Chapter 39: Chapter 39: You Two Are Quite a Match

Lan Jue smiled wryly, “Indeed, my heart has always been alive, but it wasn’t revived because she divorced and returned home. It’s been alive all along.

But, Mother, you must remember, neither you nor your son deserve Ruoxi, so don’t worry. I’m more afraid than you are that she will learn of my feelings for her.

Thus, she will never know, because she has a kinder heart than yours, more compassionate. She would feel uneasy, feel she owed me. Mother, arrange my marriage as you wish, your son will not oppose.

But tomorrow I will certainly go, not only to bless her rebirth, but also in hopes of spending a little more time with her, to see her again.”

Xu Jingwan listened to her son’s confession, her eyes welling with tears, she said softly, “Mother never thought you’d view me like this. I truly don’t like Ruoxi, thinking she’s always erratic, not ladylike.

But I never wished for her death! I only spoke in front of you and Ji, because I’m thinking about your wellbeing!

If anyone else spoke ill of her, I wouldn’t allow it. Although I don’t agree with you two being together, you don’t need to resent me so much.”

Lan Jue responded calmly, “Your son has never resented Mother.

From childhood to now, I’ve never done anything I truly wanted to do.

I envy Ji and Pei Xuan, one lives freely, the other boldly elopes with his beloved.

But I can’t do it; from a young age, I’ve adhered to the rules, unable to take that step.”

Xu Jingwan felt her heart ache, “Isn’t this resentment? Everything I’ve done, hasn’t it been for you?”

Lan Jue smiled faintly, “Mother, do you know the words your son wishes to never hear the most are ’for your own good’?

You always judge others with your own mindset, but never really understand what your son truly desires in his heart.

As for Ruoxi’s marriage, whomever she chooses will never be me.

Aunt was right, there may be discord between spouses, but familial affection remains constant.

I, Lan Jue, will always be cousin to Shen Ruoxi.”

Seeing her son’s declaration, Xu Jingwan felt a subtle pain in her heart; from a young age, he never needed her to worry, always acted with discretion. She took a deep breath, “Mother never said you couldn’t go tomorrow; just explain the situation to your teacher.”

Lan Jue bowed and saluted, “Your son thanks Mother for understanding.”

“Jue, must we really be so distant as mother and son?”

Lan Jue said, “Mother, if you truly care for your parents, then never again call her an ominous person.

She is not a calamity; only those who accompany her can truly appreciate her goodness.

It is your son who is unworthy; moreover, it is Xiao Chengyi who was unfaithful to her, she is not someone who was abandoned.

Aunt only has her daughter Ruoxi left, if you don’t want her spirit unsettled, then treat her daughter well, even if just for appearance’s sake.”

Xu Jingwan, blocked by her son’s words, was speechless, wanting to refute but not knowing what to say.

Lan Jue bowed and saluted, “Your son takes his leave.”

Watching her son’s departing figure, Xu Jingwan rubbed her brows gently, wondering if everything she’d done for her son’s sake was truly wrong.

…

Shen Ruoxi observed Xu Ji upon his return and asked with a slight frown, “What are you looking at?”

Xu Ji sighed lightly, “Cousin, don’t you think you and cousin brother are well-matched?”

Shen Ruoxi glared at him fiercely, “What nonsense are you talking! What’s on your mind all the time!”

Xu Ji sighed, “I’m just saying, I never expected cousin brother to have a sweetheart.”

Shen Ruoxi chuckled, “He’s of age now, isn’t it normal to have a sweetheart?”

“The point is, it’s unrequited love, and they’re not of the same social standing.”

Shen Ruoxi was also surprised, “Who does cousin brother like? Did you ask him?”

Xu Ji shook his head, “Cousin brother, with his temperament, if he wants to say it, you won’t need to ask. If he doesn’t want to say, asking won’t help.

Seeing him like that, you really do feel for him.”

Shen Ruoxi agreed, if they are truly not of the same social standing, Aunt would never agree, she felt genuine sympathy for Lan Jue.

“For cousin brother to fall this deeply, that girl must be extraordinary.” Shen Ruoxi said lightly.

Xu Ji agreed, “Indeed, but they are destined to part ways.”

Shen Ruoxi smiled slightly, “Cousin, you are quite knowledgeable, even knowing ’parting like swallow in flight’.”

Xu Ji retorted, “Cousin sister, who are you looking down upon?”

Shen Ruoxi smiled with her eyes, “Alright, after drinking, go rest quickly! Don’t delay my bookkeeping.”

“Cousin sister, this is not the time to be bookkeeping, you should focus on finding a good match among the noble young men in the Capital City.”

Shen Ruoxi couldn’t help but laugh, “I’m not in a hurry, why are you? Honestly, I’m quite wary of you men now, and I think living alone is quite good.”

“What do you mean us men? Look at Grandfather, my father, your father, which one of them was not devoted to their wives?

I too will only marry one wife, and treat her well. You can’t judge all men because of Xiao Chengyi!”

“Alright, alright, stop nagging, go back now! This isn’t something you should worry about.

With my current mindset, I can’t spare time to think about these things, don’t worry.”

“I think you two are quite alike, same tune.”

“Oh? Who’s like me?” Shen Ruoxi laughed.

“Cousin brother! He also said your marriage is not his concern, I just want to see Xiao Chengyi regret and cry painfully, kneeling and begging for another look from you.”

Shen Ruoxi laughed brightly, “You speak as if you were the one back home after a divorce, Ji, simply let it go, this person is no longer related to me, whether he’s alive or dead, happy or regretful, none of it concerns me.

What you’re saying makes it seem like I still care about him, but don’t think so, this person is as meaningless as a stranger to me!”

Xu Ji murmured, “I don’t have your magnanimity, the pain you suffered, he should experience it to know that’s the best revenge.”

“You! I didn’t suffer any pain, maybe it wasn’t enough love! And whatever fondness I had for him faded with his actions, sometimes I just think, two years wasted, somewhat regrettable.

Don’t think about revenge again, it seems like I’m unable to let go, but really, I don’t care about him at all.”

Hearing Shen Ruoxi’s words, Xu Ji nodded, “Alright cousin sister, I’ll head back now, cousin brother and I will meet at 5 a.m. tomorrow, remind the children to sleep early and not wake up late.”

Shen Ruoxi nodded, “Got it.”

As Xu Ji left, Shen Ruoxi resumed her bookkeeping.

Unbeknownst to her, dusk had fallen, the sky outside had darkened, Shen Ruoxi also felt tired, she stretched lazily and got up to walk outside.

Chuntao followed her, Shen Ruoxi waved her hand, “I’m just taking a stroll, no need to follow.”

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