Chapter 46: Stirring Up Trouble

Xie Yunzhao began packing his belongings at the residence, so much so that Madam Lu thought her son was planning to bring the Junzhu to their home.

During dinner, the whole family was together, and Li Shuang was there as well.

When she heard him say he would be going south with the Junzhu to play, Xie Yunzheng’s chopsticks snapped in half, prompting a maidservant to quickly bring him a new pair.

Xie Yunzhao pretended not to notice and continued eating.

Li Shuang’s nose tinged with acidity, and she felt warmth in her eyes as she looked down at her plate.

Duke Lu and Madam Lu tried to persuade him, “You’re about to get married; why are you going anywhere?”

Xie Yunzhao insisted, “This matter isn’t up to me; if the Junzhu goes, I must accompany her.”

“Cousin, I also…”

“Just eat. What do you want? Cousin will have someone prepare it for you,” he interrupted.

Li Shuang hadn’t finished her sentence, “You all go have fun; I also…”

“You should find a fiancé to go out with instead.” Xie Yunzhao was irritated, his cold gaze shot over, making Li Shuang burst into tears.

“What kind of talk is that?” Madam Lu wrapped her arms around Li Shuang, soothing her. “Don’t listen to your cousin’s nonsense. Li Shuang is still young and doesn’t need to rush; besides, you can’t go with them. The south isn’t safe right now.”

Li Shuang sniffled, her voice muffled as she said she understood.

Xie Yunzheng didn’t know why Shen Shurong wanted to go, but this mindless fellow could indeed protect her.

Suppressing his overwhelming jealousy, he stopped his parents, “It’s the Junzhu’s wish to go. What you say won’t help.”

Xie Yunzhao nodded in agreement; nothing they said would matter.

“Return my token.” Duke Lu extended his hand.

“Father, since you don’t allow me to use it, I’ve locked it away. I won’t take it; don’t worry.”

Duke Lu was satisfied as he withdrew his hand, “I’m glad you have such awareness; your father is very comforted.”

After dinner, Li Shuang went to find Xie Yunzhao.

He had grown increasingly dissatisfied with her, and after multiple attempts to influence their relationship, he didn’t even let her through the door, “Cousin, what is it? You can speak in the courtyard.”

“Cousin, let them leave the courtyard first.”

Xie Yunzhao was speechless, “If you don’t speak, I’ll leave.” He pretended to walk away.

“Cousin!” Li Shuang’s tone became more urgent.

Xie Yunzhao looked at her, “Your voice is quite loud; you usually sound like a mosquito.”

Li Shuang’s face turned crimson, and she immediately lowered her voice, “Cousin, do you know why the Junzhu sent her maid to follow me?”

Xie Yunzhao crossed his arms, “Why?”

“She wants her maid to help keep an eye on… you know.”

Xie Yunzhao rolled his eyes and turned to leave.

“Cousin, she can’t let go! You heard what she said yesterday; do you still want to deceive yourself?”

Xie Yunzhao stepped back, glaring at her, “What? Do you think I should break off the engagement?”

Li Shuang was delighted and quickly nodded.

“And then? Who would I marry?”

Li Shuang’s cheeks flushed deeply as she lowered her head and fiddled with her fingers.

Xie Yunzhao narrowed his eyes, not expecting this girl to harbor such thoughts. He had thought she was just being mischievous and always trying to meddle in his affairs.

“You little brat, put away all your thoughts. Without the Junzhu, I’ll be a bachelor for life.”

Li Shuang was shocked; she hadn’t expected him to reject her so directly. “Cousin really doesn’t mind?”

“You know I’m not worthy of her, right?”

Tears streamed down Li Shuang’s face, her voice rising in pitch, “No! Cousin is worthy of anyone; in Li Shuang’s heart, you deserve the best.”

He was clearly the eldest son of their aunt, yet he had been relegated to the status of a second son, stripped of his title. She couldn’t bear to hear the words “he isn’t worthy.”

Seeing her cry, Xie Yunzhao frowned and stepped back two paces, “Right, the Junzhu is indeed the best person.”

Li Shuang was stunned; she couldn’t understand how to respond. “Her heart isn’t with you; you will regret it.”

Xie Yunzhao rubbed his lips; was she not there?

Even if she wasn’t present now, she would be soon enough. As long as he filled her life and pushed away all other shadows, her heart would belong to him.

Today’s kiss was proof enough, wasn’t it?

“Stop worrying about things that don’t concern you. If you dare to slander the Junzhu again, don’t blame me for not recognizing you.”

“See yourself out!”

Xie Yunzhao returned to pack his things, feeling that this was a waste of his time.

Li Shuang ran out crying; why couldn’t her beloved cousin see her sincerity?

Just as she ran back to the courtyard, she turned to the main hall; she absolutely had to follow them.

…

The next day, upon learning that her precious granddaughter was going south, the Grand Princess was nearly ready to recall the treasury, “What does a young girl like you want to go to such a chaotic place for?”

“Are you going to manage the rivers, or arrange for refugees?”

Shen Shurong shook her head, “I understand how to have fun.”

The Grand Princess slapped her palm, “You’re getting married in a month; when will you grow up?”

“Grandmother, after I’m married, I’ll have even less chance to go out.”

“Please, Grandmother.” Shen Shurong rolled her face against her arm.

“Take more people with you.” Her tone was filled with deep helplessness and indulgence.

“I will; half of the Zilin Guard will come, and Brother Yunzhao will go as well.”

The Grand Princess shot her a glare, her lips swollen, “Don’t think you can act recklessly just because you have a decree; you’re not married yet.”

“I know, Grandmother.” Shen Shurong shyly ran off.

Qingying ran back and forth delivering messages, and the two of them set their departure for the next day.

Xie Yunzhao was called by his mother and felt quite annoyed when he saw Li Shuang. How dare she covet what belonged to him? If it were someone else, he would have kicked them out to feed the dogs.

He plopped down in a chair, “Mother, what is it you need from me?”

“On this trip, you’ll take your cousin Li with you.”

Xie Yunzhao sat there, wondering if his mother had lost her mind. “Mother, Cousin is weak; if she gets sick on the journey, who will take responsibility?”

“Pfft!” The Duchess’s face turned green. “What are you saying? She is your cousin; can’t you speak properly?”

Xie Yunzhao slumped back in the chair, “If you’re insisting on bringing her, then I won’t go. Let her accompany the Junzhu instead; I’ll break off the engagement.”

The Duchess glared at him, “Why would you talk about breaking off the engagement? The decree has already been issued. If your cousin goes, it will prevent any rumors about the Junzhu. You two being alone…”

“Aren’t Qingzhu and Qingying there? Doesn’t the Grand Princess arrange people? Why do you need to worry?”

“I see you just can’t stand me. I shouldn’t have been born; I’ve taken away your status as the eldest son.”

“I’ve given it all back, what more do you want?”

Xie Yunzhao glared, “Do you want me to die?”

“You… you ungrateful child!” The Duchess clutched her chest in anger.

Li Shuang’s tears flowed down again, “Second Cousin, how can you say such things to Aunt? She did all this for you…”

“Is this all your fault? You’re just a little girl stirring up trouble. If you’re so eager to leave, just go back home. My wedding doesn’t need your blessing.”

Li Shuang’s small face turned pale.

The Duchess searched for something to hit this ungrateful child with.

Xie Yunzhao disregarded everyone and turned to leave, “Qingzhu, send a message to my aunt and have her take Li Shuang back.”

Li Shuang, frightened, chased after him, “Second Cousin, I was wrong! I won’t go with you.”

Xie Yunzhao halted, not looking back, “Mother, think a little. Your two sons are about to get married. Your niece comes here so early, spending today boating with her older cousin and tomorrow going out with her second cousin, and she doesn’t know how to avoid suspicion?”

“If something scandalous happens, will your two daughters-in-law not blame you?”

Li Shuang fell to the ground in shock; how could he say such things about her?

Turning around, she indeed saw her aunt’s troubled expression, and she shook her head pitifully, “Aunt, I didn’t!”