Chapter 56: Heart's Voice

Everyone followed the direction he pointed, and Liu Chu-yan was so shocked she could not utter a word, frozen as if struck by lightning. Her delicate face flushed red like rouge, and she was completely at a loss. He actually declared, in front of so many people, that he intended to marry her? How could she possibly live this down? If Brother Jun Cheng misunderstood, that would be disastrous. Liu Chu-yan unconsciously glanced at Jin Ling, who was equally astonished, seemingly unable to comprehend Xue Ao’s actions. Yet, his thoughts about her were impossible to discern.

Madam Xue had originally wanted to ask Liu Chu-yan something, but seeing the situation, there was no need. Whether Liu Chu-yan had feelings for Jin Ling was uncertain, but she definitely had none for Xue Ao—otherwise, she wouldn't be so flustered, her beauty drained, not daring even to look at him.

“Ao-er, your words are too abrupt. I know you are tired and perhaps speaking nonsense. Come home with me now,” Madam Xue said sternly and gently, afraid he would disgrace the Xinguo Duke’s household in public and ruin the young lady’s reputation.

“I am not speaking nonsense. I want her,” Xue Ao replied, not accepting her concern, enunciating each word with increasing clarity.

Madam Xue, long unable to control this son, grew angry and her expression darkened, “Ao-er, don’t be reckless and ruin the young lady’s reputation.”

“What reputation is there to ruin? She can marry me and all will be well,” Xue Ao replied, utterly indifferent.

“You unfilial child! Did all my admonitions fall on deaf ears?” Madam Xue, a woman from a great family, raised her eyebrows, her presence intimidating.

“Mother, if it’s not her, I’ll marry no one. You can either bring her to me or prepare to see me remain a bachelor for life.”

“You—!” Madam Xue knew her son—his word was law, unwavering. What now? She glanced sideways at Liu Chu-yan, silently seeking her help.

Hearing Xue Ao’s declaration, Liu Chu-yan realized he would accept no one else. Jin Ling, meanwhile, only stared in astonishment, motionless, not uttering a single word. She ceased to look at him, her eyes rimmed red, and turned to Xue Ao, kneeling in a respectful salute, “Thank you for your regard, Second Young Master Xue, but I am humble by birth, lacking in propriety, and unworthy of you.”

“What propriety? Earlier, I misunderstood you; later, I realized my mistake. I apologize,” Xue Ao thought she still resented what he did at the Temple of Cockcrow, his tone softened though his face remained stern as he saluted her.

“I dare not accept, Second Young Master Xue…”

“It was indeed my fault before; I owe you an apology,” Xue Ao pondered for a moment, feeling he must have left a terrible impression on her for making her suffer and showing her a cold face—yet it was all a misunderstanding, and his pride had played a part. Apologizing was the least he could do. He then bowed sincerely, “My conduct was reckless, causing Miss Liu to suffer unjustly, treating you coldly and speaking harshly. I deserve punishment. I hope you can forgive me. Such things will never happen again.”

Yet Liu Chu-yan did not accept, replying with respectful words, “Second Young Master Xue, I am of little consequence and cannot accept such a grand gesture. Besides, I never took those past events to heart. Please do likewise and forget them.” She wished Xue Ao would simply stop speaking of the past. If anyone asked about the cause of their animosity, she would not know how to respond. If Han Shu-wei’s matter came to light, all would be ruined.

She lowered her head, long lashes trembling, casting two dark shadows on her pale cheeks. Her voice quivered, clearly lying—she had not forgiven him. But it was evident she disliked this topic. Xue Ao sighed quietly, stepped closer, and lowered his voice, “Then, could you also forget the wrongs I’ve done to you?”

“Yes.” Liu Chu-yan was silent for a moment before agreeing, but her expression became more distant.

Madam Jin had been watching the drama unfold, and seeing Madam Xue’s dignity diminished by her own son, felt delighted. Liu Chu-yan’s coldness toward Xue Ao only increased her joy. Though she had intended to compete for Liu Chu-yan, now she found the girl quite admirable—able to vex Madam Xue and infuriate Xue Ao, and most importantly, Jin Ling, for once, showed interest in a girl.

After all, since Jin Zhong-heng had married several concubines and fathered a slew of daughters—quite tiresome—Jin Ling had always been dismissive of women. Yet, when Xue Ao’s crude behavior startled Liu Chu-yan, Jin Ling had quietly pleaded for her to intervene.

Such a girl, with no family behind her, easy to handle, yet of good birth and pleasant disposition, would make a fine, obedient wife. The Jin family, as imperial merchants, had no need to rely on powerful in-laws; finding a girl who matched her son’s affections and was docile would be ideal.

