The Young Marquis Regrets Too Late - Chapter 26

Fang Zhiping and his mother left the Jiang family residence late in the afternoon.

Both sides were very satisfied with the results of their visit today.

Lady Li had practically already decided on Fang Zhiping as the ideal candidate for Jiang Jingchun’s marriage. She had observed his conduct and demeanour, which were polished and composed, and felt pleased by what she saw. Moreover, he clearly understood why the Jiang family had chosen him, which meant that in the future, he would know his place and not mistreat Jiang Jingchun.

After having some servants send Fang Zhiping and his mother off, Lady Li went to ask Jiang Jingchun for her thoughts.

When Jiang Jingchun said that Fang Zhiping was alright, she felt reassured and said, “If he’s alright, that’s enough. In the coming days, I’ll find some opportunities for you two to meet a few more times. Your betrothal should be settled soon.”

When Fang Zhiping and his mother returned home, night had almost fully fallen.

Moonlight spilt across the ground. Occasional sounds of cicadas and insects broke the quiet of the night as the mother and son walked side by side.

Madame Fang still found the day’s events a bit surreal. Could such an important match really be decided with just a few words?

The Jiang family was the esteemed minister of personnel’s household, while they were merely a sixth-ranked family. The difference between them was as vast as clouds and mud. They couldn’t even dare to dream of such a union before.

She still felt uneasy, so she asked Fang Zhiping, “Why do you think the Jiang family chose us? Out of so many families, why us?”

Compared to his mother’s nervous state, Fang Zhiping appeared much calmer. He explained, “It’s precisely because our family’s standing is low. A lower-standing family without power or influence is easier to control. Didn’t Madame Jiang explicitly say today that if I marry Jiang Jingchun, I won’t be allowed to take concubines, and neither you nor anyone else in our family can mistreat her or make her suffer?”

Hearing this blunt explanation, Madame Fang’s expression instantly changed. “That sounds a bit extreme. I heard Jiang Jingchun has quite the temper. Apparently she’s caused all sorts of trouble for her family before. If she does that to us as well, are we meant to simply watch and suffer in silence?”

“Mother, think about it. Why do you think the Jiang family is marrying her off now of all times? It’s because their true daughter has been found and returned. They no longer have the time or energy to focus on her. Besides, after seeing her, I think she seems rather innocent and simple, like the kind who’s easy to manage. Marrying a family like the Jiang family is an opportunity of a lifetime for us; if we miss this, it will never come again.”

Madame Fang was accustomed to letting her son make decisions, since he had always been clever and capable. If her son said so, what more could she say?

Moreover, she knew that he wasn’t wrong. The chance to connect with a family like the Jiang family was a blessing that had to be cultivated over multiple lifetimes.

Her son would get to marry a beautiful wife and form a connection with a high-ranking family—what could possibly be bad about that?

When Madame Fang thought about it this way, the unease in her heart eased.

However, she then recalled another issue and said, “If they won’t let you take concubines, what about your cousin…?”

After being reminded of this complication, Fang Zhiping frowned. He had almost forgotten about that troublesome matter. He said, “Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll handle it.”

The night was now pitch black. As they spoke, they had already reached the inner courtyard. Fang Zhiping said, “It’s late. Mother, you should rest now.”

That night, the black-clad figure from before appeared again in Jiang Jinghui’s room.

She was just about to lower the bed curtains and rest when she heard a faint sound near the window.

She threw on her outer garment and walked towards the window.

Moonlight scattered softly across the windowsill. As soon as she opened the window, the black-clad figure suddenly emerged from below.

Jiang Jinghui was startled by his sudden appearance and nearly screamed. Once she regained her composure, anger flickered in her eyes. She glared at him and scolded, “Are you a child? Why would you scare me like that?”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked towards the table without looking at him.

Seeing her irritation, the black-clad man climbed through the window and followed her. “How was I to know you’d be so easily startled? Don’t be mad. I’m here to talk about something important.”

Jiang Jinghui frowned and said, “Didn’t we agree last time to meet at a teahouse if there was something urgent? Why are you here again? If someone catches you, I’d like to see how you plan to explain yourself.”

“Circumstances forced my hand. There wasn’t time to wait for you to leave your house. This time, I came to talk about Gu Huaisheng.”

