Chapter Sixteen: Bright and Clear, What’s the Rush?

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Yin Jiaojiao’s eyes widened in surprise.

“On my behalf?”

“Your quarrels with Seventh Brother all stem from Ningyuan County Lady. Her background is troubled, and Seventh Brother treats her like a sister, hence the extra care. His Majesty also considered this when he temporarily placed her in the Prince’s residence,” Xiao Yuanxi explained slowly. “But aside from that, neither His Majesty nor Seventh Brother harbors any other intentions.”

So the mediator he mentioned was actually speaking for Xiao Yuanchi. Truly, being reborn is no small matter—enemies from the past have even cultivated brotherly feelings.

Unfortunately, while Xiao Yuanxi is otherwise intelligent, he still lacks understanding in matters of the heart. Xiao Yuanchi’s feelings are practically etched on his face, and as for His Majesty… there are relatives in the Eastern Capital related by blood to Ningyuan County Lady, yet instead of placing her with the proper family, he lodges her in the household of a younger brother. That sentiment is hardly pure.

Still, despite these thoughts, she maintained a gentle demeanor.

“I understand.”

“You say you understand, but perhaps deep down you’re cursing me for speaking nonsense with open eyes,” Xiao Yuanxi smiled. “But think carefully: if His Majesty truly intended to give the County Lady to Seventh Brother, would he have publicly placed her in the Prince’s residence, giving people grounds to gossip?”

Yin Jiaojiao paused, her hand still.

“Besides, look at Seventh Brother. The marriage arranged a year ago—given his character and manner, do you think he couldn’t have refused if he truly wanted to?”

A month before the marriage was decreed, Xiao Yuanchi led his army to a resounding victory over the Tirong. In just fifteen days, he recaptured the three northern prefectures lost for twenty years. The news was celebrated throughout the Eastern Capital for a week, and his reputation soared to its peak. Upon his return, the Emperor bestowed upon him a title unprecedented and audacious, with a royal edict full of unprecedented praise, almost terrifying in its intensity.

Indeed, with such prestige, if Xiao Yuanchi had truly opposed it, even His Majesty might have had to relent.

A strange ripple stirred within Yin Jiaojiao’s heart. Hastily, she lifted her cup and took a sip of tea—a fine Maojian, fragrant and slightly bitter, perfect for quenching misplaced hopes.

“The marriage decree is both a royal edict and a father’s command. The Prince is a loyal minister and a filial son—there’s no reason to refuse.” Lowering her eyes, she said, “Big Brother, I appreciate your kind counsel. I will be cautious with my words and actions from now on and avoid causing any more embarrassment.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yuanxi’s smile faded. “You’re guarded, and unwilling to speak your true feelings.”

Yin Jiaojiao startled.

The man, who normally embodied clear skies and bright moonlight, now showed a trace of worry between his brows. “It’s understandable—rumors outside always pit Seventh Brother and me against each other as mortal enemies. You’ve probably been influenced by that.”

“No!” Yin Jiaojiao hurried to deny. “I would never take such rumors seriously. Big Brother is the Prince’s elder brother. The Prince respects and cares for you. I’ve seen and remembered the brotherly bond; there’s no defense against it.”

“Really?”

“Really!” she nodded fiercely.

“You are quite amusing.”

“Ah?”

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Xiao Yuanxi suddenly laughed aloud. “Someday, you should visit the Crown Prince’s residence. It might improve your cousin’s health.”

“My cousin’s illness hasn’t—”

Bang!

The loud crash interrupted Yin Jiaojiao’s words, sounding like someone had kicked open a door. Before they could react, a startled shout came from the next room.

“Seventh Brother?!”

“Third Brother, long time no see.”

“You… you… what are you trying to do?!”

“Just want to talk with Third Brother about taking a concubine.”

The elegant chambers on the third floor of Tianhe Tower are separated by wooden panels. Whispering is fine, but loud voices carry clearly between rooms, so every word of the conversation reached Yin Jiaojiao and Xiao Yuanxi. Both were taken aback.

