Chapter 18

A fierce wind howled, lightning flashed, and thunder roared.

After a morning of relentless rain, the sky remained heavy and oppressive, the dampness suffocating.

The carriage wound through many turns after leaving the Xie residence, its destination somewhere deep within the capital’s alleys unknown to Jade Pear.

Leaning against the carriage wall, Jade Pear stole glances at Xie Yao.

Since boarding, he had been inscrutable—silent, expressionless, never once reaching for her hand.

Though seated side by side, a vast distance seemed to separate them.

Her heart grew heavy with foreboding. She suspected the person they were to meet was Mei Qing.

What would this Mei Qing be like? A broken corpse? Pretending to have hanged himself? Or imprisoned and controlled?

When they arrived, the carriage stopped. Voices could be heard outside—it was not a secluded place.

Xie Yao stepped down first; Jade Pear steadied her breath and followed closely.

The ground was soaked from the rain, puddles forming in hollows. Jade Pear bent her knees to jump down.

Xie Yao blocked her path, slipping his hands under her arms, lifting her up and setting her beneath the eaves.

Once she stood firmly, he released her hands, seemingly reluctant to touch her.

Jade Pear pressed her lips together, about to thank him.

“Walk ahead of me,” Xie Yao instructed.

She obeyed, stepping forward first. They entered a bustling tavern, filled with a steady stream of guests. A waiter led Jade Pear inside.

She scanned the room, noticing no suspicious figures—only Song He and several guards trailing behind—indicating this place was beyond Xie Yao’s control.

Since Xie Yao had yet to harm Mei Qing, Jade Pear allowed herself some relief.

Perhaps she still had a chance to stop Xie Yao from killing Mei Qing.

The waiter guided her through the main hall, into the courtyard corridor, past a quiet garden, to a secluded elegant pavilion.

A knock, and the door swiftly opened from within.

Mei Qing stood at the threshold, his complex expression softening into a gentle smile upon seeing Jade Pear.

He called her by name, “Jade Pear.”

The same name Xie Yao had insisted on using.

Jade Pear glanced at him, then turned to look at Xie Yao, who stared at Mei Qing with an icy gaze, as if looking upon a dying man.

Tension gripped her. She composed her breath and spoke calmly, “Young Master Mei, I am already married. This is my husband, surnamed Xie. Please address me as Lady Song.”

Pain flickered across Mei Qing’s face but quickly gave way to softness. He adopted a more somber tone and invited them inside.

The room was elegantly arranged, with clear windows and a clean table. Mist rose gently from the ice mirror on the table’s surface.

As they took their seats, both Xie Yao and Mei Qing fixed their eyes on Jade Pear. Her mind tightened as she moved to sit in the lower seat.

Xie Yao stopped her, “Sit at the upper seat.”

His sudden command startled her; obediently, she took the main seat facing the door.

Mei Qing exchanged a glance with Xie Yao, raising a brow.

They sat on either side of Jade Pear.

Mei Qing poured tea, first for her, then for Xie Yao.

He wore a simple blue robe, clean and neat. His face was pale, courteous and composed—the refined and gentle youth Jade Pear remembered.

In contrast, Xie Yao, though deliberately dressed in a soft jade-colored robe with gentle accessories, bore a chilling expression that made one uneasy to meet his gaze.

Mei Qing showed no fear of him. After pouring tea, he calmly explained the reason for the meeting.

“Today, I have taken the liberty of inviting Young Master Xie here. I had no intention to involve Jade Pear, but since you have brought her, I trust you respect her wishes,” Mei Qing said.

Why did he still call her Jade Pear?

Uneasy, Jade Pear looked at Xie Yao, whose coldness had receded, now emotionless.

Mei Qing continued, “I have visited the Song family and know Jade Pear was forced to marry you. We have known each other many years and have always maintained proper decorum, but our hearts have long been joined. Had my family not been poor, I would have married her long ago.”