At the mention of Gu Huaisheng, Jiang Jinghui’s expression darkened. “What about him must we discuss?”

She had initially thought that, since Jiang Jingchun liked Gu Huaisheng, she’d planned to put some effort into winning him over. However, it now seemed Jiang Jingchun had no interest in him, and Gu Huaisheng himself wasn’t as easy to fool as she’d hoped. 

She no longer intended to waste her time on him.

“You need to be careful. He’s started investigating you.”

Jiang Jinghui didn’t show any sign of nervousness upon hearing this. She merely asked, “Has he found anything?”

The black-clad man chuckled softly. His voice was low and steady in the darkness. “I’ve been keeping an eye on it. How could he possibly uncover anything?”

After a brief pause, he added, “But you’ve left too many loose ends. It’s no wonder he started to suspect something. What kind of family buys a child bride and raises her like a proper miss of the house? You’re more like a noble miss than that foolish girl, Jiang Jingchun. Of course, he would be suspicious.”

This was the consequence of trying to have it all. She wanted a pitiful backstory that inspired sympathy, while also refusing to present herself in a less dignified manner. How could she not invite suspicion?

Jiang Jinghui uncharacteristically fell silent upon hearing his words. Seeing her reaction, the black-clad man asked, “Why are you so quiet all of a sudden?”

The room was unlit, and he could only make out faint traces of her expression in the moonlight.

Her face was devoid of emotion, and her gaze was vacant as it fixed on nothing in particular. Finally, she spoke in a faint voice, “Compared to raising suspicion, wouldn’t it be worse if they hated me?

“Who would like a coarse, illiterate, uncultured village woman? If I didn’t know anything, if I were as stupid and ignorant as Jiang Jingchun… Do you think they’d still want to acknowledge me?

“Master once told me I’m not a particularly likable person, and since they abandoned me once before, I can’t risk being discarded a second time.”

Jiang Nan valued propriety above all else. If he discovered the child he brought back was crude and unsophisticated, would he still treat her as he did now?

No. He absolutely wouldn’t.

So what if there were flaws in her story? After all, she was never truly that family’s child bride, and she didn’t have the ability to craft a perfect facade. Anyhow, even if they had suspicions, what could they do without evidence?

The black-clad man fell into a prolonged silence after hearing her words. His quietness was especially noticeable in the stillness of the night.

Seeing him silent, Jiang Jinghui rolled her eyes and said, “I didn’t stay up in the middle of the night just to have a staring contest with you.”

The black-clad man cleared his throat as if to speak, but Jiang Jinghui suddenly seemed to recall something. She turned to him and asked, “Do you know Fang Zhiping? What kind of person is he?”

He was a bit caught off guard by her abrupt change of topic, so he paused before answering, “That man? He’s a hypocrite. He’s not a good man.”

“How do you know?”

“Isn’t he your sister’s potential match? Of course I looked into him for you. If she marries someone decent, wouldn’t that gnaw at your heart?”

A sly smile curled at Jiang Jinghui’s lips. A hypocrite, was he? Well, that was perfect. That meant her dear sister was in for quite the challenge.

Since the day the Jiang and Fang families met, Jiang Jingchun and Fang Zhiping had been in frequent contact. Lady Li often acted as a matchmaker for them. She arranged for the two of them to go out together and encouraged them to spend time with each other and deepen their relationship.

Slowly, Jiang Jingchun began to accept Fang Zhiping. She even started to look forward to the life she would lead as his wife, after leaving the Jiang family.

In the past, Jiang Jingchun had never even considered the idea of marriage. She had been young and wholeheartedly focused on a relationship that was never destined to succeed. Because Gu Huaisheng had always maintained such a cold and indifferent attitude towards her, she had never been able to see a future with him and thus had never allowed herself to imagine what her future could hold.

And marrying someone else beside him? That was something she would never have considered back then.

But now, after meeting Fang Zhiping, she found herself starting to plan for the future.

She envisioned having a small, cozy home of her own, where her husband wouldn’t take concubines and would remain faithful to only her for the rest of their lives.

She didn’t have the courage to face her troubles in the Jiang family residence, and she desperately wanted to escape her current unbearable situation. This made her long for a better future even more.

She shared her decision to get married with Song Xuan’an and Chen Muqing.

