After finishing her meal, Xin He was bored stiff in her room. She really didn’t fit into this place, deep within the residence, no matter how exquisite or luxurious its decoration, it still felt like a prison to her if she had to stay here all day.
She glanced out the window, it was already dusk. The banquet outside was unlikely to end before nightfall. Ancient brides had it tough. How long would they have to sit?
Since Xin He had nothing else to do, she decided to leave her room and stroll around the courtyard.
Xiaoyu and Shulan were waiting outside. Seeing Xin He come out, they hurriedly showed their respects, "Eldest Miss."
"I am just taking a brief walk. You need not accompany me."
"The sun will set soon, Eldest Miss. Please don’t wander too far," Xiaoyu warned.
Of course, her concern wasn’t for Xin He’s safety. This was the Prime Minister’s Mansion, there was no danger regardless of the time of day. Xiaoyu was merely worried about the minister not being able to find Xin He upon his return home, which may cause trouble.
"I understand, there is nothing interesting to see when it gets dark," Xin He responded while walking away.
It was sunset, and the sky was covered in red clouds, giving the entire heavens a bloody hue, it was truly beautiful.
As Xin He strolled around the courtyard, every blade of grass and every tree was fresh and invigorating. Just being in the same environment in which Mu Houchu interacted every day made her feel as though she understood him even better.
Suddenly, Xin He paused and looked stern, "Who’s there?!"
Her hearing was naturally sharp, someone was in the garden, besides servants, someone who was following her footsteps closely. Moreover, judging from the aura, it wasn’t an ordinary person.
Who dared to cause trouble in Marquis Mu’s residence? This was truly audacious!
As Xin He turned around, her eyes sharp, she saw a familiar figure emerge from the shrubs.
Taken aback, she asked, "Duan Lan?"
Duan Lan was pale and unable to muster a smile upon seeing her in her bright red wedding dress.
She was getting married after all, but not to him.
"How did you get in here?" Xin He looked at him, her brows furrowed slightly.
Duan Lan swallowed hard, then said, "I came to see you."
Xin He avoided his gaze, feeling uncomfortable, "What’s the matter?"
"Well, I had something to tell you, but now..." He seemed unsure whether he should voice his thoughts.
Xin He turned to leave, "I will go now."
Duan Lan let out a bitter laugh, "I didn’t realize until now, how heartless you can be."
Xin He halted, turning to face him, "Whether I am heartless or not depends on the person and the situation. I had no feelings for you to begin with, so how could I be heartless?"
Duan Lan’s face turned even paler. After a long silence, he said slowly, "Isn’t this heartlessness?"
Despite his deep affections, he was constantly ignored. She was not even willing to take a second look at him. He wondered why he had come here today. Was it really just to see her?
He was still not willing to give up, was he?
"Xin He, have you really thought about marrying Mu Houchu? Do you know he is cold-blooded and brutal, known by all the officials in the capital. What do you think got him to where he is today? Do you know how dangerous he is? The bodies of those he has killed could probably pile up as high as a mountain!" Duan Lan looked at her, his voice wavering.
He genuinely couldn’t understand what attracted her to such a man.
Xin He looked at him, her voice becoming colder. "I know exactly what kind of person he is. I don’t need you to tell me."
Duan Lan suddenly stepped closer, seeming somewhat frenzied. "You don’t know. How can you possibly know his past? If you knew, how could you marry him? This man, with blood on his hands, is destined to pay for his sins. You understand that, don’t you?"
Xin He looked at him steadily, each word deliberate and measured. "Even if he is indeed destined to pay for his sins, I will accompany him."
Duan Lan’s face turned deathly pale. He had a lot more to say, but words were stuck in his throat.
Seeing Duan Lan like this filled Xin He’s heart with an unspeakable sense of regret. That bright and clear-eyed youth from the past, how had he become like this?
Was this really her fault?
Xin He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Duan Lan, I appreciate your feelings. But love is predestined by fate. God made me fall in love with him, so in this life, I can only love him. You can’t force these things. I once thought you were a dear friend since I was unaware of your feelings. I never imagined we would end up in such a place. You still have a long journey ahead, don’t obsess over me."
Duan Lan looked at her, a rigid smile on his lips, "Ji Xinhe, you say you are destined only to love him, and you’re so obsessed with him. On what grounds then are you advising me not to be obsessed with you?"
Xin He paused, not knowing what to say.
——
The banquet ahead was in full swing, with countless officials eagerly trying to please Mu Houchu. Suddenly, Ling Feng walked up to Mu Houchu and whispered something in his ear.
The previously slightly tipsy Mu Houchu suddenly looked grave, his gaze freezing.
The officials who had come to toast him were scared stiff, not daring to even breathe.
What... what happened?!
But before the officials could figure it out, Marquis Mu had already disappeared from the crowd.
——
Suddenly, Duan Lan grabbed Xin He’s hand. "Xin He, by choosing to be with him, you’re destined to lead a life of hardship. You must have noticed, even the Emperor can’t stand him. He is trying to get rid of him sooner or later. He is only protecting himself by going far away now. What about the future? Have you considered that? Is this the life you want? Why don’t you leave with me? You know how I am, I desire nothing. Even if I become a teacher, I can still provide you with a peaceful life."
Xin He freed herself from his grasp, her eyes wide. "What are you talking about now? Today is my wedding day! Duan Lan, you better get out of here, this is Mu Houchu’s territory!"
If Duan Lan stayed here, he would surely be discovered quickly. If Mu Houchu found out, it would be difficult to smooth things over.
Chicken-hearted Mu Houchu might even have him cut into pieces.
With these thoughts, Xin He became extremely anxious, wishing she could immediately kick him out. Otherwise, how much trouble would this cause?
Duan Lan gritted his teeth. "What am I afraid of him for? I’m only worried that you’ll feel wronged and suffer if you’re with him! Xin He, wake up. He is not your good husband!"
Just as Xin He was about to respond, she heard a chilling voice behind her. "If I am not her good husband, could it be you?"
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