Chapter 122 No One Can Fear Her Anymore

Xiao Xun still remembered the strange look on Lu Wensheng's face when he heard the surname Wen that day in the villa.

His uncle has always been dignified and serious. He seems to be elegant and clean, but in fact he is decisive and cold-hearted.

His mother often told him to listen more to his uncle's advice.

He said that Lu was his and his mother's greatest support.

This made Xiao Xun feel dissatisfied for a long time.

He is a descendant of a royal family with royal blood flowing in his veins. Lu Wensheng should be dependent on him and respect him instead of acting indifferent, noble and superior all day long.

So, intentionally or unintentionally, he glanced at Nian Xi again before leaving.

I wonder if the turmoil in my uncle's eyes that day had anything to do with this Miss Wen?

If it really is the same "Wen", then it would be interesting.

"Go check her out."

…

At the birthday banquet, the sound of gongs and drums was heard.

Leading out from the hall, there was a large open garden space. A play had already begun on the newly built stage. The play was "Five Daughters Paying Homage to Their Birthday."

The entire hall is a spacious open space, and people can see everything carefully when sitting inside.

When Nian Xi was the prime minister's wife, she also loved to listen to operas to pass the time, but she liked the deep lyrics more. Just two or three people could make a play heartbreaking.

However, people of the old lady's age prefer grand and lively scenes.

The dragon stove in the hall was burning very vigorously, and there were many people there. The aroma was overwhelming, and even with the doors and windows open, it still made people feel stuffy.

Li was talking in a low voice with the lady beside her. Nian Xi said something and went outside to get some fresh air.

The entire Fuguo Mansion is dignified and simple. Although it is decorated with lights and colors everywhere, the pavilions, terraces and towers are reserved and majestic, showing its profound foundation.

Since she was a guest, Nianxi didn't want to walk far and just walked around in the open space outside the hall.

"Are you here to get some fresh air, too?"

A female voice came from behind.

Nian Xi turned around when she heard the voice, and saw Xu Wanxin, wearing a snow fox cloak, talking to her with a smile.

"Yes, let's go out and take a walk."

"The noise on the stage is annoying, but your place is wonderful. It can at least make people relax."

In fact, this place is just a piece of vacant land, and the scenery is not that good. But since Xu Wanxin said so, she smiled and stepped aside to make way.

Xu Wanxin stepped forward with a smile.

She was born delicate and frail. Nian Xi was slender enough, but she looked even frailer. She walked slowly with a charming demeanor. Many young men in the capital privately called her "Sick Xi Shi".

"The last time I saw my cousin talking to you at the door of 'Floating Life Half Cup', I wanted to go forward, but was called back by my elders at home because of something urgent. I grew up with my cousin since childhood, and I know that he is a person who is cold on the outside but warm on the inside. I have trusted him since I was a child, so I always wanted to get close to you. Can I ask you to miss me?"

Her voice is melodious and pleasant, and her smile is sincere and warm.

Nian Xi smiled, "Miss Xu, you don't have to be polite. The store is open to welcome customers. Although it is a women's store, there are many male customers who will take away refreshments. This is normal. As for how to call me, it's a small matter. It's up to Miss Xu."

She said calling her a nobody, but she was still only willing to politely call her "Miss Xu".

Xu Wanxin looked at Nianxi, still smiling, but the smile paused for a moment.

Since Wen Nianxi came to Beijing in the spring, the two of them have met countless times at various occasions in the capital, but there were always other people nearby every time.

Whether it was Wang Muyi or other noble ladies, Nian Xi was silent most of the time, and her conversations with herself were even rarer.

Xu Wanxin felt more and more that Wen Nianxi was superficial and cowardly.

She had secretly evaluated this woman named Gu Ci who had fallen out with her cousin for a long time. Wen Nianxi herself did not have any sharpness and her personality was as gentle as water.

Apart from her beautiful appearance, she has no other advantages.

Men are really superficial and only care about appearance.

Even my cousin was deeply involved in it.

Before Wen Nianxi appeared, Xu Wanxin had always been confident that she would marry Pei Jian.

That was her entire family's dream, her whole heart's sustenance. She didn't believe that she would never be able to win his heart in her entire life.

Many people don't understand Pei Jian. They just think he is taciturn and cold, and difficult to get close to.

But Xu Wanxin always knew how sincere he was to the person he loved and that he couldn't let go.

Pei Jian experienced misfortune in his parents' life when he was young, and the entire Duke Zheng's Mansion treated him like an abandoned child. For as long as half a year, he was depressed and decadent.

That was a wound in his heart.

That is why the passionate and sincere Pei Jian was wrapped in a shell of indifference.

Only she can see his good side!

If my father hadn't broken off the engagement, they would have been the closest people.

But fate plays tricks on us.

Happiness is clearly within reach.

How could she be willing to give up the person and love that were supposed to belong to her!

