Chapter 218 - 151:
Even though he clearly knew the two had already consummated their marriage, he couldn’t even bear to see them holding hands.
The confrontation between the two men was something Xie Wanqing couldn’t be bothered with; her main concern was whether Consort Shufei would use Lu Ziyuan’s interest in her to stir up trouble again.
If she could poison her in a past life, how could she be any better in this one?
With these thoughts, Xie Wanqing was filled with even greater anger towards the culprit, Lu Ziyuan.
If he hadn’t been so relentless in his entanglements, even daring to abduct people in a place like the Imperial Palace, how would Consort Shufei have caught them...
"What are you thinking about," Pei Yuqing gently tightened his grip on her hand and said, "You seem distracted."
Xie Wanqing hesitated for a moment, then forced a smile, "It’s nothing."
She pulled her hand away, picked up the jade cup on the table, and took a sip of wine to slightly ease the agitation in her heart.
In the hall, the ministers were already toasting and exchanging cups, with the atmosphere of drinking in full swing.
The Emperor, being advanced in age, was soon half-drunk after rounds of toasts from the ministers, and within an hour, left with the Empress.
He left instructions for a few princes to oversee the rest of the event.
With the departure of the Emperor and the Empress, the concubines did not linger long either.
As Consort Shufei left her seat, Xie Wanqing got up to see her off, stopping in front of her with her feet in golden thread embroidered shoes.
"If you have free time, Wanwan, feel free to visit the palace and keep your aunt company,"
Xie Wanqing gave a deep curtsey with a smile and agreed.
Her smile was a bit stiff, and from the corner of her eye, she could still see Lu Ziyuan seemingly looking this way, which made her expression even more rigid.
Fortunately, Consort Shufei only thought that her niece felt embarrassed after being caught in a romance, and had no other suspicions.
Once everyone left, Xie Wanqing finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Seeing this, Pei Yuqing laughed, "Why are you so nervous?"
"..." Xie Wanqing paused. This person’s mind works quickly, and she didn’t know if today’s events could be kept from him. Thinking thus, she awkwardly smiled, "Let’s head back."
Pei Yuqing nodded slightly, took the cloak from Erqing’s hands, and personally draped it around her before holding her hand and bidding farewell to their colleagues nearby.
His attentive care for his wife naturally drew a chorus of teasing remarks.
Xie Wanqing felt a bit uncomfortable with the banter and slightly turned her head, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over Ji Chengfeng not far away.
... She didn’t notice his proximity when sitting, but standing up, she realized how close he actually was.
The young man, dressed modestly, sat upright and straight, standing out among the drunken, swaying officials, appearing pure as snow, untouched by dust.
Seeing her gaze, Ji Chengfeng slightly shook the wine cup in his hand, raised his head, and drank the wine in one go.
Xie Wanqing was startled, wondering if he was toasting her and if she should return the gesture, when her hand was tightly held.
She heard Pei Yuqing say, "Let’s go."
Xie Wanqing could only put down the thought of returning the toast and left the main hall holding his hand.
As the cold wind hit her, she intended to retract her hands into her sleeves, but unexpectedly, the man held her hand tighter, clasping her palm with a grip that allowed no refusal.
Xie Wanqing felt helpless, so she let him hold her hand.
They walked side by side along the long palace path in silence, with only their interwoven fingers conveying warmth to each other.
This scene inexplicably reminded Xie Wanqing of their engagement night last summer at the Suburban Villa.
It was their first time holding hands, and back then he was still the Mr. Duanfang who blushed easily, while she was like an unruly ruffian, loving to tease him until he couldn’t maintain composure.
In just half a year, they had married, and what should have been the sweetest time of their newlywed life was instead far from that initial sweetness.
Though neither of them said it, they both knew in their hearts that there was already a growing estrangement between them as people and circumstances changed.
The cause was his insecurity, repeatedly scheming against Lu Ziyuan, and using her in the process.
Ultimately, it’s Lu Ziyuan’s persistent attachment that is to blame.
If Lu Ziyuan could let go and not hold on to past feelings, she and Pei Yuqing wouldn’t have reached such an awkward situation.
They might have been considered a loving couple admired by everyone in the Capital City, and he wouldn’t have been forced into using her.
In recent days, Xie Wanqing was no longer as angry as she had been when realizing her husband’s schemes; after calming down, she could even understand his actions.
However, understanding is one thing, but she indeed no longer dared to trust him unreservedly, just as she couldn’t rekindle feelings for Lu Ziyuan.