The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 414: My Deep Affection for You

Chapter 414: My Deep Affection for You

Lady Xue’s eyes darted with a sudden idea, and she said something Chu Huan couldn’t refuse: "It seems there’s been a misunderstanding. Third Young Master Chu, why not come inside for a cup of hot tea? We can clarify everything once Xiang’er wakes up."

Chu Huan instinctively wanted to refuse: "There’s no need for me to go inside."

Lord Xue, seizing the opportunity to pressure Chu Huan, immediately said: "Third Young Master Chu, are you trying to avoid responsibility? We will get to the bottom of this once my son wakes up!"

"Indeed, you seem to be in a hurry to leave, which only makes it seem like you’re guilty," added Lady Xue.

Chu Huan pondered for a moment and then nodded: "Very well, I will accept your invitation."

He wasn’t feeling guilty but rather wanted to use this opportunity to clarify things with the Xue family. After all, he had no romantic interest in Xue Yan’er and didn’t want to be entangled with the Xue family further.

Lady Xue immediately flashed a smile, "It’s no trouble at all. Third Young Master Chu, please come inside."

She instructed Lord Xue to lead Chu Huan in and then turned to send someone to fetch Xue Yan’er. Even though Madam Shen was not very keen on the match, her son was now recognized by Prime Minister Lu, and he was clearly someone with determination. If he and her daughter hit it off, even if Madam Shen opposed it, it wouldn’t matter much. After all, convincing Chu Huan was not difficult for her.

Lord Xue initially planned to prepare a bowl of ginseng soup for his son, but Lady Xue secretly stopped him. She hoped her son would wake up quickly so that Chu Huan could leave soon.

Chu Huan sat upright in the living room, his back straight. His handsome appearance and scholarly demeanor made him quite appealing to high-born ladies in the capital.

Lady Xue, increasingly fond of him, noticed the blushing maidservant serving tea and quickly took over, bringing the tea to Chu Huan herself. "Young Master... Ah, I mean, Third Young Master Chu, the weather is getting cooler. Please have some tea to warm yourself."

The term "young master" made Chu Huan’s face flush with annoyance. The Xue family was really shameless!

He said, "Lady Xue, please be cautious with your words. I must clarify that my handkerchief was lost some time ago, yet Third Young Master now claims it was a token of affection I gave to Second Young Lady Xue. This is truly outrageous! I hope Lord Xue and Lady Xue will discipline him properly in the future."

Lord Xue was taken aback. He was aware of his wife’s interactions with Chu Huan but didn’t realize they had met such resistance. Seeing Lady Xue’s slightly evasive gaze, he understood that the handkerchief had likely been hidden by her and their son. When their son saw the marriage to Chu Huan slipping away, he tried to use the handkerchief to coerce Chu Huan.

However, Chu Huan was clearly not falling for it. Now, being rebuked by a junior in front of others, Lord Xue’s pride was hurt.

He retorted coldly, "Third Young Master Chu, your words are unreasonable. Just because you lost the handkerchief doesn’t mean you didn’t give it to my daughter. You were deceitful then and now refuse to acknowledge it. What kind of man are you?"

Chu Huan’s face turned red with anger. Indeed, birds of a feather flock together!

Seeing her husband’s stance, Lady Xue joined in to climb the social ladder, saying, "Yes, Third Young Master Chu, my family hasn’t pursued the matter, yet you are raising objections. Isn’t that unreasonable? If this issue escalates, it would bring shame to both families. You should bring the Countess here so that our families can discuss and cover up this matter. Otherwise, if it spreads, people might question your character, affecting your future career."

Chu Huan couldn’t believe the audacity of such shameless individuals. His firm stance showed he would not be coerced: "So what if it spreads? So what if I lose face? I won’t be intimidated by such threats!"

Lady Xue gritted her teeth and said, "Third Young Master, why are you so obstinate? My daughter is beautiful and cultured, and she is a perfect match for you. If we become related by marriage, my husband will also help pave the way for your future. Isn’t this mutually beneficial?"

Chu Huan’s face grew colder. "The woman I wish to marry must be one I desire, not one chosen for family gain or career advancement. I don’t like Second Young Lady Xue, no matter how good she is, and even if the Xue family offers me more assistance, I will not marry her!"

Scholars have their own pride. His family had always looked down on such manipulations. If there were no mutual feelings, how could they spend their lives together? It would only lead to mutual dissatisfaction.

Unexpectedly, Xue Yan’er, who had just entered the living room in a light and colorful dress, overheard this painful conversation. She had dressed up to display her good figure and had used the best cosmetics to captivate Chu Huan at first sight. However, what she heard was heartbreaking.

Xue Yan’er’s nose turned sour, and tears immediately filled her eyes. She said, "Chu Huan, I have deep feelings for you, but you treat me like dirt?"

Chu Huan, being a gentleman, felt his heart soften seeing Xue Yan’er’s sadness. He realized he might have been too harsh.

"Second Young Lady Xue, I apologize..."

"You don’t need to apologize. I am infatuated with you and will marry you no matter what. Chu Huan, I’ve abandoned my pride and self-respect. You must take responsibility for me!" Xue Yan’er wiped her tears, still looking heartbroken.

In truth, she wasn’t deeply in love with Chu Huan. As the legitimate daughter, she had once looked down on him as a mere illegitimate child. However, now that he was a rising star in the court, she wanted to hold onto him tightly. There aren’t many chances for a woman to change her fate: the first is being born, and the second is marriage. After the mess caused by Xue Shengnan, there were no good matches left for her, so she had to make a move herself. Marrying Chu Huan and entering the Mansion of Marquis Anyang would elevate her status and command respect.

Having practiced her heartfelt and pitiful expression in front of the mirror hundreds of times, Xue Yan’er was confident that Chu Huan would be moved and agree to the marriage.

With that thought, Xue Yan’er stared at Chu Huan, waiting for his response.

Chu Huan pursed his lips and finally said, "Second Young Lady Xue, your words are unreasonable. I have only spoken to you a couple of times. We have not made any private engagements, nor have our parents arranged a match. How can you claim I am responsible for you?"

If it weren’t for his restraint, he might have told her not to flatter herself. Considering she was a lady, he held back his words.

Xue Yan’er’s face alternated between red and white, and she soon broke down in tears.

Lady Xue, heartbroken for her daughter, stepped forward to protect her and exclaimed angrily, "Chu Huan, are you really not afraid of ruining your reputation?"

They had Chu Huan’s handkerchief, which could be used to stir up trouble. People were interested in scandals and privacy, not whether the handkerchief was a token of affection or simply lost. Moreover, Lady Xue was determined to curry favor with the Chu family and get her daughter married off to him. If Xue Shengnan couldn’t enter the Mansion of Marquis Anyang, she would show Xue Shengnan how she managed to arrange a match with the Chu family!