Chapter 15: C15. Lingering Guilt.

Chapter 15

Li Yong couldn't decide his daughter's marriage on his own. He had to consult his wife first and then consider their daughter's opinion.

In that moment, Li Yong couldn't think clearly. Even when Cao Xun laid out the facts, Li Yong remained dazed, as if his mind was elsewhere.

How could this be? Cao Xun always called him "Brother Li"!

But they weren’t actual brothers. During good times, they called each other brothers; when things soured, they could just as easily act like strangers. Blood ties didn’t bind them, and age or seniority didn’t matter—even though Cao Xun was older.

Li Yong couldn’t help stealing a few glances at Cao Xun’s face, unaware his gaze mirrored the one Yunzhu had given him just days ago.

It wasn’t that Li Yong disliked Cao Xun, but scrutinizing someone based on age felt awkward. If it had been anyone else, he’d have felt embarrassed.

Cao Xun, however, seemed unfazed by Li Yong’s lingering stares. Fixing his gaze on the food and wine before him, he spoke calmly:

“I understand the Duke of Ningguo holds Yunzhu dear to his heart. My visit might seem presumptuous, but I humbly ask you and your wife to deliberate on this matter. If the esteemed couple approves of this union, I ask you to inform me, and I shall request the Emperor’s blessing for the marriage. If fate does not align, the Cao family will take every measure to make amends for Yunzhu.”

“Please, take your time. I’ll take my leave now.”

Cao Xun departed without hesitation, not waiting for Li Yong to see him out.

By the time Li Yong snapped out of his daze, Cao Xun was already gone.

The enticing aroma of the food lingered in the air, but Li Yong had lost his appetite. After standing there absentmindedly for a moment, he wandered into the backyard.

Meng Shi, his wife, was still eating when he approached. She had barely gotten through half her meal. Seeing her husband appear so suddenly, she asked curiously, “What brings you here?”

Not wanting to ruin her appetite with the weight of the conversation, Li Yong forced a smile and replied, “Let’s talk about it after we’ve finished eating.”

He returned to his seat and quickly ate, sneaking glances at Yunzhu throughout the meal.

Yunzhu noticed his behavior immediately. She kept her gaze down, pretending not to see.

After the meal, the servants cleared the table, leaving only the family of five in Zhenghe Hall. Finally, Li Yong revealed Cao Xun’s marriage proposal.

Yunzhu’s brows furrowed the moment she heard it.

Cao Xun wanted to marry her, and she didn’t get a say in it. He was clearly infatuated but couldn’t stomach the humiliation of competing with his brother over a woman. So, he cloaked his intentions in noble-sounding excuses and paraded himself as the epitome of integrity.

What a shining example of virtue!

In his view, Cao Shao’s betrayal made Li Yunzhu the unfortunate victim of a difficult marriage. But why should her marriage be labeled “difficult” just because his brother and stepmother broke trust?

And had anyone bothered to notice Xie Lang’s devotion to her?

Xie Lang’s position was one most noblewomen could only dream of. If Yunzhu married him, others would envy her. But her pride demanded someone even better than Xie Lang—or Cao Shao!

“I guess I’m just unworthy of marriage,” Yunzhu muttered, visibly frustrated.

Her brother Li Yao looked just as irritated. “Forget anyone else—Xie Lang is ready to marry my sister! Why should some thirty-year-old man act like he’s doing her a favor?”

Meng Shi frowned. “While Duke Dingguo has a point, he and Cao Shao are brothers. If Yunzhu marries him, people will talk.”

Li Xian, the youngest sibling, stayed silent, observing the conversation unfold.

Li Yong, their father, weighed everyone’s opinions and asked, “Should I turn down his proposal, then?”

All eyes turned to Yunzhu.

She sneered. “Why reject him? He’s better looking than Cao Shao, his rank is higher, and his status is superior. Sure, he’s older, but I’m not losing out by marrying him.”

She resented Cao Xun’s pretense but wasn’t naive. His lofty excuse helped them both—avoiding the scandal of “competing with his brother for a wife” while sparing her reputation.

Li Yao frowned. “But weren’t you furious just now?”

Yunzhu scoffed. “That’s beside the point. If he’d just admitted he admired me and proposed, I’d be perfectly satisfied.”