Xie Yao lifted his eyes to Mei Qing.

Jade Pear’s heart jolted. She quickly said, “What joined hearts? That’s all in your imagination. I never shared those feelings.”

Xie Yao showed no reaction.

Mei Qing looked between them, frowning. “Jade Pear, do not be afraid. I have passed the imperial examination. You were forcibly taken by Young Master Xie and left outside the family. This marriage is incomplete—you can always change your mind.”

Mei Qing’s words were veiled, but he clearly believed Xie Yao had merely installed her as a secret concubine.

Jade Pear paid little heed to such matters. Her real fear was that Xie Yao might truly believe she had feelings for Mei Qing, kill him, and unleash a spiral of tragedy.

She explained, “No. My husband treats me well. The marriage is settled, and I will not regret it.”

She spoke sincerely and plainly, yet Xie Yao remained inscrutable, not even glancing at her.

Mei Qing’s face was full of pity. “You must have suffered much in my absence. Rest assured, no one will force you again.”

Jade Pear: ...

Her anxiety and dread stemmed from her knowledge of the story—Xie Yao was a merciless madman.

But to the others, her agitation could only mean one thing:

She was forced to marry Xie Yao, who was no good, coercing and controlling her, leaving no room for a second thought.

Was there much difference between the two?

Jade Pear felt herself unraveling, her mind racing to find a way through the tangled mess.

Mei Qing turned to Xie Yao. “Surely you know the truth behind this marriage. Jade Pear has done you a favor. Can you bear to keep her in such a shameful position?”

Xie Yao seemed to sneer, or perhaps merely indifferent.

He looked at Jade Pear. “I’ll let go. You can go with him.”

Jade Pear’s breath caught; her blood seemed frozen.

Mei Qing smiled, “Jade Pear, he has agreed. I’ll take you away now.”

Jade Pear: “No. Young Master Mei, I truly never harbored such feelings for you. Although my marriage was forced, we now live in harmony. I cannot leave him for anyone.”

Mei Qing’s joy faded, but he did not give up. “Uncle Song said you once wanted to marry me. Is it because I was late?”

Jade Pear spoke clearly, “At that time, my father forced me to marry an old man. I only used you as an excuse. Your name could have been anyone’s. I never, ever liked you.”

Her gaze flickered between Xie Yao and Mei Qing, finally resting on Xie Yao’s face. This should convince him.

Xie Yao lowered his eyes, silent, not looking at her.

A pause fell over the room before Mei Qing asked, “Did he force you to say that?”

“Not at all,” Jade Pear answered firmly.

“How could it be otherwise? So many suitors courted you in Xihe County, yet you accepted only my poems and flowers. When I said I would return to marry you, you didn’t refuse.”

Jade Pear felt dizzy. Brother, can you not see the man opposite looks ready to tear you apart? A little self-preservation, please.

She noticed Xie Yao’s expression remained unchanged, but his fingers gripping the teacup had turned white.

Forcing a smile, Jade Pear said, “That’s all in the past. Time has changed. Young Master Mei, don’t dwell on it. Your future is bright, and there are many better women than me. I wish you happiness.”

Then she linked arms with Xie Yao. “Husband, shall we go?”

Xie Yao did not move. He glanced at Mei Qing, who looked mournful and heartbroken.

Jade Pear’s heart leapt to her throat.

Xie Yao stood, withdrew his arm from hers, stiffening her.

But then he grasped her wrist instead.

Her pulse raced, but she exhaled in relief.

“My lady has spoken clearly enough, hasn’t she, Scholar Mei?” Xie Yao said.

Jade Pear’s breath quickened with fear.

Mei Qing looked at them, voice hoarse, “I was too late.”

Wonderful. Jade Pear felt a weight lift, and with her other hand, she tugged Xie Yao along, half-pulling, half-pushing him away.

Once back in the carriage, Jade Pear’s heart was still unsettled. From others’ perspectives, she had indeed been entangled with Mei Qing.

