A Marriage in Name Only? My Stepbrother Won't Let Me Go

Xue Yunshu followed Xue Xingyao out, planning to go and meet Mei Wanying.

Once she knew what kind of person Mei Wanying was, she could figure out how to get rid of her after dealing with Xue Xingyao.

Her father had told her that Mei Wanying had spent the night at the Prince Chen Mansion.

A sour feeling, like a knot of jealousy, twisted in Xue Yunshu’s stomach. It was a sickening sensation.

Although she knew it was common for men to have multiple wives and concubines, she just couldn’t accept it at the moment.

’Prince Chen chose me. For Mei Wanying to still be throwing herself at him, she must be trying to seduce him with her beauty.’

’So shameless!’

’She and Xue Xingyao are birds of a feather—they both love to steal what belongs to others!’

She followed them all the way to a restaurant, not expecting to find a pleasant surprise waiting for her.

’Prince Chen is here too!’

With a rare chance to see the man she loved, Xue Yunshu immediately pushed all thoughts of Mei Wanying to the back of her mind.

’She’s just an empty-headed beauty, a pretty vase. Prince Chen is noble and aloof. How could he possibly be seduced by some common, painted woman?’

’If a tactic like that actually worked on His Highness, then what about our history? We grew up together. There would be no room for anyone else.’

Xue Yunshu wanted to see Pei Yan, but she was afraid that seeming too eager would ruin the image he had of her.

So, she came up with an excuse.

As it turned out, she was in luck. The moment His Highness heard it was her, he immediately sent someone to bring her upstairs.

A wave of sweetness washed over Xue Yunshu.

’Maybe His Highness feels the same way I do, impatient to see the one he loves...’

When she reached the door to the private room, Xue Yunshu didn’t go in right away.

She touched her hairpiece and straightened her clothes.

She had just seen what Mei Wanying looked like.

The woman was dressed like a vixen. Her waist was as slender as a willow branch, yet her chest and bottom were full and round. Her delicate face was a contradictory mix of pure and sultry—an indescribably alluring combination.

’Mei Wanying carries herself with such frivolity,’ Xue Yunshu thought. ’What’s the difference between her and a courtesan who uses her body to please men?’

’No wonder Pei Yan looks down on her.’

’A seductive woman like that is only fit to be a lowly concubine. Making her a proper wife would only damage a man’s reputation.’

’Being known as a lecher is not a good look!’

’Thankfully, Prince Chen is clear-headed and hasn’t fallen into Mei Wanying’s trap.’

After seeing how Mei Wanying was dressed, Xue Yunshu looked down at her own attire and felt a bit plain by comparison.

For ease of movement while out, her skirt was not ornate and her sleeves were narrow. Her waist was cinched, but it didn’t look as slender as Mei Wanying’s.

’This outfit doesn’t flatter my figure at all!’

’If I had known I would run into His Highness today, I would have worn my new dress and my most dazzling jewelry.’

’It’s not that I’m vain. Dressing in a manner that is both fine and appropriate is the only way to show how much I value His Highness.’

’I’m not like Mei Wanying and Xue Xingyao!’

Taking a deep breath and letting it out, Xue Yunshu put a faint smile on her lips and stepped into the room.

The noble, handsome man sat there, his long fingers toying with a teacup. His posture was casual, but just one glance was enough for Xue Yunshu to fall completely under his spell.

’He’s powerful, influential, tall, and handsome. What woman could resist a man like that?’

Her heart hammered against her ribs, as if it were about to leap out of her throat.

Her cheeks began to burn as a blush crept across her face.

’This man has chosen me. He’s going to marry me. Soon, I’ll be able to entrust my entire being to him.’

Xue Yunshu felt a mix of bashfulness and anticipation.

’I was just born lucky.’

’Just like my mother!’

’So what if I come from a humble background? So what if I don’t have a powerful maternal family to support me? As long as you capture a man’s heart, aren’t glory and wealth yours for the taking?’

’Those high-and-mighty noble ladies are so foolish, thinking they can get everything they want just by relying on their families, without lifting a finger.’

’Only I am clever enough to know to start with Prince Chen himself.’

’And look, the Empress hasn’t even made a decision, yet His Highness has already chosen me.’

