Reborn of the Rightful

Extra Story - A Generation of Male God

Xiao Yan's heart softened, thinking perhaps he had carelessly revealed his whereabouts, and it had nothing to do with anyone else.

Gently but firmly, he pried A Lian's hands away: "I'll be back soon, don't be afraid." As he spoke, he was about to lift the curtain and jump out, but unexpectedly, his chest tightened, his legs gave way, and he slumped back onto the carriage seat.

A Lian began to cry.

Xiao Yan's face turned as cold as ice, yet he didn't spare A Lian a single glance. Instead, he stared expressionlessly at the cup of tea he had just drunk, his eyes somewhat dazed and dim.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." A Lian covered her face and sobbed aloud.

Xiao Yan didn't ask why. Betrayal could have many reasons, but he had only one sincere heart. Perhaps in this lifetime, he had only mustered the courage to be impulsive this once.

Outside, the guards fell one by one. Xiao Yan picked up his sword again. Since childhood, he had believed that if he were to die one day, aside from a natural death, there was only one way—to die in battle.

Xiao Yan didn't look at A Lian again, not even a fleeting glance. He carefully calculated how many people he could kill in his current condition. He knew he was doomed today, but he wasn't afraid. As long as his sword remained in his hand when he died, he would still be a descendant of the Xiao Family.

Just as the guards outside could no longer hold their ground and Xiao Yan struggled out of the carriage, leaning on his sword for support, arrows suddenly shot over. Xiao Yan thought the enemy had laid an ambush, but then he realized those falling were all from the opposing side.

Surprised, Xiao Yan turned his head and saw a force of about a hundred men charging toward them. Their horses' hooves were wrapped in cloth, making little noise, but Xiao Yan's sharp eyes recognized them as elite soldiers of the Yanbei Army.

Though he didn't know why elite soldiers of the Yanbei Army would appear here, Xiao Yan knew he was saved.

Only after the assassins were either killed or had fled did Xiao Yan clearly see that the one leading the troops to rescue him was his troublesome friend Zhao Ninghe.

Zhao Ninghe's grandfather had followed the old Prince onto the battlefield. He and Zhao Ninghe had grown up together, trained together in the army, sometimes as close as sharing the same pair of pants, and other times mocking and exposing each other's flaws.

Recently, Zhao Ninghe and Xiao Yan hadn't been getting along well, and Zhao Ninghe hadn't given him a friendly look whenever they met.

Zhao Ninghe's beloved was Yun Chuxue.

Zhao Ninghe walked over, glanced into the carriage, and without asking anything, clenched his fist and punched Xiao Yan hard—not in the face, but in the stomach, making Xiao Yan turn pale with pain.

Unwilling to get back into the carriage, Xiao Yan struggled onto a horse and followed Zhao Ninghe back to Yunyang City.

"How did you get here?"

Zhao Ninghe said coldly, "If I hadn't come, would you still be alive?"

Xiao Yan chuckled apologetically, "Thank you, Master Zhao, for saving my life."

Zhao Ninghe glanced at Xiao Yan, "Don't worry, the Prince and the others don't know. These are all soldiers under my command, and we happened to be training nearby recently. When you go back, behave yourself and act as if nothing happened."

Xiao Yan breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't afraid of being scolded by his grandfather and father—at most, he'd get another beating—but he couldn't bear the humiliation. Fortunately, it was Zhao Ninghe who had come. The two of them had done all sorts of outrageous things together and had seen each other at their most embarrassing moments. If it had been anyone else, he would rather have died.However, Xiao Heng's relief came too soon. When he entered the city and saw Yun Chuxue's carriage waiting at the city gate, his expression could no longer be described as merely unpleasant.

Zhao Ninghe glanced at Xiao Heng's carriage, which had remained motionless since earlier, then looked at the Yun Family's carriage. A faint, mischievous smile curled at the corners of his lips as he offered an insincere apology: "Oh, sorry, I forgot to tell you. It was Miss Yun who sent someone to tip me off, allowing me to arrive in time to save your sorry life."

With that, Zhao Ninghe waved his hand, took the reins of his horse, and left without looking back.

Yun Chuxue stepped down from her carriage and walked up to Xiao Heng's horse. She examined him carefully, and only after confirming he was unharmed did she say, "It's good you weren't injured. I remember reminding you it would be best not to travel far recently."

Xiao Heng was so choked by her words he nearly lost his breath.