Recalling those days when she worked hard to support her unscrupulous father and fight for freedom, Mei Qing had been kind to her. Though poor and unable to help much, he stood firmly by her side against those who gossiped and slandered her, fighting verbal battles on her behalf.

He once said, “Miss Song is diligent and resilient, self-reliant and in pursuit of freedom—a truly admirable young lady. All slanders belong to those who utter them.”

He had left Xihe County to take the imperial exam, promising to return and marry her. She had not refused. Had she truly considered marrying him?

A tightening grip on her arm, hot and burning, brought Jade Pear back to the present.

From the moment they boarded, Xie Yao had kept his eyes closed, but his brows were furrowed, lips set in a straight line, and his hand crushed the soft flesh of her arm.

If he opened his eyes, his expression would surely be terrifying.

Jade Pear’s fear returned.

She could not tell if he would kill Mei Qing.

But she would never be so foolish as to try to assassinate him.

Would he still drug her?

Visions of blood-soaked scenes flashed, sending chills down her spine.

Even after returning to the Moonlight Residence, the coldness clung to her.

Xie Yao seemed calmer, at least on the surface, though a chilling aura still enveloped him.

In the melodramatic novels she had read, misunderstandings between leads dragged on for chapters or even to death due to unspoken words.

Yet she had explained clearly and resolutely, so why did he still not believe her?

Could it be that she was too forceful, seeming deceitful?

Would a gentler tone convince him?

Probably not.

Was all her effort futile against the story’s predetermined course?

Jade Pear looked at Xie Yao, who radiated an aura warning strangers to keep their distance, lost in thought.

Every word and gesture she made could decide Mei Qing’s fate; she dared not act rashly.

Mei Qing was a good man who had helped her. She could not bear to see him die cruelly.

Even if she could, Xie Yao’s act of killing him would prove he was convinced of their affair, interpreting any reaction as lingering feelings or avoidance.

In the original story, the heroine had done nothing but suffer from bad luck marrying a madman, with no chance to alter her fate.

Her fear and confusion deepened into despair.

Sullen, she sat far from Xie Yao.

He looked at her, noticing her furrowed brow, tightly pressed lips, and listless demeanor.

Seeing her thus, his jealousy seemed to burn his insides anew, causing unbearable pain.

“Come here,” Xie Yao suddenly said.

His tone was icy; Jade Pear shuddered.

Swallowing her fear, she moved beside him, forcing a faint smile that looked more like a stifled cry.

She stopped a step away; Xie Yao rose, stepping closer until the distance between them vanished.

“Your taste is exquisite, my lady, to choose a scholar of such talent,” he remarked.

She felt her breath tighten, sensing his murderous nature.

Xie Yao curled his lips in a cold smile.

Jade Pear stiffened, trembling with fear. She tightened the hand at her side and pinched herself, replying, “That was all in the past.”

Xie Yao said, “It’s past. Yet you remain pure for him.”

Jade Pear blinked, alarmed by his colder, more pressing demeanor, as if confirming the truth would lead to something terrible.

Fear gripped her utterly, but she steadied herself. Other accusations might touch on some truth—but this was pure fabrication.

Regardless of his belief, she met his gaze and said, “Though I shared some friendship with him, it was never as you imagine. I respond kindly to anyone who treats me well, including Mei Qing. But those days are over. Now, it’s you who cares for me. I only love you.”

Just as she would help a stranger fallen on the street, her kindness sprang from goodwill.

Xie Yao’s eyes flickered but he replied calmly, “I understand.”

His coldness seemed to ease slightly. Jade Pear remained fearful but regained some courage.

Suddenly, she raised her arms and embraced him.

“So you intended to bring me to see him today. Now that we have met, I still remember last night’s words—I want to be united with you, to grow old together.”

Without waiting for his response, she rose on tiptoe and gently pressed a kiss to his cheek.