The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 403: Our Ancestors Have All Reincarnated

Chapter 403: Our Ancestors Have All Reincarnated

Nanli said seriously, "Father, don’t worry. Our ancestors, including Grandfather, have all reincarnated. Even if you wanted to find them for an explanation, you wouldn’t be able to."

Chu Hanlin staggered slightly upon hearing this, almost losing his balance.

"Be careful, Father," Nanli said quickly, supporting him.

Chu Hanlin steadied himself and cleared his throat. "Even so, I can’t shake off the feeling of unease."

Nanli thought for a moment before adding, "Actually, Second Uncle was just being a little scheming. The punishment he received this time is already enough."

Chu Hanlin was relieved to see that his daughter agreed with the decision. It reassured him somewhat.

After returning to the Capital, he looked deeply fatigued.

"Go rest early," Chu Hanlin said, glancing at his two sons. "You two as well."

"Yes, Father," Chu Shuo replied.

Chu Yan, on the other hand, was a bit tongue-tied and stammered, unable to utter a single word.

Chu Hanlin was used to this, but tonight, as he looked at Chu Yan, he noticed how much he had grown. It made him reflect. "Just focus on your studies and don’t involve yourself in these matters."

Chu Yan became anxious and tried to explain, "I... I just want our family to be harmonious. I don’t mean to question Father’s decisions."

His words came out haltingly.

Chu Hanlin’s eyes were deep. "Alright, go rest."

He turned and walked away.

The three siblings remained where they were.

Chu Yan felt his nose growing sore and kept his head down, tightly gripping his sleeve to prevent himself from crying.

"Fifth Brother?" Even Nanli, who was usually very perceptive, noticed Chu Yan’s emotional state.

Chu Yan quickly composed himself and forced a smile. "Sixth Sister, it’s getting late. You should go back and rest."

Chu Shuo knew Chu Yan’s nature. It wasn’t that he didn’t care about his younger brother, but Chu Yan was sensitive and kept his worries to himself. Despite Chu Shuo’s efforts to show concern, Chu Yan always pushed him away. After a few times, Chu Shuo had grown tired of it. Besides, his time was occupied with managing accounts, inspecting businesses, and dealing with gift-giving matters.

"Sixth Sister, just let him be," Chu Shuo said.

Nanli thought for a moment and then said, "Second Brother, you should go back. I’ll escort Fifth Brother."

Chu Shuo, feeling a bit jealous, grumbled, "I’m afraid of the dark. I want you to escort me too."

Without a word, Nanli produced a fire talisman.

The path ahead was brightly lit.

"Second Brother, is it still dark? Should I use another talisman?" Nanli asked.

Chu Shuo’s mouth twitched as he gave Chu Yan a lingering look before following the fireball away.

Chu Yan had another thought and said, "Sixth Sister, you don’t need to see me off. Just go back with Second Brother."

He knew Second Brother favored Sixth Sister the most and didn’t dare intrude.

Nanli pulled him gently towards his courtyard.

"He’s just saying that. Don’t take it to heart," Nanli said. "Fifth Brother, to be honest, do you feel that our family treats you well?"

"Of course!" Chu Yan answered without hesitation.

His grandmother was kind and often sent things through the maid. Although his father wasn’t home often, whenever he was, he would check his studies and martial skills, offering guidance. His mother took great care of him, sending trusted aides to watch over him, ensuring he wasn’t lazy or inattentive. His brothers were also very protective, always fulfilling his requests and taking care of his friends. Even Second Uncle, who was usually harsh, occasionally gave him sweets when he was young.

Seeing his resolute expression, Nanli smiled. "So, Fifth Brother, just remember that we all love and will always protect you. Father is only worried about you getting involved in matters that might cause unnecessary trouble."

Chu Yan was stunned.

He slowly lowered his head, his figure appearing solitary in the moonlight.

"But..." he clenched his fists and finally spoke the words he had kept buried for years. "I always feel a sense of distance from Father. I don’t know if it’s because Father dislikes my mother, or if... I’m not truly Father’s biological son."

Nanli’s heart sank.

She realized her fifth brother was indeed sensitive and perceptive. He could sense such feelings.

After hesitating for a moment, she said, "We are all family, and that’s something you shouldn’t doubt."

Blood relations are just one layer of connection. Some families with blood ties don’t necessarily feel like a true family.

This made Chu Yan feel enlightened.

He finally smiled and nodded heavily. "You’re right. I’ve been overthinking. Instead of dwelling on this, I should focus on studying more and strive to succeed in the exams."

Nanli breathed a sigh of relief. "Fifth Brother, keep going. You’re not just an ordinary person. You’ll be a great figure in the future."

Chu Yan smiled widely, revealing his white teeth. "Sixth Sister, you don’t have to flatter me. I’m not as skilled in military strategy as Eldest Brother, not as wealthy as Second Brother, not as cultured as Third Brother, and not as skilled in martial arts as Fourth Brother. How can I be a great figure?"

He felt content if he could pass the exams, marry a virtuous wife, and live a simple life.

As they spoke, they had arrived at Chu Yan’s courtyard.

Nanli couldn’t say more, so she said, "Fifth Brother, just remember to always follow your true self. By doing so, you’ll be able to understand the way of the world and the essence of life in difficult situations."

Chu Yan couldn’t help but say, "Sixth Sister, you’ve become quite mystical."

He didn’t stand out and expected a simple, peaceful life without encountering significant challenges.

Nanli smiled and replied, "It’s just a professional habit. You can take it as nonsense."

Chu Yan became more serious. "Of course not. I will remember what Sixth Sister said."

The night was deep.

Nanli returned to Qingliang Courtyard, where Qingyang was waiting for her.

"Princess," Qingyang saluted, his expression somber. "We haven’t found any trace of Xue Shengnan and her entourage from the various intelligence networks."

Nanli paused, turning to look at him. "It’s been a while. If they can’t be found, then let it be."

Qingyang pressed his lips together.

With the deaths of the two Black Armor Guards, their faces had been lost. Now, with no good news from the intelligence networks, he felt that the Princess was extremely disappointed with him.

Nanli glanced at the moonlight outside, feeling a cool breeze. Suddenly, she thought of something and said, "Perhaps she turned back to the Capital that day."

Qingyang was surprised. "But the patrols in the Capital haven’t stopped, and the Black Armor Guards have been monitoring the Xue family. There’s been no sight of Xue Shengnan."