Chapter 20 Two-in-One

“This servant just passed by Luoyan Lane and heard those neighbors all cursing Xie Yi, clamoring to drive him away!” Xiao Ping vividly described the excited faces of that group of neighbors. He originally thought Yan Jiyue would be in a great mood after hearing this, but not only was Yan Jiyue not happy, he frowned instead.

“How did they find out? Wasn’t it said that this matter shouldn’t be spread?” Yan Jiyue cast a cold gaze at Xiao Ping.

Xiao Ping hurriedly shook his head: “Young master, I absolutely wouldn’t dare to go against your wishes. This matter was indeed only told to the young mistress. I even specially slipped some money to that little servant. Besides, with such a big commotion, the master’s family will surely investigate. He shouldn’t be stupid enough to tell people everywhere!”

“Then how did it become known to all the neighbors? Juancheng is only this big. Those gossips don’t have a single tight-lipped one among them. Making it known to everyone, how will she be able to hold her head up in the future!” Yan Jiyue clenched his fists.

“Maybe… maybe someone overheard it, so it spread out.” Xiao Ping stated the only possibility.

Yan Jiyue took a deep breath and asked, “With things getting so big, has Su Mu agreed to drive Xie Yi away?”

Xiao Ping shook his head: “It’s said that the young mistress has been protecting that scoundrel all along and just won’t drive him away. Xie Yi is still living comfortably in the young mistress’s home now.”

“Scoundrel!” Resentment surged in Yan Jiyue’s heart: “Su Mu has suffered so much humiliation for him. If he really loved Su Mu, he should leave on his own.”

“That’s right, he should be more self-aware and roll back to the great desert on his own, instead of occupying the young mistress.” Xiao Ping echoed, but in his heart, he felt some indescribable envy.

For a man to have such a protective and loving woman in this lifetime, braving the world’s condemnation, it could be considered worthwhile.

Compared to those who, after marrying, have to wash clothes, cook, have children, deal with mother-in-law’s刁难, guard against the wife-master taking male concubines, and a series of other vexing married life issues, Xie Yi’s life is truly enviable.

Which man doesn’t hope to be cherished in the palm of his wife-master’s hand for a lifetime? But how many women in the world can do that?

Previously, he only thought Su Mu looked extremely beautiful, even more beautiful than men. How did he not notice that Su Mu’s character was also so dependable?

Come to think of it, when she was a minor steward in the Yan family, because of her good looks and personality, she attracted quite a few male servants to have fluttering hearts, receiving who knows how many handkerchiefs and sachets.

Later, when Su Mu married the young master, even though the young master instigated the servants to make things difficult for her, she didn’t take it out on others, treating people warmly, neither servile nor overbearing.

At that time, Xiao Ping only thought Su Mu was weak, with just a pretty face. Now thinking about it, Su Mu really gave the young master full face and respect. Unfortunately, the young master didn’t understand, causing Su Mu to retreat to the extreme. A pair of jade-like people became a resentful couple, and she finally couldn’t bear it and proposed separation.

“This servant heard those neighbors in Luoyan Lane say that if the young mistress can’t drive Xie Yi away today, they won’t let Yang Shu rent the house to the young mistress anymore… Do you think the young mistress might end up leaving Juancheng with Xie Yi?” Xiao Ping anxiously expressed his thoughts.

After all, taking Xie Yi and leaving here, going to a small place where no one knows them, who would know about the brand on Xie Yi’s body then?

“Shut up! Impossible!” Xiao Ping’s words made Yan Jiyue’s heart suddenly tighten, a strong sense of unease surging up.

The one who should leave is Xie Yi, not Su Mu. She can’t leave. What would he do if she left? No, it’s not allowed. He would follow her to the ends of the earth.

Yan Jiyue’s eyes darkened as he walked towards Luoyan Lane.

“Young master, you were ordered not to leave here today. The pleasure boat will be here soon. If you leave, how can this servant explain to the master?” Ling Hua held Yan Jiyue back.

Yan Jiyue’s eyes were as cold as ice and snow: “Explain however you want. Tell my father not to bother anymore. I won’t remarry.”

Ling Hua sneered: “Young master, if you don’t remarry, do you intend to live in the Yan family forever? Since ancient times, it has been natural and proper for men to marry. You’re only bringing shame to the Yan family and embarrassment to the master and young lady by acting like this.”

Yan Jiyue turned back and looked him up and down, coldly laughing: “What, speaking your mind now? Indeed, I’ve separated from Su Mu, but it’s not your turn to ride on my head. Why don’t you come sit in the young master’s position?”

Ling Hua immediately lowered his head: “This servant didn’t mean that, just hoping the young master could consider more for the Yan family.”

Yan Jiyue’s eyes were full of disgust: “A mere servant, yet worrying about the master’s affairs. Fool! Just be a good servant. The master’s family matters are not for a lowly person like you to interfere with.”

He resisted the urge to strike out on the street and left with a flick of his sleeve.

Yan Jiyue knew that ever since the news of his separation became public, the entire household had been laughing at him. Even though they still treated him respectfully on the surface, behind his back, they were all discussing how he could no longer marry into a good family, how he used to be so arrogant, and now he had fallen to the point of being picked over by women.

Now even Ling Hua, who was by his father’s side, dared to restrain him in public.

At this moment, Yan Jiyue finally understood the humiliation Su Mu had endured before. So this was the feeling of being pricked by needles. At least he still had the status of young master, but what about Su Mu? She had nothing. How many people cursed her behind her back, both within and beyond his sight?

Regret engulfed him like bitter water, gnawing at his heart densely.

“Young master, where are we going now?” Xiao Ping followed behind Yan Jiyue.

“Luoyan Lane.”

Su Mu hurriedly returned home with Scholar Lin’s husband.

“Sister Mu!” Xie Yi sat alone on the doorstep, staring blankly at the main gate. As soon as Su Mu finally pushed open the door, Xie Yi, like a little dog finally seeing its owner return home, joyfully pounced on her.

“Mm.” Su Mu rubbed his head.

Xie Yi nestled in her embrace, resting his chin on her shoulder, comfortably nuzzling.

Considering there was someone behind her, Su Mu removed his hands from her waist: “Xiao Yi, I’ve brought someone back with me.”

“Who?” Xie Yi looked back, the smile on his face immediately fading.

“Don’t be afraid, he’s here to help you.” Su Mu saw his pale face and thought he was recalling the inhuman tortures he had endured at Scholar Li’s home, causing him to feel fear.