The Young Marquis Regrets Too Late - Chapter 35

Jiang Jinghui claimed she had been sold to be a child bride. That alone already seemed suspicious. Now, she was lying again by saying that she’d overheard an old tale from sweeping monks. How could the old madame not be suspicious of her?

In the past, the old madame had turned a blind eye to her lies. Had she lied about anything else, the old madame probably would’ve continued doing so. After all, she was her family’s descendant, regardless of everything else, and Jiang Nan had spent a colossal amount of effort to find her and bring her back. However, this time, Jiang Jinghui had stabbed at someone’s deepest wound so mercilessly. How could she have done it?

Hearing the old madame’s sharp, questioning tone, Jiang Jinghui’s face suddenly turned panicked, and she said, “Grandmother, why would you think of me this way? I really did just hear it from the monks! Are you suspicious of me over something like this? I’ve always known you don’t like me and prefer my sister, but now this… it’s truly heartbreaking…”

Seeing her burst into tears so quickly, the old madame felt a headache coming on.

Despite her crying, though, the old madame’s expression remained cold. The old madame said, “Fine. Let’s assume you heard it from someone else. Why, then, did you feel the need to share it with your sister?”

Jiang Jinghui sneered inwardly but still maintained a sorrowful appearance outwardly. She replied, “How could I have known you didn’t want her to know, Grandmother? I’ve always thought of you as kind and virtuous. How was I to know you also intended to hide it from her? Since the matter has already happened, I think my sister has the right to know, doesn’t she? Or… is it that you planned to deceive her for the rest of her life?”

If they hadn’t done such heartless things in the first place, how would they have left themselves vulnerable now? And now, they still had the gall to blame her.

The old madame caught the implied meaning in Jiang Jinghui’s words but didn’t get angry. Instead, she coldly said, “So, you admit you deliberately told her.”

Jiang Jinghui heard this but didn’t react much. She merely smiled faintly and said, “If that’s what you believe, Grandmother, then so be it.”

Her attitude made it seem like the old madame was unjustly accusing her.

The old madame realised there was no point in continuing the conversation, so she stopped. No matter what she said, Jiang Jinghui wouldn’t show a flaw. Her composure was much stronger than the old madame had anticipated.

The old madame didn’t say another word to Jiang Jinghui. Instead, she turned and called out to someone else. 

“Jiang Nan, she’s your daughter. You deal with her.”

After saying this, the old madame rose and left. Meanwhile, Jiang Nan finally stepped out of the shadows.

As it turned out, he had been hiding nearby, eavesdropping on their conversation from the very beginning. Upon realising this, Jiang Jinghui’s faint smile finally faded, and her eyes grew cold.

Before Jiang Nan could say anything, Jiang Jingchun seized the first word. She looked at him and said, “Father, you don’t believe me either, do you?”

Her tone was calm and flat, and it was devoid of any trace of sadness or indignation. Yet somehow, her one sentence still made Jiang Nan feel inexplicably guilty.

He opened his mouth but found himself unable to form words as he looked into her emotionless eyes.

After a long silence, he finally mustered the courage to speak. “It’s not like that, Daughter…”

“Not like that? Then why were you here, Father? When Grandmother was testing me, why didn’t you say a single word?”

Clearly, he had also been suspicious towards her, yet he still denied it.

Jiang Nan was rendered speechless by her questioning. Seeing her look at him that way, his heart ached. Even if she had ulterior motives for coming to the Jiang family, even if she truly harboured malicious intentions… What could he do? Could he really drive her out?

Jiang Nan had no intention of doing so.

His expression grew heavy, and he furrowed his eyebrows. “If you have any grievances, Daughter, tell me. You’re my own flesh and bl00d. What could I possibly do to harm you?”

Her defensive posture pained him deeply.

However, in Jiang Jinghui’s ears, his words were merely a veiled admission of suspicion. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Jiang Nan. “If Father doesn’t trust me and this family cannot tolerate me, I’ll leave. Why did you bother bringing me back in the first place? I’d rather have died outside than be suspected like this by my own father and grandmother.”

