Chapter 120 Extra 17 – Brother Steals Younger Brother’s Wife (IF Route)

Chapter 120 Extra 17: Alternate Timeline: The Elder Brother Claims His Younger Brother's Wife

Upon returning from the Southern Study and entering the inner courtyard, Old Master Wen heard Mrs. Wen sighing. Looking up, he saw her frowning, deep in troubled thought.

As he washed his hands, he asked what was wrong. "What's troubling you, my dear?"

Mrs. Wen looked at him and answered evasively, "Has Qi Yan gone out again?"

Old Master Wen nodded. "His Majesty is grooming Qi Yan for the Censorate. Recently, he has taken on many cases in the Ministry of Justice, so he has no days free."

"Soon, Yun Qin will bring Miss Ji to visit. As the elder brother, he must attend." Mrs. Wen instructed Old Master Wen to convey to Qi Yan that he must make sure he's free then.

"The Ji family is no ordinary household. With Qingling not in the capital, all members of our main branch must be there to welcome them. We mustn't let the Ji family think our family is neglectful."

Mainly, Wen Yunqin was utterly smitten with this Eldest Miss Ji. After falling in love at first sight, he became lovesick, following her around all day. Mrs. Wen had initially heard about Ji Wanyuan's reputation in the capital, always thinking she was too arrogant and domineering. If she were to marry into the family, she might be a handful.

But ever since she caught Wen Yunqin secretly bringing Ji Wanyuan, disguised as a boy, to the Wen residence last time, she had gotten a glimpse of the real Eldest Miss Ji. Mrs. Wen felt she was quite good, very charming and lively, not at all like the arrogant and domineering person the rumors suggested.

Perhaps it was because she was too exceptionally beautiful that people maligned her? There are always many envious people in this world who can't stand to see others do well.

She had told Ji Wanyuan to come visit the Wen family when she had time, but since that last visit, she hadn't come again.

Mrs. Wen asked Wen Yunqin if something had happened between them.

But Wen Yunqin said no, it was because Mrs. Ji had discovered that Ji Wanyuan had secretly followed him to the Wen residence and had placed her under house arrest. She had only just been released recently.

Thinking about how much Wen Yunqin liked the Ji family's girl, Mrs. Wen wanted to settle this matter early. So she sent an invitation to the Ji family, but unexpectedly, Ji Wanyuan put a stop to it, because Mrs. Ji was still angry these days.

She believed Wen Yunqin had tricked her daughter into going to the Wen residence. They had to wait for her anger to subside before they could discuss matters between the two.

To reassure Mrs. Wen, Ji Wanyuan took it upon herself to secretly send a letter, saying she would go first.

Although Mrs. Wen had some reservations about this, her son liked the Ji family's girl too much, so she didn't say anything. Therefore, to make Ji Wanyuan feel properly welcomed, Mrs. Wen specifically instructed these days that all members of the Wen family must be present, with no absences.

Old Master Wen naturally wouldn't be absent. The only one she was really worried about was Qi Yan.

Not only that, she had many worries—not just about Qi Yan not coming, but also about his future. Seeing that Wen Yunqin and the Ji family's eldest daughter were getting along quite well, once they passed Mrs. Ji's hurdle, matters between them could be settled quickly.

Wen Yunqin is the second younger brother. If the second younger brother is about to get married, and his elder brother still isn't even looking, how long will he drag this out?

Previously, she asked him to meet the Lin family's daughter, but he always turned a deaf ear, completely disregarding her, his mother. How could Mrs. Wen not worry?

She expressed her concerns to Old Master Wen.

But Old Master Wen smiled and said, "This is nothing. They have their own paths."

"Yun Qin is about to be settled, Qingling is also settled. It's only him, as the elder brother, who still has no news. How can I not be anxious?"

Mrs. Wen hesitated to speak. Old Master Wen urged her to say it. She said, "I even suspect he might be..."

"Might be what?" Old Master Wen asked.

Mrs. Wen said, "Interested in men."

Old Master Wen, "..."

After a long pause, he smiled and said, "That's impossible. How could Qi Yan be interested in men?"

"He is so close with the Lin family's young master, not even allowing the Lin young master's sister to get near. Do you think he and the Lin young master might be an item?"

Old Master Wen coughed repeatedly, both amused and exasperated. "Qi Yan is definitely not like that. Don't think that way, my lady."

"Then why won't he meet young ladies? Why won't he meet the Lin family's daughter?" Mrs. Wen asked again.

Old Master Wen said, "Currently, he is highly regarded by His Majesty and is to enter the Censorate. He must pass through the Ministry of Justice first. The Ministry of Justice usually has a mountain of work. He simply has no time; it's not that he resists marriage."

But Mrs. Wen was not satisfied. "No matter what I say, you always cover for him. If he really is like that, I'll hold you responsible in the future."

Old Master Wen smiled and said, "Alright, alright, hold me responsible."

Mrs. Wen, "..."

In the blink of an eye, the day arrived for Ji Wanyuan to visit the Wen family.

Before Old Master Wen left, Mrs. Wen drilled it into him not to forget and to remember to remind Qi Yan.

Old Master Wen promised he would, but Mrs. Wen still sent a house servant when he was getting off work.

At that time, Old Master Wen was talking to Qi Yan, telling him to return for the evening meal. Qi Yan heard but hadn't replied. Though he didn't reply, his tightly furrowed brows already indicated he didn't want to go.

"It's not your father tricking you. You see, your mother has also sent someone. Today, you have to go."

Qi Yan indeed didn't want to go, but couldn't refuse, so he could only nod.

