Third Madam Yin Wenying was truly at her breaking point. She instinctively opened her mouth to speak, but then a familiar voice echoed from the nearby pavilion.
"Han Xian, look at how carefree the fish are in the lake. If only I could frolic in the water like them."
Third Madam Yin Wenying's attention was instantly captivated. She peered into the pavilion and saw Ji Ziyun and Han Xian standing within, Ji Ziyun's hand pulling at Han Xian's sleeve.
Such a provocative scene! How could Third Madam Yin Wenying possibly endure it? She strode forward, intending to rush into the pavilion.
Ji Zizhao's voice, however, sounded unhurriedly, "Third Aunt, have you perhaps forgotten why you came out with me? Do you intend to be scolded in front of your third sister?"
Third Madam Yin Wenying froze.
So Ji Zizhao wasn't going to find a secluded spot to scold her, but planned to do so in front of her own daughter?
Ji Zizhao, where was your humanity!
Despite her outrage, Ji Zizhao's threat was indeed effective. Third Madam Yin Wenying truly stood rooted to the spot, daring not to move. After all, she was an elder. How could she lose face in front of her own daughter, especially with that detestable son-in-law present? She would rather die than lower herself in front of such a person!
As Third Madam Yin Wenying stiffened, a quiet settled over Ji Zizhao's side, and the voices from the pavilion became clearer.
"You want to be like the fish?" Han Xian asked Ji Ziyun.
Though Ji Ziyun knew it was impossible, she still nodded.
To her surprise, the very next second, Han Xian suddenly scooped her up. He then led her over the pavilion's railing, sat himself on the outer edge of the pavilion first, and then carefully secured Ji Ziyun beside him.
Ji Ziyun stared at Han Xian blankly, completely bewildered by his actions.
Han Xian retorted, "Didn't you want to play in the water?"
When Ji Ziyun understood, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. If they were truly to play in the water, she would have to remove her shoes and socks. But she was a woman, even if she had been married before…
Han Xian saw Ji Ziyun's hesitation. Without waiting for her to speak, he closed his eyes and, fearing she might fall into the lake if she got too carried away, extended his hand. "Hold my hand, don't be afraid, I'm here."
Looking at Han Xian, Ji Ziyun felt a mix of warmth and sorrow.
She had never experienced such a feeling before. It was as if as long as he was by her side, she could boldly do anything she desired. Just like now, she unhesitatingly tossed her shoes and socks aside and slowly dipped her feet into the lake water.
Feeling the gentle caress of the water, Ji Ziyun laughed joyfully.
Upon hearing her laughter, Han Xian couldn't help but curve his lips.
However, Ji Ziyun's laughter soon subsided. Looking at Han Xian, she said with firm resolve, "I will absolutely never marry again. This time, I won't be afraid because I know my elder sister and you are by my side."
Han Xian didn't show any sign of joy upon hearing this. He simply opened his eyes and gazed steadily at Ji Ziyun's face. "Third Madam would never harm you. Even if you do marry, I will not leave the Ji family. Rest assured, I will always be with the Ji family."
Han Xian was a rough man of war; he couldn't utter sweet nothings. But his steadfast gaze silently told Ji Ziyun that if he said it, he would surely do it.
Looking at Han Xian, Ji Ziyun's eyes gradually reddened.
"Han Xian, if one day I truly have to marry… I will ask elder sister to arrange a good marriage for you. My elder sister is so capable, she will surely find you a wife who cherishes you." She felt incredibly fortunate to have found such a person, one who would always be there waiting for her whenever she turned back.
But he was too good, and she couldn't bear to see him suffer.
Han Xian held her hand, preventing her from falling off the pavilion. "There's no need. As long as the Ji family is willing to keep me, that is enough." Su Dan Novel Network
Looking at Han Xian, Ji Ziyun didn't know what to say. She buried her head in his chest, tears flowing uncontrollably.
The setting sun cast its glow upon them, a scene of warmth and bittersweet tenderness that tugged at the heart.
Ji Zizhao watched this scene and finally spoke softly, "Third Aunt, do you truly wish to tear this loving couple apart?"
Third Madam Yin Wenying: "..."
So she was the blunt instrument trying to break them up?
Ji Zizhao paused and continued, "Third Aunt, do you still remember the last time Third Sister wore such a happy smile?"
Third Madam Yin Wenying's throat tightened.
She remembered. Her daughter had been very fond of smiling when she was young. Even her husband had said that no matter how bitter or tired he was in the military camp, seeing his daughter's smile made him forget everything. It was then that Third Madam Yin Wenying had thought that her exceptionally outstanding and lovable daughter deserved only the best match.
Later, when her daughter grew up, she had painstakingly searched for potential husbands, eventually settling on the sole son of the Grand Tutor's mansion.
Even now, Third Madam Yin Wenying remembered the envious glances and countless congratulations she had received when her daughter was betrothed to the Grand Tutor's son. Yet, it was precisely from that moment on that she had never seen her daughter smile again.
Had she truly made a mistake?
But she had done it all for her daughter's good!
Third Madam Yin Wenying looked up at the pavilion again. Her eyes, which had been extremely resistant, still held a trace of reluctance. She simply did not want her daughter to marry a son-in-law who lived with the wife's family, but she couldn't deny that her daughter looked genuinely happy now.
Most importantly!
Even if she didn't want it, could Ji Zizhao let her refuse?
No!
In the imperial city nowadays, which matchmaker didn't turn pale at the mere mention of her name?
To put it plainly, the wall Ji Zizhao had erected was still standing nearby. Third Madam Yin Wenying was not foolish and knew that if she persisted in her obstinacy, she would only keep crashing headfirst into that wall.
However, to admit defeat so easily truly left Third Madam Yin Wenying unwilling…
Seeing her third aunt's expression, Ji Zizhao breathed a sigh of relief from the bottom of her heart.
As long as Third Aunt was conflicted, it meant her tactics of coercion and enticement had worked. Her conflict was natural, and the rest was for her to figure out herself. Pushing her too hard would only be counterproductive.
Ji Zizhao stood with her third aunt, waiting until her third sister and Han Xian had left before escorting Third Aunt back to her courtyard. Then, she headed towards her own residence.
To her surprise, upon entering Zhaoyuan, she saw Second Madam Yu Fenglan approaching.
"Zhao-jie'er…"
"Does Second Aunt have something?"
Second Madam Yu Fenglan looked at Ji Zizhao, fell silent for a moment, and then suddenly choked up. "Zhao-jie'er, Second Aunt has a question for you. You must tell Second Aunt the truth!"