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

For the next few days on the ship, Wang Jue did not see Xi Lingxian again.

She was very comfortable with her sworn brother and younger brother by her side, and didn't need him at all.

The journey from Jiankang to Guangling takes only five days by water.

South of Guangling City, at the confluence of the ancient Grand Canal and the Cao Canal, amidst a cluster of black-tiled and white-walled houses of varying heights, lies the residence of the Xi family.

The best residence in Jiankang City was Wuyi Lane, which was densely populated with first-class aristocratic families such as Wang and Xie, and the Xi family was not among them.

In Guangling, no one could compare to the Xi family, who uniquely occupied the best location in the entire city in terms of feng shui and transportation.

The house is a five-courtyard complex, surrounded by water on three sides, with flowing water introduced into the garden; the main gate faces the main channel of the canal, where merchant ships stand tall in the morning mist; as dusk falls, sails return in droves. Fishing lights twinkle.

The old lady, having endured a long journey, settled in Chongyuan Hall upon returning home.

Because the Wang family's pharmacist knew Gu magic, and Jiangzhou was far from Guangling, even by water it would take ten days to half a month.

With the Lunar New Year's Eve approaching, Xi Jian left Wang Jue and his entourage at his residence, intending to depart for Jiangzhou to assume their new posts after the New Year.

Wang Jue readily agreed.

Jingkou is located directly opposite Guangling, across the river.

The Xi family also owned a house in Jingkou, but most of the time only Xi Jian and his son lived there.

Guangling was prosperous, and the mansions there were even more magnificent, making them more suitable for housing the Xi family's darling daughter.

The Xi family returned to their hometown, and the Wang family of Langya were among them.

For the local gentry who had long been unaware of the wealth and prosperity of Jiankang, this was like meat falling into a wolf's den.

Invitation cards arrived like snowflakes.

Among them were Xi Lingxian's maternal grandparents, the Han family of Hongnong and the Pei family of Hedong.

Han Min from the Han family and Pei Xiu from the Pei family arrived together.

The imperial power never gave up its desire to suppress the aristocratic families. Among the aristocratic families, there were far more monks than flesh, and the limited wealth and resources could only be obtained through their own abilities.

Han Min and Pei Xiu were both outstanding members of their families, and this visit was precisely to pave the way for their future careers.

Wang Jue was not in Jiankang, but his secret guards delivered intelligence documents to him every day.

He always has a backup plan, and every move Jiankang makes must be under his control.

"His Majesty is gravely ill, barely clinging to life. Once he passes away, will the next emperor be easy to deal with? Will he tolerate the aristocratic clans?"

Han Min and Pei Xiu were well-prepared for the worst. Even the Langya Wang clan was targeted by the emperor and commoners, leaving them with nowhere to go on several occasions. How much more so for them?

They desperately hoped that the next emperor would be a complete puppet, one who would have absolutely no independent thought.

Wang Jue poured himself a cup of tea and said calmly, "It's alright. As long as the Langya Wang clan exists, the emperor will only be someone who stamps the seal."

He never concealed his family's and his own ambitions in public. To this day, no one would believe that the Langya Wang clan was wholeheartedly loyal to the emperor.

When Xi Lingxian heard that someone from her maternal grandfather's family had come, and since she was feeling a little better, she put on her coat and went to "Tingyuxuan" where Wang Jue lived.

"Young master, Miss Xi has arrived."

As soon as Chang'an finished speaking, a faint, delicate fragrance of plum blossoms drifted into everyone's nostrils.

In an instant, a graceful figure arrived, with bright eyes, white teeth, snow-white skin, and a beautiful face; she was like a fairy descending to earth.

Han Min felt a fragrant breeze waft by, and her heart fluttered.

"cousin?"

Han Min traveled extensively during his youth to pursue his studies, and thus had few opportunities to meet with the women in the inner quarters of the household.

But this didn't stop him from recognizing his cousin, who shared a blood relationship with his aunt and whose face bore a striking resemblance to hers.

Xi Lingxian was taken aback for a moment, then smiled broadly, "Cousin? It's been a long time. How have you been, cousin?"