Chen Muqing was a bit surprised to hear it. She hadn’t expected Jiang Jingchun to make such a   decision to marry.

Chen Muqing grabbed Jiang Jingchun by her shoulders and asked, “Are you really sure about this? You’ve only met him a few times. Do you even know what kind of person he is? Isn’t this a bit too rushed? I think you should give it more thought.”

Jiang Jingchun replied, “A-Qing, if I stay at home… I’d feel suffocated.”

Chen Muqing immediately understood. Jiang Jingchun didn’t care about what kind of person Fang Zhiping was. All she wanted was for him to take her away from the Jiang family, and that was enough for her.

As such, Chen Muqing stopped trying to dissuade her.

After all, Fang Zhiping wasn’t from a high-ranking family, and because of the Jiang family’s reputation, he probably wouldn’t dare to act out of line. Moreover, if he ever dared to mistreat Jiang Jingchun even then, well… Chen Muqing would deal with him personally.

At that moment, she suddenly thought of Gu Huaisheng. She realised Jiang Jingchun hadn’t mentioned him in a long time. In fact, it seemed like she had completely let him go, to the point where she was now considering marriage to someone else.

She had previously encouraged Jiang Jingchun to kiss her cousin. Did she actually do it?

Curiosity got the better of Chen Muqing, and she couldn’t resist asking. “Last time, you said you were going to kiss your cousin. Did you do it?”

When Chen Muqing brought up that incident, Jiang Jingchun’s thoughts drifted back to the past. She didn’t shy away and answered, “I did.”

She actually kissed him? But if she did, why was she now marrying someone else?

Chen Muqing didn’t need Jiang Jingchun to explain further. She could already guess what had happened after the kiss. There were only two possible outcomes. Either Gu Huaisheng had realised he liked Jiang Jingchun, just like in the romance stories, or… he had gotten angry because she kissed him.

Judging by the current situation, it was obviously the latter.

Chen Muqing looked at Jiang Jingchun and worriedly asked, “Are you okay…?”

How could she be okay? Something must have happened that day. Otherwise, Jiang Jingchun wouldn’t have completely given up on someone she had liked for two years and turned to marry someone else instead.

However, Jiang Jingchun simply smiled and said, “It’s been so long. I’m fine now. In fact, I just feel relieved these days.”

She lifted her gaze to the scenery outside the window. The vast sky stretched endlessly before her.

She said, “After I stopped liking him, I felt so much lighter.”

She no longer had to force herself to become the kind of person he liked. That had turned her into someone she didn’t even recognise. 

She also no longer had to worry about what might upset him or rack her brain trying to figure out how to make him smile more—she didn’t have to think about any of those things anymore.

After she returned home that day, Chen Muqing lit a fire in the courtyard and burned all the silly romance storybooks she owned in a copper furnace until nothing was left. She had never liked her stepmother, but now she realised that her stepmother had been right for once.

Like she had once said, ‘Reading such ridiculous books would only ruin a young girl’s mind.’

When Song Xuan’an learned about Jiang Jingchun’s betrothal plans, he reacted with anger. He accused her of being out of her mind and asked how she could accept just anyone without proper discernment.

Jiang Jingchun asked him to not speak so harshly, but Song Xuan’an refused to listen. He stormed off in anger. The two of them parted on bad terms.

Ever since Song Xuan’an found out about Jiang Jingchun’s plans to marry Fang Zhiping, he had been unsettled. His mood was foul at home, and he was so upset that he even lost his appetite and didn’t want to eat anymore.

Madame Song eventually went to his room to check on him and found him lying on his bed in a state of despair. When she discovered that his tantrum was because Jiang Jingchun was getting betrothed, she couldn’t help but scold him.

She said, “Why are you getting so worked up over someone else’s betrothal?”

Madame Song had one son and two daughters and had always doted on her only son. However, seeing him acting so dejected over a woman now angered her.

She knew that Song Xuan’an and Jiang Jingchun had grown up together and were close friends. 

After all, her father in law—Secretariat Elder Song, had supported Jiang Nan—Jiang Jingchun’s father in the past, and their families had maintained close ties since. Jiang Jingchun and Song Xuan’an had been childhood friends and had been practically inseparable since they were little.

