Chapter 13: C13. Clarifying Responsibilities.

Chapter 13

When Cao Xun brought up marriage, Yunzhu immediately sensed that he was planning to propose to her.

What truly caught her off guard was his blunt, no-nonsense approach to asking for her hand.

Yunzhu was well aware of the line of admirers competing for her favor, like Cao Shao, who had gone to great lengths to win her over. He showered her with flattery, poured out his heart, and bent over backward to prove his sincerity.

But Cao Xun was nothing like that. He skipped the flowery words, dismissed any sign of indulgence, and even went so far as to mention divorcing his wife as a possibility.

Li Yunzhu's frustration boiled over.

When had she ever been unreasonable?

If she was angry, it was because someone else had provoked her!

Yet, as her irritation subsided, she took a moment to think clearly. Cao Xun wasn’t entirely wrong. They barely knew each other. His interest in her was likely sparked by her looks, while her interest in him came from his power, talent, and the opportunities he represented.

She took a steadying breath, realizing that someone as calculating as Cao Xun had probably seen right through her motives. He was older and clearly knew the risks of her losing interest, which explained his mention of divorce as a veiled warning.

She wanted to tell him he had it all wrong. Li Yunzhu wasn’t some schemer with no principles. Sure, she was proud, but she would never stoop so low as to tarnish her family’s name. But even as she thought it, she knew Cao Xun wouldn’t believe her.

“I understand. I’ll think about it,” she replied, refusing to give him a definite answer. It was clear she wasn’t going to be rushed, no matter how impatient he might be. Her pride shone through in her calm composure, though moments later, she paled.

Cao Xun, realizing her temper had been stirred by the attention from younger men like Cao Shao and Xie Lang, decided it was time to ease the tension. Despite his sharp tone earlier, he wanted her to see his true nature. His goal wasn’t to dominate her—it was to create a partnership built on balance.

When he noticed Yunzhu asking the maids to handle the fish, he stepped in again. “Let me do it. This isn’t something you’re used to, and there’s no need to risk injury.”

Li Yunzhu shot him a look, her tone cutting as she retorted, “What is this? A noble prince lowering himself to a servant’s task?”

But when they shared a laugh, she saw a glimmer of his charm despite his age. He wasn’t about to let her walk all over him, and she found that satisfying. With a slight nod, she handed the task to him and turned her focus back to fishing.

Xie Wenying deliberately looked away as Li Yunzhu stood and adjusted her skirt. Earlier, Duke Dingguo had shown concern over Yunzhu possibly injuring herself and insisted on checking on her.

Though Duke Dingguo carried himself with maturity and calm, Xie Wenying couldn't shake a nagging sense of déjà vu while watching him interact with Yunzhu. Was history about to repeat itself? She had no answer but couldn’t dismiss the thought.

Not long after, Yunzhu walked over and, in an easy tone, explained, “It’s a good thing Duke Dingguo was there to help. I used to think my grandfather’s fish-cleaning routine was simple, but when I tried it myself, I realized how tough it was. The scales were sharp—I almost cut myself.”

Gu Min didn’t miss a beat. “Be more careful next time. Carelessness can cost you,” he warned, his tone calm but firm.

Li Yunzhu nodded and returned to her fishing rod, giving it her full attention.

Xie Lang kept stealing glances at her. But with Yunzhu seemingly busy, he had no excuse to strike up a conversation.

The sun climbed higher, and one by one, the fishing rods pulled up an impressive haul from the lake’s abundant waters.

The maids and guards took over, grilling the fish nearby, leaving only five people gathered by the bonfire to enjoy the view.

The three women settled down first. Gu Min naturally positioned himself between Li Yunzhu and Xie Wenying, ensuring both were within reach of his attention.

Cao Xun and Xie Lang showed up shortly after, carrying long branches strung with freshly caught fish. With his sister present, Xie Lang didn’t dare close the distance to Yunzhu, even though it was clear he wanted to.

Li Yunzhu, seated next to Cao Xun, completely ignored him. Instead, she studied a freshly washed handkerchief in her hands with quiet interest.

The handkerchief was a pristine white Suzhou embroidery, its corner adorned with a vivid pink peach blossom.

Under the warm spring air, with golden flames flickering in the bonfire, Yunzhu’s fair cheeks glowed. Her bright eyes and subtle smile gave her an air of effortless charm.

Though both Xie Wenying and Gu Min were stunning in their own right, they paled next to Yunzhu.

Even Gu Min, usually poised, found herself unconsciously captivated by Yunzhu’s profile. Xie Lang, on the other hand, made no effort to hide his admiration.

