Chapter 172: with translation of chapter title

Our agreement

Warm embrace, low murmur, familiar voice…… Nie Jinxuan couldn't help but feel her heart jump, but then she couldn't help pressing her lips together.

"Hmph, thanks? Thanks for what?"

Saying that, Nie Jinxuan yanked open the big hand that was embracing her, then turned around on her own.

"You don't need to thank me, after all, no matter how Yin Fengxuan and I get along, he's still your brother; I can't just watch you become enemies with him. Besides, he's targeting me like this because he cares about you, and precisely for that reason, you shouldn't fall out with him—at least don't make him lose face. As for me, it doesn't matter; anyway, he's always disliked me, so one more thing doesn't hurt."

Yin Fengzhan and Yin Fengxuan grew up together since childhood, and their relationship was the best. Looking at the current situation, once Yin Fengzhan steps forward to speak, Yin Fengxuan will surely not be able to tolerate it—lightly, he might storm off in anger; heavily, he would damage their brotherly bond. And this is something Nie Jinxuan never wants to see, no matter what.

The imperial family is the most ruthless, yet Yin Fengxuan, though not very bright, at least cares for Yin Fengzhan; just that alone is already quite precious!

So, at the crucial moment, Nie Jinxuan gave Yin Fengzhan a look, signaling him not to speak further. This way, although she might suffer a little loss, it also won't make Yin Fengxuan bear a grudge against Yin Fengzhan, who has always been respected as the fourth elder brother.

Nie Jinxuan's thoughts were naturally clear to Yin Fengzhan, and precisely because he understood, he felt even more uneasy inside, and involuntarily reached out again to wrap his arms around her waist, while speaking softly.

"I've wronged you."

Yin Fengzhan had never felt such complicated emotions before—moved, uneasy, helpless, yet didn't know what to say… Upon meeting his gaze, seeing his rare complex expression, Nie Jinxuan instantly raised her eyebrows and then spoke lightly.

"Wronged? Me? You're underestimating me… Moreover, don't you think someone else was the one who felt wronged just now?"

A hint of playfulness instantly appeared on her beautiful face; upon hearing this, Yin Fengzhan first stared, then his eyes dimmed.

"The sixth brother is really angry."

Recalling how Yin Fengxuan had been trembling all over just now, Yin Fengzhan didn't know what to say. For a moment, Nie Jinxuan simply leaned against him, saying nothing; only after a while did she push him away and then lift her gaze to meet his eyes again.

"However, there's something I hope you'll listen to me about…"

"They must leave."

Obviously, Yin Fengzhan had already guessed what she was going to say, so he interrupted her before she could finish. But hearing that, Nie Jinxuan furrowed her brows.

"Why? Why must they leave?"

"……"

Yin Fengzhan remained silent; seeing him like that, Nie Jinxuan let out a soft sigh and then spoke again gently.

"I understand your point, but is what you're doing really appropriate? You know Qin Yuxia's mindset; this is clearly a mantis stalking cicada, with the oriole behind… Moreover, no matter what you say now, just for this matter, sending them all away—leaving aside their future life or death—what benefit does it bring you?"

Nie Jinxuan isn't in the imperial court, so she doesn't know much about governmental affairs, but she has some understanding. And now, if Yin Fengzhan takes this opportunity to drive away Han Luoxue and the other two, regardless of the reason, he will surely invite criticism.

At the same time, among these three, besides Bai Meilan who comes from a merchant background, Qin Yuxia and Han Luoxue are both from official families, especially Han Luoxue's father Han Mo, who, although only a third-rank official, serves in the Ministry of Personnel. Thus, once all three are expelled from the Wangfu, it will inevitably be a slap to their faces, and this grudge will be formed. Once such a situation arises, added to the watchful eye of Crown Prince Yin FengHan, it will surely be detrimental to Yin Fengzhan.

"So I think instead of doing this, it would be better to let them go this once, also giving them a chance. This way, everyone will actually think better of you, and of course it benefits me too—after all, being scolded every day isn't pleasant."

Nie Jinxuan painstakingly tried to comfort Yin Fengzhan, but upon hearing her, his expression tightened and he still spoke firmly.

"No."

"Then what exactly do you want?"

"They must leave."

"But I said it's not beneficial to you."

"It doesn't matter!"

"You…"

Yin Fengzhan had made up his mind to take this opportunity to deal with them; seeing his determination, Nie Jinxuan felt her blood surge, but then realizing he was doing it for her, her heart stirred, she let out a faint sigh and tugged at his arm.

"Fengzhan, just this once, will you listen to me… even if it's for me."

Although Nie Jinxuan had promised to help Qin Yuxia, what's more important now is that she doesn't want, because of herself, to cause Yin Fengzhan to make too many enemies.

And this was the first time Nie Jinxuan used the word 'please'; hearing that, Yin Fengzhan first stared, then after thinking for a moment, he slightly nodded.

