Chapter 39: C39. Can Anger Become My Ally?

Chapter 39

Yunzhu pounced on Cao Xun’s words the moment they left his lips.

Just moments ago, she had been poking fun at him for playing the part of the ever-perfect, self-sacrificing older brother. But Cao Xun didn’t let it slide. Oh no, he threw it right back at her—mocking her for being so utterly incapable of letting go of her old flame.

That jab wiped the smirk clean off Yunzhu's face. Her laughter stopped cold as she shot him a sharp, unyielding stare. “Who's been ogling him? Not me. You’re accusing the wrong person,” she snapped, her tone cutting and unapologetic.

But Cao Xun didn’t flinch. He didn’t need to. That sly, dismissive smile he gave her said it all: You know exactly what I mean.

That infuriating little smirk was worse than if he’d come right out and said it. It was smug, self-assured—infuriating. He’d made up his mind, locked the judgment in place, and nothing Yunzhu could say would sway him. No explanation, no denial, no argument. Anything she said would only dig her deeper into the hole he’d so smugly decided to toss her in.

But Yunzhu wasn’t about to let him pull her into his game. She refused to play the defendant in a case she never signed up for. No, if anyone was clamoring to prove their feelings, it sure as hell wouldn’t be her.

She stood her ground, her voice sultry yet pointed. “Sure, he won first place in the hunt. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t glance his way—once or twice. But to say I couldn’t tear my eyes off him? Please. That’s your narrative, not mine. Think what you want. I’ve got better things to do. Like taking a walk after a long nap.”

Without sparing him another glance, Yunzhu turned on her heel, grabbed Lian Qiao, and strode out. Her departure was deliberate—poised and commanding. She left the courtyard behind, her silk shoes clicking softly as she crossed into the cozy confines of her mother’s family home.

Inside, her mother, Meng Shi, along with Li Yong and Li Xian, were seated at the table enjoying their meal. Li Yao was notably absent, but Yunzhu barely noticed.

Meng Shi looked up, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Why so late, my dear?” she asked.

Yunzhu’s response was smooth, yet aloof. “It’s late, yes. But the sunset was gorgeous, and I thought it’d be nice to take a stroll with you.”

Meng Shi studied her daughter’s expression closely, a hint of concern lacing her words. “Have you eaten? Why not let Fushan join you for the walk?”

Before Yunzhu could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from outside. Li Yao appeared, striding in with his imperial guard’s scarlet uniform practically glowing against the dim light.

Spotting Yunzhu, he greeted her with cheerful enthusiasm. “Sister, you’re here!”

Yunzhu met his grin with a wry smile. “Just arrived. Did I ruin your plans by showing up?”

Li Yao laughed and shook his head before plopping down in an empty seat, hunger driving his every move. Eyeing the dishes on the table, he reached for a juicy, perfectly glazed piece of braised chicken leg.

A sharp rap on his hand from Li Yong’s chopsticks stopped him mid-snatch.

Li Yao groaned, clutching his "injured" hand. “I’m starving! Does it really have to be this formal?”

Li Xian, calm and collected as ever, silently handed his brother a pair of clean chopsticks without a word.

Their mother, Meng Shi, sighed, shaking her head in exasperation. “You’re hopeless. Even if you bring home a wife someday, she won’t last long with those rough habits of yours.”

Li Yao smirked, unfazed. “Good thing I have no plans to marry. Why make someone else suffer through this every day? I’m perfectly fine as I am.”

Yunzhu couldn’t help but let a bemused smile tug at her lips. For all their quirks and antics, this family of hers was a circus she wouldn’t trade for the world.

Meng Shi didn’t waste a second, her tone sharp as she pressed her daughter for answers. “Why didn’t you invite your husband to join you?”

