The Young Marquis Regrets Too Late - Chapter 36

Gu Huaisheng was still wearing his crimson official attire. The outfit made him seem all the more aloof and unapproachable—as if he wasn’t even a human being, but an immortal.

The dim lighting cast a shadow over his jade-like face. It lent him a somewhat sinister aura.

Inwardly, Jiang Jingchun resisted the urge to turn around and run away from him. After calming her thoughts, she frowned and sharply asked him, “What are you talking about?”

Gu Huaisheng didn’t stop walking towards her. “Am I wrong? You claim you’ve liked him all along, so why did you provoke me? Back then, you clearly had a kiss with him in that alley, so why would you come and steal a kiss from me after that?”

That kiss had tormented him endlessly. It had induced dreams that haunted and plagued him endlessly. And yet, what about her? She turned around and spoke of marriage to someone else, time and time again.

There was a mocking smile on his face. He posed his questions without pausing, but they all boiled down to one question—why was she so full of affection for another man and yet so heartless towards him?

Jiang Jingchun backed into a corner until the wall pressed against her from behind and she couldn’t retreat any further. Gu Huaisheng was too close, and his cool and fresh scent somehow made it hard for her to breathe.

How sly.

Only now, after hearing his chain of questions, did Jiang Jingchun realise the true meaning behind his first question and his sly and insidious intentions in asking it.

He had asked if she had liked Song Xuan’an all along. To distance herself from him, she would naturally say yes. But by admitting it, wouldn’t it confirm that she had been two-timing them, by liking Song Xuan’an while also trying to pursue him at the same time?

If she denied it, that would be suspicious too.

She didn’t want to be so close to him and tried to push him away. However, her strength was too weak. She pushed against Gu Huaisheng’s chest, but barely made him budge, as if she were an ant trying to shake a tree. Instead, her action looked like coquettish playfulness.

Jiang Jingchun stopped trying to push him away. She widened her eyes at him, and in a fit of desperation, she simply scolded, “Why do you care when I started liking him? What matters is that I like him now. Isn’t that enough for you?”

Moreover, what was he saying earlier?

When had she and Song Xuan’an kissed in an alley?

“And when did I ever kiss him in an alley? What nonsense are you talking about?”

How could this man be like this? He was even accusing her of things she had never done.

Gu Huaisheng mentioned the Dragon Boat Festival a few months ago. He said, “On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, you went out with Song Xuan’an. I saw the two of you come out of that alley. Your lip rouge was smudged practically all over your face—wasn’t it because you were kissing him?”

Hearing this, Jiang Jingchun frowned and started to recall the events of that day.

It had been a couple of months since the Dragon Boat Festival, and her memory of the details of what had happened was hazy. After much difficulty, she finally remembered.

She remembered that her lip rouge had been smudged that day because Song Xuan’an had accidentally rubbed it off with his hand. They had gone into the alley later on simply so she could tie a sachet for him.

What kind of thoughts did Gu Huaisheng have in his mind to imagine them doing that sort of thing in the alley?

She was so angry that she laughed. “Just because you have a filthy mind doesn’t mean you should assume others are the same.”

Hearing this, Gu Huaisheng frowned even more deeply. He was momentarily unsure how to respond.

From Jiang Jingchun’s words, it seemed like he had misunderstood something.

While he remained silent, Jiang Jingchun continued, “I didn’t like him back then, and I’ve never kissed him or done anything like that. At that time, the only person I liked was you. Is that the answer you wanted to hear?”

She said that back then, she had only liked him.

Gu Huaisheng’s eyelids trembled slightly at her words.

Jiang Jingchun caught the subtle change in his expression and suddenly understood why he was acting so unreasonable today.

He was still holding on to grievances from so long ago.

After figuring it out, Jiang Jingchun no longer felt anger or panic. Instead, she even let out a soft chuckle that was tinged with a hint of mockery. 

She said to him, “Yes, I liked you very much. But the past is in the past. Do you understand what the word ‘past’ means? It means something that’s already gone, and what’s gone is gone. Only what’s ahead is still worth pursuing.”

Gu Huaisheng wasn’t a stupid man. Did she really need to explain this to him word by word?

The two of them ended up in a standoff. Jiang Jingchun was a head shorter than Gu Huaisheng, but at this moment, she firmly held the upper hand. Though she was cornered against the wall and unable to escape, her words relentlessly dismantled his composure.

She said, “If you’re so set on bringing up the past, then let me ask you—do you remember anything else about that Dragon Boat Festival?