Li Yong, Meng Shi, Li Yao, and Li Xian exchanged incredulous glances.

Yunzhu raised an eyebrow. “What’s so shocking? Is it so unbelievable that he admires me?”

Li Yong cleared his throat while Meng Shi poured tea, clearly avoiding her pointed question.

Li Yao, ever blunt, replied, “You’re beautiful, sure. But he’s thirty. The way he looks at you—more like a caretaker than anything else. He might admire you, but…”

Yunzhu glanced at her brother, suppressing a groan at his innocence.

Their reactions only highlighted how skilled Cao Xun was at hiding his true intentions. Even if his proposal became public, no one in the capital would dare question his motives.

*

During the marriage negotiations, Meng Shi dismissed her husband and son, taking her daughter back to the chamber for a private discussion.

Sitting beside her daughter on the bed, Meng Shi clasped her hand firmly and said, her tone serious yet calm:

"Yunzhu, I know you’re headstrong and refuse to settle for someone beneath Cao Shao. But listen—Cao Xun is much older, a general commanding thousands, with unmatched martial skills and political insight that surpasses your father’s. A man like him, seasoned and focused, won’t be consumed by petty affection. He may protect you, but he won’t dote on you like Cao Shao did. Can you not see the sincerity in how Shao and Xie Lang cared for you?"

Meng Shi respected Cao Xun's achievements and admired his character, but admiration wasn’t enough to make him the right match for her daughter.

As a mother, Meng Shi wanted Yunzhu to marry someone she genuinely cared for—not to endure a cold, distant marriage devoid of love. With their family’s wealth and status, Yunzhu didn’t need to prioritize financial security in choosing a partner.

But Yunzhu didn’t grasp the depth of her mother’s concerns.

"Mother," she said, with an air of defiance, "a man is a man, regardless of his age. If he loves me, he’ll treat me well. Isn’t that enough? Cao Xun cleaning fish and removing bones for me proves he cares."

Her voice carried an edge as she continued, "I don’t understand this so-called deep love. When I wanted to marry Cao Shao, it was for his looks and family background. When it didn’t work out, I wasn’t heartbroken. I’ve read stories about women risking everything for love, crying their hearts out when betrayed. That kind of love? I doubt I’ll ever feel it."

Yunzhu’s tone sharpened as she explained herself. "I’m satisfied with Cao Xun. For eighteen years, I’ve been the one in charge. No one dared to challenge me, and I’ve lived on my terms. Now that I’m marrying, I want a husband who allows me to keep living that way. Someone who can support me and secure my position."

She added bluntly, "If Duke Ningguo were only a few years older, I wouldn’t even consider Cao Xun. I’d marry the Duke without hesitation."

Meng Shi sighed, searching for an argument. "He’ll be busy with state affairs, Yunzhu. He won’t have time for you."

"I don’t need him to entertain me. I can handle myself," Yunzhu replied coolly.

"You’re used to being in control. What if he finds you difficult and refuses to comply with your wishes?"

"Then I won’t comply with his. Fair is fair," Yunzhu shot back, unfazed.

Meng Shi pressed on. "You sound like a child. Once you’re married, you’ll want his care and affection. If he withholds it, you’ll be hurt and miserable, trapped in love."

Yunzhu smirked. "Mother, Cao Shao was my childhood sweetheart, and even he couldn’t ‘trap me in love.’ Do I seem devastated? If he couldn’t do it, how can a man like Cao Xun? At most, he’ll irritate me, and I’ll deal with it."

Meng Shi grew more frustrated. "Neither of you cares about emotions. What kind of marriage will this be?"

"A practical one," Yunzhu declared firmly. "And that’s all I want—results."

Meng Shi fell silent, unable to argue further.

*

Li Yunzhu had made up her mind, no second thoughts. Li Yong and Meng shi thought she was just being impulsive. They wasted days trying to change her mind.

But when they saw that Yunzhu wasn’t backing down, Meng shi gave up, saying, “That’s it. If she thinks Cao Xun is the right choice, nothing we say will matter.”

Li Yong, still not giving in, replied, “But what do we do? Cao Xun used to call me ‘brother.’ Now he’s thirty and calling me ‘father-in-law.’ It’s so damn awkward, I can’t agree to this.”