Still, they—along with Chen Muqing—were just friends, weren’t they? So why was he throwing a tantrum over Jiang Jingchun’s betrothal?

Madame Song pondered for a moment and came to what she thought seemed to be the only explanation. 

“You don’t… like her, do you?” 

Otherwise, why would he be so upset?

His eyes widened at her words. His face flushed a deep red, and he stammered, “What… What nonsense are you spouting!? We’re just friends! Friends, that’s all! I just think that Fang Zhiping isn’t a good match for her, and I’m worried she’ll be deceived. I don’t like her… absolutely not!”

However, Song Xuan’an wasn’t good at hiding his emotions; everything he felt was written plainly on his face.

Madame Song’s expression cooled slightly. She straightened her posture, then looked at him and said calmly, “You’re still denying it?”

Song Xuan’an tried to argue, but Madame Song cut him off. “Even if you like her, it doesn’t matter. Fang Zhiping can marry her, but you cannot.”

“Why not?” Song Xuan’an blurted out instinctively.

“You two are as unruly as they come. What will you do if you marry? Tear the house apart together?”

Even if Song Xuan’an truly liked Jiang Jingchun, Madame Song wouldn’t allow him to marry her. They could be friends, but not a married couple. Someone like Song Xuan’an needed a gentle and practical woman, someone who could manage their household well and keep him in line.

Song Xuan’an jumped up from the bed in protest. “I won’t! I’m already eighteen, and I’m taking the provincial-level imperial examinations this year. I won’t be unruly anymore!”

Madame Song didn’t take his words seriously. “Oh? Then pass the imperial examinations first, and we’ll talk after that.”

“But she’s about to get betrothed! This can’t happen—it just can’t! Fang Zhiping looks like a bad guy even at first glance. If she marries him, she’ll be ruined!”

How many times had he even met Fang Zhiping? Did he know him? How could he just call him a bad person without reason?

Madame Song saw his agitated state, but remained unimpressed. She said, “Even if you’re right, this matter is none of your business.”

In her eyes, whether it was Song Xuan’an or Jiang Jingchun—both of them were merely half-grown children. How could they understand what love was?

This was a passing fancy, at most. Once Jiang Jingchun got married, Madame Song was sure that Song Xuan’an would also calm down and no longer think about Jiang Jingchun so much.

She didn’t say more and left with a final remark, “Once you’ve had your meal, remember this—she’s marrying the person she chose herself. Whether her life turns out well or not has nothing to do with you.”

Nothing to do with him? How could it have nothing to do with him?

Song Xuan’an wanted to say more, but his mother didn’t give him the chance to speak. She had already turned and left the room.

A wave of helplessness surged through Song Xuan’an, and he punched the bed in frustration.

Not long after, a man entered the room. He was dressed in a simple, plain-coloured long robe and bore a few similarities to Song Xuan’an in appearance.

He was none other than his older concubine-born half-brother, Song Xuanjing.

The two brothers had a good relationship. Hearing that Song Xuan’an was throwing a tantrum and refusing to eat, Song Xuanjing came by to see what was going on.

Song Xuanjing had just run into Madame Song on her way out. Now, seeing Song Xuan’an sprawled lifelessly on the bed, he couldn’t help but chuckle. He asked, “What are you up to now?”

Hearing his elder brother’s voice, Song Xuan’an got up from the bed. He looked at Song Xuanjing, then asked, “Brother, have you ever met Fang Zhiping?”

Song Xuanjing was puzzled. “Who’s that? Why are you suddenly asking about him?”

Song Xuan’an felt like it was indeed stupid for him to ask that question. Song Xuanjing had already entered the imperial court as an official—how could he possibly know someone like Fang Zhiping?

And he himself was a student at the Imperial Academy like Fang Zhiping. Why was he even asking his brother about this?

However, Song Xuan’an really didn’t know much about Fang Zhiping.

After all, he wasn’t very noticeable, although the teachers at the Imperial Academy all seemed to like him. He always carried himself with a gentlemanly demeanour, and his schoolwork was excellent—and that was about all he knew about him.

Song Xuan’an and Fang Zhiping were not the same type of people and never interacted much, so he didn’t know anything else about him.

Song Xuanjing said, “Are you suddenly asking about him because of Miss Jiang?”

