Chapter 2 Is he really that afraid of him? So cowardly...
Before Shen Xi could speak, Xie Wenlang stepped in front of her, his brows furrowed: "Brother, Xi'er is timid, don't scare her."
This must be the first time he has spoken to his elder brother so rudely.
They're protecting it very well.
Xie Chengyan glanced indifferently at Xie Wenlang, then turned his gaze to Shen Xi behind him.
The girl still kept her head slightly lowered, making it impossible to discern her features. Only a section of her slender, snow-white neck could be seen, with several menacing finger marks vaguely visible as she moved.
He simply said calmly, "If you're not afraid, why don't you dare to raise your head?"
Xie Wenlang frowned even more, but before he could lash out, Shen Xi pressed him down from behind.
She explained softly, "Shen Xi looks sickly and haggard, and I feel that she is unsightly. I am afraid that she will disturb the general."
Even so, Shen Xi slowly raised her head after saying that.
First, there were her bright, clear eyes, her eyebrows like distant mountains shrouded in mist, and then her delicate lower half of her face was gradually revealed, making her incredibly charming.
The moment the entire face came into clear view, Xie Chengyan's dark pupils deepened.
The silent scrutinizing gaze pressed down as if it were a physical presence, lingering almost imperceptibly on the delicate curve of her neck.
Shen Xi seemed to sense something and nervously tugged at her collar to cover herself.
But he didn't investigate further and quickly looked away.
As he lowered his gaze, Xie Chengyan's eyes slid down to their clasped hands. A sudden surge of irritation rose within him, and he coldly reprimanded, "Mind your manners! How can you be so ill-mannered?"
Upon hearing this, Xie Wenlang was taken aback. Although his elder brother was usually stern and cold, he was the only one who indulged him and had never been scolded. Why was he angry today?
But on second thought, it wasn't wrong; we should be mindful of our limits.
He didn't care what happened, but Shen Xi was a girl after all. Even if he was determined to marry her, public opinion was a powerful force to be reckoned with, and he had to consider Xi'er's reputation.
Xie Wenlang finally reluctantly let go, muttering to himself, "I thought my older brother was much more open-minded than our parents, but it seems he's no different."
With Xie Chengyan's keen hearing, he naturally heard every word carefully, but he ignored it and turned to leave.
For some reason, this autumn rain failed to drive away the last bit of heat; instead, it made people even more restless.
However, Xie Wenlang did not comply with his wishes. He stepped forward and blocked the way, pointing to the fine horse at the door: "Brother, do you still recognize who this is?"
Xie Chengyan lifted his eyelids and said only, "I have never seen it before."
Having said that, he turned around, picked up one end of his riding whip, and slightly pushed aside Xie Wenlang, who was blocking his way. Without any further reaction, he strode into the mansion.
Xie Wenlang didn't want him to answer so readily, so he stopped him again and asked with a rather unpleasant tone, "What do you mean you've never seen it before? Brother, take a good look again!"
Xie Chengyan glanced at him, and actually stopped and looked at him carefully, his eyes unreadable.
After a moment, under Xie Wenlang's expectant gaze, he slowly and deliberately spoke: "I really don't recognize it. What is the origin of this horse?"
The boy's eyebrows drooped instantly, and he couldn't help but complain, "This is the same steed you gave me before. How come I really don't recognize it after being away from the capital for several years?"
The casual conversation on the road turned out to be prophetic. Although Xie Wenlang had some foresight, he still felt uneasy when he heard Xie Chengyan say it to his own ears.
Whenever his elder brother returned to the capital in the past, Xie Wenlang felt that he was more unfamiliar than when they were children. This time it was even more so. The intimacy of the past seemed to have been buried in the yellow sand of the desert, and Xie Wenlang could not hide his loss.
Young people's thoughts are really easy to guess; Xie Chengyan understood them almost completely at a glance.
He had no interest in arguing with Xie Wenlang any longer and turned to walk into the rain.
As he approached the horse, he stroked its glossy, smooth fur, which clearly showed that it had been carefully cared for.
Ta Feng was fierce and always spoiled by Xie Wenlang. In the past, no one but him could get close to her. But today, she did not reject Xie Chengyan's approach. She just paced around for a few steps before obediently lowering her head and rubbing it against his palm.
“Look, even Tafeng remembers.”
Xie Wenlang felt increasingly aggrieved.
But Xie Chengyan said in a very indifferent tone: "As time goes by, I haven't been back to the capital for many years, so it's inevitable that I'll forget things from the past."
After saying that, he paused for a moment and then said, "You've taken very good care of it."
