Entangled Love GL - Chapter 28

The friendship between Yúnniáng and Duan Min could be traced back eight years.

Eight years ago, Duan Yǒucháng brought Duan Min to the capital. It coincided with Scholar Wèi Shàoqīng seeking people everywhere to treat his wife’s illness. At that time, Madame Wèi had been ill for over a year. She had consulted all the famous doctors in the capital without any improvement, but Duan Yǒucháng brought about a noticeable recovery within a few days. Wèi Shàoqīng was overjoyed and hosted a banquet to thank him. During the meal, he recounted old stories, and the two turned out to be old friends. Since then, the two families frequently interacted, and Wèi Shàoqīng’s daughter, Qīnggē, also developed a deep friendship with Duan Min.

Later, Wèi Shàoqīng was convicted for his words, and his entire family was exiled to the Western Borders. Qīnggē was noticed by Prince Xuān, who arranged to bring her into the Princely Residence and changed her name to Yúnniáng.

Yúnniáng possessed both talent and beauty. She stayed in the Princely Residence for two years and gained considerable favor and trust from Prince Xuān. When Yúnyún Hall opened, she was placed in charge there. Everyone in the Hall, from top to bottom, was Prince Xuān’s eyes and ears. Even Nàohóng and Ràolǜ were key figures, and Yúnniáng herself was the mastermind.

After Yúnniáng came to Yúnyún Hall, she was initially ashamed to meet old acquaintances. It wasn’t until Duan Yǒucháng passed away that she went to visit Duan Min.

Yúnniáng had never invited Duan Min to come to her. She was very happy that Duan Min was able to come to her voluntarily.

Since they were family friends and had known each other for many years, Muyè felt that Duan Min was full of suspicious points, yet Yúnniáng had always felt that there was nothing wrong. However, until this point, Duan Min’s unexpected attitude today suddenly made her realize with a shock that Duan Min must have some secret hidden in her heart.

Yúnniáng understood Duan Min’s temper better than Muyè, but Yúnniáng did not trust herself as much as Muyè did. She did not dare to inquire righteously about secrets, nor did she want to know too much.

Yúnniáng calmed down as soon as she asked the question. Without waiting for an answer, she quickly said: “A’Min, everyone has things they cannot talk about. I won’t ask you to tell me, but if there’s anything I can help with, please don’t hesitate.”

“You have always been helping me.” Duan Min looked at her with great gratitude and said, “My father came out of the palace with one thing hidden in his heart. He both wanted to inform the Emperor and was hesitant. Now I am just thinking, perhaps Prince Xuān can help.”

Yúnniáng frowned. Duan Yǒucháng originally worked in the Imperial Academy of Medicine. Later, he secretly left the palace, changed his name, and traveled across various regions for over ten years before returning to the capital. Yúnniáng did not know the reason, but it was not hard to guess that this matter must be of great importance.

Yúnniáng hesitated in her heart, unsure whether she should ask further. After a moment, she still avoided the main issue and said: “How can you set your mind on Prince Xuān? Why would he kindly help you?”

Seeing that she did not press, Duan Min did not say much either, saying: “I know what I’m doing. I don’t expect his kindness, and you don’t need to worry.”

At this point, the conversation could not continue. Both were a little down. Yúnniáng was about to return to her room. Duan Min walked her to the door and suddenly asked: “Qīnggē, do you want to leave this place?” Yúnniáng did not turn around to look at her. Walking as she sighed, she said: “I am so weak. Does it matter whether I want to or not?”

That night, Yang Mei could not find peace either.

Not long after sending Muyè away, Xue Yuyu came to Yuè Yuán.

Xue Yuyu had been at This Place Pavilion for nearly ten years, but this was the first time he had entered Yuè Yuán. Xue Yuyu had a serious expression, saying that he had an important matter to discuss and insisted on seeing Miss. The maids were somewhat panicked, wondering what major event had occurred.

Yang Mei originally did not want to see him, but she couldn’t stand the sight of everyone in the garden acting as if the sky were falling. She had no choice but to let him into the outer hall and, as requested, dismissed everyone else.

Xue Yuyu breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Yang Mei, and his attitude returned to its usual gentleness, as if nothing had happened.

Yang Mei was somewhat displeased. She suppressed her annoyance and asked with a smile: “Is there something important for you to come so late?”

Xue Yuyu smiled gently: “I’ve come to congratulate Miss. I have received news that Yán Bózhān will send someone to propose marriage tomorrow.”

“Propose marriage?” Yang Mei was greatly surprised. “Propose what marriage?”

“Naturally, the marriage between the Nine-Turn Dragon Pavilion and our This Place Pavilion. Pavilion Master Yán wishes to form a matrimonial alliance with you, Miss.”

Yang Mei felt confused upon hearing this. She got up and walked back and forth a few steps, asking: “Military Advisor Xue, is this news reliable?”

Xue Yuyu smiled: “I originally found out about this last night, but I was afraid it was untrue, so I had people investigate carefully today. I even got a copy of the list of betrothal gifts. Would Miss like to take a look?”

“What! His wife only died a few days ago!” Yang Mei was momentarily infuriated. She clapped her hand against the window frame with a pa sound, then held onto the frame, reminding herself not to get angry. This matter must be complicated. Yang Mei faced the window for a long time. When she turned back, she had calmed down: “What do you think of this matter?”

