Chapter 52: The Lecher

“Sort of. But it’s impossible for me to favor him, and my father’s words were clearly just formalities—Xu family wants to publicize this to raise Xu Kuang’s status and force me into submission.”

Xie Xinghan said angrily, “The Xu family is so despicable!”

Xiao Baoyue casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear: “Despicable? Not quite—just the tactics are terribly crude.”

“Aren’t you angry?”

Xiao Baoyue’s eyes were cold and clear:

“There’s nothing to be angry about. Since old Lord Liu stepped down as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, the post has been held by Prince Jingling.”

Xu Xiaosi is Minister of the Five Arms, directly under Prince Jingling, working side by side with him daily, and they are close allies.”

“But this man is slippery—he refuses to fully bind himself to Prince Jingling, so he seeks marriage with my family to curry favor with the Crown Prince.”

“At such a time, my father naturally won’t push Xu Xiaosi away, and the Crown Prince also wishes to win him over—so this matter lands squarely on me.”

“In the end, it’s nothing but mutual exploitation.”

Xiao Baoyue’s father, Marquis Xichang Xiao Luan, was well known as a staunch supporter of the Crown Prince. Hearing that both the Crown Prince and Marquis Xichang favored this match, Xie Xinghan worriedly asked:

“Then what about your sister?”

“If I don’t want to, no one can force me. But I’m three years older than you—I’m already late to marry. Even if I delay further, I’ll eventually have to wed. After all, most men in this world are mediocre and useless—why struggle? Whom I marry makes no difference.”

Xiao Baoyue’s lips curled in disdain, her expression one of utter contempt for all men under heaven.

Xie Xinghan urged: “Though mediocre men abound, true talents still exist.”

“And what good are talents? They merely show off their literary flair, polish their phrases—even if their prose rivals Sima Xiangru and their poetry surpasses Cao Zhi, what benefit is that to the world?”

Xie Xinghan replied solemnly:

“Literature is the greatest undertaking of statecraft, the most enduring glory!”

“Since ancient times, great talents have left behind words, achieved deeds, observed the heavens to discern cosmic changes, and studied human affairs to transform the world.”

“The Book of Odes contains praise and censure; Han grand rhapsodies carry admonition and counsel—all have been passed down through millennia, praised by generations—how can you say they’re useless?”

Xiao Baoyue watched Xie Xinghan’s earnest expression, suddenly reached out, pinched her lovely cheek, and couldn’t help laughing: “Look at you, so serious—you’ll surely marry a great talent someday!”

Xie Xinghan swatted away Xiao Baoyue’s hand, pouting: “I’m worried about you! And you’re teasing me!”

As they played, faint shouts drifted in from outside.

Xiao Ning hurried in: “My lady, Master Zong is here—he’s pounding on the gate, demanding to see you. But he didn’t leave a name card, so the gatekeeper refused to open.”

Xie Xinghan was a guest in Jingzhou, where household security was strict—no invitation or name card meant the gates stayed shut. Hearing it was Zong Ce, she smiled:

He would never leave behind a business card. He’s probably resentful, trying to reclaim that handwritten commentary on the Zhuangzi by Guo Xiang. I heard he still possesses a copy of the Laozi Daodejing commentary as well—a rare edition. He’s determined to outdo me in this.

Xiao Baoyue rose, her figure graceful as the rising moon:

“Little Xinghan, keep winning against him—debate, study tea—it’s fine. Don’t meddle in affairs. I’m leaving through the side gate.”

“Don’t go, sister! I still need you to teach me how to save the county school!”

Most people thought Xiao Baoyue was naturally beautiful and cold-natured—the most reclusive of the capital’s three beauties. But Xie Xinghan knew: this sister’s wit and strategy were peerless. Her tactical brilliance surpassed countless men in court. Everyone assumed Marquis Xichang was the Crown Prince’s strategist—but behind him stood his daughter, Xiao Baoyue!

