable." Xue Mingyao insisted that she was right. "I can let go of things easily. I gave you your freedom a long time ago. You're a grown man, clinging to those few things. You're narrow-minded. What right do you have to talk to me?"

Xie Zhuo had a thousand words in his heart, but what he said was, "I have nothing to say to you."

"I have nothing to say to you! I'm utterly wicked, and you're a hypocrite too, no better than me. I don't care about your affections. Get away from me, and don't sleep with me."

Xue Mingyao threw the strip of cloth wrapped around his ankle at him in a fit of anger, then unfolded the quilt and prepared to go to sleep.

Xie Zhuo turned around and walked away.

The early autumn night wind slammed the door shut, and the room grew quiet. Xue Mingyao huddled under the covers, as gloomy as an autumn plant, her mind filled with the buzzing words "like" and "pain" uttered by Xie Zhuo, making her restless.

Even after I covered my head with a blanket, the sound persisted and I couldn't get rid of it.

After a moment or two, in the silence, they suddenly heard familiar footsteps again, the door opened and closed, and Xie Zhuo had returned.

Xue Mingyao threw back the covers, glaring at the man in front of her on the bed, "What are you doing back here—"

Before he could finish speaking, Xie Zhuo sealed his mouth with a kiss.

He pounced on the bed, pressed her down onto the pillow, and kissed her passionately.

The kiss was fiercer than ever before. Xue Mingyao's blood was boiling, her anger and desire intertwined and hard to distinguish, urging her to return the kiss fiercely.

The argument that had just ended continued in a different way. Their lips clashed and they leaned against each other. Xie Zhuo pressed down on Xue Mingyao, while Xue Mingyao's arms gripped his back tightly, embracing him without leaving any gaps, yet constantly resisting him.

The two rolled from the inside to the outside, the blankets were thrown to the ground, and the pillows were scattered haphazardly.

Both men were panting heavily when the battle ended.

Like a sudden kiss, Xie Zhuo pulled down Xue Mingyao's waistband and began without any hesitation.

Like a ruthless soldier on the battlefield, only concerned with raising his sword to face the enemy.

Xue Mingyao was annoyed by his rudeness and cursed him as she shouted, but unfortunately, she had too few insults and her words quickly ran dry.

After pounding Xie Zhuo's back with all her might and letting out a sob, Xue Mingyao said tremblingly, "Xie Zhuo, I hate you, I hate you so much!"

After hearing this familiar accusation, Xie Zhuo showed no pity for her and coldly whispered in her ear, "But I like you."

Xue Mingyao's tears welled up again, much to her dismay.

"I won't allow it, I won't allow you to like me like this! Xie Zhuo, you can't..."

Xie Zhuo wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and asked in a hoarse voice, "Then how do you want me to like you? Like those men who are infatuated with you?"

Xue Mingyao let out a sob.

Xie Zhuo's kisses rained down on her like raindrops. "Xue Mingyao, I can't do it!"

It's impossible. Why can't it be done?

Why can't he like her the way she expects?

The heat rose, sweat soaked her temples, and the man's hot breath fell on her. In a daze, Xue Mingyao heard him ask, "Princess, do you still like me even a little bit?"

Xue Mingyao closed her eyes. "No, not at all! I don't want to like you if you insult me ​​like that!"

Bitterness spread in concentric circles, immersing the heart and soul in pain, turning even joy into despair.

Xie Zhuo never spoke again.

......

The next morning, Xue Mingyao, with a gloomy face, kicked all the pillows and bedding off the bed.

Last night's affair didn't last long. Both of them were full of anger and fought without restraint. They were soon exhausted and collapsed into each other's arms afterward, looking like lovers who were reluctant to part.

Xue Mingyao was still cursing him listlessly.

Xie Zhuo silently pushed her away, glanced at her expressionlessly, and then tied his coat strap and left.

Xue Mingyao felt as if her heart was being torn apart. In the past, no matter how much they argued, Xie Zhuo had always had some conscience and had never done anything like just walking away without a care in the world. But this time, he didn't care at all.

