Chapter 7 Brother’s Return
Shen Wanrong settled into the marquis's mansion just like that.
I stuck to the principle of avoiding what I couldn't provoke. I didn't step out of the main gate or the inner gate.
I let her flirt intimately with Father, and she practically became the second master of the marquis's mansion.
She was generous. With Xie Chengzong's full protection.
Their overstepping actions stayed well concealed. Except for a few close servants in Yaoguang Courtyard, no one gossiped.
Gradually, the "best" Xiaoxiang Courtyard became a deserted place.
I didn't mind. I ignored everything outside. I focused on practicing calligraphy and painting.
I knew my chance lay outside the mansion. Before escaping, I just needed to remember to yield.
But some things couldn't be avoided even if I wanted to yield.
Two months later, Xie Yunting finished his minor exam and returned home. He came to find me first.
"How could you be so useless? How could you give up a perfectly good courtyard to an outsider?"
He looked heartbroken and angry.
"That was specially arranged for you by Aniang!"
I sat by the window. I watched his indignant expression. I suddenly smiled.
"Brother, you haven't met Shen Wanrong yet, have you?"
He seemed stunned. "You're my sister. Naturally, I came to see you first upon returning."
"Never mind. You're a girl with thin skin. I'll get the courtyard back for you."
I turned my face away. I hid the sourness in my eyes. "Thank you, Brother."
These days, I had forgotten what it felt like to be favored.
Even though I knew clearly not to harbor hopes.
But a throbbing longing surged deep in my heart.
We were siblings from the same mother. Maybe Brother could resist the so-called fate.
Actually, I didn't need to snatch back the courtyard.
I just wanted him to be rational. Even for a moment, willing to stand by my side.
That would be enough.
Xie Yunting rolled up his sleeves. "Wait here. At most a quarter hour, I'll get it back for you."
I softly hummed in agreement. I watched him eagerly go to find Shen Wanrong.
Then, a quarter hour became half an hour. Then two hours.
I waited for a long time. The door remained empty. No one in sight.
I smiled self-mockingly.
I was really silly.
I should have known early on. Once he went, Xie Yunting would abandon me.