The Cousin Is About to Marry，The Abstinent Young Lord Loses Control-Chapter 112: The Commandery Princess Consort Wishes to See You

Chapter 112: Chapter 112: The Commandery Princess Consort Wishes to See You

At the gate to the courtyard, Ji Mingzhu encountered Xie Yunxuan.

He stood under the lush trees, looking travel-worn, with a damp chill emanating from him, as if he had been standing there for a long time.

"Second Brother?"

Xie Yunxuan lifted his gaze in her direction.

In his sight, the girl donned a thin spring dress, gracefully emerging from the courtyard.

Her makeup was light, her hair pinned in a woman’s bun, with her forehead hair combed upward, revealing a smooth and full brow.

It was still the same face, yet between her brows and eyes, there was an inexplicable allure.

Xie Yunxuan was no fool; accustomed as he was to being outside, he had seen countless people and matters.

He understood the source of her transformation.

A dense pain surged in his heart, like needles pricking.

After a long effort, he managed a strained smile, "I’ve heard about the affairs in Yangzhou, Mingzhu, are your wounds healed?"

Ji Mingzhu did not know if he was referring to her physical injuries or the emotional pain.

But she did not want Xie Yunxuan to worry.

Slightly nodding, "I am fine."

Her expression was calm, with no trace of coercion.

Xie Yunxuan’s throat bobbed.

He wanted to say that he could help Mingzhu with what she needed to accomplish.

He also wanted to say that if Mingzhu disliked Big Brother, he could take her away from the capital.

All problems, he could solve for her.

All she needed to do was nod her head.

But looking at Ji Mingzhu’s expression, those words never found the chance to be spoken.

Mingzhu had truly chosen Big Brother.

Xie Yunxuan’s heart was filled with unbearable bitterness, for clearly, he had been the one who liked Mingzhu from the start.

But later, she had Big Brother by her side, and Yuan Changan.

And he was always a step too late.

Was it their fate to be destined but never linked?

Despondency shrouded Xie Yunxuan, the coldness on his body turning tangible, like a sharp blade piercing his flesh.

Big Brother was right; his affections could only cause trouble for Mingzhu.

Better not to speak.

Forcing a smile, Xie Yunxuan said, "Seeing that you are well, I can be at ease."

Ji Mingzhu had come near, and she noted his haggard appearance, his lean face carrying traces of unshaven stubble.

Her heart filled with more guilt.

"It’s my fault, I’ve worried you all again."

She lowered her eyes, resembling a child who had done wrong.

In the past, when she caused trouble, she also wore this expression.

Back then, he would pinch her nose or tap her forehead, telling her that he had her back.

Now, there was nothing he could do.

Even touching Mingzhu felt like a desecration.

It would only push her into the harsh spotlight, placing her in danger.

Xie Yunxuan wanted to pat Ji Mingzhu’s head to offer comfort, but no sooner had he lifted his hand than he pulled it back.

To hide any abnormality, he placed his hand behind his back.

Suppressing his emotions, he still asked with a forced nonchalance, "Is he good to you? Has he mistreated you?"

Ji Mingzhu shook her head, "The Young Master is very good to me."

Though he was capricious, he did his best to fulfill any request she made.

Compared to his cold and ruthless self from the previous life, this life’s Xie Yunzhen was entirely different.

Bitterness suddenly welled up in Ji Mingzhu’s heart; if he had been so kind from the beginning, perhaps there would have been another outcome.

Alas, those wounds cannot be erased.

And he...he came bearing guilt.

When that guilt was exhausted, what would remain, Ji Mingzhu did not know.

She only knew that Xie Yunzhen was always ruthless to women he did not love.

Seeing Ji Mingzhu lost in thought, Xie Yunxuan understood that she was thinking of that person.

His heart ached.

In the beginning, Big Brother did not like Mingzhu, and Mingzhu had clearly expressed her dislike for Big Brother.

Yet in the end, the one qualified to stand by Mingzhu’s side was surprisingly the Xie Yunzhen she disliked.

Xie Yunxuan did not know if this counted as a twist of fate.

He only knew that this time he really needed to step back.

The atmosphere grew heavy, lacking the previous lightness and carefree nature.

Ji Mingzhu pursed her lips, glancing at the gold ornaments, trying her best to appear more at ease.

"I was just about to have breakfast at Aunt’s place, Second Brother, would you like to join us?"

Xie Yunxuan feared losing control of his emotions, attracting rumors and gossip that might harm Mingzhu.

Currently, they were aunt and nephew-in-law, with so many eyes in the household waiting to catch Mingzhu’s mistakes.

He did not want to endanger Mingzhu.

Xie Yunxuan declined Ji Mingzhu’s invitation.

And said, "I need to return to the academy. I’m preparing for the imperial examination next spring, so time is tight. I might only be back for major holidays. If you have time, do talk to my mother often."

Having an elder’s guidance could make her situation in this house a little easier, so Xie Yunxuan thought.

Ji Mingzhu knew he actually did not wish to enter officialdom.

Like Yuan Changan, he enjoyed traveling around; he had spent most of the past few years abroad.

Now suddenly having changed his mind, Ji Mingzhu felt a complex mix of emotions.

Yet she had not resolved her own matters, still needed Xie Yunzhen’s assistance to accomplish her goals.

What right did she have to interfere with others’ decisions?

"Second Brother, we trust you."

He was already talented and possessed a broad perspective from years of traveling, so achieving the top ranks was only a matter of time.

With her unconditional trust, Xie Yunxuan found sudden solace.

Even if he could not marry Mingzhu, could not live in harmony with her for a lifetime.

Their affection was real.

He cared for Mingzhu.

Mingzhu cared for him, too.

Please remember, love in this world is not limited to that between men and women; they can maintain what they have, and he can step back, so why not?

It’s better than Mingzhu avoiding him.

Being afraid of him.

His wish had always been to protect Mingzhu.

Marrying her or not wouldn’t change that.

Summoning one last bout of courage, Xie Yunxuan gently patted her atop her head, "Mingzhu, take care of yourself."

With that, he turned and walked away quickly.

Ji Mingzhu watched his retreating figure, once again affirming a truth.

Second Brother was different from Xie Yunzhen.

He never did anything that put others in a difficult position.

If prayers were effective, Ji Mingzhu wished for a bright future and success for Xie Yunxuan.

Gathering her thoughts, she said to the gold bearer, "Let’s go, join Aunt and Yun Ling for breakfast."

The gold bearer followed with the meal box.

She thought to herself, the Second Young Master was too pitiful; he clearly liked the lady first, but once the Young Master returned to the capital, he snatched her away.

If the Second Young Master was as domineering as the Young Master, who could say whose lady she would be?

Ethics and morality cannot be disrupted; it won’t be easy for the Second Young Master to see the lady in the future.

The gold bearer lamented for Xie Yunxuan while worrying for her own life.

If the Young Master discovered her thoughts, she might be cast out as a traitor.

Noticing the changes in the gold bearer’s expressions, Ji Mingzhu sighed and tapped her forehead.

"Stop reading those stories."

The gold bearer stuck out her tongue, "This maid is not lost in wild thoughts."

Ji Mingzhu chuckled, "Was that a confession unawed?"

The two joked as they headed to the second house, capturing a rare moment of relaxation.

Unfortunately, no sooner had they taken a few steps than they were blocked by the Commandery Princess’s attendants.

The elder maid’s face was full of arrogance, and her gaze at Ji Mingzhu lacked any respect.

"Madam, the Commandery Princess wishes to see you. Please come with us."