"What are you doing here! I mean, how did you come out so late at night!" Xiao Heng's legs no longer felt weak. He dismounted from his horse and spoke through gritted teeth.

Yun Chuxue replied calmly, "I went to White Cloud Temple to offer incense today."

And then waited here to watch the show? Xiao Heng thought bitterly.

The two stood quietly for a moment before Yun Chuxue said gently, "You should stay at the Zhao residence tonight. It's too late now, and it wouldn't be good to disturb the Prince if you return."

Xiao Heng snapped angrily, "Where I stay is my business. You don't need to worry about it!"

Yun Chuxue nodded and said gently, "Oh, then I'll be going. Take care."

"Wait!" Xiao Heng stopped her, his expression dark.

Yun Chuxue turned back, puzzled. After a moment's thought, she said considerately, "Cousin, don't worry. I won't speak of today's events."

Xiao Heng still looked displeased. "Who knows if you'll keep your word? You've always been a sly woman!"

Yun Chuxue frowned slightly, then asked with some confusion, "Why would you say that, cousin? When you were eight, you took advantage of Mr. Zhao dozing off to stain his beard with ink. At ten, you stole the princess's luminous cup, buried it beside the latrine for half a month, and then returned it. When you were eleven, you broke the Prince's favorite snuff bottle and framed Xiao Heng for it..."

"Damn it!" Xiao Heng roared in frustration, pointing at Yun Chuxue. "How do you know all this! Did that bastard surnamed Zhao tell you? No, how would he know!"

Yun Chuxue continued calmly, "I've kept all such matters secret for you and haven't told anyone. Naturally, I won't speak of this one either."

Xiao Heng's lips twitched. He felt that if he were to marry a woman like Yun Chuxue, life would become unbearable.

After finishing, Yun Chuxue turned to leave, but Xiao Heng stopped her again. "Wait!"

Yun Chuxue turned back patiently.

Xiao Heng took a deep breath and asked, "Where are you going? Didn't you go to White Cloud Temple today?"

Yun Chuxue replied amiably, "Cousin, there's no need to worry about me. I've rented a courtyard and made all the arrangements."

Xiao Heng truly couldn't understand Yun Chuxue. Since childhood, she had been well-educated and refined, a model of a proper young lady. But what well-educated, refined young lady would dare to lie to her family without batting an eye about staying out overnight? What woman, upon suspecting her fiancé might encounter danger while eloping with another woman, would neither argue nor make a scene but instead quietly arrange for rescue?Yun Chuxue was truly audacious, or rather, utterly lawless!

Xiao Yan said irritably, "Where? I'll go with you!"

Upon hearing this, Yun Chuxue merely glanced at Xiao Yan and nodded. She didn’t shyly mention how improper it was to stay in the same courtyard, nor did she bring up her reputation or maidenly honor.

Xiao Yan felt another wave of frustration.

Just then, the carriage, which had been silent until now, made a sound. Xiao Yan stiffened and turned to see Alian stepping down from the carriage.

Xiao Yan stood still, deliberately avoiding thoughts of Alian. He planned to have someone keep an eye on her first and interrogate her tomorrow. He was too tired today to deal with Alian.

Yun Chuxue also turned to look at the commotion.

Alian was taken aback at the sight of Yun Chuxue, murmuring in a daze, "It’s you..."

Xiao Yan immediately bristled, glaring at Yun Chuxue suspiciously. "How does she know you?"

In an instant, Xiao Yan imagined Yun Chuxue putting on airs as a young lady, confronting Alian, and arrogantly threatening her to leave him.

Yun Chuxue ignored Alian, merely casting a faint glance at Xiao Yan. "You’re overthinking it."

Xiao Yan felt indignant: How do you know what I’m thinking?

Yun Chuxue didn’t need to put on airs or act arrogantly toward Alian. Simply standing there, an insurmountable chasm lay between her and Alian.

Yun Chuxue spoke calmly and gently, "You said you had someone you loved, so I went to check on her a few times out of concern. But I never approached or disturbed her."

Xiao Yan was about to retort, "What right do you have to be concerned about my love life?" But considering the day’s outcome, he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

Yun Chuxue continued, "I originally thought that if they were truly suitable, I would help my cousin achieve his wish. But I noticed something off about this young lady." That was why she had made today’s arrangements.

"And then you hid in the shadows, laughing at me for being a fool, right?" Xiao Yan roared.

Yun Chuxue shook her head and sighed, "Why would you think that, cousin? I always want what’s best for you."

Alian stood three steps away, staring at Yun Chuxue for a long moment before turning her gaze to Xiao Yan. Suddenly, she walked toward them. Out of the corner of her eye, Yun Chuxue saw Alian’s hand move toward her sleeve. Her expression changed, and without a second thought, she grabbed Xiao Yan’s arm, trying to shield him.

But Xiao Yan reacted even faster than Yun Chuxue. He wrapped his arms around her and swiftly retreated, flicking his wrist. A flash of silver light—a willow-leaf dagger—shot toward Alian’s throat, piercing it with a soft thud.

Alian clutched her neck and collapsed to the ground, a bitter smile at the corner of her lips. Without another word, she breathed her last.

Xiao Yan only glanced at Alian before turning away. He stood there for a long time, unmoving, still holding Yun Chuxue in his arms.

Yun Chuxue remained still as well. After a while, she asked curiously, "Cousin, are you crying?"

The faint sorrow Xiao Yan had been feeling was instantly replaced by anger. He pushed Yun Chuxue away. "Look closely! Why would a grown man like me cry over a woman?"

Yun Chuxue carefully examined his eyes and nodded with a smile. "Hmm, you’re not crying."

Xiao Yan felt frustrated again.

Yun Chuxue glanced at Alian’s body on the ground. "Aren’t you going to check what’s in her sleeve?"Xiao Yan paused, then said, "They're already dead, what's there to see?"

In truth, with Xiao Yan's keen eyesight, he had already clearly seen what was in A Lian's sleeve the moment his self-defense willow-leaf blade struck—it wasn't a weapon or a hidden device, but the jade pendant he had previously given to A Lian.

However, Xiao Yan didn't tell Yun Chuxue.

Xiao Yan thought it was just as well that A Lian died by his hand. His aim was precise, so A Lian likely didn't suffer any pain when she died. Otherwise, no matter whether he could extract information from her about her collusion with the assassins, A Lian would never have it easier than she did today.

Let A Lian go? That was impossible.

Was he cold-blooded and heartless? Xiao Yan thought perhaps he was.

He had only been foolish with A Lian once, and he was only foolish with those he liked. After that moment of foolishness, he remained the heir of Yanbei Prince's Mansion, never hesitating to act ruthlessly when necessary.

On the way back, Xiao Yan and Yun Chuxue boarded the same carriage. He was somewhat disheveled today and didn't want others to see him.

"Hey, am I really that bad?" Xiao Yan couldn't help but ask.

Yun Chuxue's gentle eyes gazed at him. "Hmm?"

Xiao Yan turned his head away, feeling uneasy. "I mean, is there really no woman in this lifetime who likes me just for who I am? Every single one either covets my status or harbors ulterior motives?"

Yun Chuxue thought for a moment, then said, "I don't know. Perhaps there is, but even if there were, you wouldn't know whether she likes you more or your status more."

Xiao Yan felt melancholy, and as if not disheartened enough, he asked again, "What about you? Why are you so desperate to marry me?"

Yun Chuxue glanced at Xiao Yan, not bothering to correct his choice of words like "desperate." "If you weren't surnamed Xiao, I wouldn't marry you. Isn't that what you think too?"

Xiao Yan's mouth twitched. You think you know everything!

But hearing Yun Chuxue say it out loud still left him feeling somewhat dejected.

"However..." Yun Chuxue continued slowly.

Xiao Yan unconsciously straightened his back and pricked up his ears. "However what?"

"However, among the marriage candidates acceptable to the elders, I still want to choose you, cousin," Yun Chuxue said calmly, uttering bold words that somehow sounded entirely proper coming from her.

Xiao Yan finally couldn't help but let the corners of his mouth curl upward slightly, pretending not to care. "Oh? Why? What makes me better than others?"

Yun Chuxue continued calmly, "Cousin once said you didn't want to marry a woman you didn't like, that you would only marry someone you loved in this lifetime. 'One lifetime, one love' is a dream in the hearts of all women. If cousin truly achieves this, then the woman who marries you would be the happiest person in the world. Chuxue is an ordinary woman, so naturally, she shares the same ordinary dreams."

Xiao Yan snorted lightly upon hearing this. "Marrying one is marrying one. I'm a man of my word, and what I say, I'll do. It's only right that you're desperate to marry me."

At this moment, Xiao Yan forgot that Yun Chuxue was already his fiancée.

Yun Chuxue lowered her head and smiled faintly. "Yes, I believe you, cousin."

