Favoring a Hidden Mistress? Engagement Broken-Chapter 23

The third day.

Pei Yuxuan visited in person, initially thinking that the so-called illness was just an excuse to reject her. It wasn’t until she saw the girl on the bed looking somewhat unwell that she realized she had misunderstood.

So there was a lot of concern.

If Xie Wanqing hadn’t stopped her, she would have taken out her Jade Token and called the Imperial Physician to have a look.

After this misunderstanding, with both being candid by nature, the two became closer, shedding superficial pleasantries.

After chatting for a bit, Pei Yuxuan leaned closer and whispered, "Are the rumors in the Capital true?"

Xie Wanqing naturally knew what the rumors were about her and nodded calmly, "They are."

"Wanwan doesn’t know, but two years ago, I saw you from afar at the hunting grounds. However, your eyes were always on the gentleman from the Lu Family. You stood together, truly a pair,"

Her tone was somewhat nostalgic, "And now, you’ve reached the point where you are unrelated?"

"Yes, back then I always thought he was the best man in the world. Looking back now, I might have been blinded by foolishness." Recalling her naïve days, Xie Wanqing felt no discomfort.

She wouldn’t deny her genuine feelings for Lu Ziyuan just because she’s now clear-headed, and she said lightly, "Even if you humble yourself, to someone who doesn’t love you, it just leads to contempt."

"Liking someone should be joyful," Pei Yuxuan held her hand and comforted, "If he makes Wanwan so unhappy, then let’s not like him."

Xie Wanqing’s eyes flickered as she observed her new friend and tentatively asked, "Does Sister Xuan have someone she likes?"

Unexpectedly, the topic shifted to her, making Pei Yuxuan a bit flustered, but she candidly replied, "I do."

"... Can you tell me who it is?"

Her question was direct, but Pei Yuxuan wouldn’t answer, pushing her coyly and exasperatedly saying, "I don’t know his feelings yet, so I can’t say."

"..." Xie Wanqing paused and softly asked, "What if he doesn’t like you?"

Pei Yuxuan’s eyes flickered with determination, "Even if he doesn’t like me, I will like him."

Xie Wanqing asked further, "Like I did before?"

Believing in self-righteous love, foolishly approaching him thinking it would move and be cherished by the other person, but instead becoming more and more disregarded and taken for granted.

Pei Yuxuan pursed her lips lightly, remaining silent.

Xie Wanqing didn’t press further, understanding her brother’s stubborn nature, always serious and preachy since childhood.

The arrogance and unrestrained attitude of youth, Xie YanYu never had.

She couldn’t imagine what scenario would make him fall for a girl.

Even with her brother, Xie Wanqing had to admit that any girl pining for someone with such a personality would find it challenging.

She supported her friend in trying, but advised learning to let go in time, unlike herself who only realized too late.

In those dreams, Xie YanYu hadn’t married even after two years, and could Pei Yuxuan, a year older, wait until then?

Forcible love isn’t sweet; when the feelings aren’t mutual, it’s unnecessary to persevere—that was Xie Wanqing’s realization after letting go of her obsession.

The two girls leaned at the window, brewing tea and chatting until the sunset, and only then did Pei Yuxuan get up to leave.

As the sunset glowed crimson, Xie Wanqing accompanied her to the gate, noticing her companion suddenly stiffen, puzzled until she saw a tall man approaching.

It was Xie YanYu, returning home to visit his sister.

Pei Yuxuan only froze for a moment, then quickly brightened her smile for the man who had come close, and greeted, "Brother Xie is here."

Xie YanYu clasped his hands and said, "Commandery Princess."

"What a coincidence, Wanwan is dragged down by her illness, so it’s not right for her to see me off." Pei Yuxuan beamed, "Could Brother Xie escort me out of the residence?"

Originally intending to go only this far, Xie Wanqing: "..."

Xie YanYu glanced at his sister, seeing her indeed lacking vitality, nodded slightly, "Commandery Princess, please wait."

He took the cloak from Erqing and draped it over his sister’s shoulders, advising, "The night wind is strong, don’t catch a chill, go inside and rest."

"Got it," Xie Wanqing obediently nodded, looking at Pei Yuxuan raising her eyebrows towards her.

Seeing this girl who just wouldn’t reveal whom she liked, suddenly showed her feelings so plainly within a short time, Xie Wanqing felt helpless, "Then I’ll trouble Brother to escort the Commandery Princess for me."

Xie YanYu agreed, patting her head, "Go back inside."

After they walked away, Xie Wanqing looked over at Erqing beside her and asked, "Did you see that? ... I mean the Commandery Princess’s feelings."

Erqing chose her words carefully, "I could slightly guess."

"Then tell me, did my brother notice anything?"

"Young Master’s thoughts are beyond my judgment." The master and servant slowly turned back to the courtyard, Erqing’s voice dissipating with the wind.

......

With matters on her mind, Xie Wanqing didn’t sleep well that night, hesitating whether she should get involved in the Commandery Princess’s feelings for her brother.

The next day, she rose early and refused to stay cooped in her courtyard, dressing and grooming to pay respects to Mrs. Zheng in Brocade Hall.

Upon arriving, the family of three was having breakfast, and seeing their daughter come, Mrs. Zheng had a maid set another place, scrutinizing her expression, asking, "Are you feeling better today since you’re willing to go out?"

"It was nothing serious," Xie Wanqing sat down, smiling, "Just lazing around for a few days, didn’t feel like going out."

The family doctor had checked her pulse, finding no illness.

That day coincided with the court meeting, and after breakfast, Xie Shu and Xie YanYu, father and son, left for appointments.

Xie Wanqing sat by her mother, clinging to her arm affectionately, "Mother is really capable."

Mrs. Zheng lightly shook her fan, tapping her daughter’s forehead, "Why the sudden flattery?"

"It’s not sudden," Xie Wanqing took the fan and diligently fanned her mother, "Since you sent the Lu Family away, they’ve been quiet for several days, isn’t that capable?"

It’s essential to demonstrate decisiveness in the annulment without offending anyone deeply, employing covert strategies for such an effect.

The Lu Family had remained silent for consecutive days, and with less than a month until the wedding, typically both families should be preparing.

Measuring the new home, arranging dowries, busy beyond measure.

The families should coordinate details regarding the wedding ceremony.

But now, neither the Lu Family nor the Xie Family have put up any decorations.

Surely the Lu Family understood that continuing this marriage was unnecessary.