Meng shi shot back, “It’s the duty of an elder, and you’re in charge.”

Li Yong snapped, “Then why the hell did I raise a daughter as beautiful as a flower? She’s twelve years younger! It’s clear he’s taking advantage of her!”

Meng shi, frustrated, said, “Then just reject him and find someone younger and better than Cao Xun for Yunzhu!”

Li Yong: “…”

Across the vast lands of the Great Xia Dynasty, there may be younger men, but none stronger. The capital buzzed with youth, but the truth was in his battle-hardened hands: he was the peak.

Strength like his couldn’t be ignored. Li Yong finally agreed.

On April 9th, Cao Xun, like a storm gathering force, walked towards the Qianqing Palace. Duty led him past Li Yao, whose loyalty was as sharp as his words.

Li Yao’s eyes shot daggers. By the time Cao Xun was three steps away, a harsh snort broke the silence, showing just how displeased Li Yao was.

Cao Xun didn’t flinch, continuing his way to meet the Emperor. Afterward, he found Li Yao waiting, a sly grin on his face. In a low voice, he asked, “The Duke made up his mind?”

Li Yao’s only response was another snort, sharper than the last.

Cao Xun said, “I’ve already spoken with the Emperor today. Tomorrow I’ll rest, and the day after, I’ll get his approval for the marriage.”

Li Yao ground his teeth, fuming.

Cao Xun gave a courteous nod and walked away.

The next morning, Cao Xun called for Cao Shao. “It’s rare I have free time. How about a stroll through the streets? Care to join me, second brother?”

Of course, Cao Shao was eager. It was better than sitting at home, endlessly thinking about Yunzhu.

Despite knowing he had no right to pine for Yunzhu anymore, Cao Shao couldn't shake his obsession with the marriage. His unfulfilled desires ate at him, pushing him to drown his frustration in alcohol. Only in a drunken haze could he find any peace, avoiding the restless tossing and turning of his sleepless nights. He desperately wanted to beg Yunzhu for her mother's forgiveness, hoping to salvage the marriage.

The two brothers wore subtle muslin robes, but their presence still demanded attention wherever they went.

Ahead of them stood the Wangyou Tea House.

Outside, they could hear the raspy voice of a storyteller, sometimes mundane, sometimes building to emotional peaks, stirring deep feelings.

Watching his brother stop to listen, Cao Shao smirked. "This Mr. Shi came to the capital ten years ago. By then, our eldest brother had already left. Let’s go inside, grab a private room, and enjoy some tea and storytelling."

Cao Xun nodded in agreement.

The teahouse attendant led them to a second-floor private room, served them tea, and then left them to themselves.

Today, Mr. Shi was narrating the stories of generals from the old dynasty. Tales of battlefield heroics and heartfelt moments from everyday life captivated the tea guests, who listened intently, not daring to make a sound.

It wasn’t until Mr. Shi finished and paused for a break that conversations began to stir.

Just as Cao Shao was about to comment to his brother, a loud exclamation cut through the air: "Have you seen Li Yunzhu?"

It was as if an invisible noose had tightened around Cao Shao's chest, momentarily freezing him. He forgot about his brother across the table and listened closely, wondering when the man had seen Yunzhu and why he was talking about her.

Those deeply in love often find comfort when someone mentions the person they crave, as though they've been reunited, even if only in words.

"I saw her. She was at the polo grounds last month with the Li brothers, wearing a delicate crabapple pink skirt. She looked like a fairy, straight out of heaven."

"I heard about that. The Emperor wanted the Great Imperial Uncle to join in the games and even had the court ladies present him with ribbons, setting him up as a matchmaker."

"Not just him. The other nineteen unmarried military attaches were also there, all dressed to the nines, including the young Imperial Uncle and Heir Xie from the Changxing Marquis Mansion."

"Miss Li was probably looking to find a husband for herself, right?"

"Of course. It’s a shame her father lost the war and her engagement to her childhood sweetheart was broken. I doubt the noble families that care about reputation will accept her as a daughter-in-law again."

This was followed by malicious laughter.

Without warning, Cao Shao abruptly stood up, leaving the table behind.