Whether it was Shen Xi's imagination or not, a fleeting glimmer seemed to flash across Xie Chengyan's eyes.
But the other party was Xie Chengyan, a decisive and experienced general on the battlefield. Shen Xi immediately dismissed her guess and continued to shrink to the side, listening to their conversation.
Xie Wenlang's emotions came and went quickly. After just a couple of sentences, he was no longer throwing a tantrum and instead teased, "Not only that, but you don't even remember anything from before you were seven years old."
Seven years old and still has no memory of anything?
Shen Xi was somewhat surprised. Xie Chengyan had achieved so much at such a young age; he didn't seem like a stupid person at all.
Noticing her confusion, Xie Wenlang simply recounted an old anecdote: "Don't let your current success fool you, my brother is actually a late bloomer. Last time, Mother told me about something that happened when he was six years old. I specifically asked him to verify it, but no matter how I reminded him, he just couldn't remember a thing."
Upon hearing this, Shen Xi subconsciously glanced in Xie Chengyan's direction, only to meet the same gaze directed at her.
It was deep and silent, lingering for only a moment before moving away.
But it felt as if, in the next instant, she would hear that passionate "Xi'er—" in her ear.
Suddenly realizing what she had been thinking, Shen Xi's heart skipped a beat. She immediately took a deep breath and lowered her eyes.
The rain intensified, with large raindrops pounding on the stone bricks, splashing water vapor that soaked their clothes.
Xie Chengyan clearly had no intention of reminiscing, and Xie Wenlang's invitation to Shen Xi to leave the mansion today was merely a whim.
He wanted to introduce his beloved to his most respected elder brother, thus satisfying his subtle pride. However, considering that Shen Xi was still ill, it was indeed inconvenient for him to stay any longer.
Therefore, Xie Wenlang explained the reason to his brother and then offered to send her back.
Shen Xi felt as if he had been granted a pardon and hurriedly took his leave.
Xie Chengyan's every move would dissect her decadent memories, exposing them to the public eye.
Yet she had to feign composure in front of that handsome, aloof face. In the end, her conscience and morality tore at the bowstring of reason, and Shen Xi felt deeply blasphemed.
Going forward, I should try to see this elder brother as little as possible.
She finally breathed a sigh of relief once she was on the carriage.
As her slender figure, like a ferocious beast fleeing from a flood, gradually disappeared, Xie Chengyan carefully recalled the subconscious tremor she felt when she met his gaze, while the whip in his hand casually tapped against the palm of his other hand.
Are you really that afraid of him?
So timid.
Xie Chengyan didn't investigate further. He brushed the raindrops off the white crane-patterned robe and frowned, ordering, "Prepare water."
*
The cold rain showed no signs of abating. When she returned to the Shen residence, her clothes were inevitably half-damp. Shen Xi immediately changed out of her high-necked long robe. Without any cover, the glaring finger marks on her neck were once again clearly reflected in the dressing mirror.
He hit her quite hard, and Shen Xi almost suffocated. After being released, the cold autumn air rushed into her lungs, and her vision was almost completely blurred with blood. She could barely stand.
This is the masterpiece of her good brother, Shen Wangchen.
Shen Xi refused to look any longer and slammed the mirror shut.
Fortunately, all of this will soon be over. As long as she can marry Xie Wenlang as she wishes, she will no longer have to live in fear.
The Duke of Wei's mansion is a noble and prestigious family, far better than the Shen family's den of wolves and tigers.
Even if all else fails, Xie Wenlang will protect her.
Yes, Xie Wenlang.
She was determined to marry Xie Wenlang, and no one could stop her.
Not to mention the Shen family, even Xie Chengyan wouldn't be an option.
Just then, Qingqiu brought in a small porcelain bottle.
"Miss, Young Master Xie sent someone to deliver medicine. He said that if you apply it to the wound, the scar will completely disappear within three days."
Xie Wenlang?
Shen Xi took it and stared blankly for a moment.
How is that possible?
He would never notice these details; the one who noticed her unusual behavior today must be the eldest brother of the Xie family.
Xie Chengyan, it's him again.
Since he was able to deliver the medicine, he must have already noticed the finger marks on her neck when he was at the entrance of the General's Mansion.
If a girl has such a mark on her body, an ordinary person would definitely notice something is wrong.
But why didn't he expose it? Instead, he secretly sent the medicine over in Xie Wenlang's name.
The porcelain bottle was slightly ajar, and the unique scent of the ointment quietly filled the air, gradually filling it with a bitter aroma.
"Did you say anything else?"
Qingqiu shook her head.
