Chapter 39

Before Xu Duanyi could figure out how Xie Qingya was here, Xiao Yuanfu, upon seeing Xie Qingya’s face, was the first to shout.

“Xie Qingya, how dare you hit me!”

Holding his hand to his forehead, his eyes flared with fury as he clenched his fist and charged at Xie Qingya.

“I’ll kill you, you filthy dog!”

Xu Duanyi, initially staring in a daze at Xie Qingya’s figure, turned toward Xiao Yuanfu at the commotion.

When she saw his action, her expression changed. “Xiao Yuanfu, what are you doing?” she demanded, without even addressing him as her cousin anymore.

After her sharp rebuke, she instinctively moved to stand in front of Xie Qingya.

But before she could shield him, her vision blurred, and suddenly, the space before her was empty.

Blinking in confusion, she realized Xie Qingya and Xiao Yuanfu were no longer where they had stood.

Her ears caught the sound first.

Behind her, Xiao Yuanfu’s terrified voice stuttered, “Xie Qingya, wh-what are you doing!”

His words tripped over themselves in sheer panic.

When Xu Duanyi turned, she saw Xie Qingya at the edge of the lotus pond, pressing Xiao Yuanfu’s head down with one hand and gripping his collar with the other, ready to push him into the water.

It all happened so quickly.

Xu Duanyi was stunned, and even Xiao Yuanfu’s personal servant stood frozen in shock, unable to react or call for help.

He merely stared, eyes wide in terror.

Xu Duanyi, although calmer than the servant, remained composed.

Xiao Yuanfu sputtered, “Do you know where we are? This is the Duke Protector’s Manor—my home! You dare to do this to me? You must have a death wish!”

Before he could finish, Xie Qingya calmly shoved him into the pond.

“Glug, glug, glug…”

Bubbles rose as Xiao Yuanfu’s voice drowned in the water.

Compared to Xiao Yuanfu’s cursing and flailing, Xie Qingya remained perfectly composed, crouching by the pond with one knee.

Holding Xiao Yuanfu down, he remarked, “Your grandpa here really dared. So what?”

It was as if he were playing with a dog.

Then, smiling, he tugged Xiao Yuanfu up before he suffocated.

“Come on, let’s hear what else you’ve got to say.”

Xiao Yuanfu, now furious beyond measure, opened his mouth to unleash a torrent of curses.

He had never endured such humiliation in his life.

Unlike his older brother Xiao Yuanxing, who had experienced hardship when the Xiao family was exiled in the north, Xiao Yuanfu was born during the second year of Jian’an, after the family had returned to the capital.

With imperial favor, the Duke Protector’s title, and family ties to the empress, the Xiao family’s power was unparalleled. Even minor servants from their household were more esteemed than low-ranking officials.

Spoiled and pampered since birth, Xiao Yuanfu had grown up charming and indulged by his mother and grandmother. He was accustomed to getting away with his antics.

But now, Xie Qingya dared to treat him like this.

His fury burned hotter than ever. Despite being powerless in Xie Qingya’s grip, his mouth never ceased its filthy tirade, vowing death upon Xie Qingya the moment he was free.

Xie Qingya, picking his ear as if bored, sighed. “As expected, a dog’s mouth spits no ivory.”

“Xiao Yuanfu, you’re a third-ranked official, the Vice Minister of Revenue, no less. Must every word from your mouth be filth?”

“You!”

Xiao Yuanfu glared with wide eyes, ready to start cursing again.

But this time, Xie Qingya didn’t give him the chance. Just as Xiao Yuanfu opened his mouth, Xie Qingya pressed his head down again, sending him back to drink lake water.

“Prince of Nanan, please let go!”

Xiao Yuanfu’s personal servant finally snapped out of his daze.

He was even more stunned than Xiao Yuanfu, unable to believe that someone in the world would be so bold as to use force against the second young master.

Especially here, in the Duke’s residence.

Gathering his courage, he stepped forward, intending to pull the second young master away from Xie Qingya’s grip.

Better that than letting something truly bad happen.

