The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 256: A Deeper Layer

Chapter 256: A Deeper Layer

Chu Shuo listened in fear, "It’s one thing for the two people holding the array to have problems, but how could it affect their descendants? Is this related to the array?"

He glanced worriedly at Xie Beihan, his best friend, not wanting anything to happen to him.

Xie Beihan was also tense, waiting for an answer.

Nanli shook her head slightly, looking serious, "There are no records of this. I don’t know what kind of sealing array it is, so I can’t make a judgment. But from the current situation, it seems to have truly affected the fortunes of your two families. However, you have good karma from a previous life and are blessed, so even in the face of great calamities, you can survive. You don’t need to worry too much."

Xie Beihan lowered his gaze, clenching his fists under his sleeves. How could he not worry? What if his luck wasn’t enough and he died?

He had to observe mourning for his father and couldn’t consummate his marriage with Fan Yunxi, which was already unfair to her. If she had to become a widow later, it would be too pitiful.

"Sixth Sister, if it really affects us, is there a way to resolve it?" Xie Beihan asked.

Nanli replied, "If the array was designed to enhance its effect at this cost, creating a binding contract, it would be hard for your descendants to escape this prison."

Xie Beihan’s heart sank, murmuring, "How could this be..."

He had thought his brother was schemed against by Princess Huiping, but there seemed to be a deeper layer.

Did his father know about this back then?

No, knowing his father’s character, if it would endanger his descendants, he wouldn’t have agreed to be one of the people holding the array.

Nanli comforted, "If we can find where the evil spirit is sealed and understand the array, perhaps I can find a way to break it. But until then, don’t scare yourself too much."

She took out a strengthened peace talisman for him, saying it could not only protect his luck but also repel evil and ghostly energy.

"Thank you, Sixth Sister," Xie Beihan said gratefully.

Chu Shuo patted his friend’s shoulder, "Though you need to observe mourning, you shouldn’t stay home all the time. I previously gifted you an estate with beautiful scenery and a natural hot spring. Take your wife there for a few days."

Hearing this, Xie Beihan became anxious. On his wedding day, he had been busy with various matters, then dealing with his father’s affairs, so he hadn’t had a chance to discuss this important issue with Chu Shuo.

"You didn’t have to give me such an expensive gift. I found out that estate is worth at least fifty to sixty thousand taels. How can I accept it?"

He was about to instruct a servant to bring the deed.

Chu Shuo quickly stopped him, looking distressed, "No, it took me a long time to think of this perfect gift!"

He had been troubled for a long time, trying to find the right gift. When he saw several boxes of deeds, he thought of this idea.

Xie Beihan frowned, "It’s too valuable."

"No matter how valuable, it can’t compare to our friendship. If you’re my brother, accept it!" Chu Shuo insisted.

Xie Beihan was troubled.

Nanli smiled, feeling helpless, "Just accept it. He has given away so many silks and jewels that he finds them meaningless now."

Xie Beihan’s lips twitched, "Are you going to start giving away shops and estates? People receiving your gifts will be overjoyed."

Chu Shuo quickly denied, "No way, I’m not that foolish. No matter how much I earn, I can’t squander it like this. Only family will receive such gifts."

Xie Beihan finally smiled, not because of the estate’s value, but because he realized he was already considered family by Chu Shuo.

Though Marquis Zhenbei’s residence was in mourning, life in the capital went on. People continued with their social gatherings, only omitting invitations to Marquis Zhenbei’s household.

The Duke of Ming’s grandson, Jiang Yang, hosted a birthday banquet after selling their large house on Chaoyang Street and moving to a smaller residence.

He invited friends of his age, who were all familiar faces. Despite the decline of the Duke of Ming’s house, people still attended out of courtesy.

Chu Shuo received an invitation and instructed his servant to prepare a gift before heading to the banquet.

As a concubine’s son with no plans to enter officialdom, Chu Shuo managed significant businesses. In the past, people shunned him for his mercantile background, but now, with the An’yang Marquis Mansion in a stronger position and Nanli married to the Prince Yu Mansion, Chu Shuo was welcomed with smiles in the noble circles.

"Brother Chu Shuo!"

As Chu Shuo handed over his gift, he heard a call from not far away. It was Jiang Yang. Clearly, the Duke of Ming’s house had hit rock bottom. Jiang Yang wore an old blue-green silk robe with frayed cuffs for his birthday.

"Brother Jiang Yang," Chu Shuo greeted with a grin, thinking he was fortunate to have dressed simply today, avoiding envy.

Jiang Yang scrutinized Chu Shuo, frowning slightly, "Why are you dressed so plainly? Not even wearing a jade pendant. That’s unlike you."

"In my hurry to come celebrate with you, I forgot," Chu Shuo explained.

Jiang Yang patted his shoulder, touched, "Good brother. I need to attend to other guests, but we’ll drink together later."

Chu Shuo agreed and began looking for Lu Yanyan in the crowd. He hadn’t wanted to come but knew Lu Yanyan never missed such gatherings, so he attended to see her.

Once Chu Shuo walked away, Jiang Yang squinted his eyes and called the servant handling the gifts.

He whispered, "Was his gift big?"

The servant replied, "It was a decent-sized brocade box."

Every gift was recorded to ensure proper reciprocation.

Jiang Yang was pleased and quickly had the servant bring the brocade box to a back room.

The box was exquisite and beautiful. Jiang Yang, full of anticipation, took a deep breath and opened it.

Inside was a white porcelain vase, smooth and lustrous, a fine piece.

He was stunned, "Just this?"

Such a vase was worth only about a hundred taels!

He lifted the vase, checking for hidden compartments, but found nothing else in the box.

Jiang Yang gritted his teeth and inspected the other gifts, nearly fuming. They were even less valuable, some merely books!

Enraged, Jiang Yang’s face turned blue, "It’s one thing for others, but Chu Shuo is so wealthy and only gives a common vase! Does he think I’m a beggar?!"