“That day, I waited for you at home the entire day. I dressed up beautifully, applied a lovely lip rogue, and wore a bright dress, all in hopes of going out with you. I even made a carefully crafted sachet to give to you. But in the end, what happened? I waited all day just to hear that you were off with someone else you’re being matched with. So, yes, in the end, I tied that sachet to Song Xuan’an in that alley.

“I’ve let go of the past. I’ve put aside old grudges and now simply call you my cousin. So why can’t you let it go? I’m getting married. I’m getting a new life of my own.”

The Jiang family’s muddy swamp—anyone who wanted to stay there could, but she wanted no part of it. Apart from her kind-hearted grandmother, she loathed everything about this place.

She knew Gu Huaisheng couldn’t let go. He was stuck in the past.

But what did that have to do with her?

“Gu Huaisheng, please, show some mercy and stop pestering me.”

Jiang Jingchun was not the type to eat the grass she’d once stepped on. She would never fall for someone who had hurt her before. If there was a first time, who could guarantee there wouldn’t be a second? Besides, dwelling on the past was a terrible thing. For her, recalling the memories of the past felt like drowning endlessly and suffocating.

What was gone was gone, like ashes that could not be reignited.

Looking forward was the only way, both for her and for Gu Huaisheng.

Jiang Jingchun gave him another push, and this time, she managed to shove him away.

Gu Huaisheng staggered. He watched helplessly as Jiang Jingchun walked away. His gaze remained fixed on her retreating figure. At that moment, he couldn’t recover his calmness and composure.

Her words from earlier still echoed in his ears.

Stop pestering…

Show some mercy?

She had completely shed all pretence of cordiality with him.

It was at this moment that Gu Huaisheng suddenly understood how Jiang Jingchun had felt when he had pushed her away in the past.

It hurt—truly hurt, like a blade had slashed his heart wide open.

At this moment, he wished Jiang Jingchun were still a child who was easy to coax and deceive—but she had grown up. She had gone through so much, and she was no longer the same person she used to be.

Did Song Xuan’an treat her well? He could too.

Song Xuan’an would never mistreat her? He wouldn’t either.

Song Xuan’an was a good choice for her, but wasn’t he also?

So why was it only Song Xuan’an whom she’d choose?

Why was she determined to thoroughly fall out and sever ties with him?

Why? Why did it have to be this way?

As Gu Huaisheng watched Jiang Jingchun walk away, he clenched his fists tightly.

At that moment, his mind went to the question that he’d asked in the temple and the lot he’d drawn. It said, ‘Your wish shall be fulfilled.’

He had once disdained the idea of ‘forcing’ something to happen. But now, he thought, if forcing it would bring him what he wanted, maybe it wasn’t so bad after all.

When had his moral bottom line fallen to such a low point?

Because Jiang Jingchun had stayed longer than expected, she was in a rush to return to the Chen family residence. She practically ran all the way back and managed to make it just before the curfew.

Upon her hurried return, she made her way to Chen Muqing’s courtyard, but she happened to run into Shen Tao at the decorative archway. The two nearly physically bumped into each other.

Jiang Jingchun recalled the last time Shen Tao came to Chen Muqing’s room and made remarks about disliking girls who didn’t follow the rules. Before she even caught her breath, she quickly curtsied respectfully.

She was, after all, still living at the Chen family residence now. Even if Shen Tao was Chen Muqing’s stepmother, she was still the legitimate residence of the family, who had been married into the family properly, and thus deserved the due courtesies.

Seeing Jiang Jingchun struggling to catch her breath but still bowing to her, Shen Tao couldn’t help but laugh. “What are you so afraid I’ll do to you?”

They had just encountered each other by chance, but Jiang Jingchun looked like she was a rabbit who’d met a tiger.

The argument Shen Tao had with Chen Muqing last time had indeed left a lasting mark on Jiang Jingchun. She didn’t dare to be disrespectful and hurriedly said, “I wouldn’t dare.”

Seeing her so flustered, Shen Tao didn’t press further and instead asked, “Will you be spending the Mid-Autumn Festival here this year?”

From how Jiang Jingchun had left the Jiang family and been gone for so long, Shen Tao could guess she had fallen out with her family. She wondered whether Jiang Jingchun would return to the Jiang family for the festival this year.

Jiang Jingchun paused as she considered Shen Tao’s intentions behind the question.

She didn’t want to go back to the Jiang family to celebrate Mid-Autumn with them, but if she stayed at the Chen family residence… The question made her wonder if Shen Tao was hinting that her prolonged stay had become bothersome.

Shen Tao noticed her uncertain expression and immediately guessed what she was overthinking. 

