Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play
Chapter 127: Like

Chapter 127: Chapter 127: Like

Xie Xun sheathed his longsword and only relaxed once he saw she was unharmed. "I was gone for just two moments. How did you manage to stir up trouble?"

Fengyu innocently touched her cheek. "Being too beautiful really is my fault."

Xie Xun propped his longsword beside him, at a loss whether to laugh or cry. "You spent twenty taels on a mandarin swallow, attracting others’ covetousness. We’ll reach the Capital City in just a day—couldn’t you hold back?"

"I couldn’t!" Fengyu flared up. "I was sitting here perfectly fine, minding my own business. Who did I offend? I’m wealthy, I’m beautiful—how is that my fault?"

Though she was by nature cautious, she had grown more reckless with Xie Xun by her side. Who would have expected this boldness would invite trouble?

Xie Xun rubbed his temple. Third Miss had grown increasingly temperamental in front of him. Just then, the innkeeper brought over noodles and two pounds of beef. The young lord had a robust appetite; one bowl of bird’s nest soup had not satisfied his hunger, and he was already starving.

He had just picked up his chopsticks when Fengyu smacked the back of his hand. "I paid for this; you’re not allowed to eat it."

"Then I’ll leave. You can fend for yourself in Lian City."

"Pay me back fifty thousand. Right now. Immediately!" Fengyu refused to back down, her eyes reddened with frustration.

Xie Xun surrendered. "Ayu, my dear sister, it’s all your brother’s fault for leaving you alone for two moments. From now on, wherever I go, I’ll tie you to my belt and hold you in my hands so no one dares covet you."

Fengyu, "..."

No need for that!

Fengyu almost burst into laughter, and Xie Xun smiled knowingly. "Can I eat now?" he asked.

Fengyu magnanimously waved her hand. "I grant you permission."

"Am I supposed to say, ’Thank you for your grace?’"

"Say it. Let me hear."

Xie Xun chuckled quietly to himself, focusing on eating instead of bantering with Fengyu. However, when he’d first entered the inn and seen that group of people harassing Fengyu, a deep, dark rage had flared within him—he had truly wanted to chop off their hands.

"You should have severed his hand," Fengyu said, still regretting.

Xie Xun, amidst devouring his meal, replied softly, "The crime doesn’t warrant that."

Fengyu argued, "In broad daylight, they dared to harass a maiden. If you hadn’t come, they would’ve dared to abduct me. Had I been accompanied by a weak scholar, they would’ve harmed or even killed him just to take me. This behavior isn’t new, who knows how many others have fallen victim to them? Surely it won’t be the last time. Cutting off his hand would’ve spared others from further harm."

Xie Xun polished off the noodles and two pounds of beef, then spoke with a light laugh. "Their crimes are hateful, no doubt. But since you and I didn’t witness them killing anyone, we can’t determine their punishment. Recompensing evil with evil—whether killing or maiming—how would we be any different from them?"

"Then let’s hope they turn over a new leaf."

Xie Xun didn’t argue further. Fengyu had always been one to return grievances in kind. Each had their own stance, and naturally, their views differed. The two had lingered in Lian City long enough; after the meal, Xie Xun carried Fengyu to the carriage. Zhuifeng, having recovered, trotted energetically by the carriage’s side.

Fengyu was unlucky. As soon as they left the city, the effects of Dispersing Soul Powder wore off, and a dense, searing pain swept through her organs while her fractured bones itched unbearably. She curled up under the brocade blanket, forcing herself to endure, unwilling to delay Xie Xun’s journey.

Dispersing Soul Powder was forbidden medicine, not available in the marketplace. Zhang Lingzheng had brewed it to alleviate Xie Xun’s pain and rarely brought it out.

The carriage followed the official road. The stretch of the journey near the Capital City was smooth and steady. Once out of the city, Fengyu remained silent. Xie Xun turned to see her pitifully curled into a ball and guessed the effects of the forbidden medicine had already passed.

