C3 But She Was Unwilling to See You

The nearby servant leaned in, "Sir, what's going on with Miss Wen? She used to follow you everywhere, and now that you've come to propose, she turns you down?"

"It's hard to say."

Su Xuanjing pulled out his folding fan, tapping it lightly against his palm, his expression deep and thoughtful. "She's probably playing hard to get. It can't be that she just doesn't like me."

"You might be right, sir. So, what should we do next?"

"If the duck isn't cooked, we just need to cook it a little longer." Su Xuanjing's lips curled into a knowing smile, his eyes gleaming with confidence.

The night was clear, with only a few stars scattered across the sky. Occasionally, a cloud would drift by, momentarily covering the bright moonlight.

Late at night, at the Duke's Mansion.

In the study.

"Is everything taken care of?"

"Rest assured, sir. That group of bandits has left under the cover of night, likely fearing retaliation from the Li family."

The person standing in front of the desk wore a black outfit, with loose strands of hair framing his face. His long hair was tied back with a blue band, a soft sword hanging at his waist, his expression unreadable. This was Zhuo Yuv, Xiao Chen's loyal guard since Xiao Chen was seven.

In a past life, Xiao Chen had been pierced by countless arrows, with Zhuo Yuv standing in front of him, both meeting their end together.

"Very good," Xiao Chen exhaled softly.

"I don't understand, sir. Why are you getting involved in such trivial matters?"

Xiao Chen leaned back in the mahogany chair, speaking coolly, "Maybe I've just been too idle lately."

To Zhuo Yu, this seemed like a flawless explanation.

"By the way, I heard today that Su Xuanjing went to the Marquis Mansion to propose, but the eldest Miss Wen didn't accept." Zhuo Yu knew Xiao Chen better than anyone, so he understood what mattered to his master.

Any news about Wen Wan always caught his attention.

His heart ached.

Xiao Chen's hand, resting on the armchair, trembled slightly.

She didn't accept?

He remembered in his past life, Wen Wan had readily agreed and married Su Xuanjing in a grand ceremony.

"Master?"

"In the future, you don't need to pay attention to or report on the eldest granddaughter of the Marquis Mansion."

Half of Xiao Chen's face was bathed in moonlight, highlighting his sharp, cold features. "Tomorrow, when I enter the palace, you don't need to accompany me."

"Understood."

The night was deep, yet the lights remained bright.

Half of Xiao Chen's face was bathed in moonlight, outlining his sharp, cold features.

In his past life, he asked for nothing, yet was repeatedly betrayed and humiliated.

Living again, he intended to settle some scores.

That night, at the Marquis Mansion.

Mrs. Lee handed the fish oil ointment that Ziyu had sent earlier in the day to Wen Xian, pulling him to sit by the table. "Xian, what do you think of Xiao Chen?"

Wen Xian had heard that Xiao Chen's maternal family had little influence, and aside from his status as a prince, he had nothing else.

"The daughter is just an adopted one in the family. If she can marry a prince, it would be quite the step up," Wen Xian nodded with a hint of shyness, "I would be honored."

Being an adopted daughter, she was only matched with the insignificant Xiao Chen. This was what she despised most about Wen Wan!

"Alright, alright! It's settled then. I'll go talk to your father so he can speak with your aunt!" Mrs. Lee left, brimming with excitement.

Wen Xian's expression turned cold instantly. Did they think they could just dismiss her like that? Foolish dreams!

...

The next day.

Vermilion Bird Street.

A black mahogany carriage raced down the street. The driver was Xu Fu, the former deputy general under the South Control Marquis, now with a limp.

Soon, the carriage stopped outside the Eternal Stable Gate of the palace.

"Eldest Miss, we've arrived."

Wen Wan stepped out of the carriage and had only taken a few steps when she suddenly halted. Her maid, Yindieh, glanced over as well, "The Wai Duke?"

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