Troublesome Worries

In the days that followed, You’an often came to the residence to play, but what troubled Chen Xianzhi was that Ji Yun always came along.

Thus, the situation took on a peculiar air.

When Shixu accompanied You’an, Chen Xianzhi and Ji Yun would always be close by, like shadows.

Today, however, something seemed different; unexpectedly, Princess Changning also arrived at the Marquis’s residence.

Changning was as radiant and elegant as ever, dressed in a scarlet palace gown with exquisite makeup.

Unaware that Ji Yun was present, her smile stiffened slightly before she respectfully greeted everyone.

She was genuinely afraid—even bordering on terror—of this cousin of hers. After all, she had once witnessed him deal with a palace maid who had dared to climb into bed; though he was only eleven then, she could never forget the pool of crimson blood left behind.

After paying her respects, Changning conscientiously took a seat beside Chen Xianzhi.

Today, Changning’s focus remained on Chen Xianzhi. She had long sent people to investigate and learned that when Chen Xianzhi mentioned having someone in his heart, it was very likely this suddenly appearing cousin.

To avoid the danger of a political marriage, Changning pinned her hopes on Chen Xianzhi. As the Marquis held military power, marrying him would be an excellent strategy.

Meanwhile, You’an and Shixu were planting gardenias in the courtyard. The little princess didn’t care about getting dirty; her palms were covered in earth.

Ji Yun, seeing this, approached with a small flower spade that seemed out of place with his demeanor. Squatting down with a smile, he helped out, though his gaze remained fixed sharply on Shixu, radiating a fierce intensity.

Not to be outdone, Chen Xianzhi also stepped forward, crouching beside Shixu and diligently digging holes.

Alone in the pavilion, Changning watched this scene with some astonishment; her cousin, usually so composed and gentlemanly, was now playing at digging holes.

It seemed both the Chen family members had been targeted by them.

After they finished planting the tree—one that required all four to plant together—the evening had grown late.

After washing up, just as Chen Xianzhi was about to ask them to leave, he heard Ji Yun say with a smile, “I’ve heard the Marquis’s kitchen staff is the best in the capital. Might we have the honor to sample their cooking tonight?”

Chen Xianzhi, unwilling to offend, forced a stiff smile and arranged for the meal.

At that moment, Shixu subtly sensed the tension between the two men.

During the tree planting, Shixu and You’an could have managed alone, but the two had insisted on helping, resulting in two large holes in the ground. Ultimately, Shixu and You’an had to dig a third hole themselves to plant the tree.

While waiting, Ji Yun noticed a speck of mud on Shixu’s dress. Slightly uncomfortable, he rose and said, “May I trouble the young marquis to escort me to change clothes?”

Chen Xianzhi reluctantly nodded and led the way.

Now, only Changning, Shixu, and the sweet You’an remained in the pavilion.

“Miss Shi, do you have someone in your heart?” Changning asked softly, handing her a cup of tea.

“No,” Shixu replied after sipping lightly, shaking her head.

Seeing the carefree yet detached expression on Shixu’s face, Changning realized her cousin’s and Chen Xianzhi’s efforts were in vain.

Resolving this, Changning firmly decided that she must win over Chen Xianzhi to avoid the risk of a political marriage.

Soon after, they returned and dinner was prepared.

During the meal, Changning and Shixu ate happily, but Chen Xianzhi and Ji Yun appeared distracted and preoccupied.

Throughout dinner, Ji Yun’s gaze frequently flickered toward Shixu, noting her favorite dishes and how her eyes lit up whenever she tasted something she liked—so adorable.

Chen Xianzhi, in turn, kept placing Shixu’s preferred dishes into her bowl, barely eating himself.

After dinner, Ji Yun held the already asleep You’an gently, his movements soft and reassuring.

Shixu stood nearby, bathed in gentle lamplight, resembling a goddess descended to earth—holy and untouchable. Her features appeared even more exquisite and aloof in the dim light.

Ji Yun’s breath seemed to catch. He called to Shixu with an unfamiliar nervousness in his voice.

“Miss Shi, might you have time tomorrow to visit the residence? You’an will be there as well. We hope you might grace us with your presence.”

Seeing her hesitation, he quickly added, as if afraid of rejection.

“Little You’an will be here too. We sincerely hope you’ll come.”

Shixu nodded gently under Chen Xianzhi’s anxious gaze.

In that moment, Ji Yun’s expression became livelier, as if shedding a mask, while Chen Xianzhi’s already scarce smile twisted into something far worse than a frown.

Truly, some found joy while others were left in sorrow.

As the carriage departed, Ji Yun looked down at the sleeping You’an in his arms, feeling for the first time how precious she was.

Chen Xianzhi stood in the cold wind, hearing clearly the sound of his own heartbreak.

Shixu, noticing Chen Xianzhi still standing there, asked with a clear, gentle voice, “What’s wrong? Why aren’t you going back to the courtyard?”

Chen Xianzhi smiled faintly, his tone a little melancholic. “Nothing. I just felt warm after dinner and wanted to catch some fresh air.”

Seeing his sincerity, Shixu nodded and, with concern, said, “It’s late. Please return soon.”

Hearing her care, Chen Xianzhi’s eyes brightened suddenly. His voice regained its usual vitality, his eyes crinkling happily as he nodded and answered loudly in agreement.

On the way back to the courtyard, he grabbed his attendant, Wansheng, and asked, “Who do you think is better looking, me or the Third Prince?”

Wansheng looked at his young master’s handsome face and answered without hesitation, “Definitely you, my lord.”

“And who do you think is more outstanding, me or the Third Prince?”

This question truly troubled Wansheng. Praising his master felt disloyal to his conscience, but endorsing the prince was unthinkable.

So he simply closed his mouth and smiled foolishly at his master.

Seeing this, Chen Xianzhi deflated like a punctured balloon, looking utterly dejected.

Feeling pity for his master, Wansheng comforted him.

“My lord, I believe Miss Shi doesn’t like the Third Prince.”

“But I guess she doesn’t like you either.”

Chen Xianzhi lifted his head, then bowed it again.

“But I think if you work hard, you can surely win Miss Shi’s heart. Here is a secret manual I prepared for you.”

Wansheng produced a well-prepared secret handbook from his bosom.

Chen Xianzhi immediately perked up and began leafing through it.

After studying it day and night, Chen Xianzhi devised an excellent plan.