But Xie Qingya merely cast him a light glance. Without saying a word, the servant paled as though seeing a ghost, screamed in fright, and fell backward.

Xie Qingya looked bemused, surprised at how useless the servant was.

Under his gaze, the servant scooted backward on the ground with a pale face, then scrambled to his feet, seemingly intent on running to report the incident and gather more help to rescue Xiao Yuanfu.

Xie Qingya couldn’t be bothered to stop him.

He only glanced over before preparing to look away.

After all, he didn’t fear offending the Duke’s family—but with Xu Duanyi present, it was different.

This was her family’s estate.

He didn’t want to put Xu Duanyi in a difficult position.

Thinking it best to send her away before things got more complicated, Xie Qingya opened his mouth—but before he could speak, Xu Duanyi’s voice rang out.

“Stop right there!”

Xu Duanyi called out, halting the servant in his tracks.

Xie Qingya, uncertain of her intentions, glanced back suspiciously.

Even so, he did not forget what he was doing.

Every so often, he pulled Xiao Yuanfu up for air to keep him from truly drowning. But uninterested in hearing Xiao Yuanfu bark curses, he immediately shoved him back down again each time.

He didn’t feel like listening to Xiao Yuanfu’s nonsense.

Xie Qingya turned his attention to Xu Duanyi, curious to see what she intended.

She stood partly in profile to him, and he could only see the curve of her cheek.

Soft and smooth.

Beautiful.

Xie Qingya had assumed she would react like when they were children—frightened, pale-faced, and teary-eyed. But…

No.

Instead, Xu Duanyi remained composed.

Her expression was calm, her usual serenity now carrying a subtle but unmistakable air of cold authority.

For the first time, Xie Qingya saw this side of her.

He couldn’t help but stare.

“P-Princess?”

The servant was equally bewildered. He didn’t understand why the princess had stopped him. Suddenly remembering her connection to Xie Qingya, his face changed, and he hesitated. “Princess, that’s Second Young Master! Your second cousin!”

“If you don’t intervene, he’ll—he’ll be in real danger!”

If anything happened to the second young master, his own life would be forfeit!

With this thought, tears of despair welled up in his eyes. He knelt and began kowtowing to Xu Duanyi, pleading for her to save Xiao Yuanfu.

Clearly, he hoped she would act out of familial affection.

But Xu Duanyi felt no affection for Xiao Yuanfu.

Calling him “second cousin” was mere etiquette, not heartfelt kinship.

What kind of brother acted like Xiao Yuanfu?

Whether he suffered or not was no concern of hers.

He had long deserved to be taught a lesson, though that lesson shouldn’t come from Xie Qingya. She worried that her aunt and grandmother would hold him accountable.

Her aunt doted on Xiao Yuanfu. And her grandmother…

Thinking of these two women made Xu Duanyi’s head ache. After a moment’s contemplation, she finally told the servant, “Stay where you are.”

With that, she turned to Xie Qingya.

She hadn’t expected him to already be watching her.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, Xu Duanyi froze. She didn’t regain her composure until she noticed Xiao Yuanfu’s weakening struggles.

Frowning slightly, she approached them.

“Your Highness.” Reaching Xie Qingya’s side, she softly called out to him.

Her tone had grown noticeably gentler.

Xie Qingya understood her intent.

After a brief, silent gaze, he said nothing but suddenly exerted more strength, lifting Xiao Yuanfu as though he were a dead fish, and tossed him aside without ceremony.

The servant, seeing Xiao Yuanfu’s upturned eyes and water-logged mouth, screamed in panic and crawled toward him in a frenzy.

“Second Young Master! Are you all right?” he wailed.

Xu Duanyi glanced at Xiao Yuanfu. His miserable state deepened her frown.

She truly feared something might go wrong.

After all, they were still in the Duke’s estate. And Xiao Yuanfu was the apple of her aunt and grandmother’s eyes. If he really came to harm, even her uncle and eldest cousin wouldn’t forgive Xie Qingya…

And her mother…

These thoughts brought a wave of anxiety.

Just then, a voice sounded near her ear.

“Don’t worry. He won’t die.”