The rumours about the Jiang family choosing a son-in-law had been circulating for some time. And in recent days, the Jiang and Fang families had been in frequent contact.

Seeing his brother’s current state of despair, Song Xuanjing could more or less guess that something was brewing between Jiang Jingchun and Fang Zhiping.

Song Xuan’an was once again confronted with this topic.

Song Xuanjing was only about three years older than Song Xuan’an, and the two had been close since they were young children. Song Xuan’an didn’t bother hiding his feelings in front of him and said, “I just don’t want her to marry him. She doesn’t even know what kind of person he is. Marriage is a lifelong matter…”

Back when she liked Gu Huaisheng, it didn’t really matter. After all, he knew that Gu Huaisheng would never like her.

But Fang Zhiping was different. This time, they were actually about to get married!

Song Xuanjing said, “You must like her.”

Why was even his brother saying this?

Song Xuan’an felt a headache coming on.

“I just think they’re not a good match,” he replied.

Hearing this, Song Xuanjing sighed and asked, “So what did Mother say to you earlier?”

Madame Song must have said something to him; otherwise, he wouldn’t look so deflated.

Song Xuan’an said, “She said that I’m not a good match for her.”

Song Xuanjing laughed. At least he was honest. 

He sat down on the edge of the bed and said, “What you should focus on right now is preparing for the provincial-level imperial examinations. You shouldn’t be thinking about these things right now.”

Hearing this, Song Xuan’an suddenly thought of something. He sprang up from the bed like a carp flipping out of water. 

His eyes lit up.

If he passed the provincial-level imperial examinations, wouldn’t that change his mother’s mind?

He had figured it out. Since Jiang Jingchun was going to get married anyway, if it didn’t matter whom she married, why couldn’t she marry him? He would never treat her badly in the future.

Just the thought of her marrying someone else made his chest tighten, his breath halt, and his whole body feel uncomfortable.

She just had to wait for him. Once he passed the provincial-level imperial examinations, his mother would surely listen to him.

Song Xuanjing had no idea which of his words had struck a nerve. He just saw Song Xuan’an suddenly rush out of the room. His younger brother ignored him—no matter how much he called after him, Song Xuan’an didn’t look back.

After coming to that decision, Song Xuan’an headed straight for the Jiang family. He didn’t dare to delay even for a moment.

He climbed over the wall with the intention to sneak into Jiang Jingchun’s courtyard. However, he was spotted by one of the Jiang family’s servants along the way and was promptly brought before Lady Li.

In the main hall, only the two of them were seated. Lady Li asked Song Xuan’an, “Why have you suddenly come today? And why didn’t you inform the servants before entering? What were you doing climbing over the wall?”

Lady Li knew that he and Jiang Jingchun were good friends. If he’d simply announced himself before entering the house, he wouldn’t have needed to perform such theatrics. Instead, he got caught red-handed climbing over the wall.

She continued, “Besides, Jingchun is about to get engaged to the young master of the Fang family. You absolutely cannot do things like this anymore. From now on, you should keep some distance from her. It’s better for both of you. If someone spreads rumours, it’ll be disastrous.”

His expression shifted when he heard her words. He abruptly stood and knelt before Lady Li.

He said, “Aunt, I… I can marry her too…”

On his way here, Song Xuan’an had thought everything through. His mother said he liked her? Maybe that was true.

But so what if he liked her? Was that something to be ashamed of? Why should he feel embarrassed of that? If he didn’t speak up now, then was he supposed to just stand by and watch her marry a complete stranger?

Lady Li was startled by his sudden kneeling, and even more so by what he said next.

This reckless boy—did he think marriage was something he could just decide on a whim?

Now, of all times, when Jiang Jingchun was already on the verge of getting engaged, he came here acting like this. Was he trying to ruin her match?

Song Xuan’an stammered, “Friends… So what if we’re friends?”

Even though he felt it was a bit strange at first, he didn’t care anymore. He was afraid that if he hesitated any longer, he would truly be too late to ever have her.

Seeing his stubbornness, Lady Li realised there was no reasoning with him. She said, “Get up. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear anything you said today, and I won’t tell her either. Go home.”

Song Xuan’an hurriedly said, “I’m serious! I’m not joking. Aunt, please let me see her. I’ll tell her myself. Even after all these years of friendship with her, am I still inferior to that Fang fellow?”