Shen Xi tightened his grip on the porcelain bottle, his knuckles turning slightly pale from the force.
Could this be an intentional warning?
She had heard some rumors about Xie Chengyan; he was ruthless and cold-hearted. The fact that he was using such a conciliatory approach to warn her today was probably because of Xie Wenlang's sake.
This move was subtle, swift, and decisive.
Indeed, they are extraordinary.
At this moment, Shen Xi realized that Xie Chengyan was the one who was truly difficult to deal with, compared to others.
Not only because of her unspeakable dreams at night, but also because of his protection of his younger brother Xie Wenlang.
She was too careless.
Shen Xi frowned uneasily.
*
The night was cool and still.
When the stepmother, Madam Jiang, was serving food at Lanxiang Courtyard, she specifically summoned Shen Xi there.
She had missed several morning and evening greetings due to illness, and someone would surely reach Jiang's ears about her going out of the mansion with Xie Wenlang today. It would be unreasonable to refuse again.
Upon seeing Shen Xi arrive, the maids of Lanxiang Courtyard exchanged glances: "Miss, you've come at an inopportune time. Madam hasn't finished dressing yet and it's inconvenient for her to meet you. Perhaps you could trouble you to wait in the courtyard for a while?"
Just then, a burst of cheerful laughter came from inside the room. It sounded like Jiang Shi and her younger sister Shen Wan, but the maids who were supposed to answer still gave vague and nonchalant replies.
Shen Xi understood.
She knew all along that she would inevitably face some hardship today.
It's not the first time, anyway.
Fortunately, Jiang knew to restrain herself and tacitly allowed her to hold the umbrella.
When Shen Wangchen stepped into Lanxiang Courtyard, the first thing he saw was that slender and thin figure standing in the cold wind, her paper umbrella swaying in the wind, unable to shield her from the rain. She looked so pitiful.
But he was still angry about what had happened a few days ago and was determined to make her suffer, so he ignored her and walked right past her.
The room was warm and cozy. When Jiang saw Shen Wangchen come in, she smiled and patted the spot next to her: "My son, come and sit down to warm up. Winter is almost here, and it's getting colder every day."
"mother."
Shen Wangchen greeted him and sat down as instructed.
Jiang looked him over and became increasingly satisfied.
Two years ago, Shen Wangchen passed the imperial examination, which brought her great prestige. Now, who in the world didn't know that her son, Jiang, was exceptionally intelligent? All the relatives from her maternal family who had previously looked down on her were now eagerly coming to her side. She was truly proud and elated.
Inside, the mother and son were loving and filial, a scene of peace and harmony.
The evening wind outside grew stronger, making the windowpanes rattle loudly, but there was no sound of human voices.
She remained stubbornly obnoxious, refusing to back down.
Shen Wangchen glanced outside and finally couldn't help but say, "Mother, Father is coming soon."
Jiang then stopped laughing and sent her maid to call Shen Xi in.
Within the Shen family mansion, she was the one who least wanted to see Shen Xi.
Back then, Shen Guangjun was transferred to Qingzhou to manage floods in Qingqu. After he left the capital, Jiang discovered that she was pregnant. Her husband was gone for five years. The Shen family was not as prosperous as it is now, and no one was willing to help her. She could only give birth to Shen Wangchen alone and raise him with great hardship.
After finally reuniting with his wife, he brought back a woman who was six months pregnant from Qingzhou.
Jiang still remembers that day vividly. It was a sunny midday, and she stood at the door with her son in her hand, eagerly anticipating the return of her husband, whom she had not seen for many years, from the end of the long street.
But what she got in return was Shen Guangjun and Lin Anrong, who came together as if they were made in heaven.
Her husband, beaming with joy, was caressing another woman's pregnant belly.
That woman was a lowly female doctor who only managed to win over the master by virtue of her good looks. After giving birth to her daughter, Shenxi, she passed away less than seven years later.
How can anything compare to having a son and a daughter now? Even the most alluring charm is ultimately meaningless.
In the end, she still won.
Even though she disliked Shen Xi, she still had to pretend to be a virtuous wife and loving mother in front of her husband.
"May Mother be well."
Shen Xi had been standing in the cold wind for too long, and her knuckles were frozen stiff. After entering the house, she forced herself to bow despite feeling unwell.
Jiang took a sip of tea and remained silent.
Shen Xi had no choice but to remain in that position, unable to move.
After a moment, she slowly asked, "Why hasn't Xi-yatou come in yet?"
"mother."
When Shen Wangchen spoke, his tone carried a hint of reproach.
Jiang then looked up: "Oh, you came in without making a sound? The servants in Lanxiang Courtyard are becoming more and more unruly, so negligent. They should be properly disciplined in the future."