Startled, Xu Duanyi turned.

Xie Qingya had risen and was now dusting off his clothes. He stood so close that the scent of wine clung to him, and for reasons she couldn’t quite explain, she felt a sudden tension ripple through her.

She lowered her gaze slightly, about to speak, when her eyes caught sight of Xie Qingya’s robes splashed with lake water.

The hem and sleeves were soaked.

“Your clothes…”

Xu Duanyi spoke softly, reaching out with a handkerchief to help him wipe it off. However, as soon as her hand extended, she felt it inappropriate. She finally offered him the handkerchief instead, saying, “Your Highness, please dry yourself.”

Xie Qingya glanced at her and took it.

Xu Duanyi saw him begin to wipe away the water and heard the sound of Xiao Yuanfu behind them, coughing up several mouthfuls of water before his voice finally emerged.

It was faint and broken, barely audible.

But if one listened carefully, one could make out the words “kill” and “die.”

Clearly, he harbored bitter resentment toward Xie Qingya, intending to kill him in revenge.

Xu Duanyi did not look back at Xie Qingya. Silently, she walked toward Xiao Yuanfu.

Xie Qingya frowned as he noticed her moving away.

His hand instinctively stretched forward, as if to stop her, but then dropped back down halfway, his lowered gaze hiding all the emotions in his eyes.

He thought to himself.

Perhaps today, he had caused trouble for Xu Duanyi once again.

Though Xiao Yuanfu was despicable, by familial ties, they were still considered relatives.

If Xu Duanyi was truly worried…

He would bear everything himself later and never let her be involved.

That had been his original intention anyway.

“How is our second cousin?”

When Xu Duanyi reached Xiao Yuanfu’s side, this was her first question.

The moment Xiao Yuanfu saw her, his broken voice became coherent. Struggling to sit up, he tried to grab the hem of her skirt, furiously shouting, “Cousin! Kill him for me!”

“That scoundrel dares to treat me this way. I want him dead!” Xiao Yuanfu spat the words with seething hatred.

Xu Duanyi looked at his disheveled state.

His hair was wet, and water had soaked him completely, leaving a large puddle on the ground.

When she saw him reaching out toward her, she stepped back calmly, letting his hand miss its mark.

Xiao Yuanfu, too consumed with rage, didn’t notice her subtle avoidance. Sitting on the ground, he continued to glare at Xie Qingya behind her. “Xie Qingya! You dare do this to me? I swear I won’t let you walk out of this estate in one piece today!”

He had already envisioned gathering dozens of strong guards to give Xie Qingya a thorough beating and tossing him into the lotus pond to feed the fish.

No!

That wasn’t enough!

He wanted everyone to witness the scene, to utterly humiliate Xie Qingya and satisfy his fury.

Xie Qingya heard these threats and merely curled his lips in indifference.

He had considered saying a few things in return.

But before he could, he suddenly found Xiao Yuanfu’s face blocked from his view.

Similarly…

Xiao Yuanfu could no longer see Xie Qingya.

Xu Duanyi had stepped between them, her elegant purple dress and intricate embroidery filling Xiao Yuanfu’s vision.

He paused.

Confusion briefly replaced his anger.

“Cousin?”

Xiao Yuanfu raised his head, puzzled.

Sitting on the ground and looking up at Xu Duanyi, who lowered her gaze to meet his, he realized her face was cast in shadow. It appeared strangely indifferent.

This indifference—

It frightened him more than being held underwater by Xie Qingya earlier.

His heart felt as though an invisible hand was gripping it tightly.

For some reason, his heart began to race. In his memory, his cousin had always been gentle. When had she ever looked so cold?

Was he imagining it?

If his arms hadn’t felt weak, he would have rubbed his eyes to make sure.

Yet the moment Xu Duanyi’s soft voice called him “Second Cousin,” he exhaled in relief.

That familiar, gentle voice remained, warm and pleasant like a spring breeze.

Xiao Yuanfu nodded as he listened, reassured.

Of course, he had been mistaken.

His cousin couldn’t possibly wear such an expression.