Lady Li said, “Even if she came out to talk to you, she’d say the same thing as I just did. I’m her mother—don’t you think I’d know whether or not she likes you? Besides, the two of you are suited to be friends, not husband and wife.”

Those words stung deeply.

However, Song Xuan’an was stubborn and wouldn’t budge, no matter what. He refused to leave.

Though Lady Li was angry, she had no choice but to call someone to bring Jiang Jingchun over.

Jiang Jingchun had no idea why her mother had summoned her. When she arrived and saw Song Xuan’an kneeling there, she got even more baffled.

Lady Li said to Song Xuan’an, “I’ll let her say it to you herself.”

With that, she left the hall.

Jiang Jingchun hadn’t yet figured out what was going on when Song Xuan’an suddenly stood up and walked over to her. His gaze was resolute, as though he had made a firm decision.

He said, “Jiang Jingchun, marry me.”

Jiang Jingchun thought Song Xuan’an must have lost his mind. Otherwise, how could he say such a thing?

She looked at him in disbelief and asked, “Song Xuan’an… are you having a fever?”

Song Xuan’an was confused.

Fever? What fever?

It took him a moment to realise she was implying that he was spouting nonsense.

His voice grew anxious as he said, “I’m serious! I’m not joking. Don’t you want to get married? Do you even know Fang Zhiping and what kind of person he is? How can you be sure after meeting him just a few times…?”

Jiang Jingchun interrupted him. She said, “Song Xuan’an, stop talking.”

Wasn’t this how it was for everyone? Every couple would start with a brief meeting to see if they were compatible, then seeing each other a few more times, and finally getting betrothed?

This was just how it was, and there was nothing wrong with it.

Moreover… She and Song Xuan’an? How could there possibly be anything between them?

Either he was crazy, or she was.

Jiang Jingchun looked at Song Xuan’an and said, “I’m about to be betrothed to him. Stop saying such foolish things. There’s nothing wrong with him. Mother says he’s a good person. So don’t overthink it and make him out to be a bad person when he’s not.”

Song Xuan’an grabbed Jiang Jingchun by the shoulders and said, “Why not me? We’ve known each other for so long. Why would you rather marry a stranger than choose me?”

It was precisely because they’d known each other for so long that it was impossible.

Moreover, her family and the Fang family had already reached this point of the betrothal process…

Fang Zhiping was a good man. As long as she followed the proper steps of getting betrothed, she could have her own home with him. And how could  Fang Zhiping be a stranger to her? He was someone both she herself and her mother had chosen as her future husband.

But Song Xuan’an? He was just a rash and impulsive young man who had come here suddenly to say these things. Did his family even know about this?

She knew how impulsive he could be. She knew he always thought everything would go according to his wishes. He must think his marriage was something he could decide on easily, but that wasn’t the case.

He didn’t even understand what it all meant.

Jiang Jingchun pushed him away. “I’m getting married soon. Don’t do this.”

Her words were like a dagger that stabbed straight into his chest.

After being pushed away, he stood there in a daze for a long time. 

Then, he heard Jiang Jingchun say, “Do you think that after I get married, I won’t hang out with you anymore? Don’t overthink it. Fang Zhiping is a good man. I’ll pretend you never said anything today, and we’ll still be friends. Now go.”

It took Song Xuan’an a long time to process what she said. She truly didn’t want to marry him.

He saw her frown. He saw the disappointed look she was giving him. It was as if he had said something completely unacceptable to her.

Song Xuan’an couldn’t bear to see her expression any longer. He turned around and said bitterly, “Who wants to be your friend?”

Even now, she was still talking about being friends with him. She was so heartless.

“You’ll regret this, Jiang Jingchun.”

If she didn’t choose him, she would certainly regret it.

He had mustered all his courage to come to the Jiang family because he was worried that she would be deceived and because he was afraid that Fang Zhiping might be a hypocrite hiding behind a facade. However, she said such things to him.

He knew they were only friends now, but hadn’t they known each other since they were kids? And why couldn’t friends grow to like each other in a romantic way? Where was the logic in that?

Song Xuan’an left her with those parting words. He stormed out without looking back, leaving Jiang Jingchun standing alone in place.

