Reborn Aristocrat: Oppressing Chapter 1988(END)

“And my Aunt Lu Man Man said that my character is very much like his!” Mo Zixi’s voice rang out clear and faint, carried away by the wind across this endless grassland.

Xu Weimiao stood silently beside him, taking in his pleasing voice as he shared his thoughts.

He continued, “The Mo family held the Kingdom of Thailand right from the start. Traitors struck later, bringing immense grief to our family. It was likely because my grandparents belonged to the prior generation that nearly all of them perished. Finally, in my father’s era, Mo Xiuyuan reclaimed the Mo family. “Having lost it once, I understand how precious this land is, so I cherish it deeply. “From a young age, my father taught me many lessons. My nature wasn’t always like this.”

Xu Weimiao nodded in agreement.

No one entered the world cold-hearted.

He confessed it took him a long, long time to grow into the perfect fit for the commander’s role.

“My aunt believes my personality mirrors my father’s closely, and I see no fault in that. A commander-in-chief’s heir should embody this trait. I don’t let joy cloud my judgment or let sorrow define me. “Yet I always think I’m luckier than him. At least, unlike Mo Xiuyuan back then who stood alone without kin, I have many loved ones around me. Even without them, I could thrive as commander-in-chief, but I still count myself happier than my father!” Mo Zixi declared, “Regardless, my family worries over me greatly, especially my aunt. They fear I’ll remain cold and isolated forever.”

“Your aunt treats you wonderfully,” Xu Weimiao said earnestly. “No stepmother could match her kindness. Plus, rumors say your birth mother stole your father from her.”

“I once believed my mother stole my father too. But reflecting on it, since I’m not even his blood son, she gained nothing! “Deep down, my father still loves my aunt most. He’d abandon everything for her. He truly wasn’t cut out to be commander. “He might endure for a year, two, or three, but after eight or ten years, he’d falter.” Mo Zixi smiled faintly. “I’m glad I can fill that role so perfectly for him.”

“Zixi, do you ever resent it?”

“Yes,” Mo Zixi admitted. “I want to walk away too. I yearn to cast aside duties and live freely. Truthfully, I’m unsure what life suits me. “Whenever I rebel or push back, a few words from my father sway me. I can’t refuse him. His charisma reshapes one’s very being—like a deity.”

Xu Weimiao couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

“I have people I admire and idols too,” Mo Zixi said bluntly, lips pressing together.

“I see that now,” Xu Weimiao nodded.

“I didn’t bring you here to reminisce. Honestly, I hold no real memories of him, so little attachment lingers. “But since my father claims he’s my true sire, I feel duty-bound to show you this place.”

“Alright,” Xu Weimiao replied, feeling deeply privileged.

Upon reflection, Mo Zixi had shared his deepest secret with her!

This trust meant everything!

Their bond warmed gradually through these intimate moments.

Mo Zixi led Xu Weimiao by the hand to kneel before the distant grave.

They bowed three times in respect.

His gaze fixed on the tombstone and the youthful face etched there.

It bore a striking resemblance to his own.

I wonder how you endured your days, but Auntie said you lived in solitude, never truly loving anyone. Now I’ve come to say I’ve fulfilled the regrets of your past life!

He glanced at Xu Weimiao at his side.

It was her.

She showed me my heart isn’t as still as I thought!

If your spirit watches from above, rest easy!

A subtle smile curved Mo Zixi’s lips… brimming with unspoken feelings!

He shifted his view to the lineup of helicopters stationed on the open grassland.

Xu Weimiao traced Mo Zixi’s gaze to the grass whipped up by the rotor blades, swirling wildly in the sky.

Mo Zixi clasped Xu Weimiao’s hand.

“Where to next?” Xu Weimiao inquired.

“Wen City.”

“To your father… well, Mo Xiuyuan’s home?” Xu Weimiao asked.

She sensed Mo Zixi’s bond with Mo Xiuyuan ran profoundly deep.

