If you were cold and aloof in your past life, why are you crying in this one?

In the evening, someone from the Wang clan of Langya arrived.

It was Wang Jue who said he wanted to discuss the defense plan for the Huai River region with Xi Jian.

The three Xi siblings were grilling meat in the courtyard when they heard who had arrived, and Xi Song's expression changed instantly.

"His true intention was not in the wine; he must have had another purpose."

Xi Lingxian was also surprised by how quickly her younger brother's attitude towards Wang Jue changed.

"...Shut up! If someone hears us, they'll think our two families are enemies."

Xi Song sneered: "It didn't exist before, but it does now."

Xi Rui was so angry that he threw an orange at him. After all, he had been in officialdom for several years and was much calmer and more rational than Xi Song.

Suddenly, a servant of the Wang family slowly walked over, led by Wang Jue's guard, Chang'an.

"Greetings, Young Master. Our young master recently acquired some novelties and thought that since the Second Young Master and Miss Xi are young, they would like them, so he specifically instructed me to deliver them."

Xi Songteng stood up abruptly. "No need. We can't accept things from others without doing them a favor.

"It's nothing valuable. Our young master said that the eldest daughter and the second young master can keep it for their own amusement or give it as a gift."

Xi Song was about to speak again when Xi Rui glanced at him, and he stood there dumbfounded.

"It's so lively, what's going on?"

Xiao Yun wore a white cloak and had a handsome face.

"Your Highness? You're here to discuss matters with my father as well?"

"I am not as busy with state affairs as Young Master Wang. What political matters can an empty prince discuss?" Xiao Yun waved his hand to signal the servants behind him to bring up the gifts. "I heard that Lord Xi intends to take his family back to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors. Since we have met, I have come today to bid you all farewell."

"Your Highness's words fill me with trepidation." Wang Jue stood under the plum tree, his expression indifferent, as if shrouded in a layer of icy gray.

Xi Song became inexplicably excited and whispered to Xi Lingxian, "Sister, this is going to be interesting."

Xi Lingxian was at a loss for words.

Xi Wen silently flipped the roasted meat on the wire rack, and without making a sound, placed the cooked meat onto the plate in front of Xi Lingxian.

Xi Lingxian smiled back and lowered her head to silently eat what was on her plate.

The younger sister ignores everyone, the younger brother wants to eat people; Xi Rui, as the eldest brother, is not only naive but also lacks hospitality.

"Someone, pour tea for His Highness and Young Master Wang." Two more tables and stools were added.

Xi Song crossed his arms and glared coldly at the two men with ill intentions.

Wang Jue keenly noticed Xi Song's unfriendly gaze. "Ah Song?"

Xi Song turned her face away awkwardly and reluctantly hummed in agreement.

"...Who upset you?"

Xi Song hesitated to speak, but Xi Lingxian silenced him with a piece of roasted meat.

"It's nothing, Ah Song has been sulking with me these past two days, he's in a bad mood."

She was upset with his sister and took it out on him?

Wang Jue smiled inexplicably, raised his hand and patted Xi Song's shoulder, "Speaking of which, A Song has grown up. It's time for him to seek an official position in the court. You'an, what do you say?"

Xi Song suddenly opened his eyes wide, and the speed of his chewing increased imperceptibly.

Xi Rui chuckled, "He's still like a child. He gets sold out in officialdom and still helps the seller count the money!"

"With the Xi family backing him up, who would dare to sell him out?"

Xi Song snorted. He didn't actually like Xiao Yun either, but to spite Wang Jue, he suddenly became willing to talk to Xiao Yun.

He looked at the gifts Xiao Yun had sent, opened one of them, and asked, "What fine things has Your Highness prepared?"

"These are just some little trinkets, not worth much money, just something to keep and play with to pass the time."

Xi Song saw a pair of red agate bracelets, with a bright and rich color and a smooth and full texture.

Of all the important women in the Xi family, Xi Lingxian was the only one.

It goes without saying who this bracelet is for.

Xi Song raised an eyebrow, took the wristband, and slipped it onto Xi Lingxian's wrist without a word.