Her voice grew increasingly fraught with sorrow until she was sobbing uncontrollably.

Jiang Nan quickly stepped forward to comfort her. “I won’t say anything more. It’s my fault. I know you’ve suffered all these years. Now that you’re finally home, we shouldn’t be suspicious of you. Let’s not talk about this anymore. From now on, I won’t bring it up again…”

He had looked for her for so many years, and now that she was finally here, even if she had done something wrong, he couldn’t bring himself to cast her out. Besides, she hadn’t done anything egregious. She’d probably only done it because Jiang Jingchun was still around and that made her feel insecure, so she’d acted impulsively…

If they treated her better in the future, surely she’d let go of the past.

With this thought, Jiang Nan’s gaze steadied. He had decided to let the matter drop.

Through her tear-filled eyes, Jiang Jinghui observed Jiang Nan’s expression and knew that today’s ordeal had passed.

Even if he had lingering doubts and suspicions, his temporary guilt would make him turn a blind eye to all of them.

Neither of them mentioned the matter again as Jiang Jinghui wiped her tears and left Rongde Hall with Jiang Nan.

At the Song family residence, Song Xuan’an had been confined in the house by Madame Song after he’d returned from the Chen family residence that day.

It seemed Song Xuan’an still didn’t fully understand the way his mother thought.

Madame Song did not approve of his wish to marry Jiang Jingchun.

When Madame Song had prayed for his scholarly success at the temple, she had drawn a most inauspicious lot. She was already fearful of him suffering from bad fortune in the upcoming imperial examinations, and seeing him distracted by thoughts of marriage, she became enraged and locked him in the study.

This confinement had lasted three days by now.

There was only a month left until the imperial examinations, and Madame Song knew she couldn’t keep him locked up forever. That evening, she came to check on him. She hoped that he might have come to his senses.

The room was dark. Its windows were tightly shut, and there was no candle lit in it.

Madame Song instructed the servants to light the candles and then approached the bed. She saw Song Xuan’an lying motionless, facing the wall. Even when the door opened, he showed no reaction.

Her heart sank. Could he have been pushed too far? But she spoke sharply nonetheless. “Don’t pretend to be dead to fool me. That trick won’t work. Get up now.”

Yet her words elicited no response.

Madame Song didn’t know what game he was playing right now and began to feel a growing unease. She gestured to a servant nearby.

The servant understood her intent, then approached the bed and turned Song Xuan’an over. 

Still, he remained unresponsive.

Madame Song finally caught sight of his face, and what she saw shocked him. He had grown alarmingly gaunt. His cheeks were sunken, and his cheekbones were jutting out. His lips were pale as paper.

Madame Song let out a gasp of horror and rushed to his side. She began weeping and wailing while crying out, “My son! My son!”

Was he… was he no longer breathing?

She reached out to check his breath. It was faint, but at least it was still there.

Hurriedly, she ordered someone to fetch the household physician. While waiting, she began scolding the servants. “You useless fools! I told you to keep an eye on him. How could you not notice he hadn’t eaten for days?”

Song Xuan’an had probably gone on a hunger strike in protest.

He’d starved himself for three days. How could he have done this to himself?

The servants trembled as they explained, “We thought he had been quietly studying these past few days. Every meal we brought was mostly finished and placed outside the door, so we didn’t realise he wasn’t eating…”

Who of them could’ve expected that Song Xuan’an would quietly create such a mess?

As soon as the servant finished speaking, everyone caught a faint, foul odour. They searched around and found a bucket in the corner filled with leftover food from the past few days. Although the study had an ice container, the leftovers had inevitably started to rot and stink.

Madame Song quickly ordered someone to take the bucket out and throw its contents away. Then, she told the servants to cook some porridge and bring it over immediately. After that, she hugged Song Xuan’an and cried bitterly for a while.