Mo Zixi replied, “You’ll find out soon enough.”

And she trusted him completely.

She boarded one of the helicopters.

Soon, the fleet lifted off in unison and departed.

Xu Weimiao watched the helicopter ascending gradually to higher skies. She gazed down at the grassland shrinking rapidly below. The tombstone had now vanished completely from her sight.

She shifted her gaze toward Mo Zixi.

A constant smile lit up Mo Zixi's face. Warmth radiated from his palm into hers.

Nearly five hours elapsed.

The helicopter reached Wen City.

It landed atop a mountain.

This wasn't a villa.

This was Wen City's infamous psychiatric hospital, situated on a lofty peak that severed it from the outside world.

Xu Weimiao had never set foot here before. She couldn't understand why Mo Zixi brought her to this place.

She simply trailed behind Mo Zixi's steps.

Via a private corridor, they entered a room directly.

There, a familiar figure appeared.

A familiar figure...

Xu Weixiao.

No way.

Disbelief filled Xu Weimiao as she stared at Mo Zixi.

Hadn't Xu Weixiao received a death sentence?!

In the ensuing two months, everything concluded swiftly and silently.

Two years had flown by.

How could she show up here?

Alive and breathing.

Before Xu Weimiao could question Mo Zixi,

Xu Weixiao suddenly spoke, beaming affectionately at Xu Weimiao. “Xiao Xiao.”

Xu Weimiao froze in shock.

“Xiao Xiao, how long has it been since I last saw you?” Xu Weixiao stepped closer and took hold of Xu Weimiao's hand.

Xu Weimiao's brows furrowed.

“You went out playing again, didn't you? Always losing track of time. If Dad scolds you, you'll cry once more.” Xu Weixiao spoke in an indulgent tone, “Don't return so late next time, alright?”

Every gesture.

Every phrase.

She mirrored her perfectly.

Identical to how she once treated Xu Weixiao.

How could this happen?!

Why was Xu Weixiao mimicking her?

She whirled to face Mo Zixi, eager to demand answers, but then her mother entered from behind.

Mother Xu.

Mother Xu appeared startled upon seeing Mo Zixi and Xu Weimiao.

Before she uttered a word, Xu Weixiao chimed in first, “Mom, you're back. See, Xiao Xiao has finally returned. Don't be too hard on her. She's just playful.”

Mother Xu's face stiffened slightly, yet she went along with it. “You've always spoiled your sister too much, letting her run wild. Look how naughty she's become.”

“Haven't I spoiled my sister too? Didn't you teach me from childhood to yield to her every whim?”

Mother Xu's eyes brimmed with tears, “Now I realize my mistake. I shouldn't have made you indulge your sister. I shouldn't have allowed her to covet your possessions. I shouldn't have let her believe she could claim anything in this family. I shouldn't have permitted your sister to have it all.”

Xu Weimiao stared at her mother.

She noticed the tears welling in her mother's eyes.

“Mom, I should've yielded to my sister. I should've let her have whatever she desired,” Xu Weixiao declared loudly.

Mother Xu choked up, her buried guilt and remorse surging forth.

“Xiao Xiao, you're always so sweet. Mom's upset. Can you go coax her?” Xu Weixiao mimicked her tone perfectly.

Xu Weimiao gazed at Xu Weixiao.

“What's wrong, Xiao Xiao?” Xu Weixiao smiled gently.

“Xiao Xiao?” Xu Weimiao enunciated clearly, “You are Xu Weixiao. I am Xu Weimiao.”

“No… no… I am Xu Weimiao. I am not Xu Weixiao. I am not… I am Xu Weimiao…” Xu Weixiao abruptly crumbled. Her composed form recoiled suddenly, “I don't want to be Xu Weixiao. I don't want to be that wicked woman. She tried to kill my child and steal my man… Yes, my man, Zixi… Zixi…”

With that, Xu Weixiao lunged toward Mo Zixi.

