bayedsolid Chapter 163 Drugging
Chapter 163 Drugging
The atmosphere in the main hall of the Fifth Prince's mansion was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe. Murong Che suddenly arrived and sat opposite Murong Han.
Murong Han's heart was filled with entanglement and resentment, like a tangled mess that he couldn't untangle no matter what he did. His brows were furrowed into a knot, his lips trembled slightly, as if he had a thousand words to say but was holding them back, and a flash of resentment occasionally appeared in his eyes.
Murong Che remained expressionless, like a cold iceberg. His gaze was fixed on Murong Han, his eyes vacant yet seemingly lost in thought, making him impossible to fathom.
After a long silence, Murong Han broke the silence first, speaking slowly in a low and cold voice. Although he tried to maintain his politeness, his voice betrayed his wariness: "Fourth Brother, why did you suddenly think of me?"
Murong Che's expression was cold and his tone was calm but unquestionable: "Fifth brother, I have come today to apologize for what happened to Xiang'er."
Just then, Xue Xiang happened to pass by and, upon hearing Murong Che's voice, froze instantly. Her heart tightened, and she instinctively ducked into a corner, her breathing becoming rapid. Her hands unconsciously gripped her sleeves tightly.
Murong Han raised an eyebrow, his expression showing a hint of doubt: "Oh? Xiang'er! What do you mean?"
Murong Che closed his eyes slightly, and when he opened them again, his eyes were full of complex emotions. His tone was sincere and tinged with emotion: "I know that Xiang'er has deep feelings for me. I have always understood her feelings and they have truly moved me. I have seen and remembered everything she has done for me."
Hiding in the corner, Xue Xiang's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. Her lips trembled slightly as if she wanted to say something, but the words caught in her throat. Her eyes instantly reddened, tears welling up as if they would spill over at any moment.
Murong Han's expression instantly turned serious. His relaxed brows furrowed tightly, like ravines locked between mountains, and his gaze was fixed on Murong Che, as if trying to see through him.
Murong Che took a deep breath, his tone turning helpless and resolute: "However, matters of the heart cannot be forced. I have only had Wanwan as my wife in this life, and that love is deeply rooted, making it difficult to accept anyone else. I can only let Xiang'er down. I came here today to express my feelings to you, and I also hope to have the opportunity to personally apologize to Xiang'er and ask for her forgiveness."
Upon hearing these words, Xue Xiang closed her eyes tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white, as if she wanted to vent all her grief and resentment through those clenched fists. She bit her teeth so hard that her lips almost bled, her chest heaving violently, each breath feeling like she was enduring immense pain.
Murong Han felt as if his heart had been violently gripped. His breathing quickened instantly, his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, and his voice trembled slightly, carrying a hint of disbelief and anger: "You...you love Xu Wanwan that much?"
Murong Che's eyes softened, his voice filled with deep affection: "My love for Wanwan is a love that runs deep in my bones. From the moment we met, every smile and gesture of hers has been etched into my heart. She understands my ambitions, knows my joys and sorrows. When I am lost, her encouragement is like a guiding light illuminating my path; when I am defeated, her companionship is like the warm sun comforting my heart. We are of one mind and soul, and she is unique and irreplaceable to me."
Upon hearing this, Murong Han felt utterly devastated. A surge of anger and resentment welled up within him, causing his body to tremble slightly. However, he forced himself to remain composed, striving to control his emotions and not revealing his loss of composure in the slightest.
Xue Xiang took a deep breath, suppressing her anger, and forced a smile, though it looked somewhat strained. She walked gracefully to the two men, bowed respectfully to Murong Che, and said softly, "Xue Xiang greets the Fourth Prince!" Then, she turned and bowed to Murong Han.
At this moment, Murong Han's expression was as solemn as the dark clouds before a storm, his brows were tightly furrowed, and his eyes revealed deep worry and doubt.
When Murong Che saw Xue Xiang, a hint of guilt flashed in his eyes. He quickly stood up, cupped his hands and bowed to Xue Xiang, his attitude sincere and tinged with self-reproach: "Xiang'er, I am sorry for you. I have made you suffer these days. Please forgive me. I sincerely hope that you can meet someone who truly loves you and spend the rest of your life with you."