Xu Wanxin knew a long time ago that this was a war.

Just like the men fighting in court and on the battlefield, there will be corpses and blood in the end, but the one who kills is an invisible knife.

Every woman who stands by my cousin is an enemy.

…

However, the facts were beyond Xu Wanxin's expectations.

Her words, which seemed cordial but actually contained a hint of provocation, seemed somewhat attentive and ridiculous in the context of Wen Nianxi's response.

What made her even more alert was that she couldn't tell for a moment whether Wen Nianxi's response was ulterior motive or whether she was just dull and unsocial.

She came from a noble family, and Wen Nianxi was only the daughter of a fourth-rank official. It seemed a bit hasty and stupid for her to condescend to him like this.

Dealing with women is completely different from dealing with men.

In front of her cousins, she could put herself in a very low position to appease their male pride.

However, when dealing with women, you must suppress them from the very beginning and never let them have the upper hand at any time.

But it’s hard to change my mind now.

Countless thoughts flashed through Xu Wanxin's mind in a flash, but she didn't show it on her face and continued to talk and laugh. After chatting for a while, she said:

"The northern border has recently been reporting victories. General Gu is worthy of being a son of a general, and he has surpassed his master. Today, the Duke of Fuguo's mansion is full of distinguished guests, which reminds me of the scene of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion filled with carriages and horses earlier. It's all because of the world that people flatter the powerful and look down on the weak, and only want to cling to the high branches."

"Ah, look at what I'm saying!"

She seemed to regret her slip of the tongue. She glanced at Nian Xi sideways, and a blush appeared on her slightly pale face. She was truly kind-hearted.

"I just drank two extra glasses of wine and said something out of turn."

Among the customers who come and go in "Fu Sheng Ban Xiang", everyone has seen Ji Hui Gu Ci standing on the street corner waiting for Nian Xi.

Now she brought this up only to mock Nian Xi's fickle nature and her tendency to cling to high branches.

With an expression of regret for his gaffe, he said the most heart-wrenching words in the gentlest tone:

"If Madam Wang saw how much Madam likes you, she would be very happy too."

Ever since the great defeat at Jilusai, the whereabouts of Gu Ci's second brother have been unknown, the Gu Mansion's glory and prestige have declined rapidly, and the Zhenguo Mansion has become quiet in all kinds of banquets.

Once upon a time, Mrs. Wang also held Nianxi's hand and showed her warm care when there were many guests.

Xu Wanxin's words were simple and to the point.

The wind disappears and the snow stops, leaving nothing but a clear sky.

Nian Xi stood on the snow, her figure was slender, her hair was black, her eyes were bright, her skin was snowy, her lips were red, and her complexion was as pure as jade and as bright as flowers.

She turned her head, lowered her eyes slightly, and looked at Xu Wanxin.

In the past, she thought that most girls in the royal family were pure and had clear likes and dislikes.

So in her previous life, she had clearly seen through Xu Wanxin's deliberate provocations many times, but she would rather feel sad in secret or blame Pei Jian, and never blamed Xu Wanxin.

A man's emotional vacillation is not another woman's fault.

The reason why two women have an emotional war is because the man involved is not loyal and devoted enough.

At that time she was Pei Jian's wife. It wasn't that she couldn't compete with Xu Wanxin, but she had never thought about competing.

This is not cowardice, but rather stems from her pride.

She is fine.

But I didn't get the same love.

She put herself in the position of an intervener, which is why she repeatedly tolerated Xu Wanxin's provocations.

When she faced her cousin Xu's false kindness again, she suddenly realized the sharp edge hidden in her heart.

That's all.

Her hostility and urgency, the malice hidden under that gentle appearance, was so obvious.

"Nianxi, why are you looking at me like that?"

"Did I say something wrong? My cousin always says I'm tongue-tied, and I've gotten used to being casual in front of him..."

Xu Wanxin smiled apologetically, gently and softly, "Please don't be angry with me."

Nian Xi's clear eyes were like spring waves, shimmering and boundless. She chuckled and said, "How could I blame you?"

"The invitation to the Fuguo Mansion was personally delivered to the Zhenguo Mansion by Madam Zhou, but Madam Wang didn't come in person because she doesn't want to join in the fun. As for whether the Madam likes me and whether Aunt Wang is happy, you can go to the Zhenguo Mansion in person to ask."

After Gu resigned and left, Madam Wang was the only one left in the huge Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion.

Nianxi would often visit her with some new snacks.

Mrs. Wang is a very gentle woman.

Her husband and son were both away at war, and she was left alone to support the family.

Nian Xi once asked her, "Auntie, do you ever get scared?"

Madam Wang smiled and shook her head, "As long as I am here, my home is here. Xiaoliu and the others can kill the enemy with peace of mind. Although I am far away in the capital, I am their support. So there is no need to be afraid."

Nianxi learned a lot of strong strength from her.

