CHAPTER 993: CHAPTER 950: THE FINAL ATTEMPT

In many aspects of China, the focus is not on the surface, but rather on the divine charm within. It can be said that many ink paintings are not entirely realistic, yet at a glance, you can perceive the likeness - that is the divine charm.

Chen Xi’s words made Zhen Mi remain silent for a long time. Eventually, she smiled reluctantly, with a hint of melancholy, "It’s rare for Marquis Chen to speak of the past. May I have the honor of being a listener?"

"It’s nothing, merely something unattainable," Chen Xi replied calmly, indifferent to the past he once lived.

"With Marquis Chen’s capabilities, what is it that you desire and cannot attain? The world itself is in your hands," Zhen Mi said mockingly.

"That’s why it’s said that things change with time and people," Chen Xi replied with utmost calm, as if he didn’t hear Zhen Mi’s sarcasm, "As for the world..."

As Chen Xi spoke these words, a paulownia leaf fell in the yard, and Chen Xi caught it effortlessly, "Don’t you find it pointless? My personality doesn’t suit this. Originally, I wasn’t groomed for leadership. I’m not interested, anyway. You, being from an aristocratic family, understand the cruel cultivation for leadership among those families."

"Indeed." Zhen Mi slowly nodded. The training for monarchs among aristocratic families is indeed extremely cruel, and such cruelty gradually reveals the meaning of heartlessness.

"This paulownia leaf reminds me of a story, the sealing of brothers with a paulownia leaf." Chen Xi turned the leaf stem slowly as he spoke, "Lord Xuande’s pledge was bound by all the people, so I never worry about him breaking his word. What he said back then will likely live on through his actions indefinitely, as will I."

Chen Xi’s seemingly random words left Zhen Mi startled, and Xin Xianying, who had been beside them, had already left, leaving the space for Chen Xi and Zhen Mi.

"Then, may I ask Marquis Chen," Zhen Mi bowed respectfully, "has Marquis Chen ever promised anyone else?"

"No, I never said a word until death," Chen Xi said with a sense of nostalgia, "On the contrary, I promised Lord Xuande."

Zhen Mi, very clever, realized from Chen Xi’s words all that she wanted to know. Though the word "divine charm" from Chen Xi made her feel somewhat desolate, it was less painful compared to the following words.

"So..." Zhen Mi tilted her head slightly and slowly asked, "What did you promise Elder Sister Fan and Sister Lan?"

"Fingers vary in length, yet the heart measures, and it’s eternal," Chen Xi replied calmly. He had said all that he could, and Zhen Mi understood what she needed to understand. As for how to choose, he had nothing further to say.

"I see." Zhen Mi was slightly disappointed. The opportunity was lost. She reached out to straighten Chen Xi’s robes, "Alas, I was born a bit too late. If only I had come five years earlier."

"Affections are preordained," Chen Xi replied calmly, observing no signs of despair in Zhen Mi besides some disappointment and resignation towards fate.

"Should I still help you with purchasing furniture?" Zhen Mi adjusted her emotions and inquired slowly, knowing the reality, understanding that this was a decent conclusion for both her and Chen Xi.

"Neither of us has fallen too deeply, and we are both equally rational," Chen Xi sighed, observing the calmness in Zhen Mi, akin to a still spring.

"Then let’s go. I will return at least; meeting Elder Sister Fan in the future won’t be awkward anymore. Truly a pity; knowing well you wouldn’t lie, I still listened further," Zhen Mi said with a bitter smile. "All that mother taught me was left unused. Let’s go; I should go home and sleep."

"..." Chen Xi had already said all he could in the previous sentences. Since Zhen Mi did not wish to vent her grievances, he could only listen quietly. Perhaps it was best to leave it at this.

"I’m fine," Zhen Mi remarked, seeing Chen Xi silent, and knowing his concern for her mind, she explained.

"I’ll see you home," Chen Xi said, placed a hand on Zhen Mi’s head, entrusting her to the Zhang Clan resolved everything.

"I’m not going back!" Zhen Mi said, looking at Chen Xi, enunciating her words clearly.

"You really don’t have to," Chen Xi fell silent for a moment before speaking.

"At least you’ll live here for years. Elder Sister Fan arranged Fenggao’s dwelling, so let me do this time. At least while you reside here, there’ll remain traces of me," Zhen Mi said, not forcefully, but Chen Xi sensed her persistence.

"Alright..." Chen Xi replied slowly to Zhen Mi’s insistent tone. He wasn’t suitable for Zhen Mi. If only there wasn’t an engagement, if he had met Zhen Mi sooner, things might have been different, yet now everything was quite well already; why drag her into the mire?

"Please forgive my final act of willfulness," Zhen Mi murmured nearly inaudibly as she turned away.

Chen Xi did not wish to pull Zhen Mi into his quagmire. Not that he couldn’t have multiple wives, but he knew that dividing his heart too much would empty it, eventually losing even love. Best to end it here.

In the following days, Zhen Mi continuously furnished Chen Xi’s new residence, becoming increasingly familiar with the Chen Family’s servants. The servants were also prepared for Zhen Mi to become their mistress at any time.

Similarly, Chen Xi observed the gradually accumulating furniture and the frequent servants. This new home seemed to gain some warmth. It must be said, compared to Fan Jian’s arrangements, Zhen Mi’s choices, in terms of aesthetics and layout, excelled significantly.

Yet, the amount of furniture and decorations to be added was only so much. Despite Zhen Mi intentionally delaying, in just over ten days, the final piece was placed in its optimal position.

For some reason, after the last ornament was set, Zhen Mi, who had been a bit disheartened, upon turning and surveying everything, suddenly found clarity. Having personally arranged each piece of furniture and decoration, the home was filled with traces of herself.

"Zichuan, could you preserve this for me?" Zhen Mi asked, looking up at Chen Xi, "Could you keep the arrangements in this home for me?"

"I can." Chen Xi nodded slowly, observing the harmony and pleasantness within the home, even eliminating prior inconsistencies from Fenggao. Zhen Mi truly excelled.

"Could you give me the other gold medal you have? It might be harder to enter your home in the future; I’m not sure if I’ll be able to come as frequently," Zhen Mi said with a sense of sentimentality, sweeping her gaze over everything inside.

Chen Xi silently removed the last gold medal and handed it to Zhen Mi. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, we welcome you to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast votes and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)