He took out the hidden Dispersing Soul Powder, a pang of sorrow flashing across his heart, before putting it back into his sleeve. Instead, he pulled out a packet of maltose candy and offered it to Fengyu.

Fengyu was pleasantly surprised. Consuming candy helped soothe her pain and make drinking medicine more tolerable—a small personal habit. She hadn’t expected Xie Xun to know this and buy her candy. As she licked the scarce treat, she asked curiously, "Where did you get the silver for it?"

Xie Xun answered flippantly, "The stall owner was a young maiden. I sold myself for her favor and received a packet of maltose candy in return."

"Young Lord, your charms are truly cheap," Fengyu said, sucking on her candy, suddenly stirred by a competitive spirit. "Were I to sell my charms, I’d garner at least two packets."

Xie Xun, "..."

The young lady, weakened by pain, spoke in a muffled voice. Xie Xun couldn’t keep from laughing and pulled out a jade flute to play a gentle, flowing tune for her.

The jade flute had casually been packed into their luggage by the governor, fearing they’d grow bored on the road. Now it found its use. Xie Xun played a melody popular in the Capital City, one both tender and entwining.

Fengyu listened to the tune, her focus shifting. With candy in her mouth, her pain seemed slightly more bearable. Xie Xun’s melodies shifted unpredictably—from gentle interludes to a festive nuptial song reminiscent of the suona’s joyous style. The flute wasn’t well-suited to such a lively song, but Xie Xun played it humorously, making Fengyu laugh.

Hearing her laughter, Xie Xun’s lips curved slightly. He knew Third Miss enjoyed exuberant tunes. He could only regret having neither a suona nor an erhu; otherwise, he’d spend the journey providing her with a full ensemble.

Though the music diverted Fengyu’s attention, her pain was all too real and still a struggle. By afternoon, Xie Xun stopped in a wind-shielded spot, checking her forehead temperature. Fortunately, there was no fever, though her body was drenched in cold sweat. Xie Xun felt a pang of pity. "Can you endure?"

"Did you discard the Dispersing Soul Powder?" Fengyu’s eyes were watery as she stared at him, aggrieved. "Why?"

Xie Xun gently wiped her sweat with his fingers. "Dispersing Soul Powder was developed by Zhang Lingzheng to suppress the toxins in my body—it’s forbidden medicine. Using it excessively leads to dependency, and withdrawal would be even more unbearable. If you don’t quit, your body will grow frail and your demeanor unruly. If you can endure, it’s better to avoid taking more, alright?"

Fengyu’s face was as pale as snow. Xie Xun continued, "Compared to five days ago, your pain should have subsided somewhat. If you can bear it, let’s forego the medicine. Agreed?"

"I’m sorry," Fengyu said, her hair soaked through.

"What are you apologizing for?"

"I caused your broken leg and forced you to rely on forbidden medicine." Fengyu’s eyes were red as she clung to his hand. "Was withdrawal painful?"

Xie Xun gazed steadily into her eyes. "It wasn’t. The past is past—let it go, Third Miss. Don’t dwell on it."

He intertwined his fingers with hers, his hand damp from her sweat. Xie Xun knew how delicate she was, yet she had silently endured the entire way to avoid delaying the journey.

Fengyu thought to herself that his leg would never fully heal; this debt would never truly be settled.

She had ruined the ambitions of a general destined to stride across the battlefield. Would he feel regret, amidst his happiness, when he heard news of Ningzhou’s glorious victory?

That battle—it should have been him standing amidst the thousands of soldiers, witnessing the triumph with his own eyes.

"You should keep traveling. I’m fine," Fengyu gritted out. "By nightfall, shall we reach the city?"

"We’re not entering the city," Xie Xun said as he observed the sky—a boundless expanse without a single cloud. It was a fine day. "We’re heading to the Western Suburb Horse Farm. Your sister is waiting for you at the manor."

Fengyu released his hand but hesitated to let go completely. The young lord’s fingers were proportioned and strong, and holding his hand felt safe.

Fengyu thought to herself, it wasn’t only Xie Xun who had gone mad.

She was losing her mind too!