"Or maybe I'm just kind of likable."

Nian Xi looked at Xu Wanxin, who was harmless and beautiful, clean and clear, "Miss Xu, is that right?"

Xu Wanxin's smile froze slightly, and her eyes slowly moved away from Nianxi's face. She said softly, "Of course! Nianxi is so outstanding, so naturally she is liked by others..."

Wen Nianxi is not as stupid as he thought. She should also be aware of the purpose of his making friends with her.

That's nothing.

Xu Wanxin didn't mind, and she knew it was impossible to keep her purpose hidden forever.

What really made her feel confused was that Wen Nianxi was not such a simple and stupid girl.

But before she could ask again, Nian Xi smiled and said, "You've been out for so long. If you don't come back, your mother will be worried. Miss Xu, I'm leaving first."

Having said that, she walked forward.

Calm and elegant, allowing people behind to look at and spy on you.

In the past, Cousin Xu was like her nightmare, destroying her belief that they were in love and shattering her pride and self-esteem. She once avoided all occasions related to Cousin Xu, and refused to see or hear the things Xu Wanxin revealed about her husband.

Now, she is no longer afraid.

No one could scare her anymore.

The day after Mrs. Kang's birthday banquet, Pei Jian came and told her about the Zhang father and son.

"Damaged horse dead?"

Nian Xi widened her eyes in surprise.

Pei Jian knew what she wanted to ask, and said in a deep voice, "It wasn't me."

However, he had already anticipated Zhang Hongzhe's death.

Just like in the previous life, he abandoned his soldiers to protect his chariot, with Lu Wensheng sitting behind Prince Jing. This was his usual style.

"Then their family..."

"All of them will go to jail. Zhang Hongzhe was involved in the salt-leading scheme for private gain. Once the case is investigated, he will be executed."

Nian Xi was silent for a moment, "Was it the same ending in the previous life?"

Pei Jian didn't want to hide it from her, so he nodded. If she wanted to ask, he would explain the interests behind it to her in detail.

She used to share conversations and laughs with him every day, but since she realized that she didn't have a mouth, Pei Jian always tried to analyze herself.

However, whether to listen or not depends on Nianxi's mood.

For example, right now, her expression clearly showed that she didn't want to talk any more.

Pei Jian doesn't have many opportunities to see Nian Xi now.

He must have something to do before he could see her. He had been going to the Wen residence too frequently some time ago, but Father Wen misunderstood him and caused a big blunder.

Unlike Zhou Yanli, who, relying on their childhood friendship, was able to accompany Li at any time, and in the inner courtyard!

"Your neighbor's brother——"

Pei Jian leaned forward slightly, staring at her with his dark eyes, not missing any expression on her face:

"He will take the imperial examination next year. I have a lot of books here. You know me. I am always good at studying and taking exams. They should be helpful to him in the imperial examination. If you have time, why don't you go to my house and get them?"

Nian Xi smiled when she heard that, raised her eyebrows and looked at Pei Jian, "Master Pei, you are so kind to give Zhou Yanli a book, but you want me to go with you to get it?"

Pei Jian was delighted when he was called "Master Pei".

"He seems to be somewhat hostile to me. You also said that I have good intentions. If I give it to him rashly, I'm afraid he will refuse to read it because of me."

He spoke in a low voice and glanced at her inconspicuously.

Although he didn't really want to help Zhou Yanli, it was a fact that the boy regarded him as an enemy.

It's just the right excuse for him to use.

If Nian Xi was willing to visit their former home, it would be considered a blessing for Zhou Yanli.

As for how Nianxi views Zhou Yanli, what does it have to do with him?

Nian Xi looked at him indifferently.

Obviously he was fully aware of his tricks and the traps in his words.

"In his previous life, he didn't have your books, and he didn't fail to win the title. So he doesn't need to be so attentive to you now."

"I worry too much."

Pei Jian's tone was calm, but there was a faint smile in his eyes, "I thought you always cared about your neighbor's younger brother."

This person is really cunning.

"It turns out that the reserved and taciturn Lord Pei actually has such an 'understanding' side." Nian Xi couldn't help but tease him.

"It's nothing, I'm just not the same person anymore."

Pei Jian had been embarrassed in front of her many times, so he was able to bend and stretch. "Although I don't have the position and qualifications now, I still want to care for you and the people around you to the best of my ability. Even though we are no longer... husband and wife."

"If you don't like it, I won't suggest it next time."

Although she knew that he was pretending, Nian Xi had to admit that Lord Pei, who had given up his shamelessness, was not as annoying as before.

"Master Pei, you..."

"Master Pei——"

Behind him, a lazy voice sounded at the same time. Prince Jing Xiao Xun was standing at the door of "Fu Sheng Ban Xiang" and looking over here.

His gaze fell on Nian Xi once again.

This time, he was even more outrageous.

It also makes people feel more and more uneasy.