Only Cao Xun seemed immune, wholly focused on grilling the fish.

Xie Wenying, noticing Cao Xun’s indifference toward Yunzhu, felt a wave of relief wash over her.

The fish scales were scraped off with precision, and the soft, tender flesh of the silver crucian carp was cooked quickly. The seasoned fish skin crisped into a golden, charred surface, releasing an irresistible aroma.

Each young woman got a smaller fish, while the two tall men each received a larger one.

Yunzhu held her skewer of grilled fish, letting it cool as she watched Xie Wenying teach Gu Min how to eat the catch. Then, her gaze shifted to Xie Lang, who was quietly observing Cao Xun handle his fish.

Cao Xun ignored the tail and skillfully pulled a piece from the center. The way it came apart showed it was perfectly deboned.

Yunzhu casually turned her skewer, letting the charred fish sway close to Cao Xun.

Cao Xun smiled and asked, “Why aren’t you eating?”

She gave the fish a glance and sighed, “Picking out the bones is such a chore.”

Her words carried weight. Cao Xun looked at the young woman beside him—open in her expressions—and took the hint. He handed her the deboned piece. “Let me help.”

Yunzhu was delighted.

From then on, Cao Xun deboned the fish for her, piece by piece. Once she’d had her fill, he headed to the lake to clean his hands before taking care of himself.

Xie Wenying stared at her partially eaten fish, caught in a mix of emotions.

If she had the boldness to ask for help like Yunzhu, would Cao Xun show her the same care?

But Yunzhu was fearless—her composure before Emperor Yuan Qing proved it. Xie Wenying, on the other hand, lacked that courage.

After washing up, Yunzhu didn’t return to the campfire. Instead, she wandered to the lakebank shaded by trees, soaking in the view of the serene mountain lake.

Despite her brother’s marriage being a superficial celebration, her own engagement seemed closer to fruition. Satisfaction glimmered in her mood.

Footsteps approached. It was Xie Lang.

This was his first chance to be alone with Yunzhu since his return to Beijing.

He crouched by the water to rinse his hands, casting a fleeting, melancholic glance her way. “Yunzhu, I heard about you and Cao Shao. He… he won’t let you down.”

Yunzhu accepted his words graciously, her tone steady. “If he does, I don’t have to marry him.”

Xie Lang clenched his hands, the gravity of the moment urging him to speak. Summoning courage, he began, “Then… would you consider—”

Before he could finish, approaching footsteps broke the silence. Xie Lang turned to see Cao Xun, his face reddening instantly. Lowering his head, he busied himself with the water, too flustered to continue.

Cao Xun noticed the pair and offered a calm warning, “Careful where you step. There might be ants on the ground.”

His words explained his arrival—he had joined them to wash his hands.

Li Yunzhu glanced at the skirt crumpled on the ground and gave a dismissive response.

Feeling regret gnaw at him, Xie Lang washed his hands hastily and left, desperate to prove he had done nothing wrong.

Cao Xun crouched by the lake.

Recalling the sharp look Xie Wenying had given him, Yunzhu let out a sigh. She grabbed a small stone and deliberately tossed it near Cao Xun, sending up a sharp splash.

Cao Xun tilted his head.

Yunzhu muttered, her tone unwavering, "I need time to think. But I’ll tell you this now—if you marry me, there will be no concubines, no maids warming your bed, and no illicit affairs outside. You’ll remain loyal, or we’re done before we begin. If you can agree, I’ll meet you at Zuixianju at the end of the month. If not, don’t bother."

Cao Xun smirked. "Relax. I’ve got no taste for such nonsense. I’m not about to sow chaos in my own marriage."

Men may be driven by greed, but not all fall prey to base instincts.

Yunzhu raised an eyebrow. "That’s admirable. You’re not inclined toward flirtation. But then why did you tag along with the Xie siblings for fishing? Do you not care about the rumors that could arise?"

Cao Xun looked her straight in the eye. "Are you so irritated that you end up venting your frustrations on the fish?"

Yunzhu’s glare was icy. "I’m annoyed at your inconsistency. You mistreat me yet provoke others."

Cao Xun reflected on the fleeting moments they’d shared during the polo match. They were nothing serious—banter, at best. A real man would keep his distance from a woman, even if she teased him.

And yet, he had held back. Her reaction now was an unpleasant surprise.

"To be clear, I came here because I suspected you’d show up. That’s why I accepted Xie Lang’s invitation."

Yunzhu raised a skeptical brow.

