The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 228
Translated by Pure
Chapter 228 Chi Jingxi Acknowledging His Err (2)
Without sparing Chi Jingxi a glance, Wen Yantong discarded the ink brush, shifted her attention to the stunned Young Lady Jiang standing with her mouth agape, and remarked sarcastically, "It seems the Little Marquis enjoys a rather vibrant private life, having such a lovely companion when he ventures out."
As the ink quickly permeated from the discarded brush, marring the pristine white paper, chaos ensued. Unperturbed by onlookers' opinions, Wen Yantong, consumed by fury, only sought to release her anger on Chi Jingxi in that moment.
Chi Jingxi paused briefly before slowly setting down the brush in his hand.
Soft sighs rippled through the crowd, and a collective retreat seemed imminent, anticipating the Little Marquis's soon-to-come outburst.
However, Jiang Ying, incensed, exclaimed, "Where did this audacious commoner come from? How dare you display such arrogance!"
Turning to face her, Wen Yantong retorted angrily, "This humble one didn't mean to offend you. If the Little Marquis is enraged, feel free to beat me."
Jiang Ying sneered, "What a defiant stance. I believe a beating is just what you deserve!"
Maintaining his silence, Chi Jingxi withdrew his hand from his sleeve, producing a dark blue brocade handkerchief. Swiftly, he wiped the ink from Wen Yantong's chin before anyone could react.
The ink streak extended, leaving a long trail. Instead of cleansing, the handkerchief exacerbated the smudging.
Chi Jingxi chuckled, "If you want to clean it, we'll need water."
Wen Yantong casually grazed her chin, her tone retaining its unkind edge, "No need to bother, Little Marquis. You'd better attend to the charming lady by your side."
Chi Jingxi seemingly ignored the sarcasm in her words and attempted to wipe her neck.
Wen Yantong impatiently turned her head away.
Unable to simply stand by, Jiang Ying frowned and addressed Chi Jingxi, "Danli gege, why indulge this insolent commoner? Such individuals ought to be taught a lesson and confined to prison for reflection."
Though Chi Jingxi appeared composed, a hint of panic flickered beneath the surface. This was the first time Wen Yantong had directed such a look toward him. He swiftly placed the brocade handkerchief in her hand, urging, "Certain misunderstandings can be clarified."
Wen Yantong coldly smiled, promptly returning the brocade handkerchief to Chi Jingxi. "The Little Marquis's possessions are too precious; this humble one dares not accept them casually. Since the Little Marquis is magnanimous and doesn't hold this humble one accountable, then this humble one shall depart."
Refusing to endure further mention of the woman referring to Chi Jingxi as 'Brother Danli', Wen Yantong turned on her heel and departed.
The stall owner hastily called out, "Wait!"
Wen Yantong swiftly produced a silver ingot from her sleeve, slammed it onto the table, glared angrily at the stall owner, brushed past the astonished onlookers, and made her exit.
Observing her departure, Mu Yang snapped out of his surprise and urged Fu Zixian, "Hurry, bring Wen Yantong back!"
Reluctantly, Fu Zixian followed her.
In the meantime, Chi Jingxi didn't immediately pursue. Instead, he retrieved the silver ingot she had slammed on the table and stowed it away in his sleeve.
The stall owner seemed hesitant, contemplating whether to voice his concern.
Chi Jingxi directed his servants to reimburse the stall owner from his own funds. Turning to Jiang Ying, he declared, "I have other matters to attend to at the moment. Unfortunately, I cannot accompany Young Lady Jiang to purchase your bow. It’s best if Young Lady Jiang returns home."
With those words, he walked away.
Eager to follow him, Jiang Ying found herself intercepted by Mu Yang, who approached with a smile. "Young Lady Jiang, I have a crucial matter to discuss with Brother Xi. Could you be so kind as to spare some of his time for me?"
Jiang Ying had never been fond of Mu Yang, and upon seeing him, she instinctively took a step back. Before she could respond, Mu Yang chuckled and expressed his gratitude hastily, "Thank you, Young Lady Jiang, for your understanding. We'll be on our way."
Jiang Ying was dismissed with a few brief words. Despite her intense anger, she refrained from causing a scene on the street and reluctantly called her attendants to head home.
On the other hand, Fu Zixian caught up with Wen Yantong, noticing her somber expression. Lacking experience in comforting women, he chose to remain silent and accompanied her back to the carriage.