She hugged her so tightly that he almost couldn’t catch his breath. Although Song Xuan’an was still somewhat angry, he lacked the strength to resist due to hunger. 

He said, “You’re going to suffocate me to death…”

His weak voice reached Madame Song’s ears, and she quickly let go in surprise.

Seeing that Song Xuan’an was okay, Madame Song couldn’t help but scold him: “You ungrateful brat! You’re hopeless! All this over a woman—how dare you do this to me!?”

Tears rolled from the corners of Song Xuan’an’s eyes. “But I really like her. We grew up together. When Uncle Jiang brought her to our home, I thought she was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen. I just like her. I want to marry her…”

Madame Song was so furious she wanted to slap him. “Is this all you amount to? Is she the only woman you’d ever seen in your life? Why must it be her? Do you know how much disgrace you’d bring to your grandfather’s name? You’re utterly shameless!”

Song Xuan’an was unmoved by her scolding. With the little amount of strength he had left, he pushed her away and said, “Then leave, Mother. I won’t take the provincial-level imperial examinations this autumn. You’ve already said I wouldn’t pass anyway. Just let me starve to death here. After all, dead or alive, all I’ll ever amount to is just a disgrace.”

Madame Song grew even angrier at his words. She knew he was threatening her, but what could she do? Could she really let him die?

She only had one son. If he were gone, would she let that b1tch concubine’s son take his place?

Absolutely not.

She wiped away her tears and said to Song Xuan’an, “Don’t you dare think about dying! If you die, I won’t live either. And before I die, I’ll make sure that girl you’re obsessed with comes with me!”

Hearing this, Song Xuan’an rolled his eyes and replied, “Fine, let’s all die together, then.”

He didn’t believe for a second that she’d actually do it. She hadn’t had her fill of the good life yet—there was no way she’d give it up.

Hearing his words made Madame Song realise that Song Xuan’an wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted.

However, he was her only son. How could she really watch him die?

Madame Song said, “Get up. Let’s have a proper talk.”

Song Xuan’an realised that she was making a concession, so he stopped his antics and sat up obediently.

Madame Song asked, “Do you really like her? This isn’t just a passing fancy?”

“Who would risk their life for a passing fancy?” he replied earnestly. 

His feelings for her were real, though no one seemed to believe him.

Madame Song said, “I never liked Jiang Jingchun much—not because she’s bad, but because she’s not a good match for you. You two are best suited as friends. But you know I love you and can’t bear to see you hurt. If you’re so determined to marry her, I’ll give you a chance.

“I prayed for guidance at Miao’en Temple and drew a lot that said your prospects for the provincial-level imperial examinations are grim. If you can pass, I’ll personally go to the Jiang family to propose marriage for you.”

Song Xuan’an immediately protested, “Mother, those lots aren’t accurate! Why put your faith in such things?”

If the lot had predicted good fortune, he would treat it like divine truth, but if it predicted misfortune… Well, screw that stick. It was utter nonsense, anyway.

Seeing that he was finally showing some spirit, Madame Song softened a little. Still, she scolded him by saying, “If you were more like Young Marquis Gu, I wouldn’t care about a silly lot. I’d tear down that unreliable temple myself. But you—you’re always fooling around. How could I not believe it?”

At the mention of Gu Huaisheng, Song Xuan’an’s mood immediately soured. Just then, the household physician arrived, so their conversation ended.

Song Xuan’an said, “There’s no need to examine me. I’m just hungry. Some porridge will do.”

However, Madame Song was still worried and insisted the physician examine him to make sure he hadn’t harmed himself. 

Thankfully, it truly was nothing serious.

Madame Song and Song Xuan’an had finally made an agreement, so she stopped confining him. As long as he passed the provincial-level imperial examinations, she’d allow him to put anything on the negotiating table.

She didn’t stay long after that. She got up and went out, but soon ran into Song Xuanjing, who was looking for Song Xuan’an.

The two met face to face. Song Xuanjing saluted and greeted her, “Mother.”

