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  Chapter 31

  His proximity was too overbearing and arrogant, the aura emanating from him was too invasive, causing Ming Xuan to involuntarily shiver all over. She couldnt help but lean her body back, wanting to avoid him, but the cold stone pedestal was firmly pressed against her waist, blocking her retreat.

  She suddenly realized that the man in front of her was someone she couldnt avoid. If she retreated one step, he would definitely press forward, and if she retreated further, he would pursue her relentlessly until she had nowhere to retreat, at which point he would surely capture her and have control over her. She wanted to fiercely retort, stubbornly scold him, or say some harsh words, but the man who had survived amidst a pile of corpses and emerged bathed in blood was not afraid of anything; since he had opened his mouth to threaten her, he naturally had the confidence and ability to carry out his threats.

  The entire courts nobles, Han Xiu was already at the pinnacle of power, and with Peis respected status, he still had to give him three points of face. But Yan Qingyan was just a minor official from a humble family, the second son, although his talent stood out and he won the top prize in last years autumn examination, but after all, he wasnt born into the imperial family, his future prospects were uncertain, and his future glory or shame unknown. If Han Xiu intentionally wanted to harm him, it would be easier than crushing an ant.

  Even with the guarantee of the Duke of Ying and the Marquis of Yongcheng, what does it matter? The city of Shengjing is full of dukes and marquises, and a fifth-rank official is just a minor figure. Even if Yan Langzhongs reputation as an official is excellent, how many people are truly upright in their official capacity? No one would offend the powerful officials close to the emperor for the sake of a trivial and insignificant person like you.

  Ming Xuans eyes suddenly dimmed and she despondently discovered that this threat was so powerful, she felt somewhat helpless.

  Han Xiuzi watched her with interest, observing all the changes in her expression. Seeing that she was silent, he smiled contentedly and leaned forward to gently lift her drooping hair, stroking the scar on her forehead. His tone was full of tenderness, "Does it still hurt here?"

  "He muttered in a low voice, It must have hurt a lot back then."

  He spoke with such deep feeling and sincerity that it was as if his words had cut into his very flesh, but Ming Xuan just found it amusing.

  She strained to push away the body that was increasingly close to Han Xiu with her elbow, and even if this force was negligible, the strong resistance and absolute rejection made her hold on, using all her strength to keep a safe distance. As for words, she thought Han Xiu must have gone mad, and there was no need for her to say another word to a madman.

  Han Xi saw her silence and didnt force her anymore. He leaned in close to her forehead, kissing the mottled scars, disregarding Ming Xuans intense reaction, holding her tightly in his arms, and softly sighed, "I tore up the marriage contract before, I clearly told you to wait for me, but you didnt take my words to heart."

  His eyes suddenly became somewhat dazed, "Usually not very obedient... but this time its best to remember, Yan Qingye and the eight characters are incompatible. If they are forced together, there may be a bloody disaster. Go back and tell your grandmother that, otherwise if the Yan family retreats first, Ill be blamed for ruining their reputation."

  "Ming Xuans lips trembled with anger, Han Xiuxiu, what do you want to do? If I owed you in my past life, didnt I already pay the price with my life three years ago? Isnt that enough?"

  Her eyes welled up with tears as she sneered, "What do you want to do now? Have me go back on my word and cancel the engagement with the Yan family? And then what? I, Gu Ming Xuan, am the legitimate daughter of the Yongning Marquiss manor. Its impossible for me to be someones concubine. So is it that you want me to stay in the Gu household forever, waiting for Madame to pass away so I can take her place as your wife? Is this what you want?"

  Han Xi didnt refute him, he fell silent for a moment before saying, "It wont take too long."

  This is an acknowledgment that he indeed had such intentions.

  "Lord Han, youre really something! Although a concubine is also a wife, in front of the spirit of the first wife, she should still follow the rules of a concubine. I, Gu Ming Xuan, am a proper lady from a good family, cant I take the position of the legitimate first wife? Not to mention our past grievances, just talking about power and wealth, can you surpass the Emperor? In terms of talent and looks, youre only mediocre, and in terms of character and temperament, youre far inferior."

  She coldly said, "Neither good looks nor good conduct, and still a second-hand goods, Lord Han, what makes you think so?"

  Han Xi raised an eyebrow, and a spark of fire ignited in his eyes. The heat in his gaze did not subside due to Ming Xuans hoarse accusations, but instead burned even more fiercely. He said in a low voice, "What makes you think so? If you still refuse to listen obediently, Ill let you know what Im relying on."

  He loosened Ming Xuan, clapped his palms in mid-air, and immediately a group of ink-clad guards rushed out from somewhere. He said to one of them, "Release those two girls."

  Han Xi turned his head and gazed deeply at Ming Xuan, saying solemnly, "Dont let me down."

  He finished speaking and strode away with a flick of his sleeve.

  As winter gradually warms up, the chill slowly fades away. However, the wind on the mountain top is still strong, and sometimes it blows through the gap of the half-closed wooden door, making Ming Xuans sorrowful heart even more desolate.

