He secretly rejoiced in a despicable way and schemed for it in a despicable way. Although he gained a reputation, he became more timid and more ashamed. But Xu Yuan was so passionate even in his loss, and so brilliant even in his death.
He'll never be as good as him.
That's why when Xu Jiang appeared, he was so frightened, but he didn't dare to stop her from seeing Xi Zhi - because like father, like daughter.
What Xu Jiang did afterwards proved that his guess was correct. If he had stopped her, the child would have certainly done it at all costs.
"People like my master deserve to be envied and admired." Xu Jiang's tone was calm and indifferent, not boasting, but simply stating a fact. "Not to mention you, there are many people in the capital who are impressed by his talent."
Xu Jiang picked up the set of books and said, "But this doesn't mean that those who are overshadowed by his brilliance are worthless. It's just that the world has different preferences and people have their own strengths. Why do you have to keep staring at him and compare everything with him?"
"Besides, he's been gone for so many years." Over the years, Xu Yuan had trapped not only Xizhi but also Wansheng. "For so many years, you used him as an excuse, a shield, to deceive your mother and yourself, nearly driving her and yourself to death. Isn't that enough?"
Xu Jiang's words were like a needle that pricked the poisonous sore in his heart, causing him unbearable pain, yet at the same time, he felt relieved, because in addition to envy and jealousy, he also felt deep guilt.
Whether it is Xu Yuan or Xi Zhi.
As their daughter, Xu Jiang's accusations not only made him uncomfortable, but also made him feel relieved and atonement.
"Don't add to his sins." Xu Jiang was both angry and compassionate. "The past is gone, and my mother has accepted it. Why do you continue to dwell on it, burdening yourself and others?"
"You're right." Wan Sheng was stunned for a long time, "I'm the one who got caught in this mess, and it's tiring myself and others."
Xu Jiang could no longer suppress her anger, and her tone lost its respect. "Sometimes I really doubt whether you are sincere or not towards mother."
This was too harsh, and it also provoked Wan Sheng's anger, "What do you mean?"
Xu Jiang stared at him straight in the eyes. "Yes, I am grateful that you saved her from danger back then, and I understand that you are selfishly seeking to repay her, but you shouldn't have failed to cherish and respect her after you got her, and even looked down on her."
Wansheng retorted, “I didn’t!”
"No? If you cherished her, you wouldn't have allowed her to indulge in illusions. If you respected her, you wouldn't have locked her away in a deep courtyard, isolating her from the outside world. If you acknowledged her, you wouldn't have treated her like a fragile vase, but believed she could weather all these storms." Xu Jiang's words were sharp, even tinged with resentment. "Do you consider her a human being?"
"I..." Wan Sheng's face turned pale. Xu Jiang's words were like an axe splitting his head, making him dizzy.
"You admire her vibrant and passionate nature, yet you fear it. You vainly attempt to possess it, yet you're afraid to possess it. You think that if you erase it, she'll be worthy of you." Xu Jiang sneered, "But if that's the case, you're still not satisfied. That's why you're cowardly and timidly possessing her under the name of my master."
"Even with this, you still dare to say you're sincere?" Xu Jiang said contemptuously, "Don't insult the word 'sincere'."
Wan Sheng stood up suddenly, but unexpectedly his empty sleeve knocked over the teacup, which fell to the ground in panic.
Xu Jiang felt as if she had been splashed with a basin of cold water, and her heated head instantly calmed down. She slapped herself twice in her heart, secretly cursing herself for not being able to control her stubborn temper.
She exhaled deeply twice, stepped forward and said, "I was too presumptuous. Are you okay?"
Wan Sheng pushed her away in embarrassment, his chest heaving violently, and he was speechless for a long time.
The servant guarding outside heard the noise and poked his head in to take a look. Wansheng gave him a cold look, and he quickly shrank back, not daring to peek again.
The rain outside was getting heavier, but the hall was getting quieter. Wan Sheng's eyes accidentally fell on the desk not far away and then stopped.
Xu Jiang followed his gaze, cleared her throat, and said awkwardly, "Well... this was drawn by my mother."
Wan Sheng involuntarily walked to the front of the painting and stared at it for a long time. The painting showed the autumn scenery outside the hall, and the colors were the bright and vivid colors she always liked. He searched inch by inch, but did not see the figure in the painting.
His eyes suddenly blurred, and he reached out to touch the fiery red maple tree, but his fingertips were stained with wet red - it was the paint that had not yet dried.
Seeing him crying, Xu Jiang secretly felt guilty. After all, he was her elder, and it was inappropriate for her to be so aggressive just now.
"Uncle Wan, I'm sorry, I'm a reckless person when I get angry..."
"You're right." He interrupted her, "It's my selfishness and cowardice that has ruined her for so many years."
"You've protected her for so many years. It's hard to tell right from wrong. Why not let it go and live your life to the fullest?" Xu Jiang thought for a moment and said gently, "You should learn to trust your mother, just as she trusts you."
Wan Sheng was slightly stunned, "Does she trust me?"
"If she didn't trust you, how could she..." Xu Jiang wanted to say, if Xizhi didn't trust him, how could she have been deceived for so many years? Seeing his current state, Xu Jiang didn't dare to provoke him anymore, and said gently: "If she didn't trust you, she wouldn't have woken up until now."
Seeing that he was touched, she added, "If I hadn't wanted to live a good life with you, there wouldn't be Zhenji."
If Wansheng had been more open-minded and self-motivated, he and Xizhi might have been different long ago. How could they have been delayed until now?
Thinking of his son, Wansheng felt a warm feeling in his heart.
Xu Jiang continued, "Sometimes you should learn from Zhenji. He may seem blunt, but he's actually quite clear-headed. He knows what's most important to him, to you, and to Mother. That's why he always gives in to me."
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