Han Min gazed at her beautiful cousin before her, her tongue stammering, "Yes, it's been a long time; how have you been in Jiankang these past few days, cousin?"

Pei Xiu was stunned. He looked at Han Min, then at the girl in front of him who seemed like a goddess or fairy.

The Xi family's daughter is so beautiful and graceful.

"Thank you for your concern, cousin. I am doing well."

Han Min paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Look at me, I came in such a hurry today that I forgot to bring a gift for my cousin. I'll come again tomorrow and make it up to her."

Wang Jue stared at Xi Lingxian, then suddenly asked in a low voice, "How are you feeling today?"

Xi Lingxian knew he was asking about the Gu worms, and nodded, saying, "Fortunately, it's not unbearable."

She was stubborn and refused to let him use the mother Gu.

The Gu worm needs to be catalyzed, and it is unknown when the owner of the other end of the Gu worm in his or her body will catalyze it.

Wang Jue was helpless against her, but fortunately, Mr. Zhou went to check her pulse every day and devised a plan to remove the curse based on the changes in her pulse.

Chen Tingna also prepared medicine to suppress the Gu worm's attack, which could temporarily prevent her from being controlled to the point of losing all her rationality.

"These two, Young Master Han and Young Master Pei, you should be familiar with them."

He remained calm and composed, as if he were introducing her to someone.

"I recognize them all."

Although Han Min and Pei Xiu were not in Jiankang, they had heard about the happenings there.

I am familiar with the interesting stories and anecdotes about these two people.

Han Min sighed inwardly and subconsciously asked, "Cousin, you, you and Young Master Wang...?"

Xi Lingxian pursed her lips, her expression frank. "I came to see my cousin; it has nothing to do with him."

Pei Xiu looked up in disbelief.

Wang Jue rested his chin on his hand, his face so gloomy it could drip water.

Han Min felt a sense of relief for no apparent reason.

"I see."

Wang Jue asked gently, "Do you need me to step aside so you two siblings can catch up?"

Xi Lingxian blinked. "If you're willing, it's not impossible."

Pei Xiu's heart skipped a beat. "No, no, we've come to visit Young Master Wang; we still have much to say, so we won't disturb Miss Xi any longer."

The girl in front of him was very beautiful, so beautiful that Pei Xiu was also somewhat moved.

But compared to beauties, the power and glory that could be gained through the Langya Wang clan were obviously more tempting.

Besides, he didn't think that the relationship between Young Master Wang and Miss Xi was particularly open and honest, given that a young lady could freely enter and leave his courtyard.

Xi Lingxian did not disturb their serious discussion.

"I'll ask the kitchen to prepare some dishes that my cousin likes. We'll have a proper talk later."

Han Min smiled and agreed.

As soon as Xi Lingxian turned and left Tingyu Pavilion, she suddenly felt a tightness in her chest, followed by a familiar tingling and itching sensation.

Taozhi quickly steadied her, "Young lady, are you feeling unwell again?"

Xi Lingxian, panting heavily, staggered and sat down on the lintel under the eaves.

"I... I really can't talk to other men. I only said a few words to my cousin, and I feel really uncomfortable now."

"Who on earth would use such a vicious thing on you?"

Xi Lingxian also wanted to know.

She initially suspected it was Wang Jue, the one she had forgotten, but then she thought it didn't seem likely, that it couldn't be.

If he wanted her, he wouldn't need to resort to such underhanded tactics.

He wrote an imperial edict, affixed the emperor's seal, and promulgated it throughout the land, leaving her no choice but to marry.

The Love-Devouring Gu is too domineering.

She really couldn't get close to any man other than her father, brothers, or relatives.

At lunchtime, Pei Xiu and Han Min were invited by Xi Jian to stay for a simple meal.

Han Min addressed him as "uncle" affectionately.

Love me, love my dog.

His nephew, a direct descendant of his mother, bears some resemblance to his aunt in his features.

Xi Jian showed unusual patience and was not averse to it.

The family was very close-knit, making the quiet and reserved Wang Jue feel somewhat out of place.