Cao Xun didn’t miss a beat. "Xie Lang isn’t here for the fish. He’s here with an agenda, and I don’t need to spell out who he’s after."

Yunzhu shot back, her voice sharp. "What makes you think he’s targeting me?"

Cao Xun allowed himself a sly grin, knowing his next words would hit the mark. "He’s the eldest son of the Changxing Marquis Palace. Who else would catch his attention if not the most stunning daughter of the Duke Ningguo Mansion?"

Yunzhu bit her lip, fighting back a triumphant smile. But her eyes betrayed her amusement.

Cao Xun, unbothered, bent down to wash his hands. "So, what did Xie Lang tell you?"

Yunzhu’s tone softened, but her words held a hidden edge. "He told me to let go of the past. You showed up before he could elaborate."

Cao Xun’s reply was curt. "Good. Don’t give him the chance to say more—it’ll only lead to embarrassment later."

Li Yunzhu cast a quick glance at Xie Lang in the distance, then shifted her gaze to Cao Xun nearby. In an instant, she understood why he'd warned her to think things through.

He was a man of principle, through and through. Even though he called Xie Lang a brother and treated her as a sister, he had seen through Xie Lang's intentions. Yet, he still chose to discuss marriage with her—calm, composed, and upright.

It turned out their values aligned perfectly.

From that moment on, they never spoke privately again.

When parting ways at the city gate, Yunzhu made a small detour to see Gu Min off before heading home.

Seeing her daughter return with a light step and a bright smile, Meng Shi lit up with excitement. "Miss Gu seems to favor your brother, doesn’t she?"

Yunzhu’s smile dimmed slightly as she let out a sigh. "No. Every time I bring him up, she gets flustered and nervous, as if afraid we might misunderstand her intentions."

Meng Shi paused before replying, "...I see. So your brother isn’t the right fit for her."

Yunzhu quickly comforted her mother, "Don’t worry, Mother. Even less distinguished men have married beautiful wives. It’s just that my brother’s reputation is so grand. If we give it time, a good match will come along."

Meng Shi shook her head with a weary expression.

Plenty of families were eager to marry their daughters into the household of Duke Ningguo’s heir. Yet, despite their parents’ ambitions, the daughters all hesitated. Meng Shi had no interest in forcing someone’s hand. She wanted a daughter-in-law who truly wanted the marriage, nothing less.

*

At the distinguished Changxing Hou Mansion, Xie Lang confronted his sister as he escorted her back. "Sister, you clearly like Cao Xun. Why didn’t you take the lead and speak to him on the mountain?"

Their father, eager to secure Cao Xun as a son-in-law, arranged a banquet to formally introduce his daughter to Cao Xun, hoping to spark a mutual connection.

Uncertain of Cao Xun’s feelings, Xie Lang wondered if their father’s intentions were clear to him and if Cao Xun had even considered the possibility of marriage.

When their parents teased his sister, her flushed face made her attraction undeniable.

Seeing her nervousness around Cao Xun, Xie Lang realized her feelings ran as deep as his own observations suggested.

Carefully, Xie Wenying asked her brother, “Do you think the Duke of Dingguo pays too much attention to Yunzhu?”

Unfamiliar with Cao Xun’s true intentions, the siblings hesitated to overanalyze his actions.

Caught off guard by her question, Xie Lang replied bluntly, “Why would you think that? Yunzhu is practically betrothed to Cao Shao. The Duke treats her no differently than Gu Min—purely with fatherly care. Maybe it stands out because Yunzhu is more delicate.”

Xie Wenying found his explanation logical but couldn’t shake her unease.

Later, when Xie Zhen, the Marquis of Changning, returned and learned of his daughter’s encounter with Cao Xun, he teased her playfully.

Unfazed, Xie Wenying replied firmly, “The Duke of Dingguo likely sees me as just an acquaintance. Bringing up marriage now would only create awkwardness.”

Unwilling to let it drop, Xie Zhen insisted, “You’re charming and dignified—how could he not feel something for you?”

Standing her ground, Xie Wenying responded, “Regardless, do not bring it up. If you must, wait until I’ve had more interactions with him to see if he’s interested.”

Xie Zhen hesitated, then warned, “Many women have their eyes on him. If we wait too long, someone else might claim him.”

Displaying her unyielding pride, Xie Wenying replied, “I’m not concerned about competition.”

In the end, if all her efforts amounted to nothing and Cao Xun chose another, it would mean he didn’t feel the same. And if that were the case, why bother?

Proud and resolute, she refused to compromise or settle for less.