When Madame Song saw Song Xuanjing, her expression darkened. She didn’t even want to acknowledge him. Indeed, she only barely muttered a response.

Song Xuanjing was her husband’s concubine-born son. When Madame Song married into the family, she had remained childless for years. After three childless years, her husband had gotten his concubine pregnant, and that concubine proceeded to flaunt her status and treat Madame Song with disdain. When the concubine gave birth to a son, Madame Song’s husband openly favoured the concubine and Madame Song’s position became even more difficult than it already was.

Things only improved after Madame Song gave birth to her own son.

Fortunately, the concubine died of illness after a few years, which meant the end of her arrogance as well.

Even so, Madame Song could never look kindly upon Song Xuanjing, the concubine’s surviving son.

To make matters worse, Song Xuanjing was exceptionally capable, which only fuelled her anger and resentment.

Madame Song looked at Song Xuanjing with a strange gaze and said, “Don’t disturb him. He’s busy preparing for the imperial examinations. Every moment you bother him is a moment he loses for studying.”

Song Xuanjing remained calm and unfazed by Madame Song’s hostility. In all these years, he had heard far worse.

Compared to her usual insults, this was mild.

Since she wouldn’t let him meet Song Xuan’an, he didn’t press the matter. He merely politely bid her farewell and said, “Then I’ll take my leave.”

Madame Song tilted her chin arrogantly and tacitly dismissed him in that way. 

Once Song Xuanjing’s figure disappeared, she snorted coldly and said, “He pretends to be virtuous, as if butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. Who knows what filthy schemes he’s plotting?”

A nearby servant hesitated before saying, “That doesn’t seem likely. This servant thinks the eldest young master means no harm… Besides, he has a good relationship with our young master. Maybe he could guide him a little.”

Song Xuanjing had taken the imperial examinations the same year as Gu Huaisheng, in the eighteenth year of Emperor Taihe’s reign. Gu Huaisheng took the third place overall, while Song Xuanjing ranked in the second-class. Though it wasn’t as prestigious as being among the top three scholars who passed, it was still an impressive accomplishment. Having Song Xuanjing tutor Song Xuan’an could be beneficial for the latter.

Upon hearing this, Madame Song immediately snapped at the servant. “You fool! What kind of scoundrel advertises they’re a scoundrel? If I let him ‘help,’ who knows if he’d aid my son or harm him?”

In her eyes, Song Xuanjing was just like his mother. They were both skilled at acting innocent. However, Song Xuan’an was foolish and naive enough to treat him like a kind elder brother.

After receiving this scolding, the servant went silent. He shrank back and dared not speak again.

The scorching heat of the seventh month finally began to subside as it made way for the eighth month. After the hottest days of the summer passed, the furnace-like heat eased. This brought a much-needed coolness to the air.

Gu Huaisheng had resumed his duties at the yamen. That evening, as he was preparing to leave and head home, his attendant, Shuliang, stepped forward with a report. 

“Young Master,” Shuliang said. “A spy has just relayed a message that your cousin has returned to the Jiang family residence.”

During the time Jiang Jingchun had been away from the Jiang family, Gu Huaisheng had arranged for a spy to follow her discreetly. He wasn’t entirely at ease leaving her unmonitored. 

Fortunately, for the past twenty days, she had stayed at the Chen family residence without stepping outside.

However, Song Xuan’an had frequently visited the Chen family during that time—almost excessively, even.

Perhaps because it had been a while since he’d received news of her, Gu Huaisheng’s eyebrows furrowed involuntarily. He asked, “Did she return with her luggage?”

Shuliang shook his head. “No, it seems she intends to return to the Chen family residence later.”

Hearing this, Gu Huaisheng immediately stepped out and went to board his carriage. 

“Let’s head to the Jiang residence,” he instructed.

Before long, the carriage arrived at the Jiang family residence. As it happened, Jiang Jingchun’s carriage arrived at the back entrance at the same time. The two disembarked simultaneously and unexpectedly encountered each other.

