Chapter 51: Chapter 51 Refusing to Help
The hole in the fence was just the right size for a small animal to pass through.
Xia Chuyi looked up and outside the fence; in the foggy world beyond, there must be other creatures.
These creatures, lured by the scent of the Medicinal Food, would crawl through the small fence hole—a few little ones managed to get in.
After thinking it over, she did nothing about the hole.
Since she would often be testing out dishes, having these little ones come and go would conveniently help her dispose of the food.
Having figured out the joint, she no longer bothered with these little creatures and straightaway left the space.
Outside the space, the moon was still in the same position, which showed that she hadn’t been there for long, though it felt like an extended period.
It was indeed timely, just as she stepped out from that space, someone came to visit the second house.
“Second Aunt, listen to me, I didn’t do it on purpose, Brother Qing was the one who fancied me first.”
It was Xia Lan; she still hadn’t given up and was now trying to exploit the weakness that was Mother Xia.
“Others may not understand me, may not forgive me, but don’t you understand, Second Aunt?” Xia Lan wept and wailed, “Back then, weren’t you and Second Uncle in love freely?”
“Aren’t you always telling me how Second Uncle cherished you, how he married you despite your family’s disapproval?”
“I just want to love freely like you, to marry the man I like! Besides, if Brother Qing doesn’t like Chuyi, wouldn’t her life be miserable if she married him?”
“Second Aunt, I’m doing this for Chuyi’s own good!”
Xia Lan sobbed uncontrollably, her heartfelt explanation moved Mother Xia to tears.
The two hugged and cried together.
Xia Chuyi came down from the attic, just in time to witness this stirring scene.
Standing silently, she watched the two with a cold eye.
After a while, Xia Lan finally raised her head, her eyes teary as she looked at her.
“Oh, Chuyi, when did you get here?” Her tone was one of surprise, as if she had just noticed her.
Xia Chuyi ignored her words.
Xia Lan immediately approached, crying to her, “Chuyi, I know you have some misunderstandings about Sister Lan! The other day, I was indeed impulsive. Those words weren’t intentional! I was just jealous, jealous that you always have such a gentle, kind mother like Second Aunt!”
After Xia Lan spoke, she clung to Mother Xia, triggering another burst of tears.
Envy her? Envious of this confused mother who prefers other people’s children over her own?
Xia Chuyi shook her head and coldly watched Xia Lan’s poor acting.
“My parents, as you saw today in the main house, didn’t speak a word in my defense, their hearts care for nothing but having a son!” Xia Lan attempted to appear more pitiful, but unbeknownst to her, the true bitterness in her words was unmistakable.
Xia Chuyi inwardly chuckled.
“Xia Lan, I see you still haven’t learned to be smart,” Xia Chuyi said sarcastically.
“Chuyi, what do you mean? Sister Lan doesn’t understand…” Xia Lan’s expression froze.
“If you don’t understand, forget it, I just want to tell you, in this matter, pleading with me won’t help, I’m telling the truth. The marriage was my concession, you can’t expect me to lie for you, can you?” Xia Chuyi blinked innocently, shaking her head.
Since she liked playing dumb, let everyone play dumb then.