Afterward, Fu Zixian returned alone. When Mu Yang noticed Wen Yantong was absent, he inquired, "Where is Wen Yantong?"
"She left," replied Fu Zixian. "She went back to Wen Residence."
Mu Yang exclaimed, "How could you let her go back first? We have pressing matters to address, don't we?"
Fu Zixian responded quietly, "I didn't dare to detain her."
He cast a glance at Chi Jingxi and added, "If the Little Marquis had accompanied her, he might have been able to prevent her departure."
Chi Jingxi looked at him and remarked, "Do you think I would dare?"
Thus, a heavy silence enveloped them for a while.
Mu Yang pondered for a moment and inquired, "Brother Xi, what was the reason for Young Lady Jiang's sudden visit?"
Chi Jingxi explained, "The Jiang Residence intended to place their individuals within the Marquis Mansion. I rejected their request and prevented them from entering."
Mu Yang, taken aback, questioned, "Why? Is there a conflict between the Marquis Mansion and the Jiang Residence?"
Chi Jingxi gazed at him and explained, "The weapons concealed by Jiang Heng under Nian'an Temple were acquired from Yibei. Without Yibei's involvement, his influence wouldn't have been as extensive."
Mu Yang inquired, "How does the Jiang Residence fit into this?"
Fu Zixian interjected, "Lord Jiang hails from Yibei."
Understanding dawned on Mu Yang, and he exclaimed, "So, you're saying that the covert forces belong to Lord Jiang? But doesn't the Jiang Residence support Brother Shezhao?"
Chi Jingxi responded gravely, "If they truly supported him, they wouldn't have orchestrated an attempt on Brother Shezhao's life at the Hundred Flowers Banquet."
Fu Zixian clarified, "Lord Jiang opposes the Little Marquis going to Yibei. Confirming the Little Marquis as the leader would prompt the Emperor to overhaul the top management of the reinforcement, replacing individuals appointed by Lord Jiang."
Mu Yang nodded, seemingly understanding, and asked the question that was of utmost concern to him, "Can I still go to Yibei?"
Chi Jingxi rubbed the bridge of his nose, as if trying to alleviate a headache, and replied, "Uncle Mu just sent me a message about this. Don’t even think about it. Just obediently stay at home."
Mu Yang wore a suddenly aggrieved expression, on the verge of tears. "Brother Xi, even you treat me like this..."
Chi Jingxi sighed, "This matter isn't child's play; it's not as simple as you think."
"Why can everyone else go, but not me?" Mu Yang pouted.
"Are you the clearest as to why?" Chi Jingxi countered.
Unconvinced, Mu Yang retorted, "Isn't it fine for me to go there and do odd jobs? You fight in the front, and I'll wash clothes and cook for you in the back."
Chi Jingxi responded, "You might not excel at those tasks."
Angry, Mu Yang retorted, "You underestimate me!"
Chi Jingxi remained silent, implying his agreement.
Mu Yang sulked in solitude for a moment before finally suggesting, "If I can successfully help you reconcile with Wen Yantong, will you be willing to take me to Yibei?"
Chi Jingxi was momentarily taken aback. He hadn't anticipated Mu Yang to present such a tempting proposition, and a hint of hesitation flickered in his eyes.
Quickly, Fu Zixian interjected, "He might not be adept at soothing her."
Agreeing, Chi Jingxi remarked, "Indeed."
Observing this, Mu Yang turned to Fu Zixian with the intention of throttling him, "I'll get you for this!"
"I'm just stating the truth," Fu Zixian hastily defended himself, "While Wen Yantong generally has a good temper, persuading her when she's truly upset is beyond the capacity of ordinary individuals. Moreover, without knowing the cause of her anger, how can you possibly comfort her?"
Mu Yang, realizing the validity of the point, inquired, "Right. But why is she upset?"
Fu Zixian feigned ignorance with a sigh, "I have no idea."
Chi Jingxi wearily held his chin, "Let's return home for now."
This matter requires careful consideration.
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The author has something to say:
[Chi Jingxi’s Little Diary]
The thirtieth day of the fifth lunar month:
I'm a little apprehensive today. Maybe I should go see her.
The thirty first day of the fifth lunar month:
I can't wait any longer, I shall go today.
The first day of the sixth lunar month:
Forget it, classes start tomorrow, we’ll see each other tomorrow.
The second day of the sixth lunar month:
I’m done for.