Chapter 676 - 675: Some Things Can’t Be Put Behind
Young Master Yuxuan does not lack silver, so his actions can only mean he has taken a liking to that person.
But the beauty has fled again, so he returned to the Capital City. Unexpectedly, in the Capital City, he saw Xia Wenjin again, and naturally, he had to publicly announce his claim and renew old ties.
Who would have thought that the lofty, elegant Young Master Yuxuan would take a fancy to a Jianghu girl and go to such lengths for her?
For a moment, the gazes falling upon Xia Wenjin were filled with all sorts of emotions—not just envy, jealousy, and hatred, but also scrutiny, curiosity, inquiry, depth, keenness...
Someone whispered, "Young Master Xuan is truly affectionate and devoted, willing to go to such lengths for a girl. If someone did this for me, I would die of happiness!"
"What kind of incense did Xia Wenjin burn on her ancestor’s grave to deserve such sincere treatment from Young Master Xuan?"
"If Young Master Xuan treated me like that, I would also be willing to be a maidservant!"
"After all, she’s a Jianghu girl, clueless about romance. I heard Young Master Xuan claimed to be the son of a merchant, so she fled the engagement. Now she must be filled with regret!"
"What a funny thing to say. If she were truly filled with regret, would she behave like this?"
"What do you know? This is called ’feigned retreat to lure the enemy.’ I can see her little schemes at a glance!"
"Maybe the young lady genuinely doesn’t want to. Didn’t you see her trying hard to clarify?"
"Even Young Master Xuan is not good enough for her? She must be blind!"
...
Suddenly, a chorus of discussions erupted, each saying different things.
Prince Xin’s son watched with great interest, finding the drama exceptionally thrilling.
Is Huangfu Yuxuan foolish?
Since this girl is just a Jianghu person, shouldn’t Huangfu Yuxuan be afraid of her clinging to him? Why would he actively engage with her and talk about an engagement?
Does he truly intend to marry a Jianghu woman?
It seems he has seen that his father’s power is waning, with no chance of revival, so he is breaking the pot in frustration?
He provocatively remarked, "Who would have thought, Yuxuan, that you are such a romantic! To disregard identity and status, and by any means necessary, win the beauty you love, I admire you, brother!"
Shortly after, Prince Lu’s son arrived but only smiled silently.
Xia Wenjin clasped her fists and gave a Jianghu salute, "It was Young Master Xuan who concealed his identity, claiming to be a merchant’s son, that led to this misunderstanding. Now that I know Young Master Xuan is an Imperial Grandson, noble and dignified, it’s no longer a misunderstanding but an offense. However, the unaware should not be held accountable. I’m here to apologize to Young Master Xuan! Given Young Master Xuan’s magnanimity, surely he wouldn’t mind!"
Huangfu Yuxuan laughed; he had not expected Xia Wenjin, seemingly so casual and frank, to make people feel entirely different when she spoke.
He believed that those who heard Xia Wenjin’s words would think he truly bought a male favorite, so the matter of the engagement naturally ceased to exist. To dissolve this engagement, Xia Wenjin would dare say anything!
Yet now, he became even more interested in Xia Wenjin.
Despite the situation being unfavorable to her, she could clear her name with just a few words. Such a person by his side would certainly be a tremendous asset.
A difficult beauty with thorns, no matter, he would gradually remove her thorns!
He smiled and said, "Wenjin, you’ve said so much, is it just because you don’t want to acknowledge this engagement? A male favorite? Would a male favorite have a grand wedding? You didn’t deny that you fled on the eve of marriage. So, this engagement, you can’t just ignore it!"
Xia Wenjin’s face turned slightly cold, "Young Master Xuan, my father bought a supposed merchant’s son to the mountain, and since you’re not a merchant’s son, this matter doesn’t count. A woman’s reputation cannot be lightly sullied, and it’s best for Young Master Xuan to also consider his reputation. Can’t we just let this matter pass?"
Huangfu Jingchen spoke, "Cousin Xuan, your marriage arrangements are for your imperial mother to handle, acknowledged by your imperial grandmother. With your nonchalant words, you appear a bit frivolous, not befitting your status! It’s better not to speak further!"
Everyone felt the same; how could a royal descendant’s marriage be self-decided? The only self-decided one, Prince Cheng, was sent to that barren, desolate Yunzhou, used by so many in the royal family as a cautionary tale for their sons and grandsons.
Initially, they thought Young Master Xuan’s deep affection for his beloved was admirable, going as far as to be a male favorite. But upon reflection, it seemed Miss Xia was unwilling, and Young Master Xuan’s words seemed pressuring and somewhat unscrupulous!
Shen Yuncong said, "Turns out it was just a misunderstanding. If it’s a misunderstanding, there’s nothing to it. Just listen, and don’t spread false rumors!"
Huangfu Jingchen added, "Cousin Xuan, damaging a woman’s reputation is ultimately unbecoming of a gentleman!"
Prince Xin’s son, however, laughed and said, "Could it be Yuxuan is deeply in love? Then you can propose again. Now that Miss Xia is in the Capital City, when will you propose, as your cousin, I’ll surely be present to celebrate!"
He couldn’t wait for Huangfu Yuxuan to actually marry a Jianghu woman with no significant status.
That would be fun!
Moreover, that way, the deposed Crown Prince’s family would be utterly ruined.
Prince Lu’s son watched the spectacle with a smile, saying nothing.
Huangfu Yuxuan smiled slightly and said to Xia Wenjin, "Some things can be set aside, some things cannot, for it is this Young Master who... just happens to fancy you?"
His words were somewhat flippant, yet many young ladies thought, with Huangfu Yuxuan’s charming appearance, even saying such words made their hearts race and faces blush! Xia Wenjin truly doesn’t know how fortunate she is!
Xia Wenjin said seriously, "Young Master Xuan, you’re of royal blood, noble and dignified. Please conduct yourself with dignity!"
Over there, Zhao Keyan’s face sank as she turned and walked far away, out of sight, out of mind. If she continued to listen or watch, she feared she couldn’t restrain herself!
Why?
What did that woman have besides beauty?
But she had beauty too!
She also had family background, learning, coming from a distinguished family, graceful and elegant, knowledgeable and courteous, talented and beautiful—why would Young Master Xuan choose a mysterious Jianghu girl over her?
Xia Wenjin looked at the devilishly charming smile on Huangfu Yuxuan’s face and felt a chill in her heart. Did he think showing such a face would be attractive?
She admitted, Huangfu Yuxuan’s looks were pleasant, and his smile was captivating. However, what she saw was the malice beneath that handsome exterior, the scheming behind that charming smile!
Ruthless mind, treacherous actions—today’s performance showed all that.
He had chosen such a moment to openly speak of this matter.
She knew her clarification seemed to clear the issue, but it scarcely mattered. After today, the Capital City would surely spread rumors about her being betrothed to Huangfu Yuxuan—this was his intention to ruin her reputation!