Chapter 17 — Let Her Be

Wanru never expected her trip home would be so troublesome—nor that she would bump right into Jiang Xuejun.

She quickly greeted, “Miss Jiang.”

Jiang Xuejun smiled. “At yesterday’s poetry gathering, why didn’t I see Miss Xu there?”

“I’ve been ill these past few days and truly unfit to go out. I’m grateful Miss Jiang thought of me,” Wanru replied softly.

Her face was still pale, clearly not fully recovered.

“You look so worn out—what kind of illness was it?”

“Just a chill, caught a cold. I feel better today, so I came out to walk in the garden. I was thinking of gathering some peach blossoms in the orchard—Old Madam likes dishes made with peach petals.”

While the two of them spoke, Xie Xiuzhu, restless as always, had already dashed off to chase butterflies.

Jiang Xuejun asked in surprise, “So Miss Xu also knows how to prepare medicinal dishes?”

“It’s only because my father dealt in medicinal herbs. I learned a little here and there since childhood. Luckily Old Madam enjoys them, otherwise—me, an orphan girl—how else could I have found a place in the Xie household?”

Wanru’s words were flawless. Jiang Xuejun’s suspicions eased somewhat.

“But I heard,” Jiang Xuejun probed further, “that it was the Eldest Young Master who decided you could stay in the Xie residence?”

Wanru’s gaze was sincere. “My cousin is compassionate. Back then, he pitied me and my younger brother and took us in. I’m deeply grateful, but he himself didn’t think much of it, saying it was only a small kindness. Later, after entering the household, I lived in a secluded corner of the inner court, with few chances to see him.”

“And where does Miss Xu live?”

“In Qiushui Courtyard, deep within the western gardens. It’s a bit remote, but quiet. I rarely see anyone there.”

Xie Xianyu’s Songhe Garden was in the east, while Wanru lived far in the west. If there were really anything between them, how could he have let her stay so far away? Clearly, she meant little to him.

Jiang Xuejun’s heart finally settled. Her expression softened as she looked at Wanru. “You’ve had a hard life. If you encounter difficulties in the future, you may come to me.”

Wanru smiled. “Thank you, Miss Jiang.”

Then Jiang Xuejun shifted the topic. “When I arrived today, I heard the servants whispering—that the Eldest Young Master carried a woman back with him yesterday. I don’t know who she is. I thought, if I could meet her, I might gain a new sister ahead of time.”

Wanru feigned surprise. “There’s such a thing?”

She frowned slightly, then said, “But Cousin has never been interested in women. I’m familiar with most of the maids here—never heard any such talk. Perhaps… it’s someone from outside?”

Jiang Xuejun froze, then found that explanation more plausible.

This Xu Wanru, though somewhat pretty, was just a merchant’s daughter with little refinement. Young Master Xie was well-read and cultured—how could such a mere ornament catch his eye?

Otherwise, why would she live so humbly in the Xie residence, tucked away in a remote courtyard, dressed so plainly without a single fine ornament?

Jiang Xuejun smiled faintly. “No matter. If fate allows, I’ll see her one day.”

Wanru was about to excuse herself when Jiang Xuejun suddenly took her hand. “In a few days, I’ll be hosting a spring outing at Lake Taiming. I hope Miss Xu will do me the honor of attending.”

Wanru hesitated. “Perhaps I shouldn’t. I haven’t fully recovered from my illness…”

“It’s early spring—the sun and fresh air will do you good. And if you grow tired, you can just sit in the waterside pavilion and sip tea. You missed yesterday’s poetry gathering, but this time you must come.”

As she spoke, Jiang Xuejun handed her an invitation.

Wanru pressed her lips together and finally accepted. “Thank you, Miss Jiang.”

“Then go home and rest. Your health is most important.”

Wanru nodded and left.

After she was gone, one of Jiang Xuejun’s maids whispered, “Judging from things, it must have been some vulgar woman from outside. No need for you to worry, miss. Even if she’s favored for now, the Xie family would never allow such a woman through their gates. At best, she’s just a passing fancy. Once you marry in, he’ll tire of her soon enough.”

But Jiang Xuejun’s expression remained sour. Even such a woman could capture his attention—yet he can’t be bothered to spare me a glance?

She had once thought he was indifferent to all women. Now she knew the truth: he was indifferent only to her.

“Miss, you’re too hasty. You shouldn’t have come today. If word of your probing spreads through that Xu girl, you’ll be branded jealous.”

Of course Jiang Xuejun understood, but she couldn’t restrain herself.

She had admired Xie Xianyu since childhood, yet in Yanjing countless women admired him too. Why would he notice her?

Only thanks to the old ties between their families, and her careful efforts to please Madam Xie, had she finally secured this engagement. Many now envied her.

She thought she had finally attained her wish—only to find that he would lavish favor on another woman. How could she tolerate it?

Jiang Xuejun sneered. “She’s just an orphan girl living under another’s roof. She wouldn’t dare cross me.”

The maid nodded. “True. You’re the future matron of the Xie household. Handling a mere orphan is nothing. Why dignify her by inviting her to Lake Taiming?”

“Because she once received kindness from the Eldest Young Master. Since he once extended goodwill, I too must show her some courtesy.”

“Miss is truly kindhearted.”

---

When Wanru returned to Qiushui Courtyard, her face had darkened.

Suyue hurried up to meet her and helped her sit. “Miss, you’re back. Are you feeling any better?”

“Mm, somewhat better.”

“What’s this?” Suyue noticed the invitation Wanru had set on the table. She opened it, startled. “Miss is going to the spring outing at Lake Taiming?”

“Miss Jiang invited me. She said I skipped the poetry gathering, so this time I mustn’t refuse.”

Suyue blinked. “Then perhaps Miss Jiang is a kind person.”

Wanru shook her head. “No—she’s not simple. Her eyes can’t tolerate a single grain of sand.”

Suyue’s face tightened with worry. “Then this invitation…”

“It doesn’t matter. She may be suspicious, but I’ve already distanced myself. She’s about to be formally engaged—she merely wants to win some goodwill. There’s no harm in going.”

Wanru thought to herself: she had never planned to remain as Xie Xianyu’s concubine. Whatever Jiang Xuejun did had nothing to do with her. Why torment herself with needless worry?

Better to take the chance to step outside—and perhaps see Lin Han.

---

Songhe Garden.

When Xie Xianyu returned, he found Wanru already gone.

Cui Zhu said uneasily, “The young lady insisted on leaving, and this servant couldn’t stop her.”

He wasn’t surprised. She had never wanted to stay.

“Forget it. Let her be.”

Cui Zhu exhaled in relief—thankfully, Young Master was in a lenient mood today. Otherwise, she would have feared for the girl.

Xie Xianyu lowered his gaze toward the empty bed. A chill flickered in his dark eyes.

Whether Songhe Garden or Qiushui Courtyard, both were still within the Xie estate. Let her be, for now.