Chapter 51: Chapter 51 Refusing to Help
The hole in the fence was just the right size for a small animal to pass through.
Xia Chuyi looked up and outside the fence; in the foggy world beyond, there must be other creatures.
These creatures, lured by the scent of the Medicinal Food, would crawl through the small fence holeâa few little ones managed to get in.
After thinking it over, she did nothing about the hole.
Since she would often be testing out dishes, having these little ones come and go would conveniently help her dispose of the food.
Having figured out the joint, she no longer bothered with these little creatures and straightaway left the space.
...
Outside the space, the moon was still in the same position, which showed that she hadnât been there for long, though it felt like an extended period.
It was indeed timely, just as she stepped out from that space, someone came to visit the second house.
âSecond Aunt, listen to me, I didnât do it on purpose, Brother Qing was the one who fancied me first.â
It was Xia Lan; she still hadnât given up and was now trying to exploit the weakness that was Mother Xia.
âOthers may not understand me, may not forgive me, but donât you understand, Second Aunt?â Xia Lan wept and wailed, âBack then, werenât you and Second Uncle in love freely?â
âArenât you always telling me how Second Uncle cherished you, how he married you despite your familyâs disapproval?â
âI just want to love freely like you, to marry the man I like! Besides, if Brother Qing doesnât like Chuyi, wouldnât her life be miserable if she married him?â
âSecond Aunt, Iâm doing this for Chuyiâs own good!â
Xia Lan sobbed uncontrollably, her heartfelt explanation moved Mother Xia to tears.
The two hugged and cried together.
Xia Chuyi came down from the attic, just in time to witness this stirring scene.
Standing silently, she watched the two with a cold eye.
After a while, Xia Lan finally raised her head, her eyes teary as she looked at her.
âOh, Chuyi, when did you get here?â Her tone was one of surprise, as if she had just noticed her.
Xia Chuyi ignored her words.
Xia Lan immediately approached, crying to her, âChuyi, I know you have some misunderstandings about Sister Lan! The other day, I was indeed impulsive. Those words werenât intentional! I was just jealous, jealous that you always have such a gentle, kind mother like Second Aunt!â
After Xia Lan spoke, she clung to Mother Xia, triggering another burst of tears.
Envy her? Envious of this confused mother who prefers other peopleâs children over her own?
Xia Chuyi shook her head and coldly watched Xia Lanâs poor acting.
âMy parents, as you saw today in the main house, didnât speak a word in my defense, their hearts care for nothing but having a son!â Xia Lan attempted to appear more pitiful, but unbeknownst to her, the true bitterness in her words was unmistakable.
Xia Chuyi inwardly chuckled.
âXia Lan, I see you still havenât learned to be smart,â Xia Chuyi said sarcastically.
âChuyi, what do you mean? Sister Lan doesnât understandâŠâ Xia Lanâs expression froze.
Doesnât understand?
Fine.
âIf you donât understand, forget it, I just want to tell you, in this matter, pleading with me wonât help, Iâm telling the truth. The marriage was my concession, you canât expect me to lie for you, can you?â Xia Chuyi blinked innocently, shaking her head.
Since she liked playing dumb, let everyone play dumb then.