“Oh, you silly girl, why do you think so much? I was just thinking that if you’re staying here for the Mid-Autumn Festival, I’ll make it more festive. In the past, it was always just me and Muqing. She doesn’t even like celebrating with me, so we’d only sit down for a simple meal at most. If you’re here this year, I can make it grander. With more people, it’ll be livelier. After dinner, you can even head into town for the lantern displays—it’ll be bustling then.”

Chen Muqing and Shen Tao, her stepmother, were the only ones living in this large Chen residence, as Chen Muqing’s father didn’t have any concubines. Since Chen Muqing didn’t like Shen Tao and Shen Tao didn’t bother trying to get close to her, past Mid-Autumn Festivals had grown increasingly desolate for Shen Tao.

Because Chen Muqing didn’t like talking to Shen Tao, Shen Tao didn’t have anyone else to confide in aside from the servants. Perhaps because of this, now that she had someone else she could chat with—Jiang Jingchun, she couldn’t stop talking.

At this moment, Jiang Jingchun also realised that Shen Tao didn’t seem as unpleasant as Chen Muqing had described in the past.

Shen Tao didn’t seem annoyed by her presence, so Jiang Jingchun felt relieved. She smiled and nodded, saying, “I won’t go back. I’ll spend the Mid-Autumn Festival here—as long as Auntie doesn’t find me troublesome.”

Hearing Jiang Jingchun call her ‘Auntie,’ Shen Tao’s smile widened. “Stay here. You can go out and have some fun for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Muqing has been working hard on her etiquette lessons lately—she’ll also need a break to relax.”

Speaking of ‘etiquette lessons,’ Shen Tao suddenly remembered something. She said to Jiang Jingchun, “I know you were hiding in Muqing’s room the other day when I came looking for her. That day, I wasn’t trying to say anything bad about you. It’s just my temper—I say whatever comes to mind when I’m upset. Don’t take it to heart or be afraid of me because of it.”

Shen Tao was referring to the day Jiang Jingchun first came to seek refuge at the Chen family residence.

After Jiang Jingchun listened to her explanation, she smiled and shook her head, saying, “I didn’t take it to heart.”

She indeed became a little afraid of Shen Tao’s temper after that, but she didn’t hold a grudge over that incident.

Their conversation cleared up after that. The sky had darkened, and if Jiang Jingchun didn’t head back soon, Chen Muqing would start worrying. Shen Tao let her leave first.

And so, the two parted ways.

Jiang Jingchun had left home for so long, and Lady Li finally couldn’t help asking about what had happened in the temple on the day she went there.

She only knew that Jiang Jingchun had suddenly returned from Miao’en Temple to the Jiang residence and, shortly after, abruptly moved out. This left her feeling uneasy and suspicious, but she hadn’t dared to ask. However, as time passed and Jiang Jingchun remained at the Chen family residence, Lady Li could no longer suppress her thoughts.

She intended to visit Chongming Hall to ask the old madame about it. Just as she stood up, though, Jiang Jinghui entered the room, carrying a box of pastries. 

Jiang Jinghui had only come to see if Lady Li had learned that Jiang Jingchun had left the Jiang family, and if so, why she had remained silent about it for so long.

Seeing Lady Li about to leave, Jiang Jinghui curiously asked, “Mother, where are you going?”

Lady Li’s expression had turned unnatural, as if she had just remembered something. She hesitantly asked Jiang Jinghui, “Why did your younger sister suddenly insist on leaving the temple in the middle of the night?”

If it had been any other temple, Lady Li wouldn’t have felt so worried. However, that particular temple made her anxious. She felt guilty and fearful that Jiang Jingchun might have discovered something she shouldn’t have.

Jiang Jinghui truthfully answered, “Mother, it seems that Jingchun has learned about what happened in the past…”

Hearing this, Lady Li’s face instantly paled. “She… How did she find out!?”

Her shock left her almost incoherent.

“This was my fault… I overheard monks gossiping at the temple about things I shouldn’t have listened to, and I told her…”

Lady Li was too preoccupied with the implications to dwell on who might have spread the secret. If Jiang Jingchun truly knew the truth about what had happened back then, then her reaction made perfect sense. No wonder she had moved out of the Jiang family residence so hastily.

As memories of the past resurfaced, Lady Li found herself struggling to breathe.

She turned to Jiang Jinghui and asked, “Did she say anything?”

Jiang Jinghui, who was eager to fan the flames, replied, “She only cried very bitterly. But Mother, you shouldn’t dwell on this too much. After all, what does this have to do with you? You’ve raised her for so many years and treated her kindly. Haven’t you been more than kind to her?”

With a sigh, Jiang Jinghui added, “If you hadn’t taken her in back then, she might not even be alive today.”