She was the gentlest, most kind-hearted person he knew.

But just as his face relaxed, her next words froze him in place.

“What did you say?”

Xiao Yuanfu’s eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at her.

He wasn’t alone. Xie Qingya also looked stunned.

He had thought Xu Duanyi would try to smooth things over or apologize.

He had even prepared to have her leave, unwilling to let her bow before Xiao Yuanfu, that vile man.

He would never lower his own head, either.

But what he hadn’t expected was—

Now it was his turn to gaze at Xu Duanyi in shock.

“I said, Second Cousin, please mind your words. The prince is an honored guest today, yet you speak of violence and killing. What kind of decorum is that?”

Xu Duanyi repeated, her voice as gentle as before.

Her expression serene, her tone soft, as though discussing poetry over tea. Yet, beneath that softness lay a subtle detachment.

“Today is Baozhu’s joyous occasion. Second Cousin drank too much in celebration, fell into the lotus pond, and was fortunate enough to be rescued by the prince.”

Her gaze shifted to the servant beside Xiao Yuanfu.

“If anyone asks, this is what happened. Understood?”

The servant, mouth agape, was too stunned to respond.

Xiao Yuanfu fully understood what he had just heard, and he could hardly believe it.

Beyond disbelief, he was utterly enraged.

Like a firecracker ready to explode, Xiao Yuanfu’s fury ignited as he looked at Xu Duanyi and shouted again, “Xu Duanyi, have you gone mad?”

This was the first time he had ever called Xu Duanyi by her full name.

Xiao Yuanfu never imagined that his usually gentle and fragrant cousin would suddenly seem like a completely different person!

What was all this about falling into the lotus pond?

What about being rescued by the prince?

Was he hallucinating, or had Xu Duanyi really lost her mind? How could she speak such outright lies!

At this moment, Xiao Yuanfu was seething with rage, any admiration or affection he had for Xu Duanyi now completely gone.

He only felt that these two people were birds of a feather!

He resolved that he must deal with both of them properly!

But when he considered his cousin’s status, Xiao Yuanfu’s expression darkened for a moment before he gritted his teeth and said to Xu Duanyi, “Cousin, I know you’ve been bewitched by that scoundrel Xie Qingya, so let’s just pretend…”

Before he could finish, Xu Duanyi interrupted him.

“Pretend what? Didn’t you hear me?” Xu Duanyi picked up where Xiao Yuanfu had left off and continued, “Second cousin, have you forgotten? The prince is my husband.”

“How could you ever think I would abandon him to help you?”

At this point, Xiao Yuanfu could no longer contain his temper, clenching his fists as he glared at her with a dark expression. “So you’re determined to oppose me, cousin?”

Xu Duanyi smiled.

Her smile was as gentle and alluring as the autumn breeze in August.

Xiao Yuanfu, staring at that soft smile, faltered momentarily. His sharp expression froze, and his eyes glazed over for a brief second.

But her next words made his face change drastically.

“Second cousin, do you still remember what you tried to do to me in the fourteenth year of Jian’an?”

Her words were so soft that even Xie Qingya didn’t hear them. With Xu Duanyi blocking his view, he couldn’t see Xiao Yuanfu’s expression either.

All he could see was Xu Duanyi taking a few steps closer to Xiao Yuanfu. That movement made Xie Qingya frown deeply.

He wanted to pull Xu Duanyi away, not wanting her to be anywhere near that beast.

But in the end, he stayed where he was.

He didn’t take his eyes off them, ready to act if Xiao Yuanfu so much as lifted a hand—if he dared to make any move, Xie Qingya would feed him to the fish without hesitation.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Xu Duanyi continued calmly, her gaze steady as she spoke. “You think it’s been so many years, and since you didn’t actually do anything to me, you can claim I’m slandering you.”

Seeing the flicker in Xiao Yuanfu’s eyes, she preempted his response.

How could she not see right through him?

As expected—

The moment she finished speaking, Xiao Yuanfu’s expression turned from fury to shock as if she had laid bare his darkest thoughts.

