Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play
Chapter 93: Marriage Fate

Chapter 93: Chapter 93: Marriage Fate

Xie Xun lowered his head and chuckled softly, ascending the steps. Fengyu was dazzled by his smile—it was the first time she had seen him like this. Every other encounter involved an Xie Xun as cold as ice and exuding a sharp, murderous aura. Only today did she finally catch a glimpse of the rumored young marquis, riding his horse by a slanting bridge.

That smile—absolutely captivating!

Xie Xun took a few steps forward, glanced back to see her frozen in place, and raised an eyebrow. "Third Miss, at your pace, the lanterns will have burnt out before you reach the top."

Feeling embarrassed, Fengyu avoided his gaze and climbed up the stairs at a tortoise’s speed. Finally reaching the rooftop, Fengyu was stunned by the sight of a city lit up with lanterns. "It’s so beautiful!"

From the vantage point of Stargazing Tower, the view was expansive. The snow-covered Capital City decorated with countless lanterns resembled a dreamlike peach-blossom paradise. Sky lanterns floated continuously amidst the snow, while the distant glow of lights dotted the horizon. Reflections of lanterns rippled across the lake’s surface, and the radiant colors of lights and bustling crowds mirrored in the waters—an otherworldly vision.

On both shores were pedestrians enjoying themselves—jugglers, operas—the scene vibrant and lively. From the riverside high-rises, second and third-floor balconies were crowded with people looking forward to the dragon boat parade on the lake. The dazzling splendor of the Capital left Fengyu’s eyes burning.

Xie Xun turned to look at her, her crimson attire more striking than the myriad lanterns in the sky. Leaning lazily against the railing, his gaze lingered on her with a teasing smile.

His focus was so intense and fiery that no one could resist the enchantment of the young marquis’ smile. Fengyu’s ears reddened slightly. "You... why are you smiling?"

"I was just thinking... Jiang Yang is truly stupid."

Fengyu looked confused. "Why bring up Jiang Yang out of nowhere?"

Xie Xun turned his head to look at the bustling streets and said nothing further, maintaining his smile. Fengyu couldn’t help but ask, "Has the young marquis been blessed by some happy occasion recently?"

"It’s been mundane—nothing worth celebrating."

"That smile of yours looks like you’ve stumbled across a fortune," Fengyu said cheerfully. "You still owe me five hundred thousand. When will you repay it?"

Xie Xun burst into laughter. Had they been on the fifth or sixth floors, the sound might have startled the streets below; but at Stargazing Tower, the laughter only echoed freely and unrestrained. "Lecturing me about debts right after lending the money—Third Miss, you’re quite stingy."

"I’m just afraid someone might forget they’re carrying such a massive debt, so I feel obliged to remind them every now and then." Fengyu’s mood lifted significantly. A creditor must act like one, and a bit of smiling from the debtor—as so clearly demonstrated—proved money truly makes the world go round.

"Want to release a lantern?" Xie Xun shifted the topic.

During the Lantern Festival, setting out lanterns was a tradition in Yanyang. Some released them onto the river, others into the sky. These countless lanterns represented the wishes made during the festival.

"Do we have lanterns to release?"

Xie Xun stepped into Stargazing Tower and returned holding two peony-shaped lanterns. They were painted with vibrant, dewy pink peonies. Fengyu’s eyes lit up, surprised and delighted. "They’re beautiful."

Not only did Xie Xun bring lanterns, but he also held a brush for writing wishes on them. Fengyu lowered her head and carefully wrote down her heartfelt wish, one stroke at a time.

After finishing his own wish, Xie Xun stood near the railing with his lantern in hand, his gaze falling on Fengyu. Her head was slightly bowed, adorned with a red flower pinned in her hair. The flower complemented her jewel-studded hairpins, softly radiating an ethereal glow. Snowflakes landed on her cape and instantly melted into faint patches of darker hues. Her slender, pale neck was adorned with a gemstone necklace, and her petite waist, gently wrapped under the cape, remained elusive.

Though she was thoroughly bundled up against the cold, all that was exposed to the icy wind were her frost-nipped ears, glowing a bright red. Xie Xun’s lips curled into a slight smile.

Deceptive and self-serving as Fengyu was, her outward appearance bore a striking resemblance to a docile little white rabbit.