After hearing Jiang Jinghui’s words, Lady Li seemed to regain her composure, if slowly. She also seemed to take these words to heart and internalised them.

Yes, Jiang Jinghui wasn’t wrong. Jiang Jingchun’s birth mother had been in such poor health that she likely wouldn’t have survived much longer after the time she’d met her at the temple. If Lady Li hadn’t brought Jiang Jingchun back to the Jiang family residence, how would she have managed to survive all these years?

And it wasn’t as though she had mistreated Jiang Jingchun. All these years, he had given Jiang Jingchun everything and anything she wanted. So why would Jiang Jingchun hold a grudge against her now?

Lady Li clung to these thoughts and began to feel less guilty. Her actions didn’t seem so unforgivable, after all.

Jiang Jinghui added, “Sister complained about you a lot during the journey to the temple.”

Hearing this, Lady Li’s temper flared. “She’s still upset about the matter of her marriage, isn’t she? How was I supposed to know what kind of person Fang Zhiping truly was? She chose him herself! Am I supposed to have eyes that see through to a man’s soul? For all these years, I’ve treated her so well, yet she holds this against me?”

Jiang Jinghui nodded in agreement. “Yes, Sister does seem a bit petty in this matter.”

Lady Li’s recollection of the unspeakable events from years ago was unbearable, even to herself. To ease her conscience, she desperately sought ways to pin the blame for something—anything, on Jiang Jingchun. If Jiang Jingchun were also at fault for something, then Lady Li’s actions weren’t as reprehensible, and she could convince herself that everything was perfectly fine.

She thought to herself that she’d done nothing wrong. She was just a pitiful mother who lost her own child.

If she hadn’t taken Jiang Jingchun in, the girl might have died alongside her mother. In saving her, Lady Li believed she was doing her a favour, not harming her!

Lady Li couldn’t bear to confront the truth about her past actions. With Jiang Jinghui’s continued prodding, she finally said, “If she wants to leave, let her leave. She won’t last long out there. She’ll come back eventually.”

In Lady Li’s mind, Jiang Jingchun was still a child who was prone to throwing tantrums. This time, she’d simply run away in anger, but sooner or later, she’d return.

So what if she knew about what had happened in the past? After all, if she left them, she would have nowhere else to go.

Jiang Jinghui, however, added, “Is that so? I heard she came back today, but only to see Grandmother. She left immediately after.”

Lady Li’s expression became dazed after hearing this.

She came back… and left again…

Jiang Jinghui soon left, but Lady Li remained in a stupor long after that. By bedtime, her husband, Jiang Nan, noticed her unusual behaviour.

As he climbed into bed, he saw her lying there, looking utterly lifeless.

He couldn’t help but ask, “What happened? What’s wrong with you today?”

Jiang Jingchun had left the Jiang family residence some time ago to move into the Chen family residence, yet Lady Li hadn’t seemed particularly affected by it. Why was she suddenly so upset now?

Lady Li was lying on the bed with her eyebrows tightly furrowed. She replied, “I thought she’d be back in just a few days.”

She had assumed that Jiang Jingchun would stay at the Chen family residence for a short while, vent her frustrations, and then return once her anger subsided. After all, Jiang Jingchun had lived in the Jiang family residence for so many years. She was unskilled and immature. How could she survive out there indefinitely?

When she heard that Jiang Jingchun had returned to the Jiang family residence earlier today, Lady Li had hoped it meant she was back for good. To her dismay, though, Jiang Jingchun had only come to visit Rongde Hall before leaving again.

She wasn’t even asking for Jiang Jingchun to return to her side. It would’ve been fine too if she chose to live with the old madame. But did Jiang Jingchun find the Jiang residence so unbearable that she couldn’t stay even a single night?

Lady Li felt both angry and resentful. Thinking about this matter also made her feel somewhat panicked. This mix of emotions left her unable to sleep.

Jiang Nan noticed her mood and tried to reason with her. “Honestly, she was never really a part of this family. Now that she knows the truth about the past, it’s only natural that her heart is no longer here.”

Since Jiang Jingchun wasn’t confronting them directly about the matter, they should already count themselves lucky. Why must she dwell on this?

He sighed and said, “If she doesn’t want to come back, there’s nothing you can do. You have your own daughter to care about, so why waste your energy on someone else?”

His words only inflamed Lady Li further. “If you’d treated her better back then, if you hadn’t been so harsh with her all the time, she wouldn’t be like this now—leaving without any attachment to this family!”

This struck a nerve in Jiang Nan. “You think this is about being ‘good’ to her? Li Wanning, don’t you get it? This isn’t about kindness or cruelty.”