After getting into the carriage, Old Master Wen couldn't help but nag him, saying his marriage should be a priority too. Although court affairs were busy, finding a wife couldn't be neglected.

"If there's a young lady you like, you can start seeing her. What matters is that you like her—"

Before he could finish, Qi Yan interrupted, "The person Yun Qin has his heart set on is the Ji family's eldest daughter?"

Old Master Wen didn't realize he was changing the subject, only thinking he had finally developed a conscience and started caring about his younger brother.

Unconsciously, the subject was changed. "Yes, she's Chancellor Ji's daughter. Yun Qin likes her very much, your mother also likes her. I've met her once; she's quite good-looking, elegant and charming, truly likable..."

Old Master Wen praised her extensively, but Qi Yan showed no reaction.

Only when the carriage stopped at the Wen residence's gate did he realize he had been outmaneuvered. By bringing up Ji Wanyuan, he hadn't been able to nag about his marriage anymore.

Thinking of this, Old Master Wen, "..."

As soon as the father and son entered the corridor, they heard a burst of laughter as pleasant as silver bells.

Qi Yan's footsteps paused slightly.

He didn't know what was wrong, but he felt this laughter inexplicably sent a strange flutter through his heart. This feeling was something he had never experienced before.

Old Master Wen didn't notice his abnormality. Seeing him stop, he thought he didn't want to go again and quickly said, "You can't back out halfway."

"I've just come from the Ministry of Justice prison. I need to bathe first. Father, please go ahead and convey my greetings on my behalf."

With that, he was about to leave.

Old Master Wen called after him, "Conveying your greetings is no problem, but you must not flee at the last moment!"

Unfortunately, Qi Yan had already walked far away and didn't answer.

Old Master Wen sighed inwardly. His son's temperament was truly too cold.

After leaving the corridor and no longer hearing that laughter, the strange feeling that had suddenly arisen in his heart disappeared. He thought it must be because he had been too tired from interrogating cases recently. Otherwise, why would he feel his heart flutter?

Mr. Wen entered the hall, where the table was already laden with dishes. Wen Yunqin asked, “Where is Brother?”

Mrs. Wen also looked displeased, so Mr. Wen quickly explained that Wen Qiyan had just returned from the prison at the Ministry of Justice. “Naturally, you’d want to wash up before meeting an honored guest.”

“Your brother has gone to freshen up.” After saying this, Mr. Wen retrieved a gift from the side and presented it to Ji Wanyuan.

“Thank you, Uncle.” Ji Wanyuan did not decline, accepting it with a smile and expressing her gratitude.

Mr. Wen nodded with a smile as well, then said to Wen Yunqin, “Let’s start the meal first and not wait for your brother. Who knows when he’ll be ready.”

Mr. Wen worried Wen Qiyan might not come at all. If they kept waiting and that indeed happened, it would only make Ji Wanyuan feel awkward.

Mrs. Wen certainly caught his drift. Her smile masked her complete dissatisfaction, yet she still maintained her composure.

“Yes, yes, Wanyuan, let’s eat first.”

Ji Wanyuan had little interest in the Wen family’s eldest young master. She had long heard of his formidable reputation—cold as ice, difficult to approach, and undoubtedly dull.

She did not wish to wait for him either. “Alright.”

After bathing and changing clothes, Wen Qiyan nevertheless came.

Just as he was about to step into the hall, he could hear the laughter and cheerful talk inside through the doors and windows.

He had also heard of this Eldest Miss Ji’s reputation in the capital—a beauty known for being arrogant and domineering, with a spoiled disposition.

As the Prime Minister’s Daughter, she certainly had the confidence to act that way.

Hearing her laughter again this time, he felt nothing inside.

It seemed that weird flutter in his heart earlier must have been due to exhaustion from overworking at the Ministry of Justice.

“Qi Yan is here?!” Upon hearing the elderly maid announce his arrival, Mrs. Wen quickly beckoned him in with a smile.

“Brother.” Wen Yunqin greeted him, and Wen Qiyan gave a slight nod.

Ji Wanyuan turned her eyes to him.

Though she did not like him, her eyes still flickered with a hint of admiration. Wen Yunqin’s appearance was already outstanding enough, yet she had not expected his brother to be so incredibly handsome as well—truly worthy of being called the number one gentleman.

She stared at him without blinking.

Noticing the young lady’s gaze, Wen Qiyan lifted his eyes to look.

Their eyes met.

She stared straight at him, as if there was no need to avoid suspicion.

Wen Qiyan frowned slightly. This Eldest Miss Ji was indeed “unconventional.”

If she did not mind, he still had to maintain propriety.

After all, this was the young lady his younger brother liked. Even though they were not yet formally engaged, it was practically a settled matter.

Wen Qiyan averted his eyes and took a seat beside Mr. Wen, opposite Ji Wanyuan.

Not long after, she also withdrew her gaze.

Because they were seated directly across from each other, he could not help but see her. He noticed how his younger brother Yunqin doted on her like a child—carefully picking out fish bones with utmost caution, yet still reminding her to eat carefully, his eyes entirely fixed on her.

His father and mother were right—his younger brother was indeed smitten with this Miss Ji.

Mrs. Wen briefly introduced Wen Qiyan to Ji Wanyuan. She gave a faint nod, and Wen Qiyan did the same. After that, the two didn’t speak again.

After the evening meal, Wen Yunqin escorted Ji Wanyuan back.

Not wanting to listen to Mr. Wen and Mrs. Wen’s nagging, Wen Qiyan naturally left early and went to his study to work on cases.

An hour later, he bathed, cleansed himself, and retired for the night.

It should have been an ordinary day, but that very night, he had a strange, unsettling dream.