It had been over twenty days since they last met. Ever since Jiang Jingchun had left the Jiang family residence after visiting her mother’s tomb, they hadn’t met again.

Gu Huaisheng noticed that she looked healthier than before, perhaps because she hadn’t been at the Jiang family residence. The weight she had lost during her troubled days had returned slightly. It seemed her time with her two friends at the Chen family residence had been peaceful and allowed her to move past some of her prior worries.

Jiang Jingchun was clearly caught off guard by the sudden meeting. Her eyes betrayed a moment of surprise. She seemed unsure of how to react and hesitated for a moment before finally pressing her lips together and greeting him, saying, “Cousin…”

She had once been adamant about cutting ties with Gu Huaisheng. She had held onto the anger she felt toward him for his past actions—his harsh treatment of her, his cruelty, and his unkind words.

However, things were different now. After everything she had experienced, Jiang Jingchun had come to realise that, compared to other people, Gu Huaisheng was at least relatively kind-hearted to her. His worst flaws were his lack of affection for her, his sharp tongue, and the way he had called her shameless…

Anyhow, now that she had resolved to marry Song Xuan’an, she thought that dwelling on the past seemed pointless. To continue resenting him for those old grievances would only make it appear as though she was still fixated on them and couldn’t move on.

It seemed better to face him with clarity and grace and pretend as though nothing had ever happened.

Hearing Jiang Jingchun take the initiative to greet him unsettled Gu Huaisheng. 

Something felt off.

His mind wandered to Song Xuan’an’s recent frequent visits to the Chen household. The crease between his eyebrows deepened.

When Jiang Jingchun received no reply from Gu Huaisheng, she didn’t wait for it to come. She asked, “Are you also here to see Grandmother?”

Gu Huaisheng nodded.

Jiang Jingchun said, “I’m also here to see Grandmother. Let’s go together.”

Jiang Jingchun had returned to discuss her marriage with Song Xuan’an with the old madame. 

Since this was a significant life decision, and she had no desire to deal with Lady Li, she thought it best to let the old madame handle the matter. 

She didn’t mind if Gu Huaisheng heard about it as well. That’d be even better than if he didn’t, actually. Besides, it wasn’t as if this matter was something she needed to hide. 

As they walked towards Rongde Hall, Gu Huaisheng couldn’t help wondering if she had been well recently and eventually asked her about how she’d been doing. 

Jiang Jingchun smiled and nodded, then told him she had been well.

Ever since leaving the Jiang family residence, she found an entirely different life than what she’d led before. Her life felt free of storms, with only clear skies and bright days. 

When they arrived at Rongde Hall, they happened to catch the old madame in the middle of her dinner meal.

Seeing Jiang Jingchun return without prior notice, the old madame couldn’t help but get emotional. She immediately asked her to sit by her side and completely forgot Gu Huaisheng, who stood off to the side.

“Good child, why did you suddenly come back? Have you thought things through? How have you been these past days? Why didn’t you let me know ahead of time? It’s late. Have you eaten yet?”

The old madame’s questions came in a flurry and left Jiang Jingchun unsure of which one she should answer first. She chose the simplest one to answer and shook her head. “I haven’t eaten yet.”

Hearing this, the old madame quickly instructed the servants to fetch an extra set of utensils. Jiang Jingchun glanced at Gu Huaisheng, and noticed that he was still in his official attire, which meant he’d likely come straight from work. 

She said, “Grandmother, Cousin likely hasn’t eaten yet either.”

Only then did the old madame remember Gu Huaisheng’s presence. 

“Oh, it’s my fault. I was so excited to see Jingchun that I completely forgot about Fuyan,” she said apologetically. 

She turned to the servants and added, “Bring another set of utensils.”

Gu Huaisheng didn’t mind the oversight. After all, it had been a long time since the old madame had seen Jiang Jingchun, and her excitement was understandable. He joined them at the table without complaint.

