“Go to hell!”

After cursing this sentence, Yan Sanhe felt much better. She raised her head and looked coldly at Xie Daozhi.

Xie Daozhi’s mind was sharp. He sternly rebuked:

“Ignorant foolish woman, get out of here right now! Second Son’s marriage, the Old Madam and I will consider ourselves. Why are you pressuring the young lady?”

Concubine Liu wiped away more tears and pushed her hands against the floor to stand. Just as she was about to retreat, someone blocked her path.

Looking up, it was her own son.

“Mother, sit and wait a moment. Your son has a few words to say.”

Everyone was shocked again. Why was Second Master also stepping forward today?

Xie Buhu helped Concubine Liu sit down, then walked before Yan Sanhe.

“Now that things have reached this point, if I continue shrinking back and hiding behind my mother, I’m not worthy of being called a man.”

Though Xie Buhu wasn’t as tall as Third Master Xie, he wasn’t short either.

Yan Sanhe didn’t like people looking down at her. She slowly stood up and raised her gaze to look directly at him.

Her new silver-red outfit couldn’t hide the coldness in her eyes.

“Miss Yan.”

Xie Buhu met her gaze.

“I truly harbor those feelings. I didn’t want Mother to discover them, but she cares for me as her son, which led to today’s embarrassing scene. I apologize for making you uncomfortable, Miss.”

The corners of his eyes curved slightly as he suddenly smiled.

“I’ve lived twenty-two years and never fought for anything for myself. This is the first time. I want to brazenly speak a few words for myself.”

Having said this much, Yan Sanhe’s face finally showed a subtle expression.

“For real?”

“For real!”

“Body upright, heart upright?”

“Body upright, heart upright.”

These cryptic words made no sense to anyone else, leaving them all confused. Only Xie Zhifei’s expression changed dramatically.

Yan Sanhe was someone who, if you used schemes and calculations behind her back, like Concubine Liu’s just-performed theatrical display—she wouldn’t even lift an eyelid, much less respond.

But if you were frank and open with her, she would return your frankness.

Sure enough, Yan Sanhe raised her chin.

“Speak.”

“Actually, there’s not much to say…”

Xie Buhu’s face reddened slightly.

“I don’t have much ability and probably won’t achieve great things in the future, but I will treat Miss well.”

The simpler and more sincere the words, the more they could move hearts.

Xie Buhu spoke plainly, and since meeting her, his actions had been honorable. Yan Sanhe was silent for a moment before finally speaking.

“Xie Buhu, I brought a total of six boxes of mooncakes. Even Steward Xie got one.”

That’s right.

You, Second Master Xie, and I, Xie Xiaohua, hold the same position in Miss Yan’s heart. Don’t get ideas about Miss Yan—Miss Yan belongs to our young master.

Xie Xiaohua muttered inwardly.

Xie Buhu smiled. For the first time, he discovered this mysterious young lady actually had a childish side.

Six boxes of mooncakes—one for the second household, two for the first household. Could he not see this distinction between close and distant?

“Yan Sanhe, my feelings have nothing to do with mooncakes.”

“They may not be related, but things need to be said clearly to avoid misunderstandings. I accept your feelings, but my thoughts aren’t on marriage. Probably…”

Yan Sanhe thought of the Zheng family tragedy, her heart aching in waves.

“Probably very unlikely to ever marry.”

These words struck like a heavy blow to the Old Madam, Lady Wu, and others. The room fell into dead silence again.

However, Xie Buhu smiled again, raising his chin. “I know Miss is different from ordinary ladies.”

His words sounded as natural as if he’d long known Yan Sanhe’s true identity.

In fact, Yan Sanhe knew he was still in the dark.

“So I advise you to find someone else to place in your heart. Marry and have children soon to put your mother’s mind at ease.”

“I’ll wait for Miss.”

Xie Buhu’s gaze was gentle. “I must wait, right?”

What else was there to say?

Yan Sanhe sat down without another word.

Xie Buhu gathered his robes and knelt before Xie Daozhi.

“Father, Mother acted without restraint because of her care for me. If Father wishes to punish, punish me.”

Xie Daozhi looked at the son before him, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

Of his three sons, the eldest gave him the most peace of mind, the third the most worry. Only this second son—from childhood to now, he hadn’t invested much attention in this child.

Unexpectedly, today this child’s actions showed courage, resilience, and responsibility, earning his newfound respect!

“Miss Yan, what do you think…”

You old fox, quite skilled at playing both sides.

Yan Sanhe said slowly, “Master Xie, I’m not that petty.”

Hearing this, Xie Daozhi feigned anger. “What punishment on such a festive day? Miss Yan doesn’t mind, so why are you kneeling before me, making a fool of yourself? Get up quickly.”

Shifting topics, he continued, “Old Madam, it’s getting late. Let’s begin the feast—the children are all hungry.”

The Old Madam watched in stunned amazement, hastily responding, “Yes, begin the feast! Eldest daughter-in-law, quickly start the feast.”

Lady Zhu also snapped out of her daze. “Oh my, isn’t it time to eat? Someone, help the Old Madam and First Miss to their seats. Steward Xie, have them warm the wine and serve the dishes.”

“Coming, coming.”

Steward Xie’s loud voice set the entire Enhuai Hall buzzing.

Everyone pretended to chat and laugh, but their eyes remained glued to Second Master Xie and Yan Sanhe.

Who could have predicted that what began as an ordinary Mid-Autumn night would feature such an exciting drama?

Who could have predicted that today’s protagonist would be that silent, unobtrusive Second Master from the second household?

Who could have predicted that not only would Master not scold Second Master, but he actually looked appreciative?

At that moment, the protagonist Second Master Xie walked openly to Yan Sanhe. “Miss Yan, shall we go together?”

Yan Sanhe’s gaze casually fell on Xie Zhifei’s face, only to see a cold smile at the corner of his mouth, his eyes also cold.

What are you smiling about?

If you hadn’t insisted I come, would I have encountered this scene?

Li Buyan was right—people shouldn’t be soft-hearted. The moment you soften, it’s like putting yourself over a fire!

Provoked by his look, Yan Sanhe simply nodded to Xie Buhu. “Second Master, please.”

The two walked side by side out of the main hall.

As Xie Buhu stepped over the threshold with one foot, he turned back and looked meaningfully at Xie Zhifei before crossing with his other foot.

Soon, only two people remained in the hall.

One was Li Buyan with her entertained expression.

The other was Third Master Xie with his darkened face.

Li Buyan deliberately made loud “tsk tsk” sounds.

“I have to say, Second Master Xie’s words just now were truly manly. Even I was moved watching.”

Third Master Xie stood up abruptly and strode out.

So easily provoked to shame and anger?

Li Buyan followed, wearing a mischievous smile. “Third Master, do you know the difference between pursuing a woman and flirting with one?”

Xie Zhifei stopped and turned to look at her.

“One involves the heart, the other the body!”

“Go to hell.”

Xie Zhifei’s face was as dark as the sky before a storm.