She had never suffered such injustice before.

The accusations Xie Zhuo made against her last night were still echoing in her ears. Xue Mingyao was furious. Looking around, she saw that all the gold, silver and jade ornaments in the room were things she had bought recently. She felt bad about smashing them, so she picked up a pair of scissors and cut the curtains hanging in front of the bed again and again.

When Green Branch came in and saw the curtains cut into the shape of a waterfall, she looked miserable and squatted down to clean up the mess on the floor. "If only I hadn't fallen yesterday, you wouldn't have had such a big argument with the General."

Xue Mingyao opened and closed the copper scissors in her hand, cutting through the air with a sizzling sound. "You fell well, otherwise I wouldn't have heard his inner thoughts."

This man is ashamed to like her.

Who put a knife to his throat and forced him to marry her?

He loves to torture himself, it's none of her business, so why should she torture him?

"I'm determined not to say another word to him." Xue Mingyao tossed aside the scissors and made up her mind.

For the next three days, Xue Mingyao kept her word and never gave Xie Zhuo a second glance. She also locked the bedroom doors and windows at night, resolutely refusing to let him into the room.

However, three days later, Xue Mingyao's anger only intensified.

This was because not only was she giving Xie Zhuo the cold shoulder, but Xie Zhuo himself also acted as if they were complete strangers. He had never set foot in the main courtyard where Xue Mingyao lived. When he encountered Xue Mingyao elsewhere in the mansion, he would turn around and leave as soon as he caught a glimpse of her skirt.

His cold war tactics were no less intense than hers.

Doesn't this mean they're evenly matched? Xue Mingyao felt aggrieved; if he's ruthless, she has to be even more ruthless.

On the fourth day, Xue Mingyao had Lüzhi pack a small bundle and then took a carriage straight to Zhao Ying's residence.

In the warm pavilion, Zhao Ying was stunned after hearing Xue Mingyao's vague account. "How could General Xie say such a thing about you? That's too much!"

"Yeah, the last time someone pointed their finger at me and yelled at me was—"

—It was Xie Zhuo again.

Or rather, it was Xie Qinglang.

He always says she insults him, but how many times has he insulted her?

Xue Mingyao pouted, "Anyway, I can't stay under the same roof as Xie Zhuo anymore."

“I originally wanted to go back to my parents’ home, but if my brother and sister-in-law knew that I was not on good terms with Xie Zhuo, they would definitely be worried and anxious. So I have no choice but to come to you for help,” she looked at Zhao Ying pitifully and pleaded, “Good Yingying, can you take me in for a few days?”

Zhao Ying pinched her cheek, "We're family, why are you talking like that? You can stay here as long as you want."

Xue Mingyao smiled again.

"However, actions speak louder than words. General Xie likes you and treats you well; that's all true. Those harsh words were probably just him saying them in anger. After all, you faked your foot injury to tease him first, so it's no wonder he's angry."

Xue Mingyao shook her head. "I wasn't saying this out of anger. I've always known that he sees me as the worst woman in the world."

"Oh my, the fact that he still insisted on marrying you shows how high your status is in his heart."

Why are you still defending him?

“I’m not speaking up for him,” Zhao Ying said with a smile. “I’m worried for you all. Things have gotten so out of hand, how are we going to clean this up?”

"At worst, we can get a divorce," Xue Mingyao said calmly.

“You’re willing to part with him, but he’s not.” Zhao Ying’s eyes held a hint of mockery. “Just wait, he’ll come to pick you up in a few days.”

However, several days passed, and Xie Zhuo did not come to pick him up.

Xue Mingyao lived very comfortably, spending her days eating and drinking, chatting with Zhao Ying, strolling in the garden, mixing perfumes, arranging flowers, and painting. She was quite content and sent people to the Xie residence to bring over some things, but never mentioned Xie Zhuo again.