The old madame’s weak stomach meant that her dinner meals were light. She considered having the servants prepare a few more dishes for her two grandchildren.

However, they politely declined it, so she didn’t insist.

As the servants brought over the utensils, the old madame’s eyes remained fixed on Jiang Jingchun. She hadn’t seen her in days and was unsure how she had fared at the Chen family residence, especially with the presence of Chen Muqing’s stepmother there. She couldn’t tell if she would be mistreated while living in that residence.

After setting aside the handkerchief she had used to wipe her hands, Jiang Jingchun reassured the old madame by saying, “I’ve been doing well at the Chen family residence. A-Qing has been very kind to me, and her stepmother hasn’t given me any trouble, either.”

During her time there, Chen Muqing had been assigned a governess by Shen Tao, so this left Jiang Jingchun with ample time to herself. 

She eventually encountered Shen Tao, of course. However, even though they greeted and spoke to each other, Shen Tao surprisingly said nothing and tacitly allowed her continued stay. As such, Jiang Jingchun had spent peaceful and carefree days at the Chen family residence.

Anyhow, it wasn’t as if they often met. Shen Tao never went to Chen Muqing’s courtyard, where Jiang Jingchun stayed, unless it was to check on Chen Muqing’s studies.

As such, Jiang Jingchun had spent peaceful and carefree days at the Chen family residence.

As she accepted the bowl and chopsticks from the servant, Jiang Jingchun continued, “I returned today because I have something to discuss with Grandmother.”

Gu Huaisheng was listening intently to Jiang Jingchun’s words. When he heard her say this, his movement slowed. He held his breath in anticipation of what she would say next.

“Grandmother, I want to marry Song Xuan’an.”

Her words fell like a stone into still water. The entire place plunged into a dead silence.

Marry… Song Xuan’an…?

Jiang Jingchun had stayed at the Chen family residence for twenty days. Why did she say she wanted to marry Song Xuan’an as soon as she returned?

When Gu Huaisheng heard this, he froze. His jaw tensed, and his grip on his chopsticks turned pale as he processed her announcement.

It was the old madame who eventually broke the silence. She said, “Why… Why so suddenly?”

“Does Grandmother think Song Xuan’an is unsuitable for me?” Jiang Jingchun inquired.

The old madame quickly snapped out of her daze. She put down the chopsticks she was holding and began seriously discussing the matter with Jiang Jingchun. She said, “That isn’t what I mean. I just thought… It just seems so sudden.”

Compared to other men, Song Xuan’an could indeed be an ideal match for Jiang Jingchun. His family background was impeccable. His grandfather had even supported the Jiang family in the past, which established a close relationship between the two households. As the legitimate son of Secretariat Elder Song’s eldest son, he was poised to inherit the family’s legacy, especially if he achieved scholarly success in his upcoming imperial examinations.

His only flaw, the old madame mused, was his youthful immaturity. This was something he and Jiang Jingchun had in common. 

But that was natural for young people, wasn’t it? After they finally married and started their own family, they would eventually grow into their responsibilities.

The old madame knew that Jiang Jingchun had probably come to see her because she didn’t want to see Lady Li, because of what had happened in the past.

She must want her to make a decision on her behalf.

The old madame asked, “Have the two of you already discussed this? Have you spoken to his mother?”

Jiang Jingchun’s gaze lingered on the dishes before her. “He’s spoken to his mother. She said that as long as he passes the upcoming provincial-level imperial examinations, the decision is his to make.”

Before the old madame could respond, Gu Huaisheng interjected. “Do you really believe that he’ll pass?”

He’d put a faint smile on his lips and his tone was measured. He wanted to sound gentle and not overly concerned about the matter as he asked that question.

Without hesitation, Jiang Jingchun replied, “Of course, I believe in him.”

She believed in him.

Upon hearing Jiang Jingchun’s response, the smile Gu Huaisheng had forced onto his face froze. Now, his expression appeared somewhat strange.

