She knew from the start the dangerousness of this man, yet even when stuck in the mire, she longed for another shot, another chance to trust, because he made her trust, so she was willing to trust him.
Even though she knew nothing about him other than his name, she still chose to trust him.
But from the moment he deserted her at their wedding ceremony, she began to doubt, to falter. Was she wrong to trust him?
It wasn’t until today, when Wu Zhanggui unwittingly told her the hard truth, that she realized her own foolishness. The wedding she valued more than anything - he could easily abandon for another woman. Was this the man who had pledged to be true to her alone in this life?
Maybe in his eyes, their wedding was merely a cover. How could a man of such high authority and deep thought fall for a village girl who once insulted him?
Ji Xinhe curled herself against the ground, torrents of tears pouring out, as if all the grievances she had been holding back these days were breaking down, crying in frustration and resentment.
——
The capital city.
Finally, Gongsun Yi’s rebellion came to an end. After nearly a half-month of gloom, the capital gradually began to pick up the pieces, slowly showing signs of prosperity once more.
The Chen Mansion was a whirl of activity. Gongsun Yi’s followers had attacked the mansion, forcing Old Man Chen to flee through a secret underground passage. Although he had evaded the threat to his life, the mansion was severely damaged.
When Chen Yining returned, Lady Chen lavished her with concern. After sending Lady Chen off, Chen Yining finally turned her attention to Rui Xue, "Have you taken care of everything that I asked of you?"
Rui Xue curtseyed deftly, giggling, "Rest assured, Miss. I’ve already spread the news of Sir Mu’s heroic rescue far and wide. The entire capital now knows!"
"It’s not enough that only the capital knows." Chen Yining huffed lightly. The result she had risked her life for - how could it only make such a small ripple?
"I’ve bribed several storytellers to exaggerate the tale of Sir Mu’s rescue, ensuring the news will spread quickly. Even the most remote places will hear about it. Who wouldn’t enjoy such a compelling story?"
Only then did Chen Yining relax, clutching the handkerchief tucked into her sleeve. "And what about Gongsun Yi?"
"I just received the news. Gongsun Yi and the few thousand remaining soldiers were all killed in front of the Qing Sheng Hall. In the chaos of flying arrows, Gongsun Yi, seeing no hope for himself and unable to bear the shame, took his own life with his sword."
"That’s a relief. With him gone, no one else will know about this." Chen Yining sighed in deep relief, even smiling a little: "I have, after all, won a gamble." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶
——
"Sis, are you feeling unwell?" After a long hesitation, Xiao Bei finally mustered up the courage to ask.
Ever since Wu Zhanggui’s visit, Ji Xinhe had shut herself up in her room for a full day. Ever since then, her eyes had dimmed significantly. Seeing her like this broke Xiao Bei’s heart.
Ji Xinhe gently touched his head and forced a smile: "I am feeling a bit unwell. But, as with any ailment, I’ll recover eventually. Don’t worry, Xiao Bei.\"
Having wept thoroughly for a day, her heart suddenly felt a bit more at ease. It didn’t matter that she was humiliated over the failed wedding, or that she had been played. Everything now was in the past, and there was no use talking about it. The sadness was temporary and would fade in time. She couldn’t believe that she wouldn’t be able to withstand such setbacks.
Sorrow will eventually pass, but she didn’t know when her dead heart would revive.
But she didn’t want to know, either. She had loved once in this life, and she didn’t want a second time. Let it end here.
Ji Xinhe’s eyes turned colder, holding a sense of indifference that seemed to have seen all the vicissitudes of life.
Xiao Bei became even more worried, his hand clutching tightly to Ji Xinhe’s: "Xiao Bei will always protect you, Sister, and never leave you. I won’t let you be bullied again."
The warmth went some way to fill Xin He’s hollow heart. She stroked Xiao Bei’s hair, smiling lightly: "Good."
Xin He reached out to touch the dowry that Ji Dong had prepared for her. It was a delicate box, filled according to the rules of their countryside with sheets, bedding, pots and pans. Ji Dong had made great efforts for her wedding. Sadly, it all amounted to a farce.
Ji Xinhe’s sharp eyes caught sight of a small box tucked away in the corner of the larger box. When she opened it, she found a beautiful handkerchief. Ji Dong said it was what her mother had left for her dowry. He had specifically kept it safely in the dowry box. His intention was so thoughtful.
"What a beautiful handkerchief," Xiao Bei said, his eyes wide in admiration.
Ji Xinhe held up the exquisite handkerchief, examining it as she said lightly, "My brother said this handkerchief should be saved for my dowry. It seems there’s no need for it now. Such a good thing shouldn’t be buried at the bottom of the box. I might as well keep it for myself. This way, my mother’s affection for me will not be in vain."
Xiao Bei quickly added, "Such a beautiful handkerchief suits you, Sister!"
Ji Xinhe laughed lightly, flicking his little nose: "You’re getting quite good at sweet talk to cheer me up."
Xiao Bei hugged Xin He’s arm: "As long as it makes Sister happy, Xiao Bei is willing to do anything."
——
The storm in the capital never reached remote Lian’an Town. It took several days after the event for news to trickle down and stir up the whole town, providing great fodder for after-dinner conversations.
Even the villagers of Yang Luo Bay were full of horror as they talked about it, helping to overshadow the memory of Ji Xinhe’s embarrassing wedding.
Since the grape wine business hadn’t been finalized the last time, Ji Xinhe collected her thoughts over a few days before re-engaging with it, personally going to Guilin Residence again.
Guilin Residence was now a thriving business with unceasing traffic of customers. The young waiters were extremely busy. Ji Xinhe couldn’t even be noticed at the entrance.
She was intending to find a corner table to sit and wait, but before she could enter, an impatient voice behind her hurt her ears.
"You insolent girl! How dare you block our madam’s carriage? Move away at once!" The voice belonged to a servant driving the carriage.
It seemed this carriage parked in front of Guilin Residence belonged to a customer.
Ji Xinhe raised her brows: "Is this entrance of Guilin Residence only for your carriage?"
"You cheeky little wench!" The coachman lifted his horsewhip to strike, but Ji Xinhe swiftly grabbed the whip, pulling hard.
The coachman was surprised and flung five meters away.
"You ... you... how dare you!" The coachman yelped in pain and anger.
"What’s the commotion?" The carriage curtain was drawn back, and a richly dressed woman popped her head out, her face showing shock.
It was Lady Wang.
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