He lifts his brow, cocking his head as he regards her, smile wry for the moment.

"Once I was meant to be Jiang Cheng's support, his closest ally. Marriage was not my consideration or concern."

They both know why, looking at his adopted brother. At the confidence concerns, at the rivalry that once didn't bleed toxic. At one man running from yoked affections, and another man desperate in his hope for them.

Then there was the example of his parents to nod toward too. He's been aware of that since he was very, very small. Madam Yu made certain of that much.