Favoring a Hidden Mistress? Engagement Broken-Chapter 48

Not long after the two started talking, Xie Yanyu, drawn by the whispers, came searching for them.

His usually calm demeanor was somewhat cold, and he looked down at his sister for a long while without asking much before saying, "Shall we go back?"

Xie Wanqing had always harbored a bit of reverence for this elder brother of hers. Seeing his stern expression now, she was even more apprehensive and naturally chose to follow him back.

Pei Yuqing didn’t hold them back and personally escorted the siblings to the main entrance, watching endlessly until the carriage disappeared from sight.

Behind him, Princess Duan Yang’s trusted servant waited for a moment, then stepped forward to softly urge, "Young Master, Her Highness has been waiting for you for nearly two hours."

Pei Yuqing glanced at her, lowered his eyes, and turned to enter the mansion.

The flower appreciation banquet continued, with Princess Duan Yang entertaining guests in the main hall, while the other ladies of the Pei Family accompanied her on the side.

A maid briskly entered from outside, whispered a few words into her ear, and Princess Duan Yang’s expression shifted as she set down her teacup, rose with a smile, and instructed in a low voice, "Invite the Prince Consort over from the front yard."

Having waited for twenty-seven years, the fact that her son finally showed signs of enlightenment was something she needed to inquire about in detail.

A three-court interrogation wouldn’t be taken lightly.

As soon as Pei Yuqing entered the room, he saw his beaming mother and a casually composed father.

He paused in his steps, bowed as a gesture of respect under his parents’ intense gaze.

Princess Duan Yang pointed to the chair beside her, and after her son sat down, her face lit up with delight as she said, "Quick, tell me, how is that Miss Xie? Is she really as your sister described, dignified, virtuous, and gentle?"

"...Not really," Pei Yuqing paused, his gaze falling on his sister who was sitting in the corner, and said, "She is lively and spirited, with quite a temper, not a demure and gentle lady."

The Princess momentarily froze, then waved dismissively, unconcerned, "That’s alright too; it’s good for a young lady to have some spirit."

Hoping for a daughter-in-law was turning her eyes green with envy; seeing a glimmer of hope, even if Miss Xie were a demoness, she would be the best demoness.

What does it matter if she’s just broken off an engagement? This is the first person her son has taken a liking to after so long; she wouldn’t allow any mistakes.

Thinking of this, her eagerness grew, "As long as my son likes her, that’s enough."

It’s enough if he likes her...

Pei Yuqing uncomfortably averted his gaze, saying nothing.

Duke Pei saw this and, stroking his beard, said, "You’re not young anymore. Since there’s a girl you fancy, you should marry her sooner rather than later, to fulfill one of your mother’s long-held wishes."

Princess Duan Yang gave him a reproachful look, "As if it’s not yours too."

Jested by his wife, Duke Pei was not at all annoyed and said with a smile, "It’s the wish of both of us."

The couple seemed to have a great relationship.

When Duke Pei was still the Princely Heir, he served as a study companion to the current Holy Emperor in the palace, growing up alongside Princess Duan Yang. They had been married for many years and remained as loving as ever.

The Princess had injured herself during a difficult childbirth with her youngest daughter and could not conceive again. Their eldest son had a heart condition and was unlikely to live a long life, which led her to suggest that her husband take a concubine to extend the family line, but Duke Pei firmly refused.

Throughout these years, Princess Duan Yang’s marriage was one of the happiest among the many princesses of the Imperial Family.

Even when the trend of keeping male favorites swept through the Capital City, Princess Duan Yang never entertained even the slightest thought.

The two of them remained devoted to one another with no other desires.

The love between their parents had long ceased to be surprising for the Pei family siblings.

Pei Yuqing lowered his eyes, saying, "It has been unfilial of me to have troubled you for so many years."

"What’s the use of saying that? As parents, who do we worry about if not for our children? As long as you..."

At this point, seeing her son’s expression, Princess Duan Yang stopped suddenly; her face no longer smiled, and she frowned, "Do you still not wish to marry?"

Duke Pei’s expression also darkened, and he said solemnly, "Is it because you mind that the girl was entangled with the young master of the Lu Family?"

Pei Yuqing did not speak, so Princess Duan Yang comforted him, "What does it matter? The engagement has been called off, hasn’t it? I heard it was even the girl who initiated it, which shows she has severed ties with the young master of the Lu Family. Why should you care, my son?"

"...It’s not that," Pei Yuqing said helplessly, "I’ve long decided that I will never marry or have children in this life."

His tone was soft but resolute.

As soon as he finished, the room fell silent.

Even Pei Yuxuan, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, turned to stare at her brother, not expecting him to have such thoughts.

Could even Xie Wanqing not change his mind?

But her brother clearly liked that girl very much.

In a moment, all hope vanished. Princess Duan Yang’s expression froze, and she remained silent for a long time.

After a long pause, it was Duke Pei who finally spoke, looking at his eldest son and asking, "Is it because you don’t like Miss Xie, or are you afraid that your health won’t allow you to outlive, leaving the one you love to suffer?"

Pei Yuqing stayed silent. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"If you don’t want to speak, then so be it," Duke Pei said quietly, "Anyhow, your cousins already have children. If nothing else, we’ll adopt one under your name to continue our family’s line after we’re gone."

"Your mother and I are at an age where we should be surrounded by grandchildren, yet we’re lonely beneath us..."

As he spoke, he sighed deeply, full of bitterness.

Even though he knew it was his parents’ play of emotion, Pei Yuqing still couldn’t help but feel uneasy and remained silent for a long while.

Seeing this, Princess Duan Yang knew that once he made up his mind, there was no changing it. Her previous joy vanished, leaving her dejected.

Her eldest son, from the moment he understood things, had always made his own decisions and rarely troubled her.

But being too self-sufficient doesn’t always seem so good either.

......

In the carriage returning home, Xie Wanqing kept her head lowered, refusing to lift it.

Opposite her, Xie Yanyu’s fingertips moved slightly, and the hand playing with the string of beads gradually clenched, his voice low, "What did he do to you?"

The onlookers came late and didn’t witness Lu Ziyuan’s indecent act, which was a small blessing amidst the misfortune.

Since it was her own family, Xie Wanqing didn’t plan to hide it, so she forcefully raised her head and pointed to her slightly swollen lips, saying, "He dragged me to the rock cave and harassed me."

Her voice was small, but to Xie Yanyu, it was like thunder. His thumb suddenly applied force, and the jade bead he was turning shattered into pieces.

Seeing this, Xie Wanqing hurried to comfort him, "He suffered too; I bit him."

She hadn’t held back; she drew blood right on the spot, and he wouldn’t be able to enjoy his meals properly for a few days.

She was good at self-consolation, and Xie Yanyu gave a cold "oh," raised his eyes chilly, and asked, "Where did you bite him?"

"..." Xie Wanqing was momentarily at a loss for words, the head she just raised lowered once more, feeling somewhat annoyed, "Brother, enough with the questions."

Her reaction told Xie Yanyu everything he needed to know, and his usually rigid, calm face turned cold and severe, "Lu Ziyuan!"