Cao Xun stared at him from across the table, slowly setting his teacup down and locking eyes with him.

His brother’s quiet question snapped Cao Shao out of his rage, but it didn't stop him from fuming. He glared at the table next to him. "Who the hell do they think they are, talking about Yunzhu?" he growled.

Cao Xun answered coolly, "They have a voice too."

The brothers moved on to other matters.

Once the anger cooled, Cao Shao slumped back down, picked up his teacup, and drank from it like it was some rare vintage.

Cao Xun didn’t bother to say anything comforting.

The two of them listened in on the conversation, then headed to Zuixianju for lunch. By midday, Cao Shao was beyond drunk, knocking back bowl after bowl. Eventually, Cao Xun had to drag him downstairs.

Cao Shao was wasted and slept through the entire afternoon.

He woke up with a pounding headache. Pan Shi, consumed with worry about her son, came to check on him, but every word she spoke felt like a needle in his skull.

When Pan Shi saw him lying there, she scowled. "He just wanted to get you drunk and humiliate you in front of everyone, and you still think he's a good guy?" she sneered.

Cao Shao ignored her.

After she left, he just stayed in bed, sulking. He was supposed to leave for the Hanlin Academy the next day, but all he wanted was to wallow in misery.

Footsteps approached outside—his brother.

Cao Shao sat up and rubbed his temples. The room reeked of alcohol. He glanced at his brother, who was impeccably dressed in a brocade robe, radiating power and grace.

Lowering his gaze, he muttered, "I’ve become a joke, haven’t I, brother?"

Cao Xun shook his head, opened the window, and sat beside him. "I get it. You care about Yunzhu, but you're drowning in guilt and regret," he said firmly.

Cao Shao suddenly broke down.

He’d held Yunzhu in such high regard, yet his own actions had humiliated her, turning the proud woman into the butt of everyone’s jokes.

Cao Xun slapped his brother's shoulder and said, "This is shameful for the entire Cao family. I’ve spent the whole afternoon thinking about it, and I still can’t figure out how to fix this with Yunzhu or the Duke Ningguo’s family."

Cao Shao looked at him, hopelessness in his eyes, and asked, "What the hell should I do, brother?"

Cao Xun replied, "I can’t tell you the perfect solution. I’m your older brother, not your advisor. But brothers are responsible for their actions. Since Yunzhu won’t come back to you, I’ll take matters into my own hands. I’ll ask the Emperor for permission to propose marriage myself. Let’s see who dares mock her for worrying about her future. This way, the Cao family’s honor stays intact, and our father can rebuild his ties with the Duke."

Cao Shao’s eyes widened, and his bloodshot gaze was filled with shock.

Cao Xun held his ground, unwavering. "My marriage to Yunzhu has nothing to do with our personal ties. If my second brother truly cares, he should forget everything I’ve said. No need to worry yourself so much. From what I know, Xie Lang has his eyes on Yunzhu. If they marry, she’ll be known as a woman of exceptional talent, beauty, and a powerful family lineage."

The image of Xie Lang's youthful and striking face popped into Cao Shao’s mind, and he snapped, "No way! Yunzhu doesn’t care about him!"

While Yunzhu had never been interested in Xie Lang before, the idea of them marrying wasn’t out of the question. Xie Lang was relentless in his pursuit of Yunzhu, and it wasn’t impossible for her to eventually fall for him.

Cao Shao couldn’t stomach the thought of Yunzhu choosing Xie Lang over him and struggled with the idea of his rival getting what he wanted.

If it had been his older brother, Yunzhu might have admired him at his age, but there would’ve been no romantic feelings.

Besides, his older brother wasn’t interested in Yunzhu; this was all about maintaining propriety.

"Brother, it’s better you marry her. Yunzhu won’t feel wronged being with you."

"I’m the one to blame. It’s my incompetence that has left my older brother to clean up my mess."

Cao Xun exhaled deeply. "I just want you to snap out of this and stop obsessing over a lost cause. I pursued that proposal with honesty, and once she accepts, she’ll be your sister-in-law. If you keep this up, even if I don’t interfere, the gossip will ruin both you and Yunzhu."

Cao Shao quickly responded, "Brother, don’t worry. I won’t back down!"

———TN: What a master manipulator! Laughing out loud!