Chapter 171: Chapter 113: A Frank But Unfair Conversation

The Yang Family hurriedly said, “Please come in quickly.”

In no time, Lan Jue, dressed in a blue robe, strode in.

After exchanging greetings, Lan Jue promptly got to the point, saying, “Cousin’s wife, fifth cousin’s wife, I’m here to see Ruoxi.”

At this moment, Shen Ruoxi felt a little apprehensive, not daring to meet with Lan Jue alone, and appeared somewhat awkward.

She had never known how to respond to others’ kindness, especially after realizing Lan Jue had other feelings for her, leaving her at a loss.

Moreover, she was well aware of how much she owed Lan Jue.

Shen Ruoxi was about to say, if there’s anything, just say it here!

Previously, people didn’t know about Lan Jue’s feelings for Shen Ruoxi, and the Yang Family and the Zou Family might not have minded whether they met alone or not.

But now, knowing Lan Jue’s affection for Shen Ruoxi and all he had done for her, how could they interrupt their rare chance to be alone?

“Ruoxi, take Cousin Jue to your room! When you were at the border city, he was very worried about you, so have a nice chat,” the Yang Family said before Shen Ruoxi could speak.

Since her sister-in-law had spoken, Shen Ruoxi couldn’t refuse any further and had to nod gently, saying, “Cousin Jue, please.”

“Please, cousin,” Lan Jue replied.

The two returned to her Shaoguang Courtyard together, where Chuntao efficiently served tea to Lan Jue before quietly retreating.

The room was extremely quiet at this moment, the atmosphere a bit awkward.

Indeed, once the paper-thin window was broken, everything changed from before.

“Ruoxi, I’m here to apologize on behalf of my mother; you know her nature, she never spares her words, but she means no harm,” Lan Jue said with sincerity.

Shen Ruoxi shook her head repeatedly, “It’s nothing, cousin, you didn’t need to come here to apologize, I feel guilty, if it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have faced the emperor’s…”

“Ruoxi,” Lan Jue interrupted her, “everything I do, I do willingly, don’t feel burdened.”

Shen Ruoxi bit her lip lightly, her eyes glistening with tears, and said softly, “Thank you, Cousin Jue.”

For a moment, the atmosphere became cold again.

But suddenly Lan Jue laughed lightly, breaking the oppressive atmosphere, “Since when did our conversations become so heavy?”

Shen Ruoxi looked at him sincerely, her voice gentle, “Cousin, I truly wish for your happiness, to live well.

In fact, I really miss the days we used to have together, back then we were carefree, truly happy.

Lan Jue stared at her beautiful face, frowning slightly, asking, “Ruoxi, what are you worried about?”

Shen Ruoxi bit her lip again, a hint of conflict in her expression, without speaking.

Lan Jue’s eyes softened, he spoke softly, “Are you worried that I’m troubling you?

Then today, I will speak frankly.

Actually, I’ve always wanted to be brave for once, but your aunt, you also know, I’ve lived under her shadow since childhood, she is strong, wants to be the best in everything.

Actually, I’m just an ordinary person, I also get tired, but what can I do?

She hasn’t got along well with the prince, she is also bitter, maybe pinning all her hopes on me, to make her happy by being the best, I’m willing to do it.

But you shouldn’t live in such an oppressive atmosphere, so, I can’t drag you down, liking you is my own matter, you don’t need to think much, and we’re fine as we are now, aren’t we?”

Shen Ruoxi was slightly moved, “Cousin, I?”

Lan Jue laughed lightly, “I understand now, the familial bond between cousins is for a lifetime, can never be severed, rest assured, once I say this today, it will be fine, don’t feel pressured.”

“Thank you, cousin, I cherish our cousin bond, that Miss Lin is well-regarded in Capital City.”

A hint of helplessness overflowed from Lan Jue’s chest, “Cousin knows, that Miss Lin is very good, she likes me, she’s proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, talented.