“What if he fails?” Gu Huaisheng pressed. 

Jiang Jingchun thought for a moment and replied, “If he fails, then he fails. It’s not like he can’t try again in three years.”

Hearing this, Gu Huaisheng abruptly put down his chopsticks. They clattered loudly against the porcelain bowl. For someone usually so calm, this action was the same as completely losing his composure.

His voice was sharp and solemn as he said, “Three years? Do you think three years is short? Three years from now, you’ll be 19, and he’ll be 21.”

In her words, three years seemed like nothing, as though her bond with Song Xuan’an held even greater weight than it.

Jiang Jingchun was bewildered by his sudden outburst. Even if they had to wait three years, what did that have to do with him? Why was he so agitated now?

After Gu Huaisheng put down his chopsticks, Jiang Jingchun followed suit. 

She asked, “What’s the big deal? Why can’t I wait three years? Yes, you passed your imperial examination on your first try, but do you think everyone is as fortunate as you? There are plenty of people who take a decade or even two to pass. Waiting three years is nothing. If it doesn’t work out the first time, he can try again—what does it matter?”

At this point, she couldn’t even bring herself to worry about what would happen if Song Xuan’an really failed. All she could see was Gu Huaisheng’s arrogance and his presumptuous attempt to lecture her.

“And besides,” she continued. “He hasn’t even taken the examination yet. What makes you so sure he’ll fail? I believe in him. Even if he isn’t as accomplished as you, that doesn’t mean you get to look down on him. And you—aren’t you 21 and still unmarried yourself? Why are you so concerned about other people?”

Gu Huaisheng’s face darkened further at her words. His expression became downright unsightly.

They hadn’t married or become betrothed yet, but she was already so fiercely protective of Song Xuan’an.

Just as the argument between the two was about to escalate, the old madame hurried to mediate. She said to Jiang Jingchun, “Don’t be angry. Your cousin is just looking out for you. He’s worried you’ll suffer or be wronged. He just has a foul mouth and doesn’t know how to speak nicely.”

Gu Huaisheng, frustrated, wanted to retort upon hearing the old madame’s words but was silenced by her sharp glare. He finally fell quiet.

The old madame looked at him with a mix of disappointment and exasperation.

He was still arguing, still trying to win—would he only be satisfied if the two of them were screaming at each other? No wonder Jiang Jingchun found him more and more annoying these days. It would be a miracle if anyone liked that sharp mouth of his.

Jiang Jingchun glanced at Gu Huaisheng, who had fallen silent, and her anger subsided a little. She decided not to continue the argument.

The old madame could see Jiang Jingchun’s firm resolve to marry Song Xuan’an, so she clasped Jiang Jingchun’s hand and solemnly asked, “Are you sure about this?”

Jiang Jingchun looked at the old madame, then nodded. She said, “Yes. I’ve really thought this true. Song Xuan’an treats me very well, and he’s also sworn that he would never mistreat me.”

Hearing this, Gu Huaisheng, who had been sitting in silence, couldn’t help but interject. His tone was cold, and his words were even more cutting than before as he said, “He’d sworn? Anyone can make a vow. It’s as simple as raising your fingers—I could do it too.”

As soon as he spoke, the hall fell into a heavy silence.

Both Jiang Jingchun and the old madame turned to look at him.

Normally, Jiang Jingchun’s next words would have been something like, ‘Then swear to me and let’s see.’

Gu Huaisheng thought that if she said this, he would actually make a vow. He would personally prove his sincerity to her.

However, Jiang Jingchun merely replied quietly, “I’m not marrying you. What do I need your vow for?”

Her light remark was like a sharp arrow that struck him hard. Gu Huaisheng seemed utterly rattled by her words. His expression turned icy, and then, he abruptly rose and strode out.

Gu Huaisheng was behaving unusually today.

Even he didn’t understand why he felt so agitated today. Was it because of the things Jiang Jingchun said?

