It’s Duan Lan.
Xin He squinted slightly, her gaze on him increasing its caution.
Little Firewood also darkened his countenance, his hand within his sleeve already clenched into a fist.
Nonetheless, Duan Lan dismounted from the horse carriage, fan in hand, and strolled over lithely, all smiles, "What a surprise, finding you here."
Little Firewood retorted coldly, "Isn’t it clear to you whether it’s a coincidence or not?"
Duan Lan raised an eyebrow, "Quite sharp, fitting for a man brought up by Ji Xinhe."
Little Firewood never held a good face towards Duan Lan, wanting to sort out their old dispute from their previous encounter at the wharf. However, he was held back by Ji Xinhe, "Let’s get to the exam first. The Autumn Examination takes precedence."
"But..." Little Firewood’s face darkened, glancing at Duan Lan anxiously.
Xin He reassured him, "It’s okay, just go in."
Little Firewood would never go against Xin He’s intentions. With a nod, he turned to enter, not forgetting to cast a warning look at Duan Lan as he left.
Inwardly, he wasn’t much worried, for starters, Ji Xinhe was not the kind to be bullied easily, and even if Duan Lan had ill thoughts, he wouldn’t be able to handle her. Secondly, this was Yu State, not the capital city; Duan Lan simply wouldn’t have the liberty to act willfully here.
Little Firewood and Xiao Bei entered the examination hall.
Finally, Xin He glanced coldly at Duan Lan, "What are you doing here?"
Duan Lan evaded the question, eyeing Little Firewood’s retreating figure, he spoke quietly, "This young man is promising. It appears you have trained him well. Where is he from?"
Xin He replied calmly, "He’s from the princess’s mansion. He’s always been bright, there was little need for my guidance."
Duan Lan displayed a ridiculing smirk, "From the Princess’s mansion? Ah, I remember now, six years ago you attended a banquet at the Princess’s mansion, where you took away a young servant. That was him."
Xin He was irritated by his sarcasm, asking straight, "So, what are you trying to infer?"
"I can’t tell if you’re a cold-hearted woman or a saint. If you’re the former, why were you so ruthless towards me? If you’re the latter, why would you bother saving a mere servant from the Princess’s mansion? So in your heart, I am even less than a lowly servant." He let out a bitter laugh. The mockery in his eyes could be deriding Ji Xinhe or himself.
Upon hearing this, Xin He responded with indifference, "You can think whatever suits you. If believing that I am cold-hearted brings you comfort, so be it."
With that, she turned and walked away.
Duan Lan suddenly asked, "Has Li Junyan visited you?"
Xin He looked back, raising an eyebrow, "Already complaining to you, has she? Yes, she came looking for me, I slapped her and taught her a lesson. Is she seeking revenge?"
"You should be clear what I want from you. Do you think I care about the likes of Li Junyan?"
"I don’t care who you consider significant, I just hope you understand one thing: she has nothing to do with me, Duan Lan. I admit, I made some mistakes in the past, but I prefer taking care of myself. There are things that I simply don’t care about nor wish to consider. As of now, we stand on opposite sides, neither one of us has the right to blame anyone. We are past that, you should move past it too. You are not the same person you were."
Xin He says coldly, each word hitting Duan Lan like a blow, shattering him.
Duan Lan laughs scornfully, "Indeed, you prefer self-concern, you would hardly consider me."
He would rather she be self-centered, truly so.
But, even that thought couldn’t deceive him, for she wasn’t so, she merely left him behind.
Ji Xinhe warned, "I know how you’re exploiting your days in Yu State. Be mindful of the possible consequences, and remember, if one day you push me too far, old times will be forgotten."
Duan Lan smirks coldly, "Really? When the day comes, maybe I will remember."
"I am not giving you a chance to win, so I don’t need your old times." Xin He stares at him determinedly, her declaration firm.
Duan Lan’s hand clenched within his own sleeve, his figure tensing.
Xin He, however, wasn’t willing to engage in further discussion and climbed into her horse carriage.
Shulan and Xiaoyu exchanged a glance and quickly followed one after another into the carriage. The coachman whipped the horses, stirring up a cloud of dust as they sped off.
Duan Lan watched them leave, an eerie smile danced on his lips, he murmured, "Really? Who wins, who loses, who can tell at this point? When Marquis Mu took you from me with his power, didn’t you blame him? If I win in the end, won’t you eventually stand by my side?"
Duan Lan spoke in dark whispers, his countenance chilling even further, his icy eyes acquiring a bloodlust.
He was pushed to this point by them, by her absolute rejection, by the power congregated by Marquis Mu. He let go of his dream, took up the sword, and plunged into the bloodied, repulsive political struggle. Wedded to Li Junyan, cautiously existing in the Emperor’s presence, engaging diligently in the complicated court politics, after six years, he finally achieved a footing to stand before her, to stand before Marquis Mu.
Six years ago Marquis Mu had taught him a lesson using his power that although power can carry numerous blemishes, it can also grant access to anything, including her.
Six years ago she was his betrothed, only to end up as the princess of Marquis Mu.
If he, after another six years, is victorious over Marquis Mu and condemns the man to death, she would once again be his.
This was a love affair in which he had once lost everything. From his perspective, he had just lost out to power before and now that he possesses the capacity to compete with Marquis Mu, why would he miss the opportunity? He must completely obliterate Marquis Mu! She must be his again!
About her willingness, what did it matter now?
Her words today already tore them apart. She stated that nothing of the past between them remains, but why should she have the final say?
"Sir, sir, should we return to the mansion now?" After waiting for a while, Qingyun reluctantly broke the silence.
Duan Lan smirked coldly, "To the mansion!"
Sense of unease crept into Xin He’s heart after she left the examination hall.
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