She was utterly unhinged.

Mo Zixi regarded her steadily.

Xu Weimiao rushed forward to halt Xu Weixiao's frantic lunge.

“Xiao Xiao, calm down!” Xu Weimiao yelled at her.

“Don't call me Xiao Xiao! Don't call me Xiao Xiao! I'm Xu Weimiao! I'm Xu Weimiao!” Xu Weixiao ranted hysterically, unable to compose herself even briefly. “Mom, tell me! I'm Xu Weimiao! Tell me now!”

Her body shook violently.

She truly seemed terrified of being Xu Weixiao.

Mother Xu pulled Xu Weixiao away from Xu Weimiao and soothed her tenderly, “Yes, you're Miaomiao. You're Miaomiao. You're not Xiao Xiao. You're not that selfish Xiao Xiao. You're not the Xiao Xiao who always coveted your sister's belongings. You're the tolerant and generous Miaomiao.”

“Mom…” Xu Weixiao collapsed into Mother Xu's embrace, sobbing softly.

Xu Weimiao observed the entire scene.

She remained rooted in place.

Time slipped by unnoticed.

Xu Weixiao had exhausted herself completely. She slumped against Mother Xu's shoulder and drifted off to sleep.

Mother Xu gently eased her onto the bed, removed her shoes and socks, and tucked her under the covers.

In sleep, Xu Weixiao appeared so innocent and adorable.

Mother Xu adjusted the blanket for Xu Weixiao and glanced toward Xu Weimiao. “He never mentioned Xiao Xiao to you, right?”

That 'he' meant Mo Zixi.

Xu Weimiao nodded. “I had no clue before.”

“Xiao Xiao suffered from mental illness. While in prison, she was already out of her mind. In the end, he arranged her release and brought her here. For these two years, I've stayed by Xiao Xiao's side, keeping her company through her moments of clarity and confusion.”

“What did the doctor say?” Xu Weimiao asked.

“The doctor explained it's a mental illness no one else can cure. She battles her own inner demons, and only she can escape them. The doctor noted this disorder is tough to handle. When excitement overwhelms her, sedatives are needed to settle her down. Things are calmer now; she sees herself as you, and her nature has grown milder. Those first months, terror gripped her constantly—she fought and resisted, convinced she faced a death sentence!” Mother Xu whispered softly. “You saw it moments ago. She's deeply frightened of her old self, terrified of turning back into Xu Weimiao. She truly regrets her ways now.”

Xu Weimiao's throat tightened slightly.

Why must she endure such extremes just to own up to her errors?!

“I've spent so much time with Xiao Xiao, and it forced me to reflect on how I've spoiled her all these years. It's all my doing!” Mother Xu suddenly sobbed. “Forgive me, Miaomiao. I'm so sorry—I've always shifted blame to you and even pushed you into senseless acts. These years caring for your sister have shown me my flaws. Your father is right not to forgive me. My past indulgence shattered our once-happy home! Miaomiao, everything is my fault.”

“Mom, please don't carry on like this.” Xu Weimiao grasped her mother's hand. “What's done is done. Now we focus on living well.”

“I haven't figured out life ahead. I just want to remain with Xiao Xiao.” “Your dad knows her condition. He visits Xiao Xiao but avoids me entirely.” “I understand his resentment. All these years, while he poured himself into his career, I neglected the family. In the end, your dad blames me.” Mother Xu's eyes welled up as she continued deeply, “Miaomiao, I've longed to apologize, but fear kept me away. I didn't know how to face you. Now I say it: my past wrongs are all mine. Miaomiao, can you forgive your mom?”

“Mom, I never held hatred for you,” Xu Weimiao stated firmly, word by word. “Sister's fate isn't solely your burden—we all share responsibility. Yet ultimately, one's path depends on their choices. Sister was just too unyielding.”

Mother Xu nodded.

