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

In their previous life, Xi Lingxian and Wang Jue had a period of harmonious marriage.

The young master from a prominent family and the young lady from a noble family were of equal status, and being a young couple, neither of them initially intended to become enemies.

He once casually drew her eyebrows and accompanied her on horseback rides and boat trips; they also painted together as a couple and picked flowers to make wine.

At that time, Wang Shuyuan and Wang Shuhui openly and secretly felt indignant on Xie Wanyi's behalf, but Wang Jue always reprimanded them mercilessly.

In her naiveté, she even spoke up for her two sisters-in-law. She was immersed in the sweetness of newlywed bliss, pampered by her father and brothers, and cared for by her husband. She was so happy that she could forgive all the malice in the world.

Unfortunately, the good times are not long.

After Wang Dun's death, Wang Jue succeeded him as head of the family and rose rapidly in the court, becoming the Director of the Secretariat, the Attendant-in-Ordinary, and the Imperial Tutor. He was unparalleled in his prominence for a time.

Under his leadership, the Langya Wang clan once again reached the pinnacle of prestige and power after the Wang Zhang Rebellion, becoming a leading noble family in China.

He was burdened with heavy responsibilities and countless affairs of the court, so naturally he couldn't spare much time to spend with her.

After the honeymoon period, friction and conflict arose in the couple's personalities.

Even after their marriage, Xie Wanyi continued to frequently appear at the Prince's Mansion, showing great intimacy with her legitimate mother-in-law and sister-in-law, as if they were the rightful family.

She was jealous and resentful, but she couldn't vent her anger on her mother-in-law;

Xie Wanyi was a guest, and her words were veiled in barbs. She was provoked twice and was scolded by her mother-in-law. Even Wang Jue said that she should be more mature and sensible.

sensible?

He clearly knew what kind of temper she had before he married her, so why didn't he say so before? Now he's asking her to be sensible.

Xi Lingxian was never one to suffer a loss, and after the couple argued several times, Wang Jue simply stayed overnight at the Secretariat.

She had once yielded under the dual pressures of having no children and filial piety, and he seemed to enjoy it. During their lovemaking that evening, he murmured in her ear, "Be patient, what isn't yours?"

Later, it must have been the medicine that Yu had Zhou Mama give her that took effect, and her temperament became increasingly unpredictable.

Whenever he saw women like Xie Wanyi who showed him infatuation, he couldn't help but feel jealous, cry, question, and curse.

Wang Jue realized that she couldn't change her arrogant and domineering nature, and seemed to be gradually losing patience with her.

The two gradually drifted apart.

The past is like smoke; although it was a matter from a previous life, for Xi Lingxian, it was actually only two or three years ago.

Arranged marriage...

In his previous life, he probably married her for a political alliance.

It's pitiful that she actually prayed for a harmonious marriage and to grow old together.

In the end, it was all a misplaced trust.

……

On a sweltering summer day, Wang Jue returned to his residence and went straight to his study in Shuangque Lane.

The Wang family patriarchs throughout the ages have loved bamboo. The courtyard in Shuangque Lane is filled with all kinds of bamboo. In the sweltering summer, the bamboo grove is the coolest and most tranquil place in the mansion.

"Father, are you looking for your son?"

Wang Dun: "How about I send you to sound out Xi Rui's opinion?"

"The father and son were very protective of the eldest daughter of the Xi family, and they wouldn't let out a single word about her."

"This only further illustrates how important this girl is to the Xi family."

Wang Jue's expression was solemn. "But the Xi family father and son are unwilling, so we..."

Why are they unwilling?

"They say Miss Xi is unwilling."

Wang Dun asked in confusion, "Didn't that girl fall head over heels for you and insist on marrying you? Why is she unwilling now?"

The fact that even his father knew about this made Wang Jue's ears burn slightly. "I don't know the specific reason either, but I've already sent someone to inquire."

Wang Dun dismissed it, "Was it because you were too cold to her before, and she got upset?"

"My son had no reason to be close to her before."

"What do you mean, 'not at all'? I've heard that Xi Jian's precious daughter is incredibly beautiful. Doesn't she even slightly tempt you?"

"Father is joking; your son has no interest in romantic relationships."

Wang Dun disagreed with his son's statement, saying, "Ordinary officials' sons your age would already have concubines serving them. I heard that your mother arranged for them several times, but you refused each time."

"My son doesn't like strangers getting close to him."

stranger?