Or perhaps he just didn’t want to admit something that was staring him in the eye—it was her declaration that she was going to marry Song Xuan’an that he found so unbearable.

He had thought it through. He shouldn’t act this way. He shouldn’t anger her again. After all, he had been the one to hurt her so deeply in the past. But how could he endure hearing her words today?

Gu Huaisheng’s departure made Jiang Jingchun feel relieved. Without him around to spout his annoying nonsense, she felt that her meal had become much more peaceful.

She picked up her chopsticks again and resumed eating. She was clearly unbothered by the earlier episode. The old madame, however, had lost her appetite. She knew Jiang Jingchun would be leaving soon and only wanted to speak with her.

The old madame said to her, “I understand now. You’re determined to marry that boy from the Song family.”

Jiang Jingchun replied, “When I liked Gu Huaisheng, you said we weren’t a good match. Now are you saying I’m not a good match for Song Xuan’an either?”

She felt confused. Who, then, would she be a good match with?

The old madame waved her hand. “I never said you and Xiaosong aren’t a good match. I’m just a little worried about you, that’s all.”

If there was anyone Jiang Jingchun could marry who would truly set the old madame’s mind at ease, it would be Gu Huaisheng. However, it seemed impossible between them now.

“Well, if you’ve chosen him, then he must be a fine choice. I’ll be here waiting for the good news when the time comes. If he passes the provincial-level imperial examinations, I’ll wait for him to come to propose marriage to you.” 

The old madame hesitated for a moment before adding, “But… you’ll need to inform your mother about this…”

Jiang Jingchun lowered her eyes and said, “My mother is dead.”

The old madame instantly fell silent and did not mention the matter again.

She knew Jiang Jingchun had made up her mind. She would not acknowledge Li Wanning as her mother anymore.

This was their fault. They were the culprits—the cruel murderers who had murdered her mother.

Jiang Jingchun had called Li Wanning her mother for so many years, so it was only natural that she’d feel sickened by it now.

The old madame decided not to bring it up again. Mentioning it only dampened Jiang Jingchun’s mood.

The grandmother and granddaughter chatted for a while longer until the sky outside grew dark. Jiang Jingchun worried about the curfew, so she finally rose to leave.

As she stepped outside, she thought Gu Huaisheng must have already left. Unexpectedly, he was still standing beneath the corridor.

The night had fallen, and the crescent moon hung low in the sky. He stood in the corridor with his back turned to her. Somehow, he exuded a cold and lonely aura.

Jiang Jingchun glanced at his figure and guessed he was waiting for her.

Only…

After a moment’s hesitation, she finally approached him.

“Do you have something else to say?”

Her voice came from behind, and Gu Huaisheng turned to face her.

“Do you really like him that much?” he asked. “Did you like him from the beginning? Even when you were just friends?”

He looked at her and spoke in a voice that was cold and piercing in the still night. His eyebrows were tightly furrowed as he frowned, and his gaze was filled with emotions Jiang Jingchun couldn’t decipher.

His sudden questions made her frown as well.

She didn’t understand why he was asking this, but she perceived it as him involving himself in her life again. However, she didn’t want to have any more interactions with him on this subject. Their relationship, at most, should remain as mere cousins. She didn’t want him to pester her any further, and she also couldn’t grasp the deeper meaning behind his question.

As such, she simply nodded and replied, “Yes, I like him very much.”

There. Now he should understand her intentions.

However, Gu Huaisheng let out a low laugh and stepped closer to her. “Then why did you kiss me after kissing him? Why did you say you liked me while liking him all along?”

His laugh carried a dark undertone in the quiet night as he drew close. His presence felt so imposing that Jiang Jingchun instinctively stepped back.

Her retreat only seemed to deepen the pain in Gu Huaisheng’s eyes. His eyebrows furrowed tighter, and the smile on his lips vanished. He quickened his pace and asked, “Are you afraid I’ll do something to you?”

Why would she be afraid of him? Did she think he would ever hurt her?