After Fengyu finished writing her wish, they both held their lanterns, their gazes briefly intertwining. Xie Xun’s eyes still held a trace of amusement. Fengyu inexplicably felt her heartbeat quicken and awkwardly avoided his gaze. "What wish did you write, young marquis?"

"A peaceful and prosperous era." Xie Xun turned his lantern around, revealing four bold characters in a striking script: *National peace and prosperity*. Fengyu stared at the words, momentarily stunned, and then turned her own lantern around.

Next to the painted peony were four words: *May you profit greatly.*

Xie Xun: "..."

Fengyu: "..."

Xie Xun looked at Fengyu’s lantern with its playful *May you profit greatly* wish and regarded her with an amused expression. Fengyu only felt her scalp heat up in mortification—she had never been this embarrassed.

"Your wish... is certainly unique," Xie Xun said after restraining his laughter for a long while.

"And your wish is simply unrealistic," Fengyu countered, refusing to back down.

Still slightly smiling, Xie Xun quieted, staring intently at the four bold characters *National peace and prosperity* written on his lantern. In a soft voice, he said, "Fengyu, if you hold onto hope, one day it will come true."

Fengyu said nothing. The two released their lanterns, which floated gently on the wind toward the distance, joining the sea of lights. Watching the countless lanterns fill the skies, Fengyu asked Xie Xun, "What sort of wishes do most people make?"

"Lanterns are usually used to wish for romance. Didn’t you know?" Xie Xun raised an eyebrow.

"This is my first time releasing lanterns." Fengyu had heard of the practice but never tried it herself. Firstly, she had been betrothed since childhood and didn’t need to wish for romance. Secondly, she never believed such heavenly wishes carried any power.

Fengyu suddenly wanted to ask him why he didn’t wish for romance, but the words stopped at her lips. The young marquis might be showing her a friendlier side now, but that didn’t mean they were close. Fengyu suppressed her curiosity. She was least surprised by Xie Xun’s attitude shift—it wasn’t because of feelings—but who wouldn’t show courtesy to the God of Wealth?

The young marquis had withheld courtesy from her so far simply because he lacked basic tact.

"Why did you bring me here to see the lanterns?" Fengyu asked.

Xie Xun thought for a moment. "For everything you’ve done for the people in the northern part of the city, you deserve the finest scenery this Lantern Festival can offer. Since I’ve benefited from your help, it’s only proper that I repay you."

Fengyu paused before saying, "If you’re set on repaying me, perhaps you could show restraint when extorting me in the future."

"That’s too difficult," Xie Xun admitted candidly, unashamed of his greed. "It’s easier to show you some nice scenery instead."

Inwardly, Fengyu cursed him vehemently, yet outwardly, she maintained a smile soft as water.

"Are you cursing me?"

"Young marquis, I never curse people," Fengyu replied with a smile as innocent as could be.

Xie Xun’s thoughts drifted to Imperial Uncle Lv and Duke Ning—one now dead, the other gravely injured. His smile faded gradually. The girl before him had once epitomized the type of person he most loathed: calculating, deceitful, and viciously ruthless—wrapped in a sweet smile with a blade hidden beneath. He had seen through her true nature long ago, yet he couldn’t tear his gaze away from her.

Why?

Was it because their souls were bound by fate, destined to intertwine?

"The Emperor is out with his consorts today, and the Third Prince is accompanying them. Don’t go near the river—it’s best to avoid them," Xie Xun couldn’t help but warn.

"I have no interest in the dragon boat parade," Fengyu replied indifferently. "After watching the lanterns, I’ll return home."

Together, they looked toward the river crowded with throngs of people. To catch a glimpse of the royal procession, citizens had found the best spots on the banks early on. Their cheers reached even Stargazing Tower as Emperor Jianming stepped out of the palace and boarded the dragon boat.

"Let’s head down," Xie Xun said. With the Emperor venturing out, the Kyoto Capital Guard would be occupied.

The two descended the spiral staircase one after the other. The climb up had been difficult, but going down proved even steeper and treacherous. Fengyu moved cautiously, terrified of falling. Yet what she feared came to pass—her snowy feet slipped on damp steps. Despite her carefulness, she stumbled, crying out in alarm as she tumbled forward.

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