Wasn't the wife in that arranged marriage a stranger?

Wang Dun suddenly realized something, "Qingyu, you wouldn't really have feelings for that Xie family girl..."

Wang Jue nodded. "Father, rest assured, I know what I'm doing. The Xie family has declined and is no longer a good choice for marriage. Only the Xi family is a suitable match for the Wang family."

Wang Dun took out a document and put it on the table, scoffing, "It's not just you and me who have this idea."

Wang Jue could guess what was written on the document without even looking at it.

"The Crown Prince, the Prince of Huainan's heir, the Yu family, the Huan family... all have their eyes on the Xi family, this juicy piece of meat."

The situation is indeed not optimistic.

Whoever gains the assistance of the Xi family's Jingkou troops will essentially control half of the imperial court's fate.

The emperor's desire to suppress the Wang family never waned, and the Prince of Huainan harbored even more wolfish ambitions.

"Does Father have a solution?"

Wang Dun looked disdainful, seemingly not taking these people who wanted to compete with the Wang family seriously at all. "If I'm not mistaken, these people won't dare to use underhanded and forceful methods unless they have no other choice. A simple-minded young girl, winning her heart and affection is the best strategy."

Wang Jue was taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her cool eyes.

"What does Father mean?"

Wang Dun tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, pondering, "This girl once had feelings for you. In terms of chances, who has a better chance than you?"

"Even putting all that aside, in terms of talent, learning, character, and appearance alone, how many people in the capital are qualified to rival you?"

Wang Jue understood what her father meant.

Young men from prominent families flocked out, all in an effort to win the heart of a beautiful woman;

The Wang family could not stand idly by and do nothing about what was happening.

"Father, rest assured, I understand."

……

Xi Lingxian wore a light red half-sleeved ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with a shawl made of gold-colored gauze draped over her arm. Her long, sleek hair hung straight down. As soon as she appeared in the Taiji Hall, everyone was amazed.

Xi Jian coldly swept his gaze over, and the previously unwavering look had to be withdrawn.

The emperor was dressed in the rear hall when Empress Yu was summoned.

"I know that Xi Jian's second wife is your sister from the same mother, but it is a fact that she is incapable of a harmonious and loving marriage, and it is also a fact that her children are not as promising as those of the first wife."

Empress Yu's face turned pale.

"Xi Jian is a cautious and humble man. I intend to employ him rather than suppress him. If you bully his beloved daughter and ruin my plans, I will not let you off the hook."

Empress Yu gripped her sleeves tightly, lowered her eyes, and said, "Yes."

This empress's life was undeniably frustrating, but if even the emperor was frustrated, what could she do?

Inside the Taiji Hall, the lights were bright and the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air.

Xi Lingxian's position today is almost on par with that of Madam Wang.

That's the reality when faced with overwhelming power.

The wine in the palace is quite good; it's sweet, smooth, and not bitter or spicy.

With her father and brothers present, Xi Lingxian felt at ease and asked the palace maid to pour her a few more cups.

Palace maid: "Young lady, please don't drink too much. This wine has a strong aftereffect."

Xi Lingxian gave a casual "hmm," and gazed at the dancers gracefully moving in the hall, lost in thought for a moment.

"Since Miss Xi enjoys this fine wine, I will send someone to the Xi residence tomorrow to deliver a larger quantity for her to taste."

During a quiet break between song and dance performances, a clear and melodious voice suddenly rang out in the hall, catching everyone's attention.

Xi Lingxian nodded and thanked him, "Thank you, Your Highness. I will respectfully comply."

Prince Xiao Jing of Huainan rose leisurely. "If you, young lady, enjoy a drink, my residence also has some homemade plum wine. It may not be as precious as Jiannanchun, but it has its own unique flavor. If you are interested, why not come to my residence another day to taste it?"

The Crown Prince merely offered wine as a gesture of goodwill, yet the Prince of Huainan's heir directly invited him to his residence?

Xi Lingxian noticed the way everyone was looking at her and immediately felt disheartened.

Did they take her as prey?

"Thank you for your kind offer, Your Highness. Although I am somewhat playful, I still understand the principle that men and women should not touch each other. I cannot agree to what Your Highness just said."

Crown Prince Xiao Jing gritted his teeth inwardly.

When I chased Wang Qingyu all over the capital, I never saw you; men and women should not touch each other.

This Xi family girl clearly looks down on him!