Xiao Baoyue turned, her ink-gold robes swirling with hidden radiance:

“See? That’s the kind of affair. When your family’s ship arrives, settle your goods and business, then return immediately to Jiankang. Remember—don’t get entangled with Prince Badong.”

Xie Xinghan pondered Xiao Baoyue’s words, stunned. Seeing Xiao Baoyue about to vanish, she called out:

“Sister! Did you really come to Jingzhou just to sightsee?”

Xiao Baoyue didn’t turn back—only raised her right hand, flicking her long, slender fingers, leaving behind an unmatched, ethereal silhouette.

Outside the Xie residence, Zong Ce gripped Wang Yang by one arm and pounded the gate with the other:

“Xie girl! Come out! Don’t hide inside and stay silent!”

Wang Yang, awkward, ventured: “I know you’re home?”

“How do you know?” Zong Ce asked, puzzled.

“Master Zong, I really have a stomachache—please let me go!”

Wang Yang truly didn’t want to meet Xie Xinghan.

Though the little beauty was indeed pleasing to the eye, they had already clashed—and she’d only yesterday saved him from crisis in the market. Now, helping Zong Ce come here to challenge her? That would only deepen the grudge.

Zong Ce stopped pounding, puzzled: “Really have a stomachache?”

Wang Yang quickly replied: “Yes! Yes! It’s real!”

Zong Ce immediately pounded harder, shouting: “Open the gate! My brother needs to relieve himself!”

Wang Yang nearly spat blood!

Creak—

The gate opened. Xiao Ning smiled warmly and bowed to Zong Ce: “My lady invites you in—wait, it’s you?!”

Xiao Ning’s face darkened upon seeing Wang Yang.

Zong Ce boisterously declared: “Call Xie girl out! I’ve brought a master debater—today I’ll crush her pride!”

“You can’t enter! My lady didn’t invite you!” Xiao Ning glared at Wang Yang.

Several retainers inside tensed, eyes fixed on Wang Yang.

Zong Ce dragged Wang Yang inside regardless: “He’s my brother—he’s with me. What’s wrong with entering?”

Xiao Ning sprinted back to report. Zong Ce feared Xie Xinghan would flee, so he chased after her, shouting for Wang Yang to hurry.

Wang Yang wanted to leave—but he still needed Zong Ce to handle his household registration, and now that he was inside, surrounded by Xie retainers, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and follow close behind.

Xiao Ning and Zong Ce arrived almost simultaneously.

Beneath the eaves, brocade mats were laid out, tables set with tea wares, dust whisks and sandalwood incense—all ready.

Xie Xinghan knelt gracefully upon the brocade, her features gentle, posture elegant.

“My lady—”

Before Xiao Ning could announce, Zong Ce blurted: “Xie girl! Took you long enough to open the door—scared of me?”

Xie Xinghan smiled: “Master Zong, a loser accepts defeat. You lost twice last time—still not convinced?”

“Don’t get cocky! This time I’ve brought a master debater—you’ll bow and surrender!”

“Oh? Where is he?” Xie Xinghan asked, smiling.

“Little Brother Wang, what took you so long? Hurry up!”

Under the watchful eyes of several retainers, Wang Yang looked flustered, shuffling in slowly.

Xie Xinghan’s smile faded the moment she saw Wang Yang.

Wang Yang quickly bowed: “Yesterday, I owe you my deepest thanks for your help, Madam Xie.”

Zong Ce blinked: “You two know each other?”

Xie Xinghan clenched her tiny fist and snapped: “Guards! Throw this lecher out of the gate!”

The retainers surged forward, menacingly.

Wang Yang could talk big, but his martial skill was low—he could only retreat while shouting: “Miss Xie, let’s talk this out!”

At that moment, the image of the green-clad woman from yesterday’s market flashed in his mind.

If I had her skill, would I fear these few retainers?