Forced to Marry a Cold-hearted Minister, I Won’t Chase Him Anymore After Being Reborn
Chapter 78

Chapter 78

“What else could it be? She must have figured it out.”

Wang Muyi shook her head as she spoke, “Although I wouldn’t say she truly figured it out. Otherwise, how could she have chosen such a person for herself?”

Nianxi, confused by her words, asked, “What do you mean?”

“Over the past month, you’ve been at the hunting grounds, haven’t you? One day, she came to our tea house, had some snacks and tea, and—guess what—a certain young lord was waiting for her outside.”

Nowadays, Fusheng Banzhan is well-known in the capital, especially for hosting women, which only makes it more noticeable. With society becoming more open, there are those idle, frivolous young men who fancy themselves cultured. The tea house, being a recreational space for young ladies, attracts them to wait downstairs, hoping to display their sincerity as the ladies leave. When she arrived earlier, several carriages of noblemen parked outside the tea house.

“She’s famous in the capital for her talents and delicate beauty. Isn’t it normal for people to wait for her outside?”

“Of course, it’s not unusual for people to wait for her. The odd thing is that on that particular day, she actually got into Lord Xing’s carriage. And in the past few days, they’ve often been spotted together, enjoying themselves.”

Nianxi was slightly startled. “Wasn’t Xu Wanxin deeply devoted to Pei Jian?”

How could this life be so vastly different from the previous one?

When Nianxi was eighteen, she married Pei Jian, and Xu Wanxin even created a scene by jumping into a lake in an act of love-struck devotion. Why is it that in this life, she could so easily shift her affections?

“That’s why it’s so unusual. And that young man—” Wang Muyi, full of disdain, clicked her tongue and said, “His family background, character, and appearance are all mediocre. Yet, when it comes to his debauchery, he’s the leading figure in indulging in amorous pursuits.”

“Even Han Gaojie, compared to him, could be called obedient and proper.”

Nianxi was puzzled, “What does she see in that gentleman?”

Though not an ideal husband, Pei Jian had character and looks that even Nianxi could hardly criticize.

“Who knows?” Wang Muyi gazed at the dark, gloomy sky outside and said nonchalantly, “Perhaps she’s given up on herself? Pei Jian’s cold and aloof nature can’t compare to Xing Yuan, who can charm women by spending his days among them.”

“In the end, it’s her own choice, and no one can force her otherwise.”

“The weather is dreadful today; it is about to rain and bitterly cold. Probably no one else will come. Why don’t we close up early and visit Treasure Pavilion to check out the newly displayed jewelry…”

Before Wang Muyi could finish speaking, a luxurious and elegant carriage stopped at the entrance. A man dressed in an ochre silk robe stepped off the carriage. Immediately after, he reached out to carefully assist a delicate and graceful lady down from it.

This lady was none other than Xu Wanxin.

Nianxi and Wang Muyi exchanged glances—one truly shouldn’t speak of others behind their backs.

Since there weren’t many customers in the shop at that moment, and they often met Xu Wanxin at various banquets in the capital, the two had no choice but to step forward and greet her.

Xu Wanxin still carried that delicate and fragile demeanor. However, her cheeks were unusually flushed, her lips a vivid red, and her hair slightly disheveled—adding a certain charm to her appearance. Upon seeing Nianxi and Wang Muyi, she displayed a rare expression of surprise and shyness.

She softly said, “Passing through the Western Market, I suddenly missed the sweet-scented osmanthus nectar here, so I came.”

Both Nianxi and Wang Muyi were experienced individuals. Merely looking at Xu Wanxin’s state, they could tell about the intimacy in the carriage earlier. They exchanged glances, pretending not to have noticed anything, and invited her into the private room.

Xu Wanxin, however, declined, saying, “There is still someone… waiting for me outside. I’ll take two portions and leave.”

Nianxi didn’t insist and went to arrange it in the kitchen. Meanwhile, she overheard Cousin Mu chatting with Xu Wanxin. “It looks like it’s about to rain. Is Miss Xu planning to return home?”

Xu Wanxin smiled and shook her head. “No, I’m going to watch a play later.”

“Does Miss Xu like opera?”

“Please, Sister Mu, just call me Wan’er. I didn’t used to enjoy it much, but he… likes it. After listening to it with him lately, I’ve started to appreciate its charm a little.”

Wang Muyi gave a meaningful smile. “Loving the house and its crow, I understand.”

Xu Wanxin’s ears turned red, but she didn’t refute. At that moment, the maid served the sweet-scented osmanthus nectar, and Xu Wanxin accepted the food box, softly saying, “Excuse me,” as she hurriedly left.

Once the ostentatious carriage gradually disappeared around the street corner, Wang Muyi sighed, “She’s truly a sentimental fool. Back when she admired Pei Jian, the entire capital knew about it. I used to think this girl had a lot of scheming in her. But now, it seems she’s the type to act recklessly once in love.”

“But that gentleman Xing Yuan has numerous concubines at home, not to mention countless favored companions outside. With her delicate personality, she is bound to suffer in the future.”

Wang Muyi turned around to see Nianxi staring dazedly at the street corner. She nudged her with a laugh, “What’s wrong with you?”

Nianxi snapped back to reality and said thoughtfully, “Nothing, I just find that carriage rather ostentatious.”

“Exactly.” Wang Muyi nodded in agreement. “It’s like they’re afraid people won’t know they’re out together. This has stirred up a lot of gossip recently. Tea houses and taverns are abuzz with discussions.”

Nianxi said no more about that but suddenly recalled a past life. Xu Wanxin had resolutely married a young man with tuberculosis, a decision nobody could understand. Even Mother Xu cried sick over it but couldn’t change her mind.

That situation overlapped with today…

Nianxi’s heart suddenly started pounding. She couldn’t believe it. Could someone truly act so decisively, stepping into a precarious situation solely to win another’s affection?

What kind of intense feelings could drive a seemingly delicate woman to such extremes?

Perhaps in this life, Pei Jian became distant from Xu Wanxin because of her. So Xu Wanxin sought such an unworthy man for herself and flaunted him around. What happens next? As everyone predicted, she would suffer from poor judgment in trusting a scoundrel. Yet, she is such a deeply affectionate and devoted woman that she would surely win everyone’s sympathy and pity.

No, Xu Wanxin does not need anyone’s sympathy or attention. From beginning to end, perhaps all she ever wanted was Pei Jian’s glance back at her.

A chill ran down her spine to her limbs, and Nianxi suddenly shivered.

“Don’t stand by the window,” Wang Muyi noticed Nianxi’s pale face and pulled her back to the table to sit down. Pouring her a cup of hot tea, she handed it to her, asking, “What’s wrong? You look so pale.”

“Nothing.” Nianxi held the teacup, and warmth slowly returned to her limbs after a while. “I was just worried that Miss Xu’s devotion would be in vain.”

“Don’t worry about it. Xu Wanxin surely knows what she wants. We outsiders are just here for the spectacle.”

Nianxi nodded numbly. In this world, perhaps no one understands what they truly desire better than Xu Wanxin.

“It seems we can’t go to the Treasure Pavilion today,” Wang Muyi suddenly pointed out the window and smiled. “Compared to Xing Yuan, lord Gu is indeed exceptional. Our Nian’er has good taste.”

Nianxi looked up, and Gu Ci waved at her with a bright smile.

The gloom in her heart dissipated like that. No matter what kind of person Xu Wanxin is, it has nothing to do with her.

The ordinary joys of life, the simplicity of white tea, and quiet pleasures—her beloved is none other than the one before her.

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