But in front of you, she loses that composed demeanor of a lady, moreover, however good she is, she’s not you! Cousin just wants to say, it’s just a partnership in life.”

“Cousin.” Shen Ruoxi bit her lip, “Cousin, I’m not as good as you think, I really lived under a lot of pressure while in the Xiao Family, now I just want to be Shen Ruoxi.”

Lan Jue smiled gently, looking at her with determination, “You really are full of flaws, even if committing serious wrongs, but as you’ve said, you’re just Shen Ruoxi! I can’t help it, I’ve had thoughts of breaking off the engagement.”

Shen Ruoxi’s eyes widened with surprise, “Cousin Jue, what did you say?”

Lan Jue’s lips curved up with a hint of teasing, “Scared?”

Shen Ruoxi frowned, a bit displeased, “What am I scared of? Is marriage a game? The marriage date is set, if you back out now, what would happen to the Lin Family’s reputation, would Miss Lin still be able to marry normally?”

Lan Jue looked at her quietly, his eyes showing complex emotions, unsure whether to be happy or sad.

“I originally didn’t want to harm her, but indeed it’s been inconsiderate now, don’t worry, this engagement won’t be broken,” Lan Jue’s voice was low and gentle.

Shen Ruoxi felt relieved upon hearing this and said, “Cousin, you have always been calm, don’t act rashly.”

Lan Jue let out a low laugh, responding, “I understand.”

In fact, he silently thought to himself, he had never been calm, especially when it comes to her, he was impulsive beyond measure.

He knew he wouldn’t get his wish in this lifetime, and only hoped the person before him could be happy, then he would have no other desires.

“Besides, your aunt has high expectations of you, it’s also for your own good, look at me, my master never checks on me, so I’m a bit like a jack of all trades, master of none,” Shen Ruoxi said slowly.

Lan Jue gently tapped her nose, his eyes full of doting affection, “You’re not proficient yet? What would you be like if you were proficient? Pei Xuan has been in your Medicine King Valley for five years, not only did he not learn any medical skills, he couldn’t even beat you, I hear none of your senior brothers and sisters can beat you!”

Shen Ruoxi chuckled, “It’s not like that.”

Then she seriously pondered for a moment before saying with a straight face, “Doing so, isn’t it hateable?”

Lan Jue was instantly amused by her demeanor, the previously heavy atmosphere immediately eased a lot.

“Tell me about you and Prince Zhan! How did it happen? He’s my idol, I always thought Xiao Chengyi wasn’t worthy, since he wasn’t as good as me, but now I’m finally satisfied, only a prince can match you.”

Shen Ruoxi was stunned, lightly pressing her lips together.

“What’s wrong?” Lan Jue was surprised.

“I saved his life, it naturally happened, I just felt that he was really different,” Shen Ruoxi adjusted her mood and smiled.

Her eyes sparkled when talking about Prince Zhan, as if full of pride, Lan Jue felt a bit jealous, but also happy for her, “The prince is a true man, the hero of the entire Dayi Country, with steely resolve, a man of integrity, rest assured, he’ll cherish you for life.”

Yes! He truly is a real man, putting responsibility first.

Shen Ruoxi shook off that bit of discomfort in her heart, earnestly saying, “In my heart, Cousin Jue is unique, even the prince can’t compare.”

Lan Jue was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, “Wouldn’t the prince be sad to hear you say this, he has always been the one and only in Capital City.”

Shen Ruoxi said softly, “We are close cousins.”

Lan Jue’s mood improved considerably, but he remembered something and said, “Has anyone troubled you these past few days?”

Shen Ruoxi paused, puzzled, “Cousin Jue, what do you mean?”

Lan Jue pursed his lips, his expression slightly solemn, “He seems to have a cousin, not his cousin, but the granddaughter of Elder Grand Tutor Cui’s new wife’s granddaughter, who has always been raised under her name, I also just heard this rumor, I will verify it with the prince.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep