Chapter 102: 妒忌
[Jealousy]
Recalling Tang Xiaobao’s various expressions throughout the day, Ji Ling ultimately decided to ask him directly later. If it wasn’t anything major, he definitely wouldn’t keep it from him. With this thought, Ji Ling approached Tang Xiaobao, lowered his head to look at him, fixed his gaze on his eyes, and asked earnestly, “Did something happen today?”
Tang Xiaobao looked at Ji Ling before him, wanting to share what had happened. But then he thought it over and felt a bit petty. It clearly wasn’t a big deal. If he made a point of mentioning it, wouldn’t that make him seem overly sensitive? Yet keeping silent made him desperately curious about Ji Ling’s reaction. Torn between words and silence, his expression shifted like a palette, painting a vivid tableau.
It seemed ages since Ji Ling had witnessed such a vividly animated Tang Xiaobao. After a moment of quiet observation, he fixed his gaze on him and coaxed, “Is there something you can’t tell me?”
Hearing Ji Ling’s words, Tang Xiaobao suddenly felt deeply uneasy. As he hesitated, Ji Ling abruptly leaned in close, his breath almost touching Tang Xiaobao’s face. Before he could process it, a low, husky voice murmured, “If something’s bothering you, tell me. Maybe I can help.”
Tang Xiaobao lifted his eyes to meet him, staring intently for a moment before finally whispering, “If I can’t have children in the future, would you take a concubine?”
At Tang Xiaobao’s words, Ji Ling straightened up, his eyes fixed intently on him. Yet the expression in those eyes was difficult to read. Just as Tang Xiaobao began to feel disheartened, a voice above him spoke slowly: “I was already a man on the brink of death. If not for you, I doubt I would have lived this long. I don’t know what you’ve been worrying about all this time, but I can assure you this: in this life, I will never take another wife besides you.”
Tang Xiaobao listened to Ji Ling’s words, visibly moved. He even began to feel ashamed for doubting Ji Ling. Just as he was about to speak up to defend himself, Ji Ling continued, “Did someone say something to you?”
At Ji Ling’s question, Tang Xiaobao stiffened. Finally, he murmured, “I heard the First Lady has been introducing you to young ladies and gentlemen from other families lately.” The moment the words left his mouth, Tang Xiaobao felt like a jealous husband, instantly uncomfortable from head to toe.
Ji Ling, standing before him, showed no reaction. After hearing Tang Xiaobao’s words, he pondered seriously for a moment before asking, “So you’re jealous?”
Faced with Ji Ling’s question, Tang Xiaobao didn’t want to admit it, but he nodded honestly. He knew he was genuinely angry. He had discovered such a wonderful person himself—why did everyone else want to snatch him away? The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. It was utterly infuriating.
Seeing Tang Xiaobao, who had been hanging his head in dejection, suddenly transformed into a lively, spirited figure, Ji Ling found it quite amusing. After observing him for a moment, he stepped behind him, drew him into his embrace, and whispered softly in his ear, “Don’t worry, little jealousy bun. Besides you, I won’t marry anyone else.”
Perhaps touched by Ji Ling’s earnestness, or perhaps warmed by the embrace, Tang Xiaobao suddenly felt a deep sense of security. His face flushed crimson, and he quietly nestled deeper into Ji Ling’s arms, settling in obediently like a well-behaved child.
Holding him tightly, Ji Ling’s lips curved into a faint smile. Yet his eyes held an unfathomable depth, their gaze lost in thoughts unknown.
After that day, the First Lady ceased introducing other young ladies to Ji Ling. Though she occasionally broached the subject of his offspring with concern, Ji Ling always politely sidestepped the topic.
After witnessing Ji Ling’s cold demeanor toward those who came to throw themselves at him several times, Tang Xiaobao felt a slight sense of relief and even a hint of secret delight. Though he would later feel ashamed for his actions, deep down he was still quite pleased.
“You mean Ji Ling drove away everyone who tried to get close to her?” Madam Ji sat in her special seat, her gaze icy as she stared at the maid who came to report. She asked through gritted teeth.
Perhaps intimidated by Madam Ji’s current demeanor, the maid stammered in her reply, “Yes, Madam. According to those close to Young Master Ji, he sent them all away. Many were dismissed before they even reached him.”
Hearing this news, the matriarch’s expression darkened inexplicably, tinged with a faint gritting of teeth: “I refuse to believe he can stay this way forever. Keep people watching him. If you discover anything, report it to me immediately.”
“Yes, Madam.”
After the maid departed, the matriarch slowly sipped from her teacup. Staring at the leaves floating within, she murmured thoughtfully, “Even if he doesn’t choose another now, others will inevitably come seeking a share later. I don’t believe Ji Ling possesses such unwavering resolve to remain faithful to Tang Xiaobao alone forever. Besides, the Ji family doesn’t need two masters.”
Soon after came Ji Ling’s birthday. Unlike the simple celebrations of years past, this year marked Ji Ling’s designation as the next head of the Ji family—the heir to the esteemed Master Ji. His birthday festivities were destined to be unlike any before since Master Ji also intended to publicly affirm Ji Ling’s presence and status within the household, making this year’s celebration exceptionally grand.
Days before the celebration began, the entire Ji household threw themselves into preparations. Anyone unfamiliar with the family’s history might have mistaken Ji Ling for the most favored young master in the manor.