Xu Duanyi remained calm and composed. She watched him with an unhurried air and said, “Indeed, if I told Aunt and Grandmother, they would certainly shield you. But tell me, second cousin, what do you think would happen if I told my eldest cousin?”

Xiao Yuanfu’s face stiffened instantly.

“And our aunt?”

Xu Duanyi added another blow: “Who do you think she would stand by?”

Even with the simplest thought, Xiao Yuanfu knew the answer. His aunt had never favored him. If she learned he had once tried to deceive and harm Xu Duanyi, she would never let him go.

Thinking of how much his aunt doted on Xu Duanyi, Xiao Yuanfu was truly terrified now.

Already pale from the earlier incident in the water, his face turned even paler.

But Xiao Yuanfu’s pride wouldn’t allow him to surrender so easily.

He couldn’t stomach the humiliation, the inability to seek revenge—and now being threatened on top of it!

And to be threatened by Xu Duanyi, of all people!

To make it worse, she was defending Xie Qingya, his lifelong rival!

“You’d go this far for him?” Xiao Yuanfu snarled.

Xu Duanyi didn’t even bother to answer. She merely watched as he finished saying exactly what she had expected.

“Today’s matter ends here.”

“You have no right to feel wronged. You know full well what you were trying to do, and the prince was right to punish you.”

“I spared you before out of respect for Grandmother. But from now on, remember this well.” Her tone grew cold and commanding. “I am not one of your backyard women. I am not someone you can toy with. If you dare try this again, it won’t end so simply.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yuanfu’s eyes flickered.

Looking at the imposing and unyielding Xu Duanyi before him, he suddenly couldn’t meet her gaze.

He turned his face away, silent.

In his mind, he had thought his cousin, having married Xie Qingya, was no longer the unattainable goddess she once seemed. Especially since Xie Qingya clearly didn’t care much for her—who knew if they had even consummated the marriage?

Even if they had…

Xiao Yuanfu was sure of one thing: his own skills in bed were far superior.

He was convinced that even married women needed a man’s affection, and his cousin would be no exception.

He had planned to sweet-talk her, thinking that with time and persistence, she would eventually recognize his worth.

When that happened, getting what he wanted would be easy.

Perhaps she would even come to him of her own accord.

But he hadn’t expected his cousin to see through him so clearly—and to face him with such dignity and sternness, so much like his aunt.

Xiao Yuanfu had always been fearless, unafraid of heaven or earth—except for his aunt.

But seeing Xu Duanyi like this, whatever fleeting thoughts of indulgent romance he had were completely gone.

He only felt that today was truly a day of bad luck.

It seemed he was destined to swallow this bitter pill in silence.

He clenched his teeth in frustration.

Yet, knowing when to hold back, he kept his mouth shut.

Still, in his mind, he was plotting.

There was no need to rush. The future was long, and he would find a way to deal with Xie Qingya eventually.

“There’s one more thing—”

Xu Duanyi had no intention of letting Xiao Yuanfu off so easily. She had long seen through his schemes.

She knew his temper and understood that he was someone who never forgot a grudge.

Today’s matter might be over, but there was no guarantee he wouldn’t target Xie Qingya in the future.

The Nan’an Prince’s household was currently no match for the Duke Protector’s powerful influence, and those outside always gravitated toward power, kicking those who were down.

“I mentioned this to Baozhu earlier, and now I’ll say it to you, Second Cousin.”

Xiao Yuanfu remained silent, though his eyes were fixed on her, his brow furrowed, his expression clearly saying, “What else do you have to say?”

“The prince is my husband, and the Nan’an Prince’s household is my family.”

“Today’s events may pass without further issue, but if I ever find out that Second Cousin dares to act against my husband or his family in secret, I certainly won’t let you off lightly.”

As she spoke, Xu Duanyi lowered her gaze slightly, looking down at Xiao Yuanfu from above. “Second Cousin, did you hear me clearly?”

Having his thoughts directly exposed once again, Xiao Yuanfu’s face twisted with embarrassment and resentment. “Xu Duanyi, don’t you think you’re meddling too much? What’s next—are you going to blame me every time something happens to the Xie family?”