"We were once family, so I'll go and pay my respects to Lady Hou tomorrow."
Mentioning the Marquis's mansion, Chi Yan's face showed a sigh.
He never expected that so many earth-shattering things would happen during the time he was away: the old lady suffered a stroke, and the Lady of the Marquis passed away. Each of these events alone would be astonishing!
Of course, he didn't feel much sympathy for her; she had only herself to blame.
"It's good to go, so as to avoid giving others something to say."
Shen Tangning added softly, "Do you want me to go with you?"
Thinking of that annoying guy Chi Jingyu, he frowned imperceptibly: "No need, I'll be right back."
She didn't insist, and then, as if casually remembering something, she told Chi Yan about the dream she had a few days ago.
He frowned as he listened, cupped her face and leaned closer to examine it: "Why would you have such an ominous dream? Have too many things happened recently and frightened you?"
His dark pupils reflected a bright worry. Shen Tangning was slightly taken aback, her eyelashes trembled, and she concealed the emotion in her eyes: "Maybe so."
She found it funny after saying that. She was the one who caused the Hou family's predicament. She didn't hesitate when she took action, so why was she afraid now?
Chi Yan pondered for a moment, then earnestly suggested, "Tomorrow I'll accompany you to Putuo Temple to pray and get rid of the bad luck."
Even though it was just a dream, he didn't dismiss it; instead, he took it to heart. She paused for a moment, then subconsciously said, "No need to make such a fuss..."
“This isn’t making a mountain out of a molehill,” he corrected her, gently stroking her hair and softening his tone. “Dreams are a reflection of your current state of mind, Aning. Are you putting too much pressure on yourself?”
Shen Tangning rested her head on his shoulder and remained silent for a long time.
——
The next day, Chi Yan went to the Marquis's residence first.
He was received by Chi Jingyu, who was alone. Chi Jingyu watched him silently as he offered incense, then suddenly asked, "Second brother, do you still resent my mother?"
Chi Yan had just lit the incense when he slightly lifted his eyelids to look over, a slight smile playing on his lips: "What makes you say that, elder brother?"
Chi Jingyu avoided his gaze and said vaguely, "I... just asked casually."
“This doesn’t sound like a casual question.” He turned and stared intently at the Lady Hou’s memorial tablet, his expression turning indifferent. “I thought my elder brother knew something.”
Upon hearing this, Chi Jingyu's expression stiffened slightly. He opened his mouth to speak, but Chi Yan's cold voice rang out again: "Of course it's resentment."
Chi Jingyu frowned slightly and subconsciously said, "But she's already passed away, so it can be considered a price to pay..."
"What does that have to do with me?" Chi Yan interrupted him coldly, his tone laced with sarcasm. "So, all these years, you know exactly what kind of life I've been living, brother?"
The other person pursed their lips and remained silent.
He was naturally aware of what the Lady Hou had done. Back when the Second Lady was seriously ill, and Chi Yan knelt in the courtyard begging his mother, he was watching from a distance.
He also felt that his mother's actions were really excessive, but for some reason, he never intervened.
Thinking about it carefully, it might be because of jealousy. He was afraid that Chi Yan's brilliance would overshadow him, and that he would have to live in the other's shadow for the rest of his life.
So while he despised his mother's despicable behavior, he also felt at ease enjoying the benefits she brought him.
Chi Yan took two steps closer to him, his eyes mocking, and asked, "Brother, how does it feel to use my writing to curry favor with the teacher?"
Chi Jingyu subconsciously took a step back and looked up in shock.
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