Yunzhu, knowing that playful banter would only stir suspicion within the family, quickly fabricated an excuse. With a flick of her wrist and a sly smirk, she replied, “Word has it that Cao Shao got himself injured on the hunting grounds. My husband, being the considerate man he is, called for his people to check on him and even hosted him for dinner. But you know what? He didn’t bother consulting me, didn’t care about my feelings in the slightest. If he doesn’t respect me, why would I bother dragging him out for a stroll?”

Li Yong, ever ready to defend his son-in-law, opened his mouth to speak, but Li Yao, having just swallowed a mouthful of meat, beat him to it. His eyes locked on his sister, his tone dripping with curiosity. “What exactly did he say about Cao Shao’s injury?”

Yunzhu’s response was casual yet cutting. “He claimed Cao Shao accidentally intercepted someone else’s arrow. Didn’t name names, though—he’s too scared his so-called good brother might seek revenge.”

“Cao Shao is a complete fool,” she thought, her lips curling into a faint, knowing smile. This was classic Cao Xun, playing the devoted brother, all the while using Cao Shao’s misfortune to take sly jabs at her.

Li Yao, oblivious to the layers of manipulation, burst into laughter, his voice echoing with mock indignation. “Cao Xun wants to avenge Cao Shao? Perfect. Once I’m done eating, I’ll pay him a visit. Let’s see how far he’s willing to go.”

Yunzhu, unable to hide her frustration, muttered under her breath, “…Seriously?”

Meng Shi’s eyebrows shot up. Her voice, laced with suspicion, cut through the moment. “Wait. Did you have anything to do with Cao Shao’s injury?”

Li Yao scoffed, his tone unapologetically cocky. “You think I hurt him?” He leaned back, recounting with ease how Cao Shao had dared to snatch the white fox he’d rightfully hunted.

“Honestly, if I didn’t think he still intended to keep the engagement intact, I might’ve just shot an arrow into his shoulder!” he added, his smirk broad and unrepentant.

For once, Li Yong, the family’s voice of reason, gave his eldest son a rare nod of approval. “It’s good you handled it with restraint. A public scandal would only disgrace the Emperor.”

Caught between the courtier’s calm reasoning and the Empress’s brother’s brazen pride, the situation teetered on a precarious edge. Meng Shi, her maternal instincts kicking in, served her eldest son another dish, her approval clear.

Meanwhile, Yunzhu sat there, her hands clenched in her lap, seething. The truth was finally sinking in: Cao Shao’s so-called “accomplishments” were built on stealing what her brother deserved. Her jaw tightened. If she had known this sooner, she would have crushed him long ago.

Had Cao Shao shown an ounce of integrity and if her brother had truly stepped up like a man, taken the reins, and galloped out of that hunting ground with the same swagger as Cao Shao, he might have captured the attention—and hearts—of every woman present that day.

But no, Cao Shao’s antics didn’t just strain her relationship with Cao Xun—they might have cost her brother a wife. A sister-in-law, gone, thanks to her foolishness!

“Brother,” Yunzhu declared, her tone sharp yet composed, a faint smile curling her lips, “let me handle this with my husband. Don’t you dare involve yourself.” She paused, then added casually, “He’s also wary of someone intentionally stirring trouble for Cao Shao.”

Li Yao wasn’t having it. “No. I’m going,” he said, voice firm. “I need to give him a piece of my mind. He needs to know he can’t just bring Cao Shao to you whenever he pleases. He’s being reckless, and someone needs to knock some sense into him.”

Yunzhu bit back her thoughts. If Cao Xun is being reckless, then there isn’t a soul on earth who could dare claim they’ve got their head on straight.

Thankfully, Meng Shi stepped in, the voice of reason in a sea of brewing drama, stopping her son from diving headfirst into a mess with his brother-in-law.

After dinner, Meng Shi turned to her husband, “Keep an eye on our eldest. He’s itching for trouble.” With that, she took Yunzhu by the arm and led her outside to watch the sunset, the weight of the day’s chaos momentarily lifting.

The official residence opened up to an endless expanse of grassland, the golden sunset pouring over the hills and shimmering lakes in the distance. For a moment, Yunzhu let the beauty wash over her, easing the tension in her chest.