Shen Xi remained obedient, only quietly moving her numb legs and feet without saying much.
Just then, a servant from her father's side came to deliver a message, which relieved Shen Xi from her predicament and prevented her from being harassed by Jiang Shi again.
The maid who delivered the message said that Shen Guangjun was temporarily held up by something and told Jiang to have her meal first and not to wait any longer.
Upon hearing this, Jiang felt deeply depressed.
She went to great lengths to make a show of it by calling Shen Xi over, but it was all for nothing.
Since things have come to this point, it's not appropriate to let Shen Xi go back directly; the only option is to serve her a meal.
Everyone sat down at the round table. Jiang had a son and a daughter on each side, and there was no place for Shen Xi, so she had to bite the bullet and sit down next to Shen Wangchen.
While the maid was serving the dishes, Madam Jiang said, "Winter is coming soon, so I need to get some new winter clothes for you sisters. I just got a few bolts of good fabric. You can all pick them out together later, so you won't say that I, as your mother, am being biased."
Before she could finish speaking, her younger sister, Shen Wan, interrupted, "I want those two bolts of brocade."
After saying that, she seemed to remember Shen Xi: "Sister shouldn't try to take it from me, right?"
Shen Xi shook her head: "It doesn't matter to me, sister, just pick whichever one you like first."
Just then, a servant came in to announce that the second young master of the Xie family had sent someone over, specifically requesting to see Shen Xi.
Upon hearing this, Madam Jiang's expression changed at first, but she quickly put on a smile and beckoned to the maid beside her, "What are you still standing there for? Please come in quickly."
Before long, Zhou Bo, the old steward of the Duke's mansion, entered the room, greeted her respectfully, and then bowed to Shen Xi, saying respectfully, "Miss Shen, the Second Young Master, knowing that you are frail, has been making preparations for winter clothes for you as the weather is getting colder."
As she spoke, she pointed to the Xie family servants in the courtyard behind her, who were carrying large and small boxes of things in: "These are all top-quality materials, and many of them are imperial gifts. They are all cut according to the styles that you used to like. If there is anything that doesn't fit or that you don't like, please let me know and I will have the embroiderer redo them."
Shen Xi was slightly taken aback, then chuckled and replied, "Thank you for your trouble, Uncle Zhou."
"Not at all. I'm glad you like it, young lady. This old servant has to hurry back to report to the second young master, so I won't bother you any longer."
Shen Xi nodded and gave Qing Qiu a wink. Qing Qiu understood and gave him a reward before politely seeing him off.
Looking at the silks and satins, Shen Xi sighed silently. Given Xie Wenlang's temperament, he must have done it on purpose, making such a big fuss and always claiming to be supporting her.
With his blatant outburst, it was impossible to enjoy the meal peacefully.
Sure enough, Shen Wan glanced at the boxes of clothes and poked at the food in her bowl with a bored expression: "That's right, someone sent my sister some rare materials, so naturally she wouldn't look down on what we have at home."
Shen Xi lowered his eyes and said nothing more.
In the dim light, Shen Xi's profile, with her head bowed, looked remarkably like her birth mother.
Jiang was stunned when she saw this, and she almost gritted her teeth to pieces.
Shen Xi truly resembled that vixen, and it's unknown what kind of bewitching potion she gave the second young master of the Duke of Wei's mansion, as he spent all his time hovering around her.
Jiang was displeased, and her words were naturally laced with venom.
“Xi’er used to be a petty girl. She wouldn’t let anyone touch her things. Now that she’s grown up, she’s become more sensible.”
Shen Wan chimed in, "Yes, when I was little I wanted my sister's sparrow..."
"Enough!"
He was interrupted halfway through his sentence by Shen Wangchen, whose face was ashen and whose expression carried an undeniable air of authority.
Shen Wan was most afraid of him, so she could only swallow her words and purse her lips in dissatisfaction.
My brother really is protecting this bastard child who came from who-knows-where.
The atmosphere suddenly became heavy, but Shen Xi remained calm: "If my sister hadn't told me, I would have forgotten. It was just a feathered beast, which only seemed strange when I was young."
But the moment she finished speaking, her face turned deathly pale, all color draining away.
Under the round table, Shen Wangchen placed his palm over hers, enveloping her hand completely and gently kneading it.
A note from the author:
----------------------
Xiao Xi and Xiao Yan are both cunning, the extra one is what Xiao Lang lacks (not really).
(What mischief does our Xiao Lang have up his sleeve? He just wants to see Miracle Xiao Xi [poor face])
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