Third Brother is Lord Lu. Recently, he had his eye on taking a concubine, causing a fierce quarrel with Lady Lu. But that was a private matter of the Lu residence; even Consort Shu wouldn’t bother intervening. Why would Xiao Yuanchi care?

Before Yin Jiaojiao could think of a reason, Lord Lu shouted angrily, “What business is it of yours if I take a concubine?!”

“If you were honest about finding a woman, it wouldn’t concern me. But you’re not.”

Lord Lu seemed to understand the accusation immediately, raising his voice sharply.

“What are you saying? I don’t understand! I’m going back to my residence!”

“Third Brother, you use a Chen family woman as a front while petitioning His Majesty for a marriage decree. If Sister-in-law found out that the woman you truly want to marry is not from the Chen family but is Gu Xuezhi, how would she feel?”

The room fell silent.

Yin Jiaojiao instinctively curled her fingers, nails digging into her palm painfully, unaware of it.

“You, you, you…” Lord Lu was struck to the heart and fumed, “Fine! I do want to marry Ningyuan County Lady, and I’ve told Father. What’s wrong with that?!”

Xiao Yuanchi was merciless and straightforward: “Not allowed.”

Lord Lu glared at Su Zhengqing blocking the door and then at the expressionless Xiao Yuanchi, his rage boiling over.

“Xiao Yuanchi, you Uighur bastard! Since when do you get to tell me ‘no’? Xuezhi’s husband is dead, and Father intends for her to remarry. Considering her age and family background, we’re the perfect match. So you get to sneakily monopolize her, but I’m not allowed to marry her properly?”

Calling him a Uighur bastard showed just how furious Lord Lu was. Yin Jiaojiao recalled a few days ago when Lady Lu smugly dragged Gu Xuezhi to insult her, only to be stolen from under her nose by Gu Xuezhi herself. It was truly amusing.

She wanted to smile but couldn’t manage it.

Xiao Yuanchi’s voice was beautiful to Yin Jiaojiao—no one’s voice was more pleasing. Calm but never dull, precious yet not noisy. Sometimes, when passion overtook him, he would whisper “Jiaojiao” in her ear, breathless and husky, making her heart flutter.

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Now, that beautiful voice admitted each word clearly: “Only I am allowed, not you.”

Snap. It felt as if something had shattered.

Yin Jiaojiao clutched her chest, staggering as if she might fall. Qiu Ming exclaimed, “Your Highness!”

“Jiaojiao!”

Xiao Yuanxi hurried forward to steady her.

Leaning on him, Yin Jiaojiao barely regained her footing. She drew in several deep breaths and exhaled slowly.

“I—I’m fine.”

Xiao Yuanxi frowned deeply. “You had a fever just the other day, and today you’re out in the wind wearing so little. You really don’t know how to take care of yourself.”

As Yin Jiaojiao was about to explain, she lifted her head and her nose brushed against the man’s jaw. The warmth and tickle sent a shiver through her body.

Wait a minute—what kind of position is this?!

Clang!

A noise similar to the earlier door kick sounded behind them. The wooden panel used to separate the rooms was violently thrown open, the force so great that the dark brown solid wood door was knocked askew.

Then came a soft snort.

The chill of that snort ran down Yin Jiaojiao’s spine.

Xiao Yuanchi’s voice was cold as he greeted, “So it’s Big Brother.”

His icy gaze fell on Xiao Yuanxi’s arm, which supported Yin Jiaojiao’s back in a protective stance. She was completely unaware, leaning naturally against Xiao Yuanxi, her eyes wide with terror, as if she had seen a ghost.

Xiao Yuanchi slowly curled his lips into a smile. “Big Brother is here having a secret meeting with my wife?”

Yin Jiaojiao’s mind buzzed, and she immediately pushed Xiao Yuanxi away. He happened to release her at the same moment, and she lost her balance again, stumbling forward.

Just as she was about to fall, a hand grabbed her wrist and lifted her up.

“Jiaojiao, why the panic?”