"Your Highness has excellent taste; this bracelet suits my elder sister perfectly."

The already tense atmosphere suddenly became even more somber.

If you still can't see anything by now, then Wang Jue has wasted all these years.

He turned his head to meet Xi Song's gaze.

He's being cheeky and a little smug.

They truly are twins; they are almost identical to their sister in some ways.

"Why is there a zither table here?" Xiao Yun asked, changing the subject.

"It's still the Jiao Wei Qin? That's a good one."

Xiao Yun was also a lover of rites and music, and he couldn't help but be delighted when he saw such a fine guqin.

Xi Song: "It was my elder sister. She said that one should play the zither to appreciate the snow."

Wang Jue, as if thinking of something, suddenly laughed and said, "A snow scene truly has a unique charm when accompanied by the sound of a zither."

Xi Song scoffed coldly, "Then play a piece on the zither to entertain us."

"Ah Song, you mustn't be rude," Xi Lingxian scolded.

"Playing the zither, how difficult could it be?"

Wang Jue rose gracefully and walked behind the zither table. "It's a rare occasion that we've all gathered here today. I'd like to play the zither and enjoy the festivities together."

The entire room was completely silent.

Xi Lingxian had a bad feeling. Wang Jue never did anything without a profit. How could he easily lower himself to play the zither for someone else?

What exactly does he want to do?

Wang Jue slowly sat down in front and behind, his slender fingertips covering the strings of the zither, and with a gentle pluck, a melodious tune was produced.

Phoenix Seeks Its Mate?

It's actually Phoenix Seeking Its Mate.

Xiao Yun narrowed his long eyes slightly, his fingers clenched tightly.

What exactly is this guy trying to do?

Xi Lingxian's gaze was drawn by the sound of the zither and fell on the hands on the zither table.

Fair-skinned, slender, and with well-defined joints, these hands alone are a feast for the eyes.

Looking up, there was a strikingly handsome face with sharp features, sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, and sideburns as if cut by a knife.

Broad shoulders, narrow waist, and a tall, elegant figure.

Most importantly, he always had an air of ease and composure, as if everything was a natural and effortless task for him.

The music began softly and gently, like a mountain stream flowing or the wind swirling around flower branches.

In her past life, she threw a tantrum and made him play "The Phoenix Seeks Its Mate" for her. Although she clearly wanted something, she acted arrogantly and had no attitude of asking for help at all, so he refused.

At the time, it was only common.

No matter how wise and intelligent he was, how could he have foreseen that "The Phoenix Seeks Its Mate" would never be played again?

He got involved, but he has no recollection of what he was plotting or what he gained.

At that time, he was incredibly successful and held the highest position in the government, yet he never felt any real enjoyment in it.

The person who should have shared his wealth and honor with him is gone, and everything has become so dull.

He still doesn't know what love is, but he is certain that he can never let go of Xi Lingxian's hand.

They are husband and wife, and no matter how many lifetimes they are reborn, they will share the same bed in life and the same grave in death.

The song ended, but the lingering melody still resonated.

Xiao Yun clapped his hands and laughed, "As expected of Young Master Wang, this performance of 'Phoenix Seeking Its Mate' is truly exquisite."

When Xi Rui heard the words "Phoenix Seeking Its Mate," his heart skipped a beat. Even a rough and uncultured man like him knew what those three words meant.

Xi Song's gaze was filled with indignation.

I knew they were up to no good, yet they put on such an act to seduce his sister!

That's absolutely despicable.

After reading it, Xi Rui fully understood why his sister had fallen in love at first sight; she was simply a devil!

Fearing that his sister might be bewitched again, Xi Song leaned closer and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Sister, this person is deliberately trying to seduce you. You mustn't fall for it."

Xi Lingxian glared at him.

Xi Song chuckled, "But I think it's hard to find another man as handsome as him in the world."

"Sister, with Father's status, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call you a princess of Jingkou. If you really like this face, why not make him your lover?"

Xi Lingxian was taken aback, then raised her hand and slapped him across the face in a huff.

"Don't talk nonsense."