Heartfelt Counsel

Zhao Jingli hadn't paid much attention to his two sisters before. But that day, Zhao Ruxi reminded him to "keep an eye on the ambitious Zhao Ruyu and the gossipy Zhao Rurui." After he returned, he began to observe the two of them carefully.

He discovered that Zhao Rurui did indeed enjoy stirring up trouble, and that a large part of the trouble caused by Concubine Xue was instigated by Zhao Rurui for her own selfish interests; Zhao Ruyu, on the other hand, longed to marry Fu Yunlang, the second son of the Marquis of Pingnan's Residence.

The two women were preoccupied with their own thoughts, only concerned with themselves, and preoccupied with the trivial matters of the inner quarters.

In contrast, Zhao Ruxi was fair and generous, and her actions were of a grander scale than even he, a former heir of a marquis's family, could match. Zhao Jingli was filled with emotion, reflecting on himself and feeling ashamed, and his impression of the two sisters plummeted to rock bottom.

Seeing Zhao Ruyu rush in so excitedly, echoing Zhao Jing'an's words, Zhao Jingli's brows immediately furrowed. "Sixth Sister, you can't just spout nonsense. You say that Fifth Sister did all those things, then tell me, what evidence do you have?"

Zhao Ruyu was speechless.

What evidence could she possibly have? She was merely drawing inferences based on her experiences from her past life.

"Didn't Second Brother say the same thing? I feel the same way as Second Brother. Things can't be that coincidental. Everyone who has met Fifth Sister has been unlucky. If you're saying she's born with bad luck, then Uncle and Aunt haven't been unlucky either. It can only be said that whoever offends her will be unlucky," Zhao Ruyu said.

"Yes, yes, that's exactly what I think." Zhao Jing'an nodded repeatedly.

"You don't mean to tell the people of the Earl of Zhongqin's Residence that Fifth Sister caused their family to lose their official positions and titles, do you?" Zhao Jingli turned to look at Zhao Jing'an. "Perhaps you think Fifth Sister caused you to lose your mother, and you want to take revenge on her?"

Zhao Jing'an waved his hands repeatedly. "No, no, no, that's not what I meant. She didn't cause any of this. I just think she's a bit strange."

Zhao Jingli glanced at Zhao Ruyu, "Does Sixth Sister think the same way?"

"No, I didn't," Zhao Ruyu quickly waved her hands. "That was just my guess; I have no proof. Besides, she's still our sister. How could we harm our own family?"

As she spoke, Zhao Ruyu involuntarily shrank back a little.

That's a jinx, someone reborn to seek revenge. It's best for her to stay out of trouble and live in peace; how could she dare provoke Zhao Ruxi? Is she afraid she won't die fast enough?

Zhao Jingli looked at her cowardly appearance and was speechless. "Then what did you mean by what you just said?"

"I just... I think it's best for us second-generation members to stay away from Fifth Sister and not provoke her. She's too evil," Zhao Ruyu stammered.

Zhao Jingli ignored her.

He then looked at Zhao Jing'an, feeling that his second brother had become somewhat unlike himself since his serious illness.

The two not only grew up together, but were also twins, so they knew each other perfectly. As soon as Zhao Jing'an saw Zhao Jingli's expression, he knew his older brother wanted to teach him a lesson.

He quickly said, "Brother, I know I was wrong. My mother's matter is not Fifth Sister's fault; nor is the Heir of the Earl of Zhongqin's. It's all their own fault. As for Third Uncle, it's either the Crown Prince's anger or someone seeing him in the limelight and wanting to use this incident to drive him out of the Office of the Grand Steward."

Zhao Jingli remained silent.

Seeing his brother looking at him with extreme distrust, Zhao Jing'an regretted his earlier fabrication and swore repeatedly, "Really, brother, I really don't think it's Fifth Sister's fault. I said that earlier just because I thought it was a coincidence, and it was the same thought as Sixth Sister. I absolutely had no intention of retaliating against Fifth Sister."

Zhao Jingli nodded expressionlessly. "I'll believe you for now."

Zhao Jing'an had initially breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing him nod, a smile already appearing on his face. But upon hearing the word "for the time being," he looked at Zhao Jingli in disbelief.

"We've grown up and studied so many classic texts; we should be able to distinguish right from wrong. I understand your pain at losing your mother. But if you let this cloud your judgment and treat your innocent fifth sister as your enemy, then we can forget about being brothers. I'm afraid that one day I'll do something to wrong you, and you'll stab me in the back."

"Brother, how could you think of me like that? Am I that kind of person? I was just talking nonsense, just venting my anger. I'm not so unreasonable as to be unable to distinguish right from wrong. Brother, you have to believe me." Zhao Jing'an was so anxious that he stood up.

Seeing his younger brother's anxiety, Zhao Jingli realized that the familiar Zhao Jing'an had returned, and he finally felt relieved.

He said, "We'll see how you behave in the future. Don't stay in your study all day. Tomorrow, come with me to inspect the estate and shops. I think the most important thing for you right now is not to study hard for the imperial examinations, but to resolve your inner turmoil. Otherwise, you will surely be changed by the resentment in your heart and become the kind of person you once despised."

Zhao Jing'an realized that no matter what he said, his brother wouldn't believe him. Although he didn't want to waste time studying, he still agreed, "Alright, I'll go with you tomorrow."

Zhao Jingli then turned to Zhao Ruyu: "Sixth sister, you shouldn't stay at home all day anymore. Mother's seven-day mourning period has passed, so you should go back to the academy to study."

"Also, our family is just an ordinary family now. If you go to the academy, I hope you will be careful with your words and actions, avoid getting involved in the scheming and infighting among the noble ladies, and stop thinking about who to marry all the time. Your fifth sister is the same age as you, and she is working hard for her future every day. I hope you can be like her. The fact that you were admitted to the academy shows that you have talent, so why do you think about getting married all the time?"

Zhao Ruyu blushed deeply at his words, and said in shame and indignation, "Brother, how could you say that to me!" Tears streamed down her face.

Zhao Jing'an and Zhao Ruyu grew up together, and he has always treated her like a younger sister.

Seeing that Zhao Jingli had made Zhao Ruyu cry, she scolded, "Big brother, how could you say such things to a girl? Who could stand that!"

He then comforted Zhao Ruyu, "Alright, stop crying. Your elder brother didn't mean to say that to you. But although his words were a bit blunt, they weren't entirely unreasonable. Don't worry, Father, your elder brother, and I will definitely help you find a good family to marry into. Don't fret."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ruyu remembered the growing gap between her social status and Fu Yunlang's, making her marriage increasingly difficult, and her cries grew louder.

Zhao Jing'an quickly comforted her.

Zhao Jingli's gaze toward Zhao Ruyu was somewhat cold.

Zhao Ruyu's maid Fushu a male servant in charge of purchasing in the mansion. The servant often delivered messages for Zhao Ruyu to a teahouse not far from the alley. During this time, because of Lady Wei's death, Zhao Ruyu was observing mourning and did not go out, but she never lost contact with Fu Yunlang.

He was actually trying to persuade Zhao Ruyu about this matter. But judging from Zhao Ruyu, she wouldn't listen to his advice at all.

Zhao Jingli stood up and walked out.

Zhao Ruyu's crying stopped abruptly. She raised her head and stared blankly at Zhao Jingli's back, tears streaming down her face again.

Oh, why is her life so miserable?