My Royal Stepbrother's Obsession - Chapter 4 - The Three Brothers of the Wen Family Come Knocking

The spring night wind was bitterly cold.

Wen Xingluo bit her lip, forced to summon several servants and asked for their help fishing things out.

The steward asked in confusion, “Miss Wen, why would you drop the Imperial Consort’s gift into the pond for no reason?”

Wen Xingluo glanced sidelong at Xie Guanlan.

Beyond the lantern’s floral shadows, the night wind stirred his crimson robe. The young man’s brows and eyes were dazzling, laced with a smile, yet his pupils held a chill as deep as a spring night’s ghost.

He, too, was watching her.

It was as if, should she dare speak the truth, that beautiful ghost would clutch her throat and strangle her alive.

She curled her fingertips and lowered her voice, “It was my own carelessness, my hand slipped.”

Xie Guanlan let out a soft, ambiguous chuckle.

…

Wen Xingluo returned to her chamber. The maidservant bestowed by the Matron came to report, “Young Lady, the three Young Masters of the Wen Family are waiting at the back gate, saying they wish to see you.”

Wen Xingluo went to the back gate, and sure enough, all three brothers were there.

They had yet to display the refined bearing of their previous lives, when their names topped the Imperial Examination lists and they basked in glory. Now, they looked like nothing more than ordinary youths.

Eldest brother Wen Rufeng was the first to speak. “I heard you’ve gone to study at White Crane Academy?”

Second brother Wen Ruyun sneered, “It’s all over Rong City, you ranked dead last. You know you have no talent for study-why force yourself into the crowd?”

Third brother Wen Rulei said haughtily, “The three of us have discussed it. You should give your chance to study to Yueyin! Yueyin has learned the arts since childhood. If she went to White Crane Academy, she’d never bring shame to our family!”

Wen Xingluo looked at them quietly.

In the past, her father and brothers always said it was she who had harmed her sister in the womb, so she had to yield in all things.

Thus, her sister could invite a lady teacher to give private lessons at home, while she was not even allowed to audit, only to sweep, do laundry, and cook.

Her sister had her own room; she slept with the maids in the shared quarters.

Yearning for her father and brothers’ love, she obeyed their every word, always putting them first.

But in the end, it had done her no good.

Wen Xingluo did not feel she owed her sister anything.

It was the old granny at the County Yamen who let slip: it was the three brothers who had failed to take care of her sister. In the freezing winter, they carried the baby outside to admire the plum blossoms, causing her to catch a severe chill in the swaddling clothes, leaving her frail and sickly ever since.

Yet they shifted all the blame onto her.

Wen Xingluo stood on the steps, her gaze flickering.

After a moment, she spoke gently, “My brothers are right. The best things at home should always go to my sister first.”

Wen Rulei snorted, “At least you know your place!”

Wen Ruyun added, “You’re not as clever as Yueyin. Studying is a waste for you; you should’ve given up long ago.”

“Xingluo, you’re doing well. This is what a good little sister should be.” Eldest brother Wen Rufeng praised her, “Tomorrow, go tell the Imperial Consort that you don’t wish to study anymore and want to give your place to your sister.”

Wen Xingluo clenched her handkerchief.

These people still thought she was the Wen Xingluo of her past life, blindly obedient for a word of praise, willing to risk her life for them.

She smiled. “The Imperial Consort likes me very much. At the family banquet today, she specially told me she’s worried I might not get used to the academy, and said I could bring my sister along to study. Also…”

A chill, mocking light flashed in the round apricot eyes of the girl.

“Also, the Imperial Consort said, since I’m so filial to her, she’d give me another spot-so I can choose a brother to enter White Crane Academy as well.”

Of course, the Imperial Consort had said nothing of the sort.

She made it all up.

But her brothers had no way to see the Imperial Consort.

They couldn’t verify the truth.

Lantern light spilled from the eaves, casting shifting shadows across the girl’s face.

She tilted her head with childlike innocence, like a small beast. “But I have three brothers-which one should I choose?”

Those who could enter White Crane Academy were all scions of the richest and noblest families in Shu Commandery.

The Wen Family’s Magistrate of ninth rank was nowhere near that threshold.

At this time, her second and third brothers had yet to become merchants or soldiers. Their father forced them to study, hoping they’d take the Imperial Examination and win fame.

Entering White Crane Academy meant not only the best education, but also the making of valuable connections.

The three brothers stood rooted in place, clearly all coveting the opportunity.

Wen Rufeng’s throat went dry. “I…”

Wen Ruyun coughed lightly, “Eldest brother, this matter should be reported to Father. We must discuss it further.”

After all, they were all brothers of the same parents.

Why should Wen Rufeng get all the benefits?

Wen Rulei echoed, “That’s right, eldest brother, are you planning to hog the spot for yourself?!”

A trace of embarrassment flashed across Wen Rufeng’s face. “Am I that kind of person?!”

The three agreed to give Wen Xingluo an answer in a few days, bickering as they left.

Wen Xingluo was about to turn and head back when she suddenly heard a soft chuckle.

She looked up.

Xie Guanlan stood with arms folded by his steed, apparently having watched the entire scene.

Xie Guanlan spoke gently, “There was business at the Yamen, so I stepped out for a bit. I didn’t expect to catch such a fine show upon my return. ‘Two peaches kill three scholars’-how interesting.”

The phrase “two peaches kill three scholars” is often used as a metaphor for sowing discord and using others to do one’s dirty work.

Xie Guanlan had seen through her scheme.

Wen Xingluo’s hands, hanging at her sides, curled up involuntarily.

After a moment, she lowered her eyes and curtsied, “Greetings, Heir Apparent. I am dull-witted, which is why I ranked last. I do not understand what ‘two peaches kill three scholars’ means, so I don’t know what the Heir Apparent is referring to.”

She did not wish to offend Xie Guanlan.

But Xie Guanlan was not appeased.

He led his steed past Wen Xingluo.

A strange, oppressive scent overtook the sandalwood that usually lingered about the young man.

Wen Xingluo saw an eerie lantern hanging from the saddle.

Its frame was made of white bone, covered with a thin, strange membrane. The burning oil within cast a ghastly pallor, illuminating Wen Xingluo’s face an unnatural white.

Wen Xingluo stepped back two paces.

The Prince’s Manor’s Heir Apparent, usually as gentle and bright as the spring sun, now pressed in on Wen Xingluo, slowly leaning down to meet her gaze.

He asked softly, “Do you like my new lamp?”

Wen Xingluo made no sound. Her long, delicate lashes trembled like butterfly wings caught in a spider’s web, struggling in vain.

Xie Guanlan patted her head, as if an indulgent older brother comforting his little sister.

But just as Wen Xingluo’s skin crawled, his slender, well-defined hand suddenly gripped the back of her head and forced her into his embrace.