She nodded with great force.

She had grasped all this long ago!

“Mom, you and Dad need a proper conversation,” Xu Weimiao urged. “I saw Dad yesterday—his temples are fully gray. He wanders alone, always solitary. Mom, perhaps Dad awaits you, hoping you'll reach out first. After so many years together, you can't simply let it end.”

“Your dad refuses to meet me,” Mother Xu said. “He won't even speak civilly... truth is, I miss him terribly.”

Mother Xu broke down in tears once more.

Decades as husband and wife—without Xiao Xiao's tragedy, they could have stayed united forever.

Xu Weimiao's heart twisted at her mother's sight.

She resolved to bring her father here for a direct explanation.

She understood her father; he wouldn't truly dismiss her mother.

Right then...

Mo Zixi took her hand gently.

Xu Weimiao met his gaze.

She followed his line of sight.

Xu Changchun stood at the doorway.

Mother Xu noticed too, her eyes flushing red again.

Mo Zixi suggested, “Let's step out and give them space to talk.”

“Alright.” Xu Weimiao trailed after Mo Zixi.

They exited together.

The private path avoided other patients.

It led straight beyond the mental hospital's walls, where lovely views awaited.

“Did you summon my dad?” Xu Weimiao questioned him.

“Yes.”

“Zixi...” In that instant, Xu Weimiao struggled for words, deeply moved.

How did he find time amid everything to handle her family matters?

And moreover...

He had spared Xu Weixiao's life.

Didn't they claim some rules were unbreakable?!

As they wandered atop the mountain, Mo Zixi addressed her, “Miao Miao, my temperament leaves me detached from all matters. I’m unaware of how crucial family bonds are to you. I’ve merely been urging you thoughtlessly to stick to your principles. Yet now, I see that I’ve forsaken numerous principles because of you. Whether this will benefit or harm me later on, I simply cannot say.”

Xu Weimiao gazed directly into his eyes.

Was he implying that she made him lose his composure?!

“I apologize; I had no idea I’d impact you this way. I never meant to sway you. But I’m truly thankful—so grateful that you spared my sister out of mercy. You can’t grasp the weight of family ties because you’ve never faced a situation like mine! Naturally, I realize that even if you had, you’d still fulfill your duties. Yet deep down, it would pain you, just as it once pained me! Thankfully, your family never weighs you down. They’re all exceptional.”

“Yes, they’re all exceptional,” Mo Zixi agreed with a nod.

“Right now, I’m deeply thankful for all you’ve done on my behalf. I’ll strive relentlessly to grow stronger. I won’t become a burden to you moving forward. Just give me time—believe in me!” Xu Weimiao declared firmly, word by word, with absolute conviction.

“Truthfully, I yearn to shield you and cherish you properly. But Miaomiao, life brings inescapable duties that I cannot dodge or reject—I must press on. I can’t treat you like an ordinary person with lavish attention. External pressures might even force me to overlook you at times. I hope you’ll come to accept and comprehend this. One day, I envision you as the mother of the world,” Mo Zixi stated deliberately, word by word. “Above everything, never forget: I love you. I love you deeply.”

“Me too,” Xu Weimiao replied, her nose tingling.

She didn’t demand he always prioritize her. She didn’t require his constant presence to pamper her. He needn’t suppress his feelings or shatter his principles for her sake, nor obsess over her emotions excessively.

All she craved was that single declaration.

I love you!

They departed from the mental hospital.

Upon leaving, they skipped revisiting her sister.

Each person must answer for their own actions.

A relieved smile graced her lips.

Face it: Xiao Xiao’s “death” from back then had struck her profoundly.

In this instant, overwhelming emotion surged through her, all thanks to Mo Zixi.

They made their way back to the Mo family villa.

Yesterday marked Mo Xianyuan and Lu Man’s first birthday, yet they hadn’t been there.

Today, they returned to this place.

And Mo Zixi had come especially