Chapter Thirteen: The Gambler

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Later, Spring Residence exhibited many more items. Though each was exceedingly valuable, none of them caught Jiang Lan’s fancy; instead, Xue Mingrui’s eyes burned with longing. But alas, his funds were depleted, and now, unable to turn things around, he was loath to part with his own treasured possessions. Thus, he could only gaze with envy.

At first, Jiang Lan thought to lend him a hand, but now found himself too embarrassed and powerless to do so.

Leaving the underground auction, Xue Mingrui sighed incessantly. To his brother, his eyes looked nothing like eyes, and his nose nothing like a nose.

“Brother, you are my own kin! That Eight-Treasure Immortal Dragon Golden Cauldron is priceless—miss it now, and who knows if there’ll be another chance!”

Jiang Lan intended to offer some comfort, but saw his eldest cousin shoot a glare over, and his second cousin, acting almost like a child, was just short of blowing bubbles.

“If it truly is a treasure, your brother wouldn’t be able to afford it anyway.”

Xue Mingrui clutched his chest, his face mournful. “Brother, how could you be so heartless? I am your real brother!”

His voice quivered, sounding almost tearful, the melody rising in a way that, oddly enough, carried a hint of coquettishness.

Seeing such a display, Jiang Lan felt as if he’d gained a sister rather than a brother.

Yet only those close to him knew this side of Xue Mingrui. In the eyes of outsiders, he remained a refined, gentle gentleman without equal. Was it not so that, upon stepping out, the mischievous hand dropped from his chest?

Jiang Lan turned his head, lifting his gaze—his cousin’s demeanor had changed entirely.

“Lan, where do you want to go next? Your cousin is happy to accompany you,” Xue Mingrui said, thinking that his cousin rarely ventured out, and if he didn’t show him around properly, it would be a loss.

Jiang Lan did not rush to answer. Instead, he looked at his eldest cousin, Xue Mingzhao.

Feeling the gaze, Xue Mingzhao looked back.

“There’s still something to do later.”

Jiang Lan controlled his expression, showing a hint of melancholy, then gave Xue Mingrui a look. “That’s unfortunate, Second Cousin. Let’s go together, just us two.”

The two cousins were quick to agree, appearing regretful but their steps lively.

Watching them hurry off, Xue Mingzhao turned to Chunsheng, his attendant. “Why do I feel as though they’re trying to shake me off?”

As the saying goes, what manner of master, such manner of servant. Xue Mingzhao was famously taciturn, and Chunsheng was even more so—along with a biting tongue.

“It’s not just a feeling; it’s exactly what they’re doing.”

Xue Mingzhao: …

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After slipping away, Jiang Lan and his cousin did not leave Spring Residence, but instead made their way to another bustling corner—the gambling house.

“Why would you want to come here?” Xue Mingrui was utterly baffled. Jiang Lan was renowned for being a well-behaved youth, and now he proposed coming to the gambling house? Shock was his only reaction.

Seeing his cousin surrounded by piles of silver ingots, copper coins, and silver notes, Xue Mingrui felt his eyes might fall out.

Jiang Lan turned and saw his cousin’s look of “So this is who you are,” then selected a large-denomination silver note and slipped it into Xue Mingrui’s palm, whispering, “Cousin, keep this a secret. We’re in the same boat now.”

Bribery! Xue Mingrui’s mind raced.

Bring back my innocent, adorable cousin!

But his conscience prevailed, and he stashed the note away. He kept reminding himself that his cousin spent money extravagantly—buying a random bag could have bought several precious antiques.

“I’ll keep it for you.”

Jiang Lan smiled without a word, gazing at the heavy piles. “Take what’s good and leave. Let’s go.”

Before leaving, Jiang Lan converted all his winnings into silver notes, keeping only a few loose coins and copper pieces.

With money in hand, Xue Mingrui was delighted. As long as he kept quiet, no one would know the source was the gambling table.

His cousin’s reputation mattered. If he were truly addicted to gambling, what would happen then? Lan was young, not yet of age. Though his marriage was arranged, given Princess Ningyuan’s temper, it might be broken off soon.

There would still be future matches; reputation was crucial.

Thinking this, Xue Mingrui felt the silver note in his chest burn, and the smile faded from his face.

Worried, Xue Mingrui hurried after Jiang Lan, whose steps were swift and hands deft.

From his sleeve, Jiang Lan took out a large silver note prepared in advance. Immediately, a gaunt, hollow-eyed old gambler appeared behind him. The old man quickly accepted it, bowing deeply in thanks.

“Great one, travel safely. Next time, be sure to visit my humble establishment again.”

With that, the old gambler tucked the silver note away and happily re-entered Spring Residence’s gambling hall.

As dusk approached, Xue Mingrui took Jiang Lan to a private room at Taibai Pavilion.

After ordering a few signature dishes, Xue Mingrui impatiently sent the waiter away.

Watching his cousin leisurely brew tea and savor it, Xue Mingrui grew ever more anxious. He grabbed Jiang Lan’s right hand just as he was about to pour water.

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Xue Mingrui’s sudden action startled Jiang Lan, who quickly withdrew his hand. Seeing his cousin’s hesitant expression, Jiang Lan wondered if something had been discovered.

“Second Cousin, what’s this about?”

Xue Mingrui thought for a moment, then risked Jiang Lan’s annoyance and spoke up.

“Lan, a gentleman earns wealth through proper means. Gambling isn’t the right path. Could you avoid it in the future? Princess Ningyuan is already looking for faults. The last time you accidentally entered the Princess of Liang’s rooms, she took it to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, saying you cared nothing for her but admired the Princess of Liang, demanding to break the engagement.”

Seeing his cousin remain unperturbed, Xue Mingrui finally relaxed.

“If she learns you’ve been to the gambling house, she’ll surely make a scene and take it to the Empress Dowager. Even if the Empress Dowager loves you, she may not be able to protect this marriage.”

At this, Jiang Lan’s eyes sparkled.

“So, cousin, please don’t go gambling again. Third Uncle nearly ruined the family by himself—if you join in, your little sister won’t stand a chance. Aren’t you the one who cares most for your cousin?”

Watching Jiang Lan happily eat and drink, Xue Mingrui felt he must be hallucinating.

If it were only his eyes, that would be fine, but this wave of enthusiasm even made himself crave the food.

Is there a new chef today?

Xue Mingrui joined in, eating plenty. Resting in the elegant seat by the window, he watched the passing crowds, digesting the meal and Jiang Lan’s words.

What did he mean by not helping him conceal things, and “accidentally” letting them slip? What exactly was Lan planning?

Compared to Xue Mingrui’s concerns, Jiang Lan felt utterly at ease, head empty as he savored the lingering taste of the feast.

The cook back home was average—not good, not bad—so clearly, the former Jiang Lan wasn’t one to indulge his palate.

Today’s meal, however, had opened his eyes.

Being mortal wasn’t so bad, after all.

But now was not the time for pleasure; there were still many matters to resolve.

“Cousin, isn’t the eldest son of the Minister’s Residence, Xing Yuan, the rival of Prince Anping’s household? Why didn’t he compete with the heir for the treasures today?”