Arm in arm, mother and daughter strolled leisurely to a stream, the soft rippling water adding a touch of calm to the quiet moment. Time slipped away—no more than a quarter of an hour—and the sky began its nightly transformation, the sun melting into the horizon.

They turned back, their tranquil walk leading them back toward the residence.

But just before they reached the edge of the grassland, a tall figure stepped into view from the opposite entrance. Broad-shouldered and commanding, he was draped in a peach-hued cloak that only added to his presence. Cao Xun.

Yunzhu’s heart jolted.

Meng Shi’s gaze flicked to her son-in-law, her brows twitching ever so slightly. The sight of him dressed to impress gave her pause—was this the prelude to another marital skirmish? She quickly buried her unease, her expression calm.

The two parties moved closer, steps bridging the distance on the stone path. Yunzhu clung to her mother’s arm, her face composed but her eyes deliberately avoiding Cao Xun’s.

This was a standoff—unspoken, simmering, and heavy with the kind of tension only young lovers could summon.

Cao Xun’s lips curved into a calm smile as he turned to his mother-in-law. “Yunzhu ran off in such a rush—I was worried she’d catch a chill in the evening breeze. I thought it best to bring her a cloak.”

Meng Shi’s voice carried a faint sting as she replied, “You’re still thoughtful enough to care for others. I’ve been married to your father-in-law for over two decades, and he’s never shown me such consideration.”

Yunzhu’s voice, low but biting, cut in. “Well, my father doesn’t anger you every other day.”

Cao Xun’s gaze dropped, a flicker of regret crossing his face.

Meng Shi gently reassured him, her tone softening. “You don’t need to explain, son-in-law. I know. Yunzhu’s been spoiled by us all these years. Even with someone as exceptional as you by her side, she’d still find things to pick at. Before, I couldn’t rein her in, and now that she’s your wife, I can only ask that you try to indulge her a little more.”

Cao Xun responded promptly, his voice steady. “Mother-in-law, you’re absolutely right. Yunzhu is incredible, but I’ve let my own faults get in the way of understanding her better at times.”

The two exchanged a volley of flattering remarks as they walked, their words flowing effortlessly, while Yunzhu interjected here and there with her own sharp commentary.

The night had fully settled by the time they reached the courtyard where the families were staying. Shadows stretched long under the hazy moonlight, and a soft, damp mist hung in the air.

Meng Shi paused at the entrance, her sharp gaze softening into a smile. “Take care of her,” she said simply before disappearing into the house with her maid.

As Yunzhu tilted her face toward Cao Xun, her eyes caught the faintest change in his expression. The easy smile he wore earlier had faded, leaving behind something quieter—controlled and unreadable. The gleam in his dark, narrow eyes sharpened as he glanced down at her.

The misty night clung to him, wrapping his calm, poised aura in an air of quiet dominance. Yunzhu suddenly realized that his decision to fetch her was a matter of pride, a calculated move to prevent her from stirring trouble with her parents.

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she turned away and started walking again.

She didn’t get far before the weight of a cloak settled around her shoulders, its warmth startling against the chill of the night.

Her steps faltered, and her body stiffened instinctively.

Cao Xun stepped in front of her with a casual, deliberate motion. Without saying a word, he took hold of the cloak’s ties and fastened them securely at her collar, his fingers deft and confident.

The wind picked up, swirling around them.

Yunzhu’s gaze fell to his hands, watching his slender fingers work with quiet precision. She whispered sharply, “You’re always saying I don’t pay attention to others. So why do you care if I’m cold or not?”

His voice was smooth, almost teasing. “Blame you? I’d say you didn’t pay enough attention tonight, so I brought this cloak for you to inspect thoroughly. Consider it my way of humbling myself.”

Yunzhu’s lips twitched as she glared up at him, her eyes narrowed. “Are you finished?” she shot back, the irritation barely concealed.

