Chapter Fifty-Six: Everyone Has Come to Terms

Page (1/3)

Honglian looked at Xue Fanzhi for help, her tone pleading, “Madam, I want it!”
Xue Fanzhi was speechless.
What exactly did he want?
In this lifetime, she would never marry Xiao Yi.
Fortunately, in their previous life, they had been husband and wife, so these words didn’t stir her heart at all.
Without the slightest blush or breathlessness, she replied, “Your Highness, we agreed you wouldn’t make jokes at my expense. You’re not usually such an undignified person, are you? It’s one thing to say these things to me, but if word got out, what would you do? Don’t let nothing become something and ruin your fine prospects for marriage!”
She spoke quickly, then hurried Xiao Yi out without noticing the flash of disappointment in his eyes—she only saw that he seemed displeased.
Xue Fanzhi guessed it was because he’d been rejected. After all, he was a prince, used to being above others; being refused was surely a blow to his pride. But in this life, she no longer wished to wrong herself for the sake of another’s pride.
Xiao Yi’s playful demeanor vanished; he didn’t press further and, vaulting over the window, disappeared into the torrential rain.
Once he was gone, the room instantly felt empty and vast.
Even simple-minded Honglian could sense that her mistress’s refusal had been too brisk, and that there was something subtle between her and the Ninth Prince.
She knew, as a servant, she couldn’t ask or advise, but she felt she must say something.
“Madam, it’s pouring outside!”
Xue Fanzhi nodded. “Of course I can see that!” Her tone was questioning, wondering why Honglian would mention it out of nowhere.
Honglian sighed. “Such heavy rain, and the Ninth Prince left just like that. I was just worrying that he might want to stay the night!”
Naturally, Xue Fanzhi knew Xiao Yi had left in the pouring rain—she hadn’t wanted or intended to let him stay.
She found an excuse for her own lack of warmth. “He shouldn’t have come through the rain, should he? Braving the storm almost seems deliberate!”
Deliberately wanting to stay overnight.
Hearing this, Honglian became unsettled too. She had only thought the Ninth Prince was handsome, and it was a pity for him to be drenched—what if he got sick?
But now it made sense—even the handsomest man shouldn’t be climbing into a young lady’s window. Getting soaked would just be his punishment; if he were ugly, she’d curse him to fall ill!

Page (2/3)

The rain fell in torrents. Xiao Yi stood on the roof of Xue Fanzhi’s house, unmoving for a long time, letting the rain drench his night attire from head to toe, but he didn’t feel cold. His heart was colder than ever.
From Xue Fanzhi’s tone, he could tell—this stubborn girl still felt nothing for him as a man.
He wondered how he had endured this in his previous life, and how much longer he’d have to wait.
Had he not been reborn, perhaps he would have been anxious too; after all, young men are passionate, and the chase never seemed a burden.
But after sixteen years together in their past life, after growing so close to Azhi, it was unbearable that she now gave no response to his feelings. The sense of loss was indescribable, and the pain was hard to endure.
Fortunately, he was able to let go and move forward. Staring into the endless sea of rain, his resolve suddenly strengthened. Although they had loved each other in their previous life, there were regrets. This time, even if there were countless obstacles, he would not allow their story to end in tragedy. He believed they would have a better future, and time was on their side.
As darkness fell, Xiao Yi vanished into the rain.
…
That night, Xue Fanzhi slept poorly—thunder had disturbed her in the first half, but it was Xiao Yi’s words that truly kept her awake.
From his casual manner, so reminiscent of their past, it was clear he liked her. As for whether she liked him—how could she not, after sixteen years together, after all he had done for her and taught her? Feelings don’t just disappear at will. But marriage—never.
And since it could never be, she shouldn’t dwell on it.
So, in the latter half of the night, Xue Fanzhi thought it through, and was no longer troubled by Xiao Yi’s words. She fell asleep peacefully.
The next morning, after the rain, the sky was dazzlingly blue, almost unreal in its clarity and beauty.
Eagerly, Xue Fanzhi instructed Hongxiao and Honglian to prepare brush and ink; after breakfast, they would go out to the garden to paint.
This was one of Xue Fanzhi’s passions—painting the four seasons in her family home.
She hadn’t painted since arriving in Jiankang, exhausted from the journey.
In her past life, she hadn’t painted at this time either—she was under house arrest, and her low status meant she had no spare money for art supplies and could only sketch on the ground.
This time, things were different. Her reputation had been restored, the old madam doted on her, and sent expensive paper and inks before she even asked.
Moreover, she had resolved not to marry Xiao Yi. Once she broke off the engagement to the faithless Qin Jianyu, she could quietly choose a husband she truly liked. Choosing wouldn’t happen overnight, or lead immediately to marriage, so she would have plenty of time to cultivate her interests—and she decided she would paint a picture every day.

Page (3/3)

Hongxiao and Honglian, well aware of her passion, happily set about preparing—when their mistress went to paint, they could wander the garden as well, an outing under orders—what fun!
As the three of them prepared to leave, Xue Fanzhi felt something was missing. Pausing at the doorway, she glanced up at the upstairs railing and murmured, “Why isn’t she making a ruckus on the roof today?”
Xue Jiaoyue lived above Xue Fanzhi, and every morning, out of spite, she woke early and made as much noise as possible to prevent Xue Fanzhi from sleeping.
Honglian noticed too. “Madam, you two go ahead. I’ll find out what’s happened!”
Xue Fanzhi nodded. Xue Jiaoyue was too troublesome—she’d have to keep a close watch on her, lest trouble arise unawares.
With Honglian, she headed toward the second house, which adjoined the garden, complete with hills, water, pavilions, flowers, and birds—the perfect subject for painting, enough to fill half a month with inspiration.
Halfway there, Honglian caught up, out of breath. “Seventh Miss isn’t upstairs—she was summoned by the master!”
Xue Fanzhi’s brows arched. If Xue Yang called Jiaoyue so early, it must be important.
Anything important to Xue Jiaoyue could only be good news.
What could it be?
If Jiaoyue was fortunate, Xue Fanzhi would not be pleased!
She turned to Honglian. “Within the time it takes for one meal, I want all the details about this matter!”
Honglian was flustered. “Madam, where did you learn that? I might not be able to find out!”
Xue Fanzhi sighed—she wanted to feign authority, but, alas, they were all useless at intrigue in the inner chambers.
“Go and investigate. No time limit—find out as much as you can.” Her tone was calm.
Honglian thought this sounded more reasonable and, playfully, replied, “I’m on it, Madam!”