TSWRLM -Chapter 360 I Think He’s Not Worthy of You

After Chun Xi returned home, Xiao Yecheng finally escorted Xiao Qinghe back.

By the time they arrived, the sky was already dim. Xiao Yecheng stood by the carriage, tall and upright like a pine or cypress. Xiao Qinghe nodded, as she usually did: “Thank you, Brother.”

After saying this, she was about to enter the house, but Xiao Yecheng hesitated. After struggling for a moment, he finally spoke: “Xie Zhang’s intentions aren’t sincere. You should be careful, He’er.”

Over the past two years, Xiao Yecheng had often helped investigate certain matters and had met Xiao Qinghe quite a few times. He rarely spoke, and never interfered lightly in her affairs.

Xiao Qinghe was a little surprised and looked up at him, puzzled. Xiao Yecheng tensed and said seriously, “I think Xie Zhang isn’t worthy of you, He’er. If you were to remarry, you should choose someone truly excellent.”

Chun Xi and Princess Hengyang had never considered divorce a big deal, and often advised Xiao Qinghe that if she were to remarry, she should select someone of good family and character. But she had not expected Xiao Yecheng to say something similar.

After a brief pause, Xiao Qinghe curved her eyes in a gentle smile. “Thank you for your reminder, Brother. I will consider it carefully. Brother should also think about your own future. Mother always worries about this. If you ever need my help, you can ask without hesitation.”

Her tone was sincere; she genuinely wanted to help. Xiao Yecheng, however, felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

He lowered his eyes and said lightly, “I appreciate your concern, He’er. If I need anything, I will surely let you know.”

After seeing Xiao Qinghe into the house, Xiao Yecheng mounted his horse and left.

As soon as Xiao Qinghe returned to her courtyard, Madam Xiao brought a stack of portraits: “These are sons of prominent families your father and brothers selected from the academy over the past few days. Their talent, appearance, character, and family background are excellent. He’er, take a look.”

These portraits had been drawn by her two elder brothers. Tiny notes alongside detailed each person’s strengths, hobbies, and family background—showing careful thought.

Xiao Qinghe did not brush them off and carefully examined each one with Madam Xiao.

“This young Master Fu is two years older than you. Due to a congenital illness, he was sent to a temple to cultivate. He returned to the capital only a few years ago. Because of rumors, the match couldn’t be arranged at the time. Your two brothers investigated with a doctor, and he is now completely healthy. He is gentle, polite, and an excellent young man.”

“This young Master Xu is three years younger than you, very cheerful and easygoing. He has no grand ambitions and enjoys life’s pleasures. He originally had a fiancée, but her family thought him unambitious and broke off the engagement. Your father and I think it could be nice for you to have someone around who can amuse you.”

The Xiao family men were all talented, not relying on marriage for prestige. After the incident with Wei Lingze, Madam Xiao and her husband wanted their daughters to live happy lives.

Madam Xiao mentioned a few more candidates before finally picking up Xie Zhang’s portrait.

“You may remember your cousin Xie Zhang. He is your second aunt’s nephew, gentle and upright. I arranged his first marriage myself. Unfortunately, the couple was incompatible. Now he lives alone with his daughter. He is loyal and devoted. If you do not wish to have more children, you could live together for mutual support, and later take in a husband to help care for you in old age.”

Xiao Qinghe was surprised. “Xie Zhang doesn’t plan to have more children? The Xie family agreed?”

Madam Xiao sighed. “He loved his late wife deeply, like you, unwilling to remarry. The family persuaded him for a long time, and only after agreeing to his conditions did he relent.”

Xie Zhang was not looking to remarry for himself but to find a mother for his daughter.

Xiao Qinghe, not wanting to be troubled by romance, considered marrying Xie Zhang as mutually convenient.

Madam Xiao had hoped her daughter would not spend the rest of her life like this. But Wei Lingze had left too strong an impression on Xiao Qinghe. Madam Xiao did not want her to waste more years and end up alone.

Xie Zhang’s daughter was only three, just beginning to remember things. If Xiao Qinghe had no more children and devoted herself entirely to the girl, she would naturally grow close to her, sparing herself the burden of childbirth while still enjoying family happiness in old age.

Madam Xiao held Xiao Qinghe’s hand. “He’er, Wei Lingze is gone, but your life is long. I know you no longer trust love. Find someone reliable to live with. Even after your father and I are gone, your brothers will continue to protect you.”

Xiao Qinghe laughed through tears. “Mother, don’t be so pessimistic. Since I promised grandmother to consider remarrying, I will do so seriously. My past with Wei Lingze is over. I will not let it freeze my heart forever.”

Hearing this, Madam Xiao was moved to tears. “Good, good! It’s fine. Take your time choosing, and pick someone who truly suits you.”

After Madam Xiao left, Xiao Qinghe picked up the portraits again. Seeing Xie Zhang’s portrait, she recalled Xiao Yecheng’s words:

He said Xie Zhang had ill intentions toward her.

Of all the candidates her father and brothers had chosen, only Xie Zhang had interacted with her twice—and both times had been natural, without any sense of coercion or awkwardness.

If these meetings were deliberately arranged by Xie Zhang, his scheming was far too deep.

After careful consideration, Xiao Qinghe removed Xie Zhang’s portrait and, with her brothers’ help, arranged a meeting with young Master Xu.

His full name was Xu Junheng, a strikingly handsome young man. He carried a strong youthful energy, unlike a fully grown man, giving him an almost playful aura.

On the day of the meeting, Xu Junheng dressed flamboyantly and carried a folding fan decorated with blooming flowers, resembling a fluttering butterfly from afar.

Upon meeting, he first handed a wintersweet blossom to Xiao Qinghe. “I picked this from the garden this morning. It seemed perfect for Sister Xiao. I hope you won’t mind.”

The flower was fresh, with dew on the petals, and its fragrance was light and refreshing.

Xiao Qinghe smiled. “It’s fragrant. Thank you, Young Master Xu.”

Xu Junheng snapped open his fan with a flourish, raising his eyebrows proudly. “As long as Sister Xiao likes it, there’s no need for thanks.”

Xiao Qinghe’s smile deepened.

Xu Junheng indeed had a playful, charming personality.

They chatted briefly, had some tea and snacks, and then went boating on the lake.

As the boat wobbled slightly, Xu Junheng stepped aboard first, reaching out to Xiao Qinghe.

Unknowingly, he felt a very hostile gaze.

He looked around but saw no one.

Xiao Qinghe stepped onto the boat herself, casually asking, “I heard you broke off your previous engagement. Is that lady doing well now?”

Xu Junheng withdrew his gaze, a shadow passing through his eyes. “Since the engagement was broken off, it no longer matters whether she is well or not—it has nothing to do with me.”