Thus, after Jin Ling nudged her again, Madam Jin stepped forward and took Liu Chu-yan’s arm, “Zi Sheng, look at you—frightening the young lady. I hear Miss Liu hasn’t even reached her coming-of-age yet. Why so impatient? Besides, a good girl is sought by many families; your fuss here is useless unless you show true sincerity. Otherwise, you’ll only disgrace the Xinguo Duke’s household.”

Xue Ao wanted to say a few words to Liu Chu-yan, hoping to gauge her feelings, but Madam Jin interrupted him, and as she was his aunt, he could not argue. Frustrated, he folded his hands behind his back and retreated to the side.

Madam Xue, wishing to curb his behavior, said nothing, whether Madam Jin had done so intentionally or not. The younger generation would not dare to interject; General Liu and Madam Han remained silent, and an awkward hush fell over the gathering.

Liu Guan-jue wanted to rescue Liu Chu-yan from the situation, but Madam Jin beat her to it, and her words only deepened the awkwardness. So, with a chuckle, she slipped between them and took Liu Chu-yan’s hand, “Wow, Sister Chu-yan, your bracelet is beautiful, pure green, making your wrist look even more white and delicate.”

The topic change was abrupt, but the atmosphere eased. Liu Song-xian laughed, “Guan-jue, you’ve seen every kind of jade, yet you covet your sister’s bracelet.”

“I do not,” Liu Guan-jue protested, though she kept playing with Liu Chu-yan’s pair of bracelets. “Sister, I remember one was a gift from Aunt Xue, but where did the other come from? They seem to have the same design.”

Liu Chu-yan hesitated before answering, “Oh, this one was handed down from my mother’s family. After she passed, it was left to me.”

“I see,” Liu Guan-jue smiled, abandoning her earlier thoughts but continuing, “I noticed you have two. I thought I might trade one with you. My grandmother gave me two bracelets of chicken-blood stone, deep red and translucent, perfect for you. If we each wear one, we’ll look like true sisters.”

“Nonsense.” General Liu knew the bracelet held special meaning for Liu Chu-yan and pulled Liu Guan-jue behind him. “If you want pretty bracelets, your grandmother has plenty. No need to covet something left by your sister’s mother.”

“Grandmother…” Liu Guan-jue pouted at being exposed but stopped teasing when she heard her grandmother had more to give.

Her childish behavior made everyone laugh, but none noticed the cat-eyed Liu Xiao-mao in the corner, narrowing his eyes as if he understood something. He could not help but step forward, “Sister Liu, did you used to live near the water?”

“Hmm?” Suddenly, a young boy rushed forward with a question out of nowhere, and Liu Chu-yan was startled.

“I…” Liu Xiao-mao saw her confusion and scratched his head, unsure how to explain, his small face reddening like a pomegranate.

Liu Guan-jue’s eyes darted, and she laughed, “Sister Chu-yan, Xiao-mao wants to know if your old home was by the lake.”

Liu Chu-yan understood and smiled, “Yes, my former home was close to West Lake. The house still stands, though I’ve left it to distant relatives to manage. I only return once a year on the anniversary.”

“Oh.” Liu Xiao-mao scratched his head, deep in thought, visibly troubled.

“Xiao-mao, what’s wrong?” Liu Guan-jue grew worried and took his hand.

“It’s nothing, I’m just thinking.” Liu Xiao-mao seemed to have confirmed something after hearing Liu Chu-yan’s words. He remembered living by the lake himself, his mother owning a similar bracelet, and Liu Chu-yan resembling her greatly. But people and objects can be alike. Even the bracelet on her wrist was much like the one Madam Xue had given. He was certain—and yet deeply uncertain—anxiety and disappointment wrestling within him.

“Xiao-mao, what’s wrong?” Li Dushi, noticing his daughter’s unusual interest in Liu Xiao-mao, felt affection for the reserved, upright boy, though only eleven years old and already so composed and noble in character. Yet, Liu Xiao-mao’s origins were unclear; Li Dushi had to be cautious for his naive daughter. He stepped forward, separating them, and patted Liu Xiao-mao’s shoulder.

“Thank you for your concern, sir. Xiao-mao is fine,” Liu Xiao-mao replied, intimidated, lowering his head.

“Hmm, he does look a bit like Chu-yan,” Madam Han’s second daughter suddenly remarked.

“Mother, don’t say such things,” Han Shu-jing hurriedly stopped her. Liu Xiao-mao was from the General’s household and might gain honor in the future, possibly even join their family. If her mother’s words offended the General’s household, that would be terrible.

“I didn’t…”

“I think so too,” Madam Han interrupted before she could explain further.

Li Dushi glanced in surprise between Liu Chu-yan and Liu Xiao-mao. Such subtle similarities could only be discerned by those close to them, so he remained silent.

“Is that so?” Liu Guan-jue became interested, looking from Liu Chu-yan to Liu Xiao-mao. “Could Xiao-mao be Sister Chu-yan’s long-lost brother?”