The smile on Xue Yunshu’s face widened, and a hint of smugness crept into her eyes.

’Once I become Princess Consort Chen, certain people are going to be driven mad with jealousy!’

Figuring that Pei Yan must value his privacy, Xue Yunshu thoughtfully moved to close the door.

This small gesture made the man’s brows furrow in displeasure.

"Leave it open."

His voice was calm and even, yet like the man himself, it carried an unapproachable air.

Pei Yan hadn’t spoken harshly, but Xue Yunshu was startled all the same.

Most of her smugness evaporated.

She hovered awkwardly, not knowing whether to stand or sit, terrified she had done something to displease Pei Yan.

The door remained open.

There were guards posted outside, so no one could eavesdrop, but with the door ajar, any chance of an intimate atmosphere was gone.

Xue Yunshu bit her lip, her heart pounding with uncertainty. She had a feeling that things were not going as she had envisioned.

One look at Pei Yan’s expressionless face made her feel even more insecure.

She nervously twisted her fingers together. The man didn’t speak, nor did he invite her to sit.

Xue Yunshu had the distinct feeling she was being made to stand in a corner as punishment, and a sense of deep embarrassment washed over her.

Pei Yan had excellent hearing; he could make out the conversation in the private room next door.

The more harmonious the atmosphere over there sounded, the darker his own expression became.

’She knows I’m here, yet Mei Wanying doesn’t even come over to say hello.’

’Does she really think leaving a thank-you note is enough to settle the debt of me saving her life?’

Pei Yan was growing irritable. Seeing Xue Yunshu standing there silently, only stealing cautious glances at him, made him even more displeased.

Mei Wanying occasionally stole glances at him, too.

But her gaze wasn’t so timid. When he caught her, she would stare right back at him, bold and unapologetic, without the slightest hint of shame.

As annoying as he found Mei Wanying, he’d never felt the urge to chase her away.

Even when he said harsh things, it was only ever to frighten her a little.

But this Xue Yunshu before him was different. From the moment she appeared, he’d felt uncomfortable.

His long fingers tapped against the tabletop—a sure sign of his growing impatience.

"What is it?"

The man’s voice was cold and deep, and for a moment, Xue Yunshu was almost bewitched by it.

It was only when she met Pei Yan’s profound gaze that she snapped out of her reverie.

She lowered her gaze, not daring to meet his eyes, trying desperately to control her wildly beating heart.

She stammered, "It’s... it’s about my second sister. She was invited by the Empress to the flower-viewing banquet, but... but she already has someone in her heart. I do not wish for you or the Empress to be deceived."

’His Highness is as handsome as a celestial being, and he’s the Emperor’s only son. What kind of woman couldn’t he have if he wanted?’

’Xue Xingyao isn’t some peerless beauty, and her heart is already taken. His Highness would surely never be interested in her.’

Xue Yunshu had already made her preparations. On the day of the flower-viewing banquet, she would take action to prevent Xue Xingyao from attending.

Slandering her to Pei Yan now was part of a two-pronged attack.

’It’s not that I’m deliberately targeting Xue Xingyao,’ she thought. ’I have no other choice.’

’His Highness favors me, but without a maternal family to back me, it would be all too easy for Xue Xingyao to take my place and marry into the Prince Chen Mansion.’

’As for Mei Wanying... worst case, I’ll let her become a concubine. I can deal with her slowly after that.’

’My second sister is my biggest rival!’

Pei Yan raised an eyebrow. "She has someone in her heart?"

’Could it be that Chen Shujing is just being delusional, assuming Miss Xue Er is willing to marry him?’

Seeing that the man was interested in this, Xue Yunshu smiled faintly, feeling much more relaxed.

"She has her sights set on a son from the Chen Family, and my mother is also very much in favor of the match. Their actions are a slap in the face to you and the Empress! They should be severely punished!"

Xue Yunshu looked down, shy and timid. "However, one is my mother and the other is my sister. For my sake, Your Highness, could you possibly spare them this one time?" 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

’Although I don’t know what the Princely Heir of the Chen Family looks like, no one could possibly compare to His Highness.’

’If Xue Xingyao wants to marry into the Chen Family so badly, then let her.’

’The great responsibility of marrying into the Royal Family can be left to me, Xue Yunshu!’