She never expected Song Xuan’an to say such things to her.

When had it all started? She didn’t know.

All she could be certain of was that she had one less friend now.

By the end of the sixth month, the rain still hadn’t eased. It had been falling intermittently for more than half a month by then. However, the weather was stiflingly humid and hot—irritatingly so. Raindrops clung to the edges of the green roof tiles of the courtyard, and the endless drizzle seemed like a curtain of pearls and jade that separated it from the outside world.

Shuliang walked in from the outer corridor. He shook the water droplets off his clothes as he headed toward Gu Huaisheng’s study.

After knocking on the door, he heard a voice from inside say, “Come in.” 

He pushed the door open and entered.

Gu Huaisheng was seated at his desk. His gaze was focused on the table. His long fingers held a writing brush, while his other hand pressed down on the paper before him. His slender, fair hand faintly showed the veins beneath his skin.

Even after Shuliang entered the room, Gu Huaisheng didn’t put down the brush in his hand. It was unclear what he was writing.

Shuliang hesitated. He was unsure whether he should speak. Sensing this, Gu Huaisheng spoke first. 

Gu Huaisheng said, “If you have something to say, speak.”

Without even raising his head, Gu Huaisheng seemed to know Shuliang was hesitating about how to begin.

After hearing this, Shuliang didn’t delay further. While standing to the side, he began to report the matter to Gu Huaisheng.

“You asked me last time to investigate Fang Zhiping’s family. After returning, I had some spies look into him and found that he indeed has… issues.”

Hearing Fang Zhiping’s name being mentioned, Gu Huaisheng’s expression seemed to shift slightly, and his hand paused for a moment.

Shuliang didn’t notice the subtle change in Gu Huaisheng’s demeanour and continued, “Fang Zhiping has a cousin. Her mother passed away early, and for years, she’s been living with the Fang family. But just a few days ago, for some unknown reason, Fang Zhiping suddenly sent her away. He sent her back to her ancestral home in Huiyang.”

The Fang family’s ancestral home was in Huiyang. It was not far from the capital—just a two to three days’ journey away.

Still, the sudden decision to send her away at this critical juncture was suspicious. No one would believe him if he said there wasn’t a shady reason behind it.

Shuliang had the spies continue tracking her for a couple of days and sure enough, they uncovered something shocking.

Fang Zhiping’s cousin… appeared to be pregnant.

Upon learning of this, Shuliang immediately came to inform Gu Huaisheng of the matter.

Pregnant?

Gu Huaisheng’s grip on his brush tightened, and the veins on the back of his hand pulsed visibly beneath his skin.

That child couldn’t be anyone else’s—it had to be Fang Zhiping’s.

Otherwise, why would he go to such lengths? He’d even rushed to send her away under the cover of night.

Gu Huaisheng had suspected that Fang Zhiping wasn’t a decent person, but he hadn’t imagined the man would dare to get another woman pregnant before a legitimate wife had even entered his household. It was clear he intended to trick Jiang Jingchun into marriage first and, even if the scandal came to light later, banked on Jiang Jingchun’s gentle nature to manipulate her.

That man used honeyed words and sweet lies, and probably hadn’t spoken a single true word from the beginning.

Gu Huaisheng let out a cold laugh. “He is quite the schemer, isn’t he?”

Then, Gu Huaisheng unexpectedly put down his brush. Shuliang couldn’t quite understand what he was thinking. At the next moment, Shuliang saw him getting up.

“Are you going out, Young Master?” Shuliang asked.

“Prepare the carriage. We’re going to the Jiang family’s residence.”

Since Fang Zhiping was such a person, Gu Huaisheng wouldn’t hesitate to break off the betrothal between him and Jiang Jingchun.

At first, he felt awful.

However, after a moment’s thought, he realised there was still room to salvage the situation. As long as he informed Jiang Jingchun that Fang Zhiping wasn’t a good match, this betrothal could be stopped.

He perked up after that realisation. It was as if he had caught someone red-handed and was eager to report it to the teacher. Indeed, he couldn’t wait to expose Fang Zhiping’s true face in front of Jiang Jingchun.

He wanted to tell her that the man wasn’t a good man, and he wasn’t worthy of her trust.

She must not marry him.

Absolutely not.