Murong Che had expected Xue Xiang to fly into a rage or tearfully accuse him, but to his surprise, Xue Xiang looked delighted, her eyes gentle as water, and said softly, "Your Highness, I understand what you mean. Matters of the heart cannot be forced, so you don't need to blame yourself for this."
This gentle response shocked Murong Che, who stared wide-eyed in disbelief.
Murong Han couldn't believe his ears either, and blurted out, "Xiang'er, what did you say!"
Xue Xiang smiled gently, like a spring breeze rippling across a lake. She pursed her lips and said softly, "Your Highness, Cousin, I've come to terms with it. Some people and some things can't be forced. Your Highness's honesty has put my mind at ease. Now, I only hope that Your Highness can have your wish fulfilled and live happily ever after with the one you love." She then chuckled softly, a smile carrying a sense of relief and acceptance.
Although Murong Han was puzzled, he didn't say anything more after seeing Xue Xiang's sincere expression.
Upon hearing this, Murong Che felt an even stronger sense of guilt, which overwhelmed him like a tidal wave. He kept apologizing to Xue Xiang, his words filled with remorse.
Xue Xiang shook her head understandingly, her gentle smile still on her face. Then she softly suggested, "Your Highness, since we have such a rare opportunity to meet today, I would like to invite you to my room to have a cup of tea with me. Would Your Highness do me the honor?"
Murong Che felt guilty towards her, so he readily agreed without hesitation and walked with her towards the room.
Before leaving, Xue Xiang glanced at Murong Han with lingering affection, her eyes seeming to hold a thousand unspoken words, yet she hesitated to speak.
Murong Han paused slightly, returning a complex gaze filled with worry, doubt, and a hint of unspeakable emotion. He silently watched Xue Xiang's departing figure, his heart a jumble of feelings, as if he had a premonition that something was quietly changing.
Murong Che followed Xue Xiang to her room. Xue Xiang called her maid Ling'er with a smile: "Ling'er, please entertain the Fourth Prince first. Let the Prince wait in the room for a moment. I will make tea myself."
Ling'er bowed respectfully and replied, "Yes!"
Murong Che nodded in agreement, and after Xue Xiang left, he slowly looked around the room.
Her gaze fell upon the desk, which was filled with a dazzling array of small items. There were meticulously painted scrolls, each depicting him, whether galloping on horseback or standing quietly admiring flowers, every stroke imbued with delicate emotion; there were also purses carefully embroidered with silk thread, their names embroidered on them, the fine stitches showing meticulous care; and there were also notebooks filled with densely written letters, each one revealing Xue Xiang's longing and love for him.
Murong Che's heartstrings trembled immediately, and his eyes reddened slightly.
Seeing this, Ling'er said softly, "Your Highness, my young lady's love for you is deeper than the sea and higher than the mountains. She thinks of you day and night, and your heart and eyes are filled with you. Every single one of these items was made by her own hands, spending countless days and nights with love in her heart. She has secretly shed countless tears for you..."
Murong Che was filled with helplessness and emotion. He sighed softly, his eyes revealing a complex expression, and murmured to himself, "Xiang'er, why do you have to do this..." He knew he had failed this deep affection, but he was unable to respond, and could only feel guilty.
Inside the kitchen, Xue Xianglian moved lightly to the stove, lifted her skirt slightly, and slowly squatted down. Staring at the leaping flames in the stove, her eyes were icy cold. She whispered to the maid, "Add some charcoal and boil the water." The maid quickly did as she was told.
Xue Xiang took a teacup and placed it on the table, her movements gentle yet resolute. She took out the medicine packet given to her by Su Wan'er from her sleeve, staring at it with a flash of resentment and ruthlessness in her eyes. "Murong Che, my love for you is as deep as the sea, are you really so heartless!" she muttered through gritted teeth.
The water boiled, steam rising. Xue Xiang trembled as she opened the medicine packet, slowly pouring the powder into the teapot. She gently shook the teapot, and the powder instantly dissolved into the water. She clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white, her heart filled with mixed emotions, yet also overflowing with unwavering determination.
"This is it, or it will be over. After today, I'll be yours. Let's see what you have to say then!" she muttered to herself, her eyes turning fierce as she slowly walked towards the room.