Zhao Ying was worried for her and had a late-night talk with Chen Liangzheng, saying, "General Xie, what's going on? Several days have passed, even the biggest anger should have subsided by now. How can you leave your wife out there unattended?"

Chen Liangzheng laughed upon hearing this, "Perhaps he's just shy. These past few days, after court sessions in the mornings, he's been coming to find me and chatting about this and that, secretly inquiring about how Princess Yongning is doing in our household."

Chen Liangzheng and Xie Zhuo had a very platonic friendship, but they didn't usually interact much.

Zhao Ying was both amused and exasperated. "That guy!"

"Since he didn't say anything, I didn't know what to say either. So, I'll invite him over for a drink tomorrow, and give them a way out."

Zhao Yingxin replied, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Your Highness. I've been so busy with Yaoyao these past few days that I haven't had time to spend with you."

Even something as important as having a baby has been delayed several times...

Chen Liangzheng said gently, "Princess, there's no need to apologize. It's my fault for neglecting to spend time with you. You've been so busy with the affairs of the manor, always on edge. Since Princess Yongning settled in, you've been smiling much more. If it weren't for General Xie, I would have preferred that the princess stay at our house a little longer."

Last month, Chen's parents arranged a marriage for Chen Zhelan. As the eldest sister-in-law, Zhao Ying was busy arranging her wedding. In addition, she had not been pregnant for a long time, so she was always uneasy. Xue Mingyao came over and joked with her, which made her feel a little more relaxed.

Chen Liangzheng saw it all.

Zhao Ying felt embarrassed by his words, and Chen Liangzheng felt even more sorry for her. He finally said what he had wanted to say for a long time: "I know that the princess has always been demanding of herself and wants to be the best in terms of virtue, appearance, speech and work. However, our family is not like the strictly regulated palace. There are some things that we can do less of or not do at all."

Zhao Ying was taken aback. "You mean something?"

“For example, your daily morning and evening greetings to the two elders,” Chen Liangzheng said frankly.

Zhao Ying blushed slightly, "Actually, I don't do these things because I have high expectations of myself..."

She wanted to make the prince consort happy.

"You won't mind if I don't do it?"

"Of course not," Chen Liangzheng said with a smile. "I secretly hope you can save your time and spend more time with your cousin and with me. I hope the princess won't think I'm being inconsiderate."

"What are you saying, Your Highness... I'll go to the neighbor's house less often from now on," Zhao Ying said softly.

"Hmm." Chen Liangzheng reached out and touched her hair, then suddenly called out Yingying's name.

"The prince consort?" Zhao Ying blurted out.

This time, Chen Liang felt embarrassed. "I hear the princess call you that every day, and I accidentally said it too."

"It's okay, I like it when you call me that..."

The whispers inside the tent gradually subsided, drowned out by rustling sounds.

......

The next day, after the court session ended, Chen Liangzheng, without waiting for Xie Zhuolai to chat, first invited him to his residence as a guest.

Xie Zhuo readily agreed, but only after confirming did he remember to ask, "Will I be going to your residence at noon today?"

Chen Liangzheng laughed and said, "I'm busy with work at the government office and couldn't find the time at noon. Let's meet in the evening."

Xie Zhuo smiled restrainedly, "It's been many days since I've had a drink with Brother Liangzheng. Tonight, we'll definitely drink until we're completely drunk."

"Definitely!" Chen Liangzheng patted his shoulder. "General, remember to come by carriage, otherwise you might not be able to ride back to the mansion if you get drunk."

Having said all that, Xie Zhuo should understand his implication, Chen Liangzheng thought to himself.

Xie Zhuo arrived as promised that evening and chatted with Chen Liang in the second hall over drinks.

Upon receiving the news, Zhao Ying went to find Xue Mingyao and said, "Yaoyao, change your clothes and have dinner with me and the Prince Consort tonight."

But Xue Mingyao's face turned pale, and she said hesitantly, "Yingniang, the Xue family sent someone to find me just now. It seems that something has happened to my brother."