WBSGVS Chapter 13

Zheng Yihan forced a smile and said, “Ah Li, trust me, Tingxue is just like a sister to me! There’s nothing between us.”

Qingli smiled understandingly and said, “I know, which is why I’m not angry. Just talk to her and help her move on. Being referred to as your wife was just a temporary measure. Her future husband won’t mind.”

Though Zheng Yihan saw that Qingli was smiling, he understood her reluctance to accept Su Tingxue as a concubine and sighed internally. He nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll go speak with her now.”

However, before he could leave, someone arrived.

Zhang Shi hurriedly exclaimed, “Son, why have you come back so suddenly?”

Upon hearing the news from the Hanlin Academy, she felt uneasy. When she heard that her son had returned directly, she was alarmed and came over to inquire.

Su Tingxue followed closely behind Zhang Shi and, seeing Zheng Yihan, quickly called out, “Eldest Brother Zheng.”

Her voice was sweet and melodious, seeming casual but full of affection.

Zheng Yihan glanced back at Qingli, meeting her eyes that were both smiling and mocking. He felt a chill and stepped forward, saying, “Mother, I’ve come back to ask Tingxue something. Would you mind if she stepped aside for a moment?”

Zhang Shi thought this was odd. Wasn’t he here to discuss taking a concubine? Did the Yu family not do it?

She was about to argue but saw her son’s solemn expression and decided against it. After all, she had already caused trouble for her husband and son before; she was even more cautious now.

Su Tingxue, too, dared not say anything and followed him outside.

They went to a rock garden outside the courtyard. Zheng Yihan looked down at the young girl who barely reached his shoulder and asked, “Tingxue, why did you tell the Yu family’s eldest daughter about the damage to your reputation?”

Su Tingxue, already nervous, looked up at him in shock, her eyes wide with panic and unmasked distress.

Seeing her reaction, Zheng Yihan’s lips tightened. His usually gentle eyes took on a sharper edge as he stared at her, pressing further, “Tingxue, why did you do this?”

Su Tingxue’s heart raced, and she was so nervous she could hardly contain herself. This was the first time she had done something like this, and she was unstable.

Especially since the person questioning her was someone she liked!

Fearful and aggrieved, Su Tingxue looked up into Zheng Yihan’s eyes and saw his disappointment. Her mind went blank, and she couldn’t help but cry, “Eldest Brother Zheng, I’m sorry. I just didn’t want to marry anyone else, so I did this. Please don’t be angry… boohoo…”

She was trembling with fear, her eyes red and pitiable, evoking sympathy.

Zheng Yihan had initially meant to test her, but the truth came out. His anger was suppressed by her distress, and he muttered, “Why did you have to do this? Even if you married me, you’d only be a concubine. I’m sorry for making you feel this way.”

“It’s not about being wronged!” Su Tingxue cried, shaking her head and tentatively reaching for his sleeve. “Eldest Brother Zheng, I like you. Those days in the village were the happiest times for me. I don’t want to be apart from you!”

Zheng Yihan pulled his hand back and felt a pang of bitterness in his heart. His expression was complicated, and he didn’t speak.

Su Tingxue’s hand fell empty, awkwardly hanging in the air for a few seconds before she let it drop, tears streaming down her face in deeper sorrow.

The two stood in silence. At this moment, a soft clearing of the throat was heard from behind. It was Wan Yue’s voice: “Eldest Master, the Young Mistress says it’s getting late and that it’s time for dinner. Will you eat here or outside?”

Zheng Yihan’s back tensed slightly. He quickly wiped his face to regain his composure and replied, “We’ll eat here, of course.”

He then turned to Su Tingxue and said, “Tingxue, I’m grateful for your help, but I have a wife and can’t give you what you want. You will be like a sister to me from now on. In a few days, I’ll ask my mother to recognize you as her daughter and find you a suitable husband. Don’t worry; I’ll explain everything, and your future husband will understand.”

Su Tingxue let out a loud wail, sobbing, “Eldest Brother Zheng, I don’t want to be your sister!”

“You can only be my sister!” Zheng Yihan said firmly, avoiding her gaze. He turned and left with Wan Yue.

Su Tingxue, tearful and distressed, watched his retreating figure, trying to approach but was stopped by another maid, who she recognized as a senior maid beside Ji Qingli.

The maid said coldly, “Miss Su, there are boundaries between men and women. You should be more mindful, or you’ll ruin your reputation, not just that of the Eldest Master.”

Su Tingxue, frustrated, shook off the maid’s hand and ran out, still bewildered. Why did things escalate so badly even though she had spoken to Yu Yonglan? Zheng Yihan still refused to marry her, even under pressure.

In reality, she had overestimated how much people in the capital cared about reputation.