Chapter 20 Heartfelt Intentions
Pei Xingjian shielded Ji Shu behind him, looking at his older brother whom he had grown up with displeasure. He knew, of course, that Ziming meant no harm, but his flippant tone was truly unpleasant.
His face suddenly darkened, and his tone became displeased: "Brother Ziming, Shu'er is not you..."
Wei Ziming was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I drank a few too many cups today, I hope Madam Ji will forgive me."
Ji Shu remained calm, indicating that everything was fine.
Seeing that he had apologized, Pei Xingjian naturally didn't say anything more out of politeness.
He turned to Ji Shu, his gaze softening instantly, as if he had already forgotten the unpleasant parting a few days ago.
He had even forgotten what he had said. "Shu'er, what are you going to buy in the market?"
Ji Shu shook her head, and the blue veil on her head swayed, making Pei Xingjian's heart flutter. He had been unable to eat or sleep these past few days, and he still couldn't let go of her in his heart.
He didn't know why he was so attached to a woman, and the obsession in his heart was growing stronger and stronger.
If she wants the position of Crown Princess... her grandmother loves her so much, she can go back to Yang County and work her way up. Her grandmother will definitely like her when she sees Shu'er.
The most difficult hurdle is getting past her father. If she can prove that Shu'er can hold the position of Crown Prince's wife and that no one else can do it, then...
It's not a big problem.
Wei Ziming, standing beside him, was naturally unaware of all this. He took a deep breath without making a sound; the woman's scent was captivating.
Even from this distance, you can smell the sweet fragrance emanating from her.
The women I've met in the past are all ordinary and plain; the one I've met today is truly stunning.
He watched coldly as Pei Xingjian asked her questions earnestly, and the woman mostly gave only a few words in response.
Seeing the way the other person avoided the topic, Wei Ziming sneered inwardly.
It seems Xingjian hasn't won the beauty's heart, but at the same time, a warning bell is ringing in his heart. His sister is right; if this woman enters Xingjian's backyard...
This will surely become a disaster in the future. With such a beautiful concubine, would the wife still touch her? What's even more terrifying is what if this woman gives birth to a boy in the future?
It's hard to guarantee that it won't jeopardize the Wei family's position. The Wei family's current status in Yanzhou is already precarious, and their support for the Marquis of Yan is not as great as that of other aristocratic families.
Thinking of this, this woman must not be allowed to live—
Pei Xingjian said, "Shu'er, it's getting late. I'll take you home." After saying that, he turned to Wei Ziming and said, "Brother Ziming, you go back first. I'll go back to my residence after I've taken Shu'er home."
He practically said that he just wanted to be alone with Ji Shu, and that you were getting in his way.
Wei Ziming winked mischievously at him, glanced at Ji Shu behind him, and clasped his hands in a knowing gesture.
After mounting his horse, he said, "Brother Xingjian, remember to look for me when you get back. Let's have a good chat."
With his smile unchanged, he said to Ji Shu, "Goodbye, Madam Ji."
After saying that, he patted the horse and left.
Pei Xingjian watched him leave, then looked intently at Ji Shu and said, "Shu'er, the carriage is here, let's go."
Ji Shu was helpless, not knowing how things had developed into this state. She just wanted to take a stroll, but she didn't expect to run into him here.
He could recognize her even when she was wearing a veil.
After getting into the carriage, Ji Shu took off the veil on her head.
Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting shadows on her fair face. Her thick hair was adorned only with a gold hairpin inlaid with jade. As the carriage swayed slightly, the hairpin occasionally brushed against her ear.
The curves resemble the delicate brushstrokes of ancient Chinese paintings of ladies, graceful and serene, exuding elegance and tranquility.
The rumble of the cart wheels over the stone pavement made Ji Shu feel a little annoyed. She asked, "Were you following me?"
Pei Xingjian looked up at her, a hint of grievance in his eyes. "Why would I follow you? It was just a coincidence today. Last time you spoke so decisively. As the heir of Yanzhou, I also have my pride."
The last two sentences were almost inaudible.
"Since I have said everything, why should the young master continue to argue?"
Pei Xingjian knew that she was always sharp-tongued, and if he didn't coax her, she would say a lot more hurtful things.
"Shu'er, I've thought about it these past few days. If you don't want to marry me as a concubine, I can fight for the position of the Crown Prince's consort for you. Please wait for me, okay?"
Ji Shu stared at him in astonishment. Did he know what he was saying?
"you……"
Pei Xingjian continued, "The Ziming you met today is my fiancée's brother. He and his sister arrived a few days ago. Today, I will explain things to her and ask my father and grandmother to cancel the engagement, shall we?"
Almost pleading, looking into her eyes, which were like cold mist and autumn water, I looked down and saw that she was holding a handkerchief tightly in her hands, her knuckles turning white.
It felt as if someone had pinched his heart, causing an unbearable ache and swelling. Without saying a word, he reached out and grasped her hand, her soft touch making him tremble.
"Shu'er, please don't push me away anymore. You don't know how I've been unable to eat or sleep these past few days."
Ji Shu's eyelashes trembled rapidly as she tried to pull her hands away, but he held them even tighter.
"Your Highness, be careful what you say!"
"My status is worlds apart from the Crown Prince's; there's absolutely no way we could be together!"
Pei Xingjian knew that if he didn't fight for it now, it would be even more difficult when he returned to Yanzhou, so he said, "I know what you care about. I'll try to cancel the engagement first, and then you can see how I am."
Ji Shu lifted her eyelids to look at him, and seeing his anxious and uneasy appearance, she sneered inwardly.
I'm afraid if I don't agree to his request, he'll keep tormenting me. The thought of this gives me a headache.
At the same time, she also knew that breaking off the engagement was impossible, since he was already locked in with the female lead.
Her silence made Pei Xingjian restless, so he mustered up his courage and kissed her soft hand.
"Please give me a chance."
Ji Shu pretended to think for a moment, her eyes sparkling, which momentarily stunned Pei Xingjian.
"Then let's talk about it after you break off this engagement!"
Pei Xingjian couldn't hide his joy; if they weren't in the carriage, he would have jumped up.
Thinking she had agreed, he hurriedly replied, "Okay, I promise I won't let you down."
The carriage arrived at the gate of the Ji residence quickly. Pei Xingjian frowned, wondering why they had arrived so soon. "Shu'er, how about we go around again? I haven't had enough time with you yet."
Ji Shu said calmly, "It's too late, and I'm a little tired today. Your Highness should also go back early."
Chunzhi had been looking around in front of the mansion for a long time. She looked at the carriage in front of the gate with some doubt, hesitated for a while, and then stepped forward.
Ji Shu stood up, but had nothing to say to him. Pei Xingjian watched as she leaned against the carriage door and was then helped down from the carriage by Chunzhi.
A light blue silk cloth draped down, concealing her slender figure and shielding her from his pursuing gaze. Pei Xingjian watched her retreating figure and called out loudly, "Shu'er, wait for me."
Ji Shu paused slightly, but quickly regained her composure and walked through the door.
There's nothing more satisfying than getting the result you want.
Humming a little tune, he returned to the prefectural governor's mansion.
As soon as he entered, he asked Lu Changfeng, "Where are the Wei siblings?"
"It seems as if Miss Wei is talking to Young Master Wei in the garden."
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