Xie Yunxuan escorted the person back to Xiao Xiang Courtyard, knowing he wouldn't get answers from Ji Mingzhu.
He didn't plan to stay long.
He didn't even enter the room, fearing he might bring the cold in and make Mingzhu feel chilly.
"Take a good rest, second brother will come see you tomorrow. If the weather is nice, I'll take you and Yun Ling out for a walk."
Ji Mingzhu held his forearm, "Don't go asking the Young Master, no one is making things difficult for me."
She was aware of her status.
As a guest in someone else's house, how could she create discord within the host's family?
Moreover, if things got out of hand, her aunt would be put in a difficult position.
In her past life, she liked Xie Yunzhen, which put her aunt in a tough spot once. In this life, she didn't want to worry the elders again.
Ji Mingzhu had already prepared to marry into another family, and on the way back to Xiao Xiang Courtyard, her emotions had calmed down.
She didn't plan to climb the high branch that was Xie Yunzhen, nor did she want to marry her second brother and be his primary wife.
Everything the old lady worried about wouldn't happen.
Whether they believed it or not, she wouldn't stay long at the Xie family.
Facts would prove everything.
It's just that currently, there were some troubles.
If the second brother went to argue with the old lady, others might think she was the one who incited him.
Seeing the disbelief on Xie Yunxuan's face, Ji Mingzhu mixed truth with lies and gave a brief account of what happened.
"The old lady said she would add to my dowry when I get married. Being an orphan and fortunate enough to receive the love of Xie family's elders, I was moved, and thus shed tears."
Xie Yunxuan's expression changed slightly, his hand under the wide sleeve clenched slightly.
"You want to get married?"
Ji Mingzhu looked relaxed, as she walked inside, she said, "I've already come of age, so I can get married."
Xie Yunxuan subconsciously followed her, even forgetting to take off the snow-laden cloak.
"Mingzhu, do you have someone you fancy?"
There was a hint of urgency in his tone, which Ji Mingzhu didn't notice.
She shook her head honestly, "Not at the moment, but I plan to consider suitors. If I meet someone compatible, I'll let aunt make the decision."
There are very few paths a woman can take, and Ji Mingzhu didn't know if her decision was too hasty.
Now, her only thought was to leave the Xie family.
As for other matters, she would cross the bridge when she came to it.
Sometimes overthinking doesn't help either.
Xie Yunxuan's Adam's apple moved. If Mingzhu were to marry, could it mean…
His eyes brightened a bit.
Before he could speak, he was interrupted.
To give Xie Yunxuan a heads-up and prepare him, Ji Mingzhu didn't hide it from him.
"Oh, by the way, the old lady and the Commandery Princess have set their eyes on a few noble ladies, intending to select wives for you and the Young Master."
Upon hearing this, Xie Yunxuan swallowed back the words he was about to say.
His expression turned serious, "My marriage is for my parents to decide, what does it have to do with them?"
Ji Mingzhu quickly glanced at gold, sending someone to stand guard at the door.
If these words were to spread, she didn't know if second brother would get in trouble.
But as the person who "complained," she was certain she would face consequences.
"It's normal for elders to care for you."
Xie Yunxuan's expression was still unpleasant as he held Ji Mingzhu's slender arm, hesitating to speak.
Finally, he just asked, "Was it because I took you out today that you got into trouble?"
Ji Mingzhu shook her head.
Even if they stayed in, she would still face a reprimand.
After all, the noble Young Master had not yet discussed marriage. If she tainted that "hot commodity," it would be desecrating it!
"Then why do you suddenly want to get married?"
Ji Mingzhu walked towards the warm pavilion, freeing herself from Xie Yunxuan's hand.
"I'm already of age, how is it sudden?"
Many are already betrothed before coming of age, only marrying once they reach the right age.
Compared to her peers, her progress was already considered slow.
Seeing her calm demeanor, Xie Yunxuan felt a surge of panic.
He didn't want Mingzhu to marry someone else.
But feared that if he revealed his heart, they wouldn't even be able to maintain a sibling-like relationship.
He paced anxiously in place.
Ji Mingzhu didn't overthink, assuming he was fretting over his own marriage.
She consoled, "If you don't like the girl the old lady picks, Aunt can make the decision for you, there's still room to maneuver."
"And I feel the Commandery Princess is more anxious. The Young Master is older than you, and only when he marries will the pressure from the elders lessen on you."
Xie Yunxuan thought, he didn't care if his elder brother married or not.
Nor did he fear the pressure from the elders.
His sole uncertainty was Mingzhu.
All these years, in Mingzhu's eyes, he was no different from her biological brother.
If he suddenly confessed to her, she would surely be frightened and think he was crazy.
He felt gloomy and didn't know who to talk to.
Feeling downcast, Xie Yunxuan said, "You rest well. I'm going to visit my elder brother and see how he's doing."
Without waiting for Ji Mingzhu's response, he left Xiao Xiang Courtyard in a daze.
Ji Mingzhu stood at the door seeing him off, thinking how unusual second brother was today.
She was filled with worry and confusion.
"Miss, Second Young Master is used to being free. He must be upset thinking the elders will force him to marry, don't worry."
Ji Mingzhu, concerned with her own troubles, said, "With Aunt around, she will surely find second brother a good wife."
"Miss, Second Mistress will surely take your marriage seriously too. All you need to do is take care of your health and wait for news."
Some things, when discussed too much, only create more hassle. Ji Mingzhu asked gold to fetch her the ink and paper.
Writing when she was feeling troubled was a habit she developed in her past life, when neglected by Xie Yunzhen.
The person might be at fault, but practicing calligraphy never is.
Ji Mingzhu had no intention of abandoning this habit.
...
Xie Yunzhen had just sent off Xi Yu, and then welcomed Xie Yunxuan.
Compared to before, now he looked like a frostbitten eggplant.
He raised an eyebrow, "Having some trouble?"
Xie Yunxuan knew his brother could keep secrets, and couldn't hold his heartache any longer.
After a moment of hesitation, he revealed his troubles.
"Mingzhu said, grandmother and aunt are choosing suitable women for me."
Hearing that name again, Xie Yunzhen's chest rose slightly.
Is he truly unable to escape from this person?
His tone slightly cooled, "Just because of that?"
Xie Yunxuan nodded, then shook his head, "I have a way to deal with that. It's just Mingzhu wants to get married."
Xie Yunzhen's hand holding the teacup paused.
Casually, he asked, "Who does she want to marry?"
Xie Yunxuan shook his head, "I don't know."
Just thinking that Mingzhu might love someone else or become someone else's wife made his heart constrict painfully.
He had been her brother for so many years, harboring such thoughts in secret, wouldn't Mingzhu find it disgusting?
Unconsciously fiddling with the teacup, his brow knitted tightly.
"If you're so troubled, does that mean she wants to marry you?" Xie Yunzhen asked.
"How could there be such a good thing?"
Xie Yunxuan forced a smile, "If she wanted to marry me, why would I be troubled?"
The more he spoke, the more bitter he felt, "Brother, have a drink with me."
Feeling the whole situation lacking dignity, Xie Yunzhen refused, "I'm injured."
"Fine, then I'll drink by myself."
Ordering some wine, Xie Yunxuan drank one cup after another.
Before he knew it, he got drunk.
He was even mumbling Ji Mingzhu's name.
Xie Yunzhen rubbed his brow, wondering what was so special about that woman, worth drinking over?
For reasons unknown to him, Xie Yunzhen called for Tianshui.
"Go invite Miss."