Yán Bózhān had recently done Yang Mei a favor. At that time, Shuǐ Yánghuā had kidnapped Duan Min. Zhāng Mǎn insisted on fighting, and Méi Jìngxiān was there to support him. Yang Mei was blocking them, and the situation was on the verge of erupting. Yán Bózhān timely mediated a few words and led his people to retreat first. The disadvantage on Yang Mei’s side was no longer obvious, and ultimately, no fight broke out. Because of this, Yang Mei was a little more cautious, but also a little more favorable towards Yán Bózhān.

Regarding this proposal of marriage, although Yang Mei was angered when she first heard it, upon closer thought, she realized that Yán Bózhān’s action was tantamount to drawing trouble to himself, and the beneficiary might be Yang Mei: Since Yán’s wife had only died a few days ago, such a rude action would surely cause an uproar. And perhaps the gossip and rumors that were currently attacking Yang Mei might subside?

But why would Yán Bózhān do this? If he was doing it for Yang Mei, Yang Mei didn’t believe it.

Xue Yuyu had paid attention to her for many years and easily discerned her inner doubts from her feigned composure. He smiled faintly and said: “Miss, in my opinion, Pavilion Master Yán wants to draw us into an alliance!”

Zhāng Mǎn and Méi Jìngxiān had already openly formed an alliance, and both families strongly supported Prince Xuān. Pavilion Master Yán was an old friend of Prince Róng, so his stance goes without saying. Although This Place Pavilion had always maintained close ties with the Crown Prince, Yang Mei had some brother-sister type of friendship with several of the princes, and Yang Mei also had her own goals. The various factions had been in an ambiguous relationship these past few months.

Yang Mei frowned: “Does he think he can pull me over to Prince Róng’s side?”

“Miss, once he makes this move, whether you agree or not, you are already in Prince Róng’s camp.”

“Why?”

“If you agree, it goes without saying. If you don’t agree, I’m afraid no one will believe that he helped you with these matters for no reason, especially Hall Master Zhāng and Old Master Méi, who will assume you have secretly reached an alliance.” Xue Yuyu spoke very calmly, standing with his hands lowered and showing no sign of worry.

Yang Mei essentially agreed with his analysis. As things stood, the best way was to stop Yán Bózhān from proposing marriage. If she allowed him to send someone, even if she didn’t meet them, the news would still spread, and the impact would be created. But in such a matter, the other party hasn’t made it explicit yet, so she couldn’t just say outright, “Don’t come,” could she? And if she were to cause trouble for him, small disruptions wouldn’t work, and large ones would harm their relationship.

Yang Mei felt somewhat helpless and had to ask again: “Military Advisor, what do you think we should do about this?”

Xue Yuyu smiled: “I can’t think of any good plan either. Only one tactic might work, but…”

Yang Mei was at her wit’s end, so she encouraged him: “You don’t need to worry. Tell me what you have in mind.”

Xue Yuyu looked over at her at this point, and said softly: “If Miss were to set an engagement now, and the news spreads tomorrow, Pavilion Master Yán would not come, and the rumors of these days would collapse without attack.”

Yang Mei understood as soon as she heard his first sentence. Although she inwardly cursed him for using public affairs for private gain, she couldn’t help but blush.

Xue Yuyu continued: “This subordinate has admired Miss for a long time, and we have known each other for a long time. Am I not a suitable candidate?”

Yang Mei remained silent after he finished speaking. After a long while, she smiled and said: “This idea really won’t work. Marriage is not a trivial matter. I need to consider it carefully.” She paused and added, “When the enemy comes, we will meet him. We’ll wait until they send someone tomorrow. It’s late. I won’t keep you any longer.”

Xue Yuyu hadn’t expected to succeed in one fell swoop. Since Yang Mei didn’t reject him this time, he felt quite happy when he left.

Yang Mei hadn’t rejected him, but she couldn’t feel happy herself.

Yang Mei certainly knew that Xue Yuyu harbored such feelings for her, and she also knew that she did not feel the same way about Xue Yuyu. But she hadn’t rejected him. Firstly, out of consideration for their relationship, and secondly, Yang Mei suddenly thought: Perhaps one day she really would marry him. Compared to Yán Bózhān or anyone else, Xue Yuyu, who had been consistently good to her for many years, was more acceptable.

When this thought appeared at this time, Yang Mei felt very depressed.

Muyè came to deliver the message tonight. Yang Mei also knew the princess Duan Min mentioned. She was, in fact, the current Emperor’s paternal aunt. The late Emperor ascended the throne in his youth, and power was held by this elder sister for many years. This Grand Princess Lóngjiā was fair in her dealings and had a close relationship with the late Emperor. Later, the current Emperor elevated her to Grand Grand Princess, granting her lifelong glory. However, it was widely known that she had many favorites, regardless of gender. Yet few people knew that when she was gravely ill, she refused to see anyone and eventually trapped herself to death in a secret chamber.

Yang Mei didn’t know what Duan Min meant by sending her this message.

Yang Mei no longer wanted to be a person like the Grand Princess. Initially, she thought power might be fun, but in the past few months, she had driven away the enemies in her heart—her father and brother. Now, even holding the leadership of This Place Pavilion made her feel somewhat dispirited.

Moreover, she had met Duan Min again. She felt that how carefree she would be without This Place Pavilion. She wouldn’t have to worry about others’ words and could spend time at Yúnyún Hall like Muyè, clinging to Duan Min’s side.

And Duan Min, she was actually still worried about herself, wasn’t she?

The night was deep. The moon in the sky was like a silver hook, and there was an occasional rustling of wind. Yang Mei quietly looked out and couldn’t help but think: I should go see Duan Min. I miss her so much after not seeing her for a few days.