Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Why Didn’t You Marry Cousin?

Xu Jingwan, however, refused to back down and retorted, “Why does the Emperor follow her foolish antics? Everyone understands his intentions, don’t they?

She’s already married and doesn’t know how to avoid suspicion. Now her affairs have become the topic of idle gossip, truly a loss of face!”

Xu Ji never expected that the first piercing arrow would come from his own aunt.

He cried out in anguish, “Second Aunt, if my eldest aunt were still alive and heard you speak of her daughter in such a way, how heartbroken she would be!”

Tears glossed Xu Jingwan’s eyes, but she spoke with even more ruthlessness, “Without her, your eldest aunt might not have died.”

Xu Ji felt his blood boil, anger rushing to his head, leaving him unable to communicate with her any longer, or even bid her farewell. He simply wanted to leave.

At that moment, footsteps sounded from outside. The door curtain lifted, and Lan Jue entered.

His demeanor was cool and ethereal, like an immortal descended to earth.

He greeted Xu Jingwan formally, “Greetings, Mother.”

Seeing her son enter, Xu Jingwan’s expression softened considerably, and she asked, “Finished with class?”

Lan Jue respectfully replied, “Yes, exactly.”

Though still furious, Xu Ji glared at him and walked out angrily.

Lan Jue hesitated, having heard the sounds of an argument earlier, but not the content, and wondered why Xu Ji was so upset.

He grabbed Xu Ji, “Ji, what happened? Just arrived and already leaving, did Brother offend you somehow?”

Xu Jingwan chided affectionately, “This child! You’re spoiled by your grandparents and your fifth uncle and aunt, daring to shout even at me.”

Feeling irritated, Xu Ji replied, “Second Aunt’s words were too harsh. Never mind, Brother, just pretend I was never here. I’m leaving.”

Lan Jue refused to let him go, chuckling, “What do you mean never here? You’re right here! I’ll buy you a drink at lunch, okay?”

But Xu Jingwan worriedly cautioned, “Jue, there’s class this afternoon. No drinking allowed.”

Lan Jue reassured her, “Don’t worry, Mother. I know my limits. It’s rare for Cousin to visit; I’ll just have a little.”

Xu Jingwan shook her head helplessly and said to Xu Ji, “Alright, don’t be mad at your second aunt anymore, go on! You cousins haven’t seen each other in a while, catch up.”

Lan Jue bid farewell to Xu Jingwan and then led Xu Ji outside with a smile, “Really angry now, aren’t you!”

Xu Ji felt a pang of bitterness and asked, “Brother, do you also think my eldest aunt’s death was because of Cousin?”

Lan Jue’s fingers tightened slightly, his gaze darkening, “Talking nonsense!”

Xu Ji choked up, “When Uncle and Cousins bravely died on the battlefield, there were murmurs about Cousin, though faint. It was said that perhaps if Cousin had been found, the men of the Shen Family might not have all fallen in battle.

Until Cousin married Xiao Chengyi, within less than half a year, my eldest aunt also unfortunately passed away. Suddenly, rumors about Cousin being a cursed star, harming her parents and brothers, ran rampant.

Grandfather was furious and personally caught the few spreading rumors, severely punishing them to eventually quell the matter.

Do you know the heart-wrenching words Second Aunt spoke today?

She said that without Cousin, my eldest aunt might not have died.

How could she speak so cruelly?!

The death of Uncle, Aunt, and seven Cousins – the pain in Cousin’s heart is incomparable.

Once she was so carefree and spirited, yet became quiet and reserved, turning into a gentle and serene lady.

Brother, from today onwards, Cousin is a lady of the Xu Family, no longer related to your Lan Family. To avoid bringing misfortune to you, stay far away from her. I’m leaving.”

Lan Jue felt his heart race, fingers turning white from the pressure, as he grabbed Xu Ji’s arm, speaking in a low voice, “Stop talking nonsense! I’ll talk to Mother. You came, so stay and have a drink with me.”

“Brother, Second Aunt already warned me, saying Cousin is now abandoned, and told me not to get too close, to protect my reputation.

I’m not afraid, because Xu Ji has no good reputation in the Capital City. But you, Prince Lan, you’re someone revered as a graceful presence by everyone, make sure Cousin doesn’t ruin your name.”

Xu Ji was clearly truly angry, he could scold others for gossiping about Shen Ruoxi, but never expected his own kin to be so sharp.

Cousin has already endured too much pain, and yet her own kin still sprinkle salt on her wounds, how cruel is that?

Lan Jue took several deep breaths, suppressing the violent impulses surging within; if it weren’t his mother, he’d want to kill whoever said such things.

At this moment, he still needed to comfort the enraged Xu Ji, “Mother’s words were inappropriate, I’ll speak to her. Just calm down, and don’t tell Ruoxi about this.”

Xu Ji snorted coldly, “Brother, I may not be as smart as you, but I’m not stupid either. How could I possibly tell Cousin such things?”

Lan Jue composed himself, “Why did you come to find me?”

“There was indeed something important earlier, but now it’s nothing.” Xu Ji said flatly.

Lan Jue’s expression sank slightly, “Ji, what do you want? Do I need to kneel and beg forgiveness? That was my mother; I’m me. I’m just as furious as you, could you drop the sarcasm? Give Brother some face, let’s talk over drinks.”

Xu Ji had always held Lan Jue in admiration, but this time his own Second Aunt had greatly angered him.

Listening to this made his heart ache, let alone if Cousin knew, how devastated she’d be!

Now his Brother had spoken so earnestly, despite his lingering anger, he reluctantly said, “Fine, if you want to drink, let’s drink.”

They sat across from each other, Xu Ji poured fine wine for Lan Jue, but Lan Jue did not lift his cup.

In contrast, Xu Ji drank three cups in a row, seemingly using this strong liquor to quell his inner rage.

“Brother, when Uncle and Cousins all passed away, why didn’t you take Cousin as your wife?” Xu Ji suddenly asked.

Lan Jue’s hand paused slightly, emotions flashed in his eyes, and he frowned, “You silly child, what nonsense are you spouting! You’ve had three cups and are drunk, aren’t you?”

“Brother, you know I’m far from drunk. Grandmother once said that no matter where Cousin marries, she won’t feel at ease, and wished I could take Cousin as my wife.

But, alas, I was too young back then, and Mother sighed that I was too unruly for such an outstanding Cousin.

Grandmother also said, only you were steady and reliable, the best choice as Cousin’s spouse.

But fate has been cruel, I couldn’t fulfill her wishes, nor could you achieve it.

Cousin ended up marrying that scoundrel Xiao Chengyi, who trapped her like a flower in the courtyard for two years, only to return with another woman expecting a child.

What’s worse, your Mother even advised Cousin to tolerate, saying others can endure, so why can’t she? Divorced back home is also abandoned, such an aunt truly rare in the world!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep