Ji Mingzhu didn't want to see Xie Yunzhen, but things didn't go as she wished.
On this day, they finally encountered each other.
After drinking a cup of tea in the pavilion, someone from the matriarch's courtyard came, inviting her to Crane Dance Hall for a conversation.
"Miss, you haven't gone to the matriarch to pay respects these past few days. She misses you dearly. I heard your health has improved, and you're able to go out, so she sent me to find you to have a chat with her."
Ji Mingzhu's heart slowly sank, and her good mood dissipated along with it.
For the sake of propriety, and also to prevent her aunt from losing face, she visited Crane Dance Hall daily to pay respects, except for the days she was ill.
Every time, the matriarch ignored her.
Only when outsiders were present did she act a bit more warmly.
She was not related to the Xie family by blood, nor did she expect the matriarch to treat her like a granddaughter.
The Xie family provided her shelter, which was already a great favor.
Therefore, despite the cold treatment, Ji Mingzhu never bore resentment.
Now the matriarch claims to miss her, which undoubtedly holds a different meaning.
She glanced at Xie Yunxuan and felt she had a guess.
Ji Mingzhu leisurely rose, "Second Brother, you've been traveling for days and should be tired. After finishing this cup of tea, you should quickly return to the courtyard to rest."
Xie Yunxuan didn't know what his grandmother wanted to say to Mingzhu, instinctively wanting to go with her.
"Since I'm the one who brought you out, I should be responsible till the end. I'll rest after you return to Xiao Xiang Courtyard."
Mrs. Wang smiled and said, "Second Young Master, the matriarch and Miss have private matters to discuss. It's inappropriate for you, a young gentleman, to overhear, as it might embarrass Miss."
Xie Yunxuan's face darkened, "It's not as though we're discussing anything shameful. What's there to be embarrassed about?"
Not wanting Xie Yunxuan to have any unpleasantness with the matriarch.
Ji Mingzhu smiled, "I've already come of age; there are indeed some things you shouldn't hear."
Xie Yunxuan knew the matriarch's attitude towards Mingzhu.
Though she never made things difficult for Mingzhu, it never reached the level of intimacy to share personal matters.
Exceptional circumstances also prompted suspicion.
He really wasn't comfortable with Mingzhu going to Crane Dance Hall alone.
Living under someone else's roof is a bitter experience; Mingzhu, although appearing optimistic and cheerful, is actually sensitive and overthinking.
She was already troubled, and if anything unpleasant happened again, could her illness really get better?
Xie Yunxuan said, "I also want to go to Grandma to ask for a cup of tea. You talk, and I absolutely will not disturb you."
Mrs. Wang had been instructed to take only Ji Mingzhu to Crane Dance Hall.
With her head hung low, she said, "Second Young Master, if you're worried, wait for Miss to return to Xiao Xiang Courtyard, then inquire about the situation."
This meant Miss Ji had to face the subsequent events alone.
There was no such incident in the previous life, and Ji Mingzhu was uncertain.
When soldiers come, block them; when water comes, cover it with earth.
With her understanding of the matriarch, it wasn't more than wanting her to recognize her identity and not desire what doesn't belong to her.
Roughness... was also unlikely.
"Second Brother, I've already grown up."
Her eyes were filled with a gentle smile, not fear or anxiety, but a piece of calm.
"I know you're worried about my health; with Mrs. Wang here, she'll take good care of me."
Xie Yunxuan's Adam's apple moved.
After a long time, he managed to say one word, "Alright."
Ji Mingzhu gave him a gentle smile, then walked with Mrs. Wang towards Crane Dance Hall.
Xie Yunxuan stood in the pavilion, watching that delicate figure walk away.
In just a few months, there seemed to be a distance between them.
Although she would still act coquettishly, he clearly felt that Mingzhu no longer relied on him.
Was the underlying reason really something that could be explained by just the word "growing up"?
Xie Yunxuan felt somewhat heavy-hearted.
And a bit lost.
He liked the feeling of being relied upon by Mingzhu.
Now that she was becoming more and more independent, would there be a day when Mingzhu completely no longer needs him?
Crane Dance Hall.
Xie Yunzhen's mother, Princess An He, was present as well, currently massaging the matriarch's head.
"Mother-in-law, calling Mingzhu here now will surely make Brother Xuan upset."
As soon as Xie Yunxuan returned to the mansion, he went to pay respects to the elders.
But upon hearing Ji Mingzhu was ill, he barely said a few words before hurriedly rushing to Xiao Xiang Courtyard.
If Ji Mingzhu was truly too ill to leave the courtyard, it would be one thing.
But in an instant, the two boldly went out admiring the scenery.
To make the beauty smile, he put aside the elders.
How could the matriarch endure this?
"Brother Xuan cares too much for her. If they keep interacting alone, it'll cause trouble in the future."
"From the younger sibling's side, who knows if they might resent? She treats Mingzhu like her own daughter and surely would be happy for Mingzhu to be her daughter-in-law."
"Nonsense!" The matriarch patted the table, "Brother Xuan's marriage is not something for her to decide; truly bringing a downtrodden family in, isn't this holding Brother Xuan back?"
Calming herself down, she snorted, "What's there to resent? I'm doing this for her own son's future."
Princess An He was fond of this nephew as well, not wanting him to have unclear ties with the destitute.
Leaving aside other matters, marrying a capable wife means this connection could later benefit Ah Zhen.
Marriage is the best way to forge ties; it should not be wasted.
She laughed and said, "Brother Xuan is learned, has insight, and rightly should be paired with a noble lady."
In the matriarch's eyes, her own grandson is excellent in every aspect.
Not just noble ladies, even marrying a princess, he's qualified.
Therefore, her opinion of Ji Mingzhu is not favorable.
"Previously considering her young age, I turned a blind eye, but now she's come of age and at the proper age to wed, some principles need to be explained to her beforehand to prevent future incidents that would embarrass everyone."
As the matriarch caressed the emerald green Jade Bracelet on her wrist, there was a gleam of wisdom in her murky eyes.
"Ah Zhen and Brother Xuan are both good children, and marriage matters cannot be taken lightly."
Princess An He nodded, "With Ah Zhen working at the Ministry of War and spending more time in the mansion, apart from the young lady, the working maids must be properly restrained to prevent spoiling Ah Zhen's marriage prospects."
The Duke Mansion is a noble family, hence the bride must be chosen from esteemed families.
Accepting concubines before marriage impairs the prospect of marriage.
Her own son has a cold demeanor and dislikes women who come to him.
But not fearing thieves stealing, fearing thieves eyeing!
If someone plays tricks and clings onto Ah Zhen, things will not go well.
Ji Mingzhu encountered Xie Yunzhen outside Crane Dance Hall.
The man wore a dark robe, stood tall and upright, walking leisurely towards her.
He was injured, his complexion slightly pale, softening the sharp edges.
The annoyance flashed across Ji Mingzhu's eyes.
Someone she once couldn't see enough of, now seeing him again, she felt none of the former thrill.
If the situation allowed, she would rather turn and leave.
Xie Yunzhen was very sensitive to people's gaze.
He caught the annoyance in Ji Mingzhu's eyes at once.
Uncertain when he had provoked her, making her treat him like this.
Previously she even told Second Brother she didn't like him...
Unable to resist asking, "Miss Ji, have I done something wrong to you?"