Cao Xun simply held her gaze, his silence deliberate and steady.

As she brushed past him, her steps brisk, she caught the faint shadow of his figure following her from the corner of her eye.

As Yunzhu slipped into the inner room, Lian Qiao was already off instructing the servants to prepare the water. She untied his cloak with a casual grace, her thoughts momentarily drifting to Cao Xun’s polished demeanor before his mother earlier. Still, she couldn’t resist justifying herself aloud to the man behind her.

“I swear I didn’t stare at him much—just a few glances when he stepped out with that white fox. Everyone was looking at him, and, well, it would’ve been strange not to, don’t you think?” Her tone teetered between defensive and teasing, testing his mood.

Cao Xun settled into a seat by the table, humming a vague, unreadable tune that made her nerves prickle.

Hanging up his cloak, Yunzhu turned to face him fully, pressing on. “Speaking of, wouldn’t you like to know how he got hurt? Let me tell you—”

But his silence was more potent than her words, and her playful attempt faltered.

Irritated, she couldn’t hold back her frustration any longer. “Your brother shouldn’t have let him get away with stealing the spotlight from the noblewomen. What a waste of everyone’s attention.”

His lips curled into a smile, one that carried the weight of something unsaid. “Your brother doesn’t care. He’ll leave it to your second brother. If someone gets what they’re after, then maybe the white fox’s death won’t be in vain.”

The meaning hit her like a sudden chill. He’d seen through her, right to the little spark of secret delight she’d felt knowing Cao Shao was still vying for her notice.

What was he? A man or a mind reader? His sharp, all-seeing eyes burned into her until she couldn’t hold his gaze. She cast hers downward, the pretense of defiance melting away.

“Madam, the water is ready,” came Lian Qiao’s voice, breaking the tension like a thin pane of glass.

Grateful for the distraction, Yunzhu seized her escape, retreating to the bathing room with a flick of her robe. Yet even submerged in the steaming water, she couldn’t figure out how to untangle herself from the moment.

By the time they were lying together in the dark, the bath and hours had done little to soothe her unease. Yunzhu finally spoke, her voice low but charged. “Society says a married woman loses her allure, that she isn’t as desirable as she once was. But I married you—and yet, he still tries to charm me. He still sees my beauty, my worth. That pleases me. Is it so wrong for me to feel that way?”

Cao Xun’s reply was sharp, cutting through the darkness. “Then tell me—would you be just as happy if Sun Guangfu tried to please you like that?”

Her breath caught, and her silence stretched out into the night.

He didn’t press her, letting the weight of the question linger.

As the memory of him scaling walls to escape his own frustration after a few too many drinks crept into her mind, Yunzhu’s lips curved into a wry smile. Sometimes, problems weren’t solved head-on—they needed to be teased apart in softer ways.

She turned to him, the dark intimacy between them thick and unspoken. Sliding closer, she let her arm drape over his neck, her voice soft but brimming with intent. “True happiness? I’d only find it if you could make me feel the way they do.”

Still, he said nothing.

His silence should’ve frustrated her, but it only drew her closer to the edge. When he didn’t take the bait, she relented with a low sigh, withdrawing her arm and lying still. Perhaps tonight, it was she who had asked for too much.

Cao Xun seized her wrist with firm authority, pulling her down and pinning her in place.

His anger still simmering, he crushed his lips against hers in a deep, consuming kiss.

Overcome with guilt, Yunzhu didn’t push him away. Instead, she cupped his face, her touch soft yet deliberate. Her finger traced his lips, then pressed against them as she whispered, her voice laced with both a plea and a challenge, “If you’re determined to be angry, can’t it be here?”

Cao Xun’s eyes gleamed with predatory intent as he captured her fingertip between his teeth, the gesture a promise and a warning.

Yunzhu’s breath hitched, her eyes fluttering shut as she braced herself for the storm she thought was coming.

But he lingered just a moment, his teeth grazing her skin before he released her, leaving her trembling and wanting more.