Xylira listened to Edgar speaking seriously beside her and felt very pleased. On one hand, no matter what, Evelyne was her biological daughter.
Among all the children, she was the only one who resembled her in both appearance and temperament. Her marrying into the royal family as she wished was a good match, and naturally, she felt happy.
On the other hand, that Xylira who had tormented her since birth and now looked nothing like her, hmph, what was the use of being pretty?
Her first husband was disfigured. She had seen that scar on Caelen's face with her own eyes and found it terrifying just at a glance.
Every time she thought of Xylira spending her life with someone so scary and getting frightened to the point of turning pale, she couldn't help but laugh even more joyfully.
Edgar glanced at Xiyan, whose face remained cold, somewhat surprised that he could hold his tongue. That was good, it saved him trouble.
He then turned his gaze to the beautiful woman still sitting quietly with her head lowered, his eyes darkening. Xylira, since you have no objections, then it is settled.
"Mm." Xylira nodded. After today's interaction with this family, it seemed that aside from Lady Mei Lin and Evelyne, who were simple-minded women, the rest of the men were not easy to deal with.
As the family head, Edgar was unfathomable. His son General Renyu wore a harmless sunny smile, but when Edgar brought up the marriage, his guilty eyes lingered on his elder brother with deep regret.
Though his expression was gloomy, he remained silent, not saying a single word.
Though her mother was not beautiful, her men were all exceptional. One by one, their eyes swept past her before returning to silence.
As she lifted her head slightly, she happened to see Third Uncle Tao Jingming subtly exchanging a look with Lady Mei Lin. Lord, the Qixi Festival is coming soon. This time, let all five of age in the house participate.
Seeing Edgar remain silent, Lady Mei Lin smiled and said, Evelyne is about to be married. This will be her last Qixi Festival as a maiden.
General Renyu is no longer young and now serves in the court. It is time he settled down. As for Yuehui, he has just come of age, so it would be good for him to experience the event.
That last sentence was the real point, right? Xylira's mouth twitched even harder this time. This woman was biased and made no effort to hide it.
Evelyne and General Renyu were just cover and pretext. Evelyne was still delighted at Lady Mei Lin's concern and the honor of being included in the invitation.
Perhaps she was even worried that her spotlight might be stolen. As for General Renyu, inheriting Edgar's narrow eyes, a trace of light flickered across them.
However, his brows furrowed. It seemed he also noticed the truth.
Edgar's brows knitted tighter. His eyes carried an icy warning that made the smiling Tao Jingming freeze and quickly avert his gaze.
Watching the subtle expressions between the two, Xylira felt pity for her and her brother. Their own mother wouldn't even say their names.
Seeing her brother's calm face, she felt relieved, but then.
Mother, my eldest brother and third brother can go. Evelyne spoke with dissatisfaction.
But second brother is crippled. Everyone in Kangcheng knows it. What's the point of him going? He would only bring shame to our Chancellor's residence.
And second sister has never been out before. With Qixi not far away, if she gets lost during the event, she would just be another joke for the Chancellor's family.
As Evelyne said this, the disdain and contempt in her eyes were obvious as she looked at Xylira and her brother.
Evelyne, that's enough. Edgar's brows furrowed even tighter. General Renyu scolded her sternly.
Second brother, Evelyne is just being immature. Don't take it to heart.
Why would I? What she said is true. Xiyan lowered his head, his expression hidden from view.
However, sitting right next to him, Xylira could feel the suppressed anger and hatred emanating from him.
His calm tone had a touch of self-mockery that made her heart ache sharply, growing heavier by the second.
In that moment, she truly despised these people.
Whether it was the foolish woman who hurt others out of ignorance or the calculating ones who blatantly took sides, it was all disgusting.
Brother, what did I say wrong? Why are you yelling at me? Evelyne had no idea what General Renyu was thinking and spoke with great grievance.
After speaking, she still glared fiercely at Xylira and her brother, unwilling to let it go.
Enough, the two of you. What's there to argue about?
