Chapter 1
Chapter 1
The day Xie Yijue, the Heir to Duke Zhenguo, came to our door, the spring scenery was at its peak.
He stood in the hall.
Clad in a moon-white robe, his figure was as lithe and graceful as a slender bamboo, upright and refined.
He truly possessed the noble air of a gentleman as polished as jade.
I had long heard that this Lord Heir had an impeccable reputation.
A man of integrity, upright and pure in character.
With his inner chambers still empty, he was a rare and excellent match.
Yet, as fate would have it, such a man had his soul captured by my frail, helpless concubine-born younger sister.
“I have long heard of your grace and virtue, Miss Ji. Seeing you today, I know the rumors were true.”
His voice was cool and clear, like the sound of clinking jade.
His words were earnest and his etiquette flawless as he expressed his wish to take me as his wife, uniting our two families in marriage.
Except…
His tone shifted slightly as he requested that Second Miss Ji enter the mansion alongside me.
My father’s smile froze instantly, and the corner of his eye twitched ever so slightly.
I, however, looked up.
I met Xie Yijue’s gaze.
And let a light, effortless smile bloom on my face.
“The Heir’s favor is great… Yuntan accepts.”
***
After Xie Yijue left.
My father’s expression changed immediately.
“Do you have any idea what kind of place Duke Zhenguo’s Mansion is? Their rules are stricter than the heavens! That Xie Yijue looks gentle on the surface, but inside…”
He suppressed his anger, his voice carrying a warning. “Once you marry into that family, you can no longer act as willfully as you do at home!”
I only offered a soft, gentle smile. “Father, you worry too much.”
My father looked at me.
After a long silence.
He finally said, “I only hope you have truly changed for the better. Your current appearance…”
“Does bear some resemblance to your mother.”
I couldn’t tell the meaning behind his words.
Whether it was sarcasm or nostalgia.
I simply lowered my hands in a formal salute and withdrew.
Leaving the main hall, I walked along the covered corridor toward my own courtyard.
The spring sunlight filtered through the eaves.
Just as I turned past a moon gate.
I saw a dainty figure lifting her skirts, throwing herself toward the man ahead like a young swallow returning to the woods.
“Brother Heir!”
Ji Zhi’s voice was sweet, carrying an undisguised joy.
Unable to stop her momentum, she nearly crashed into Xie Yijue’s arms.
He instinctively reached out to steady her before quickly pulling back.
He took a half-step back to create distance.
“Zhi’er,” his voice softened, as if coaxing a child, “why so reckless? Be careful not to fall.”
Ji Zhi looked up, her face bright with a charming smile.
“Zhi’er is just happy… Brother Heir, did you really come to propose?”
Xie Yijue nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the trembling silk flowers in her hair.
“Propriety must be observed.”
Yet, there was a trace of imperceptible indulgence in his tone.
“Once you enter my doors, then…”
Before he could finish, he looked up and his gaze collided directly with mine as I stood by a corridor pillar.
His entire body stiffened.
The natural softness he had shown toward Ji Zhi vanished instantly, replaced by an impeccable, formal expression.
He even moved, almost imperceptibly, to shield Ji Zhi behind him.
Ji Zhi saw me too. The smile on her face froze, and she quickly lowered her head, her fingers twisting her handkerchief.
A picture of pitiable vulnerability.
Xie Yijue whispered a few words to her.
Ji Zhi walked away, glancing back every few steps.
Xie Yijue took two steps toward me and performed a formal bow.
“Miss Ji.” He paused, then explained, “Zhi’er is young.”
“Though she and I have known each other for a long time, we have never crossed any lines. Today, she was perhaps too overcome with joy and momentarily lost her composure.”
His words were filled with protective intent.
“The Heir overstates the matter.”
I smiled. “My sister is innocent and romantic. It is her good fortune that the Heir pities and cherishes her.”
He seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and added:
“Miss Ji’s virtuous reputation is well-known. Once we become husband and wife, we shall treat each other with the respect due between guests. My household is quiet, and I will not allow a concubine to usurp the wife’s status. Please rest easy, Miss Ji.”
I looked at him quietly.
“The Heir is most thoughtful. It’s just… I have taken the position of the primary wife, and I fear my sister will be unhappy in her heart. If in the future… she and I have a conflict, what should be done?”
Xie Yijue clearly hadn’t expected me to ask such a blunt question.
A flash of hesitation crossed his face, but it was quickly replaced by a firm look.
“The wife naturally holds the first position. I will certainly put my wife first.”
“Besides, Zhi’er is not the type to be consumed by jealousy…”
“Is that so?”
I chuckled softly, my gaze moving past him to land on the faint shadow lurking behind him. “That is good, then.”