Adultery

Meng Qingyue naturally missed out on this reunion dinner.

When she woke, the sky had already darkened. The room was empty and chilly. Looking around, only Cui’er was there keeping watch over her.

As soon as she spoke, her throat was hoarse from choking on water. “Have the people from the Duke of Zhen Guo’s residence left?”

Cui’er was momentarily stunned, then quickly nodded. “They’re probably still having their evening meal. Once they finish, they’ll leave.”

Meng Qingyue nodded. “That’s good.”

It was better this way—so the Marquis of Huainan’s household wouldn’t behave like a troupe of clowns causing chaos, putting on a show and pushing her out as a sacrificial offering to prove loyalty at any moment.

Though she had just fallen into the water, her mind was unusually clear. Even the sharp palm strike from Meng Xingzhou that had struck her skin still burned painfully on her face.

It really… hurt.

Seeing tears slowly welling in Meng Qingyue’s eyes, Cui’er sniffled and wiped her own eyes. “I don’t know what’s wrong with Young Master. He used to care for you so much, but ever since Miss Chang Le returned to the house, he seems like a completely different person…”

Meng Qingyue became absent-minded.

Because she clearly remembered that Meng Xingzhou’s coldness toward her hadn’t started when Meng Chang Le came back. It had begun even earlier—about half a year ago, he had already stopped paying attention to her.

Could it be that from that time, he knew she wasn’t his biological sister?

But could more than ten years of sibling affection truly be erased by that? Even if there was resentment, why did he have to constantly target her?

Meng Qingyue couldn’t understand and didn’t want to think about it. She had long since given up on Meng Xingzhou. Now she only felt weary and had never wanted to sleep so badly.

As night deepened, the elders inside the house had already taken several rounds of wine. In the corridor, Meng Chang Le tugged at Meng Xingzhou’s sleeve with pleading eyes.

“Brother, you saw what happened today... It’s obvious what Meng Qingyue’s intentions are—she clearly wants to climb up to Young Master Xian and become the young mistress of the Duke of Zhen Guo’s residence…”

Facing his own sister, Meng Xingzhou remained patient. “Chang Le, this was just an accident. The Young Master rescued her because of you; don’t take it the wrong way.”

But Meng Chang Le couldn’t help but be suspicious.

Her eyes filled with pleading. “Even if the Young Master has no interest in her, what about her feelings for him? Brother, Meng Qingyue pretends to be gentle and humble in front of others, but we both know what she’s like behind their backs!”

Meng Xingzhou realized something and looked up at her.

Meng Chang Le steeled herself, closed her eyes, and said bluntly, “If she treated you like that before, she can treat others the same way now! Brother, don’t be blinded by her!”

Meng Xingzhou’s expression turned cold.

He turned away, unusually no longer comforting Meng Chang Le, but left her with a single word: “Be careful.” Then he walked into the house.

Watching his cold back, Meng Chang Le nearly ground her teeth to pieces.

She had returned to the household three years ago, only to feel everyone treat her with kindness and guilt—so much so that they often neglected Meng Qingyue, the daughter they had raised for decades.

Meng Xingzhou was the worst of all.

He always helped her bully Meng Qingyue, as if only by seeing her suffer could he be happy and relieve some knot in his heart.

At first, Meng Chang Le thought her brother’s behavior was out of pity for her. But later, through a series of accidents, she uncovered a shocking secret.

Since then, her doubts were cleared. She never asked her brother why he hated his sister so much.

She just watched day after day as Meng Xingzhou mistreated her, while she foolishly enjoyed it, even encouraging it.

As night deepened, Meng Xingzhou was summoned to the main hall. Looking up, he saw everyone gathered except Meng Qingyue.

Last time she knelt all night and returned home, she still couldn’t avoid their parents’ interrogation. Today was no different; it wasn’t out of pity for her falling into the water.

There was only one possibility.

Their father intended to keep Meng Qingyue away.

As expected, the Marquis of Huainan scanned the room sternly. Seeing Meng Xingzhou’s puzzled look, he paused slightly before shifting his gaze and speaking slowly, “Chang Le is about to marry into the Duke of Zhen Guo’s residence. At such a critical moment, there can be no mistakes. Whether today’s incident was a coincidence or an accident, it has disturbed the relationship between two families.”

Meng Xingzhou vaguely guessed what the Marquis wanted to say. He furrowed his brow in disbelief but patiently listened.

“Qingyue will turn sixteen next year, the proper age to marry. I will soon find a suitable family for her. Once she is married off, she will no longer interfere with Chang Le’s marriage.”

Meng Chang Le was moved and tearful. “Thank you, Father, for thinking so thoroughly about your daughter.”

Seeing them agree on this as if the matter was settled, Meng Xingzhou immediately interrupted, “No!”

The Marquis of Huainan looked at him evenly. “Why not?”

Meng Xingzhou’s brows knitted tightly. After hesitating, he finally found a reason. “Qingyue is not a true daughter of the Marquis household. Her marriage should be decided by her biological parents. How can we interfere?”

The Marquis laughed, “Nonsense. Though Qingyue is not our biological daughter, we have raised her for twelve years. Besides, where would we find her birth parents? If she never finds her real father, does that mean she never marries?”

Meng Xingzhou knew he had no reason but still stubbornly refused. “It’s just not possible!”

The Marquis’s face darkened. “Xingzhou, don’t be unreasonable. A girl grows up to marry. If you don’t let Qingyue marry, will you take responsibility for her whole life?”

Meng Xingzhou fell silent. Meng Chang Le frowned slightly and stepped forward. “Brother.”

Meng Xingzhou’s mind was in turmoil. Turning back, Meng Chang Le looked at him pitifully, tugging his sleeve. “Brother, Qingyue is your sister… Even if you can’t bear to part with her, you cannot keep her forever.”

Her words sounded strange. The Marquis and his wife exchanged a glance, sensing something was off but unable to pinpoint what.

Meng Xingzhou suddenly felt as if his secret had been exposed. His cheeks flushed red. After a moment of inner turmoil, he helplessly lowered his hand.

He looked at Meng Chang Le but still refused to relent, softening his tone to advise, “Even if Qingyue has some intentions, with the Young Master’s extraordinary talents, he may not even look at her…”

Before he finished speaking, Meng Chang Le choked on her words, tears falling like pearls. “Even if I’m narrow-minded, Qingyue was raised in the Marquis household with the love of our parents and brother. Her beauty and talent far surpass me. How could I ever feel at ease?”

Her words softened Meng Xingzhou’s heart, involuntarily filling his eyes with guilt. “Chang Le…”

Only then did he belatedly realize how absurd he had been. Chang Le was his true sister, yet he had lost his sense of reason because of outsiders.

Thus, his anger and resentment toward Meng Qingyue deepened, an indescribable emotion growing heavier.

The Marchioness, already crying, stepped forward and embraced Meng Chang Le. “It’s our fault, our poor Chang Le.”

At this point, Meng Xingzhou naturally had nothing more to say.

He sighed. “If that’s the case, I will take charge of Qingyue’s marriage.”

Seeing his son protect Jiang Qingyue so fiercely, the Marquis of Huainan smiled with relief. “You two grew up together and have the deepest bond. You’ve always hated to see her wronged.”

Meng Xingzhou lowered his gaze, silent.

Meng Chang Le sneered inwardly but did not expose him. On the surface, she still looked sorrowful and urged, “Brother, you must keep an eye on this and marry Qingyue off as soon as possible.”