Volume One, Chapter 13: Why Do You Insist on Comparing Yourself to Her?

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Mei Heming cast a sharp glance at Mei Gongxue. “You’re family too. Your third brother broke into the prison without permission, mainly because he wanted to stand up for you. Can you really bear to watch something happen to him?”

Mei Gongxue’s body swayed slightly. She didn’t want to beat around the bush and was about to ask what this small request was.

Footsteps sounded outside. “Young Lord!”

The weak voice carried a hint of urgency; everyone present recognized it well.

Mei Gongxue quickly stood up. “Sister-in-law!”

Wen Ke, wearing a thick robe, was helped inside by maids and attendants. Upon seeing Mei Changgong kneeling on the ground, her face softened with pity before she took a seat beside Mei Heming.

“Young Lord, I know my third brother’s actions were improper and he deserves punishment. I’ve taken some silver from my dowry—do you think it’s enough to bribe the officials at the Ministry of Justice?”

When she first married in, her younger siblings were still children, almost all raised by her alone.

Just now, upon hearing that the servants wanted to punish Mei Changgong physically, she hurried over.

Perhaps because she had rushed, she began coughing right after speaking.

Mei Heming instinctively rose to her side, gently massaging her back to ease her breathing, his gaze softening. “Your illness worsens every winter. Why did you come out?”

The couple had been together many years, weathering the darkest times of the Marquis’s residence, their bond deep and steady.

Much of this was thanks to Wen Ke’s devoted efforts; everyone acknowledged her tireless care and virtuous management of the household.

The only regret was that they had no children.

Seeing her arrive, Mei Changgong’s defiant attitude softened. “Sister-in-law, how can this be? Your dowry has already contributed much to the family!”

Mei Heming sighed. For the sake of his wife’s plea, he could not bear to continue blaming Mei Changgong. “Get up.”

Wen Ke’s expression relaxed as she quickly instructed the maids to help Mei Changgong to his feet.

Mei Heming, feeling sympathy for her, repeatedly assured her all was well before seeing them off.

Mei Changgong dared not cause a scene again and obediently stood to the side.

He held a large bag of candied hawthorn skewers, which he directly handed to Mei Gongxue without looking at her, muttering gloomily, “For you!”

Unexpectedly, Mei Gongxue pushed it aside and instead looked at Mei Heming. “Young Lord, it seems you haven’t finished speaking?”

Hearing herself called that way, Mei Heming frowned but still spoke gravely. “Zhou Fu mentioned there were some omissions regarding Zhao Zhang’s matter. Tomorrow, you will go to the Ministry of Justice.”

Mei Gongxue stood in shock. “You want me to go?”

Mei Changgong, who had been resentful toward Mei Gongxue’s ungratefulness, was also startled by his elder brother’s words and hurriedly intervened. “Brother, you haven’t seen the conditions inside that prison. How could we send Xiaoxue back there?”

Mei Heming shot him a fierce look, as if saying, “Isn’t this all your fault?”

Mei Changgong flushed and fell silent.

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Mei Gongxue stood pale and still, her eyes closed as painful memories surged like a tide.

No, she would never go back!

Whoever caused the trouble should be responsible. Why did it always have to be her who paid for the family’s mistakes?

“Xiaoxue,” Mei Yanjun, who had remained silent, spoke with a trace of helplessness. “If you don’t go, we’ll have to use sister-in-law’s dowry to bribe the officials. Can you bear that?”

Just as Mei Gongxue was about to refuse, the words caught in her throat.

Seeing her hesitation, Mei Yanjun continued, “Tomorrow, second brother will accompany you. It won’t be the prison. Don’t be afraid. He won’t let them hurt you again!”

Mei Gongxue remained silent, raising her eyes to look at him. Though his words sounded caring, they sent a chill down her spine.

Seeing that she did not refuse outright, Mei Heming finalized the matter and gave a few more instructions before heading to the study with Mei Yanjun to discuss other affairs.

Only the two of them remained in the hall.

Mei Gongxue had no desire to stay any longer and rose to leave.

“Xiaoxue!”

Mei Changgong called after her, hurriedly catching up and awkwardly handing her a large package. “I bought this especially for you!”

Mei Gongxue opened it to find mostly melted candied hawthorn skewers.

Mei Changgong awkwardly scratched his nose. “At least half are still good. That’s enough for you!”

Mei Gongxue returned it expressionlessly. “I don’t like these.”

Seeing her continued cold indifference, Mei Changgong felt an unexplainable bitterness.

He had gone out of his way to buy them and bring them back from afar, only to have them returned untouched?

Wasn’t this supposed to be her favorite?

It seemed she simply didn’t want to accept anything from him.

He felt aggrieved. “Can’t you see I’m trying to cheer you up? Besides, I got scolded by big brother today just to vent for you!”

Before, he never did such things; it was always Mei Gongxue who sought to please him.

Now, couldn’t she sense how much he was trying to make amends? At least respond to his goodwill?

Even if it was just calling him “brother”!

Mei Gongxue scoffed. “I don’t need your self-righteous ‘care’!”

Because of him, she would have to face the one who haunted her nightmares tomorrow.

If this was care, she was truly grateful!

Mei Changgong’s actions were not genuine concern but a desire to hear her say “thank you” or “forgive me.”

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That way, his guilt could be soothed.

“Xiaoxue, why have you become so cold?” Mei Changgong’s eyes revealed his disappointment.

She used to be the most affectionate in the family.

He remembered when he went on a fall outing and casually brought her some maple leaves.

She had been so happy, clapping her hands and placing the leaves in a book as bookmarks, cherishing them for a long time.

Feeling his sincerity trampled upon, Mei Changgong asked bluntly, “Then tell me, what do you want me to do?”

Hearing his question, Mei Gongxue found it childish and almost laughed. “You beat up those jailers today—is that really because you care about me?”

Mei Changgong: “Of course! You’re my sister!”

Mei Gongxue: “Fine, then let Mei Xianghan go to the Ministry of Justice instead of me tomorrow. We look alike anyway!”

Mei Changgong’s relaxed brow immediately furrowed. He opened his mouth but only muttered, “Why do you have to compare yourself to her?”

Mei Gongxue’s expression was nearly blank. “Right, in your hearts, how could I ever compare to her?”

With that, she turned and left.

Back at Peach Blossom Garden, Hong Xiu busily changed the dressing on her hand wound.

“You can’t take cat scratches lightly. If not treated properly, it could get complicated!”

Mei Gongxue let her apply the medicine, her expression vacant.

Though she had been released from prison, why did she still have to go back?

Could it be that Zhao Zhang had discovered something else and wanted to question her?

Mei Gongxue tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.

At dawn, she washed early and went to wait in Mei Yanjun’s courtyard.

Having someone accompany her gave her some peace of mind.

But after a long wait, the steward hurried over with a troubled look.

“Miss, second master sent word that you’ll have to go to the Ministry of Justice alone today. Second miss has developed a high fever again this morning. He really can’t leave.”

He can’t leave...

Mei Gongxue’s expression darkened. Though used to such things, it still hurt.

Then, she boarded the carriage alone.