  Seeking a family with a clear and simple door, getting a husband who is warm and gentle, living a simple and peaceful life, her wish is so simple, but it seems so difficult. Cant she be intimidated by Han Xius few words? The anxiety and fear of these days, the efforts she made, are they all going to turn into flowing water and become illusory bubbles? No, she is not willing!

  There must be a way to avoid this disaster with Han Xiu.

  She was lost in thought when Snow and Dan Hongs anxious calls came from outside, "Miss, miss!"

  Ming Xuan adjusted her expression, slowly pushed open the door and walked into the courtyard, where she met two maidservants who came forward, asking with a hint of reproach, "What took you so long? Where did you two go?"

  Xue Su hastily stepped forward and supported her, anxiously asking, "Miss, are you alright?"

  She got a definite answer from Ming Xuan, and couldnt help but pat her chest, still in shock, "Just now when you were holding the incense, a little monk came over to tell me that Yan Niangniang was looking for me outside. I thought it must be that Yan Niangniang had something to instruct me, anyway Dan Hong was still there, so I went out. Who would have expected that as soon as I left the courtyard gate, someone tied me up and gagged me, locking me in a side room."

  As soon as she finished speaking, Dan Hong also nodded hastily. Her face still showed fear and there were tears in the corners of her eyes. "I was told by Xiao Sha that someone had come to find us. I thought it was Qian San who couldnt wait for the appointed time and came in ahead of schedule. That Xiao Sha said it was urgent, so I thought Id go out and ask him to wait at the agreed place. Who would have thought... Snow Su sister and I were locked up together and couldnt speak, both of us were anxious to the point of tears!"

  Dan Hong gently shook Ming Xuans arm, her big eyes filled with fear and worry. "Miss, is someone intentionally luring us out to harm you? Who is it? Are you hurt?"

  Ming Xuans eyes dimmed slightly, and that surnamed Han was able to easily get rid of the people around her without anyone noticing. It really is a good skill... The other party is so strong, but she doesnt even have the ability to protect herself, what should be done in the future...

  But thinking of the two girls by her side who had already suffered a wave of grievances for her, she was probably still unable to calm down at this moment. She couldnt bear to let them worry with her again, and besides, this was someone elses territory, who knew if there were prying ears behind the walls? The warnings and rudeness from Han Xiu just now werent things that could be said casually in such a setting.

  She thought for a moment, then forced a smile and shook her head, "Im fine, Ill tell you all about it when we get back."

  Xue Su followed Ming Huan for a long time, and upon hearing the sound of the zither, she understood the subtle meaning. She knew that Xiao Yu was indeed referring to something inconvenient to mention, although she was still startled in her heart. However, she nodded and said, "Dont worry, Miss. What happened just now, Dan Hong and I wont go out and spread it around."

  As the two personal maids of the young lady, they naturally received the young ladys favor and trust. As confidantes, many things did not need to be avoided, just like Seventh Young Ladys way of doing things, which always involved discussing with them and having them by her side at all times.

  Just like just now, they will be lured away and their hands and feet will be tied up and their mouths will be stuffed, which means that someone wants to meet Miss alone and say something that is not suitable for outsiders to know, even the identity of the person cannot be revealed. The two of them are closely related to Seventh Young Lady Sheng, and they will not casually spread these words around.

  Dan Hongs thoughts were not as transparent as Xue Sus, but she had always followed Xue Sus lead, so she also hastily said, "I think so too."

  Ming Xuans nose slightly ached, and she had a slight cough as she nodded, "Uh-huh."

  As soon as she finished speaking, she looked up to see Hong Tao entering the courtyard with a lowered head. She quickly held back the tears that were about to burst out and composed herself, saying, "Is there something Grandmother wants to instruct me on?"

  Xiang Tao smiled and bowed, "The old lady is afraid that Seventh Miss will be too sad, so she sent me to persuade her a bit. After the ceremony, Ill take you back to the Chan room. She has already ordered the temple to send over a table of vegetarian dishes. After lunch, we can rest for a while and then head back at the beginning of Shen."

  Its only a three-hour journey from Qingliang Temple to Yongning Marquis Manor, leaving at the hour of Shen and returning before the hour of You. Now that the days are getting longer, there is still some daylight at the hour of You, which doesnt hinder traveling.

  Ming Xuan smiled and said, "I have already offered incense to Mother, now I will go see Grandmother."

  It was just three oclock, and she had agreed to meet Qian San at noon. After lunch, while her grandmother was taking a nap, she slipped out to meet Qian San under the giant pine tree in the back mountain. Qian San was an intelligent person, and there were some things that didnt need to be said too much. As for the future glory or shame, he would definitely think more carefully than herself. It wasnt that she didnt trust General Xi or Shen Er Ye, but having one more reliable person to find Gu Yu Jing would always give her a few more assurances.

  On the bluestone path, Ming Xuan was lost in thought, wondering how to open his mouth and express his concerns when he suddenly heard the guide, Hong Tao, laughing and saying to Xue Su, "There are actually monks with long hair in this Qingliang Temple, isnt that strange?"

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