The Cousin Is About to Marry，The Abstinent Young Lord Loses Control-Chapter 129: The One He Loves Is Always Himself
Ji Mingzhu stood behind Xie Yunzhen.
Upon hearing the words, her eyes shifted slightly.
Instinctively looking at the man, she could only see his sharply defined profile.
Thin lips tightly pressed, his jawline tense.
His displeasure was obvious; he was defending his mother’s honor.
Ji Mingzhu and Princess An He had an awful relationship, not a trace of friendship to speak of.
Setting aside those unpleasant matters, she thought Xie Yunzhen’s words made sense.
A man who wants many wives ought to declare his intentions when discussing marriage.
She didn’t know whether Duke Xie and the Commandery Princess had pledged eternal love.
Nor did she know whether their marriage was by choice or compulsion.
All she knew was that the inner residence was uneasy, largely due to the man.
In the end, women are left to bear the blame.
They’re criticized for being jealous, lacking tolerance for others.
They’re accused of being poor managers, unable to handle even a small household, unfit to be the head wife.
Even branded as vile women, who will stop at nothing for wealth and status!
Each accusation sent chills down one’s spine...
A large hand reached over, its calloused palm enclosing her fist.
The man’s body temperature was high, his palm scorching hot.
Through their touching skin, the warmth spread to Ji Mingzhu, quickly dispelling the coldness.
Xie Yunzhen turned to look at her and said, "Still not leaving? Do you want your eyes tainted by filth?"
Duke Xie and Du Peifang’s expressions changed.
Filth... who was he insulting?
The vast Duke Mansion was still under Duke Xie’s authority.
Feeling his authority being challenged.
No matter how promising his son was, Duke Xie had to reprimand him.
"Ruffian, speaking nonsense, hurry and apologize to Pei Fang!"
Like hearing a joke, Xie Yunling, who was holding Ji Mingzhu’s arm, burst out laughing.
Everyone’s gaze fell on her and Xie Yunling quickly covered her mouth.
"I just remembered something funny; I didn’t hear a word of what you were saying just now!"
Ji Mingzhu felt helpless.
Wasn’t this just admitting unintentionally?
Duke Xie’s eyelid twitched; he couldn’t say anything more before the child.
This was his own niece, a young girl, there was no reason to scold her.
He rubbed his brow.
Finally waved his hand impatiently, "I can’t be bothered with you all, hurry up and leave!"
Xie Yunzhen looked at Lord Xie with a half-smile, pointing coldly out two words from his thin lips.
"Hypocritical."
If he truly cared about his family, how could he turn a blind eye to his wife’s suffering?
It’s nothing but selective kindness, weaving a good image for himself.
He loves, eternally, only himself!
Xie Yunzhen took Ji Mingzhu’s hand to leave, with Ji Mingzhu pulling her arm tighter, bringing Xie Yunling along.
The three walked out together.
Xie Yunzhen’s cold and aloof demeanor seemed absurd and unbelievable to others.
For the Young Master to lower himself, indicating genuine affection for the Young Mistress!
Du Peifang’s eyes turned red with anger.
One was Xie Yunzhen’s attitude.
The second was Lord Xie’s comment, pinning the label of filth on her.
If it weren’t, why ask Xie Yunzhen to apologize to her?
If this got to others’ ears, who knows how they’d mock her!
Du Peifang was enraged; she had already set aside her dignity to try to accept Duke Xie.
Unexpectedly, this old man belittles her.
Xie Yunzhen was right, he’s hypocritical!
Let’s wait and see.
Once she gives birth to a son, acquiring what she desires, those who insulted her wouldn’t have a good life!
Seeing Du Peifang’s reddened eyes, Duke Xie inexplicably felt she was like a rabbit, weak and pitiful.
Then thinking about how Du Peifang had just come of age a mere two years back, still a young girl, his heart softened greatly.
He comforted her gently, "Don’t take Ah Zhen’s words to heart, he has a strange temperament, like his mother, full of spikes, best not to provoke him."
Du Peifang blinked, the liquid pooled in her eyes couldn’t bear the weight and fell like rain.
Her face covered with fine hair, catching a few bean-sized droplets.
Looking even more helplessly pitiful.
"I’m now yours; a good woman serves no second husband. How could I provoke the Young Master, don’t you trust me?"
These words hinted at sulkiness.
But she spoke openly, and being young, to Duke Xie it was no different from playful banter.
Quickly, he took a handkerchief to wipe Du Peifang’s tears, "Of course I trust you, it’s just your dealings with Ah Zhen..."
Du Peifang gave a bitter smile, "Am I such a lowly being? He treats Ji Mingzhu like a pearl, why should I set my sights on him?"
Tears blurred her vision as she looked at Duke Xie.
Du Peifang knew this was a barrier between them, avoidance wouldn’t work.
She needed to break it head-on for Duke Xie to fully let go of his prejudice.
Like a wound with pus that must be drained, only then will healing be possible.
If this barrier isn’t overcome, Duke Xie wouldn’t genuinely stand by her side.
No man can tolerate his woman’s heart harboring someone else.
It’s an innate desire for victory and possession.
Duke Xie will be no exception.
"Previously, I was naive, ignorant; whether you believe it or not, I’ve realized my mistake and want to spend good days with you, bear children for you."
If Du Peifang kept shirking, claiming innocence, Duke Xie might grow annoyed.
Feel she was shirking responsibility.
No different from a woman tirelessly clawing her way upward.
But now, she’s recognized her mistake, Duke Xie couldn’t continue accusing her.
After all, she’s indeed young, easily deceived and tempted.
With a sigh, he stretched his arm around Du Peifang’s shoulder.
"I absolutely trust you, you haven’t mentioned Ah Zhen nor sought him lately, I assume you’re aware and won’t act out of bounds."
"The Young Master and I have each married, why would I seek him? Today I won’t mention him, nor tomorrow, if not for marrying you, I’d have nothing to do with him this lifetime!"
Du Peifang glared at Duke Xie, seemingly part complaint part flirtation.
This feeling was so vivid and free-spirited, Duke Xie suddenly felt as though he’d grown younger by a few years.
With a smile at the corner of his mouth, "Is this for real?"
Du Peifang inhaled, shyly looking over at Duke Xie, then quickly lowered her head.
"I’ve already given up on the Young Master, I only want to serve you well."
Duke Xie felt happy inside but sternly replied.
"Matters of affection require mutual understanding, if you’re unwilling, I won’t force you."
Du Peifang stomped her foot, exclaimed, "You stubborn man!"
Climbing onto Duke Xie’s shoulder, she kissed his face swiftly.
Staring with eyes wide open, she asked, "Lord, do you understand?"
A hearty laugh resounded through the garden.
Xiao Mei, head lowered, thought to herself: The madam truly can bend and stretch, clearly a noble lady, yet puts aside her pride to please an older man.
With such endurance, what couldn’t she achieve?