"Hmm."

Without further words, just that single character was enough to make Nie Jinxuan overjoyed; but before she could even say 'thank you,' Yin Fengzhan's gaze instantly turned sharp.

"I can refrain from driving them away, but only this once. Furthermore, I've already decided that once the case of Jin Qi is settled, I will tell the emperor to take you back as my wife."

Yin Fengzhan spoke each word firmly, his deep eyes showing unshakeable resolve; upon hearing this, and then meeting that unusually deep and steadfast gaze, Nie Jinxuan was first startled, but then a warm current involuntarily flowed through her heart.

"You'll say it as soon as it's over… won't it be a bit sooner?"

"Not fast!"

"Um…… but……"

"No 'but'—if you don't agree, I'll drive them away right now!"

Yin Fengzhan unleashed his killing move; hearing that, Nie Jinxuan frowned unhappily and stared straight at him before her, but after looking for who knows how long, seeing no sign of compromise, she involuntarily pouted.

"Alright, I know~! Geez… what's the rush?"

Yin Fengzhan and Nie Jinxuan had made their agreement. Meanwhile, the few women leaving the front hall each had their own thoughts.

Han Luoxue lowered her eyes, unknown what she was thinking, walking ahead on her own, then returned first to her Shuyu Xuan. Qin Yuxia, meanwhile, continued to sob with tears on her face, her brows slightly furrowed, clearly worried, walking absentmindedly.

At that moment, seeing Qin Yuxia like this, Bai Meilan, who had been walking at the rear, couldn't help but twitch her brows, then quickly stepped forward a few paces to stand beside her.

"Yuxia, what's wrong? Why are you so worried?"

Bai Meilan's tone was casual, without a trace of tension. Hearing that, Qin Yuxia instinctively halted her steps, then turned to glance at her.

"Sister Meilan doesn't seem to be in a hurry at all."

"In a hurry? Hehe… what do you mean by that, little sister? Why would I be anxious?"

Bai Meilan smiled, her beautiful face carrying a gentle smile; but seeing that light, carefree smile on her face, Qin Yuxia instantly furrowed her brows and her expression tightened.

"Really? It seems Sister Meilan truly has everything under control. However, I hope you can keep smiling, but don't end up laughing only halfway and then not even being able to cry."

Having said that, Qin Yuxia gave a cold snort, then turned and left with Xiao Lian. At that moment, watching Qin Yuxia's retreating back, Yun'er, who followed behind Bai Meilan, stepped forward two paces and came to Bai Meilan's side.

"Miss, what do you think is going on today?"

"Hmph, what could it be? The Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each showing their own abilities!"

Quietly watching Qin Yuxia's fading figure, Bai Meilan's smile grew ever fainter. Upon hearing that, Yun'er furrowed her brows and then, as if suddenly recalling something, said:

"Miss, I heard earlier that the little Lian beside Miss Qin went to plead with the Third Miss. I don't know whether the Third Miss agreed or not…"

Nie Jinxuan is not Han Luoxue; she will certainly agree.

Bai Meilan spoke decisively, but shortly after she slightly narrowed her eyes.

"Nie Jinxuan, this woman is shrewd, but she is indeed a good person; it's just that in this world, good people don't necessarily get good rewards…"

Bai Meilan spoke quietly, and at the same time, upon recalling the earlier news that Han Luoxue had hanged herself and that Nie Jinxuan had rescued her again, a flash of light passed through her eyes. Upon hearing this, Yun'er instantly became a bit dazed, then blinked her eyes slightly, but soon furrowed her brows.

"Um... Miss, what should we do? Should we also think of some plan, otherwise if the Prince really..."

"Don't worry, Nie Jinxuan has agreed; the Prince naturally won't say anything else."

"Then, then afterwards, should we..."

"Afterwards? How afterwards? Could it be that you also want to stir up some trouble?"

"In an instant, Bai Meilan glanced sideways at Yun'er beside her; being stared at like that, Yun'er's whole body trembled."

"Um... no, that's not what I mean; I'm just saying, if we keep waiting for death like this..."

"Yun'er, though she feared Bai Meilan from the bottom of her heart, also genuinely cared for her; but upon hearing these words, Bai Meilan, after staring at her for a moment, slightly turned her gaze, then once again fell upon the rapidly fading silhouette of Qin Yuxia."

"Waiting for death? Hmph, rest easy, we don't need to lift a finger; someone will naturally be more anxious than us..."

"Saying this, Bai Meilan's beautiful brows twitched, and then an extremely eerie smile surfaced once again in her eyes."

Third update uploaded, see you tomorrow~! (This chapter was originally supposed to be five thousand words, but I got stuck, and besides I went out with friends today and got a bit tired, I'll make it up tomorrow) Then don't forget the monthly ticket~~, monthly ticket~\(^o^)/~~