Suddenly, Xiao Yan felt something wasn't quite right.

But Yun Chuxue didn't give him a chance to figure it out. She continued gently, "Can you accompany me to the Star-Gazing Tower at the Hot Spring Villa tomorrow, cousin?"

Xiao Yan frowned. "What for?"Yun Chuxue sighed, looking somewhat wistful as she said, "I heard there's a Sanskrit formation in the Star-Gazing Tower, passed down by an ancestor of the Xiao Family. A man of the Xiao Family can only take one woman up there in his lifetime. If he recites those Sanskrit verses in the ancient language, they'll receive the ancestors' blessings. At the same time, that Xiao man can only have one woman in his life, or else the Xiao Family will... be cut off without descendants."

Xiao Yan: "..."

Yun Chuxue leaned in closer, smiling gently at Xiao Yan. "Cousin, take me there, okay?"

Xiao Yan stared blankly at Yun Chuxue, unable to speak. This was the first time Yun Chuxue had spoken to him in such a tone! Why did his heart feel so... so delighted!

By the time Xiao Yan regained his senses, he had already turned his head away, speaking coolly, "Hmm, fine, let's go then."

Yun Chuxue smiled and then sat back.

Xiao Yan looked at the distance between them and suddenly felt as if he had been tricked...

But before he could get angry, Yun Chuxue spoke gently, "It's not easy for someone in your position to see through a woman's true heart, and it's the same for me. So rather than trusting other strangers whose faces we know but hearts we don't, it's better for us to trust, support, and stay by each other's side. At least I believe in your character, and since you grew up with me, you naturally know all my flaws. Even if I have any motives, I've laid them all out before you, so at least I can guarantee I won't deceive or trick you."

Xiao Yan fell silent.

Yun Chuxue took the initiative to hold Xiao Yan's hand, looking at him as she said, "Thinking about it this way, isn't our marriage not so hard to accept after all?"

Xiao Yan thought for a moment and felt that Yun Chuxue's words made sense. Moreover, when Yun Chuxue held his hand, it felt different from when he had held A-Lian's hand before. Yun Chuxue's palm was warm and comfortable, and he didn't dislike it.

But Xiao Yan wondered, had he forgotten something very important?

As for what it was, Xiao Yan's mind was a bit chaotic at the moment, and he couldn't recall it right away.

It wasn't until the next day, when Xiao Yan took Yun Chuxue to the Star-Gazing Tower as she wished and had essentially sold himself out, that he remembered the shameful secret that had made him absolutely refuse to marry Yun Chuxue in the first place.

Glancing at Yun Chuxue, who was smiling faintly beside him, Xiao Yan broke out in a cold sweat, wondering if it was too late to regret it now.

"Cousin, what's wrong? Are you hot or feeling unwell somewhere?"

Xiao Yan shook his head, his face ashen. "No."

Yun Chuxue examined Xiao Yan carefully, then smiled gently with a meaningful look. "Oh, that's good. But if there's anything wrong, you must tell me, because no matter what it is, I won't laugh at you or make you feel embarrassed because of it."

Xiao Yan felt a chill in his heart, thinking: Could it be that you already know?

This! Is! Absolutely! Impossible!

Xiao Yan had no way of knowing whether Yun Chuxue had long been aware of his secret about the mole, and he couldn't bring himself to ask now.

By the time Xiao Yan finally married Yun Chuxue...

Xiao Yan suddenly felt that all his previous worries had been in vain, because when it came time to consummate the marriage, he cleverly used the quilt to cover both Yun Chuxue and himself from head to toe, rustling and fumbling under the covers...

Even though it was summer, by the next morning, he and Yun Chuxue had both broken out in a rash of heat bumps from being wrapped up all night.By the third day, when Xiao Yan was about to do his business, he still intended to cover himself with the quilt. Yun Chuxue gently yet firmly stopped him: "Cousin, there's no need to light the dragon and phoenix candles today. You can blow them out."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's eyes lit up. That's right—if he didn't have to light the candles, what was there to worry about!

Xiao Yan gleefully kissed Yun Chuxue and happily went to blow out the candles.

Of course, this was the Xiao Yan of his youth, still somewhat thin-skinned. By the time he grew into a shameless old rogue, he would turn those once-private intimacies he had been too embarrassed to reveal into playful delights.

Step by step, with caution and ease, Yun Chuxue molded a generation's male idol in Yanbei. Compared to her efforts, the games her son Xiao Jingxi later played were nothing to speak of.