Lady Mei Lin said with amusement, Since Evelyne doesn't want them to go, then let them stay behind.
As long as Yuehui gets to go, that's all that matters.
And so, with Lady Mei Lin's words and everyone's silence, the matter was settled.
The siblings returned to their courtyard in silence.
Xylira dismissed the servants, then moved closer to Xiyan, hugging his right arm and resting her head on his shoulder.
Brother, don't be sad. Days like this will soon be over.
The affectionate gesture, the soft whisper, and the strong sense of familial care gradually melted the cold air clinging to Xiyan.
His hardened heart began to soften. He reached out with his left hand and rubbed the head resting on his shoulder.
I'm not sad. I've long been used to it.
He just couldn't stand the way Evelyne dared to look at Xylira like that. What was she anyway? She couldn't even compare to Xylira's fingernail.
Really?
Really. I would never lie to Xylira.
A faint smile appeared on Xiyan's face. With such a thoughtful sister, it felt like all the previous humiliation no longer mattered.
Xylira pouted. You may not lie, but you certainly hide things.
Still, she was relieved.
After today's events, she knew she had to speed up her plans.
But brother, about the Qixi Festival? Xiyan asked.
Don't worry, just do this when the time comes.
She whispered into Xiyan's ear.
Will that really work? Don't mess it up and make it real.
No way. Trust me, brother.
Xylira laughed and said, So, how was today? Not bad, right?
Having the emperor issue a decree for the marriage, doesn't it give you and Caelen both great status?
Xiyan was not foolish. You planned this from the beginning?
Xylira nodded. Even Evelyne knew I was more beautiful than her.
That's why she targeted me so much.
The more beautiful I was, the more unsuitable I seemed for Caelen.
If I walked around more, Edgar's scheme might get exposed, and it could even affect Evelyne's marriage to the third prince.
Basically, if anything in my appearance slipped today, everything that started because of Caelen's life-saving act could unravel.
It would fall out of his control.
Tell me, how could he not panic?
Xylira, you are so clever.
Xiyan praised her sincerely this time.
Of course.
Xylira nodded, clearly enjoying her brother's compliment.
Still, I originally expected Edgar to rush and confirm my engagement to Caelen quickly.
But I didn't expect him to move so fast, asking the emperor for a decree directly. That was a pleasant surprise.
Little sister, that way Edgar removes himself from the matter. With a royal decree, who would dare say otherwise?
It doesn't matter. I already plan to marry Caelen. This outcome is perfect.
Xylira saw it very clearly.
As the Chancellor, Edgar wouldn't lose composure even when caught off guard.
Inside the main study, Edgar's face was icy cold. That Xylira turned out to be so beautiful?
Why had no one ever reported it before?
That was my negligence. Please punish me, master.
The forty-year-old steward, Jiang Dongyi, was Edgar's most trusted aide. He dropped to his knees immediately after Edgar questioned him.
It truly was his fault. He had never seen the second young lady in person before.
Otherwise, today's incident would never have happened.
Forget it, this isn't entirely your fault.
Even the last time I saw her, I didn't pay attention to her appearance.
Edgar spoke calmly.
Even with a royal decree, one is disfigured, and the other is a cripple. There's not much they can stir up.
That's true, master.
But the second young lady is too beautiful. I'm worried Caelen might...
Do you think Xylira would treat Caelen well?
She's so timid. Just seeing Caelen would probably scare her half to death.
Yes, even he had never seen such a beautiful girl before.
Edgar sneered, Still, Caelen really got lucky.
But your concern isn't entirely unfounded.
At that moment, Edgar suddenly thought of something and widened his eyes.
Has Xylira ever had a man before?
Master, you mean?
If it were you and you married a stunning wife, and you were her first man, would you not be even more taken by her?
As a man, Edgar naturally understood what kind of woman was the most captivating.
A trace of envy flickered in his heart.
Noticing the ripple in his emotions, a cruel and cold smile flashed in his eyes.
You handle this. Make sure her first time is ruined before she marries.
Yes, master.