After all that had happened, how could Lady Li expect Jiang Jingchun to still treat her as her mother? Jiang Jingchun wasn’t someone without a backbone.

Seeing Lady Li glaring at him, Jiang Nan pressed on. “Fine, then wait. Just stay home and wait. After all, she really can’t stay with the Chen family forever. Even if she wants to get married after this, her palanquin will have to depart from the Jiang family residence. You just wait and see if she’ll come back to find you.”

Lady Li was rendered speechless by his words, and tears of anger started to well up in her eyes. However, Jiang Nan had made up his mind not to argue with her any further. He pretended not to notice her frustration, then turned his back on her and refused to look at her again.

Seeing his attitude, Lady Li vented her anger by kicking him before turning away herself and saying nothing more.

Lady Li didn’t sleep well that night and woke up early the next day. After breakfast, she called Jiang Runchu, who was about to leave for work, over.

Jiang Runchu had no idea what Lady Li was up to so early in the morning until she spoke, “Your sister hasn’t been back in a long time.”

Jiang Runchu pressed his lips together. He knew who she was talking about but didn’t take it seriously. “In any case, the Mid-Autumn Festival is in a few days. She’ll have to come back for the family banquet then.”

He clearly didn’t know what had happened before and assumed, as Lady Li had, that Jiang Jingchun was merely throwing another tantrum. He thought she would eventually return, just as she always had. Out in the world, she had nothing; at least in the Jiang family, she still had servants who would call her ‘Miss.’

Jiang Runchu added, “She’s probably upset because Jinghui is back and feels neglected. She’s just trying to stir up trouble to get our attention. Why bother with her? She’ll come back on her own when the time comes.”

Instinctively, Lady Li shook her head and said, “She won’t…”

She wouldn’t come back anymore.

However, faced with Jiang Runchu’s confused gaze, Lady Li fell silent. Could she really tell Jiang Runchu about this humiliating matter? She couldn’t. She couldn’t even bring herself to say it.

All she said was, “After work today, go to the Chen family residence. Tell her to come home for the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

Jiang Runchu looked reluctant. If she didn’t want to come back, so be it. Did he really have to bring over a big sedan and personally invite her?

Just as he was about to protest, Lady Li cut him off. “Going to the Chen family residence won’t cost you anything. Just go.”

Lady Li didn’t give him another chance to refuse. She immediately got up and returned to her bedchamber.

Jiang Runchu was left with no choice but to agree to visit the Chen family residence that evening.

That evening, after finishing work, Jiang Runchu went directly to the Chen family residence.

When the Chen family’s gatekeeper saw Jiang Runchu, he stopped him at the door. Chen Muqing had given strict orders that no one from the Jiang family, except Jiang Jingchun, was allowed in.

After getting blocked outside, Jiang Runchu’s expression darkened. He wanted to turn around and leave immediately, but he thought of his mother’s instructions and finally reined in his temper. He coldly said to the gatekeeper, “What? Is this how the Chen family treats its guests?”

Given Jiang Runchu’s status, the gatekeeper didn’t dare offend him outright. However, he also didn’t dare disobey Chen Muqing’s orders. He was caught between the two, so he came up with a compromise. “Young Master, please wait here for a moment. I’ll inform the young miss.”

Without waiting for a reply, the gatekeeper quickly disappeared. He was afraid Jiang Runchu would cause trouble if he delayed any longer.

The gatekeeper hurried to find Chen Muqing, who was having a day off from studying today. She had a day off every other day, and spent the remaining days studying. Since today was her day off, she had some free time to relax.

Chen Muqing and Jiang Jingchun were sitting in the courtyard, enjoying pastries and discussing how they’d celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Chen Muqing remarked, “Song Xuan’an has been staying home these past few days. Could he really be studying the whole time? That’s so diligent. It seems he won’t even have time to come out for the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

Since the day Song Xuan’an made that agreement with his mother, he had rarely stepped out of his residence. He was likely working tirelessly out of determination to pass the upcoming provincial-level imperial examinations.

This year’s provincial-level imperial examinations were scheduled a couple of days after the Mid-Autumn Festival, so it seemed unlikely that Song Xuan’an would be able to enjoy the holiday.

“Ah, it’s indeed tough for him,” Jiang Jingchun said with a sigh.

She had never seen Song Xuan’an work this hard before. Watching him now, she couldn’t help but feel a bit heartbroken. 

She knew he was only doing it to win the bet with his mother. Song Xuan’an had never cared much about fame or fortune before this.

Chen Muqing laughed and teased her, saying, “What’s this? You’re feeling bad for him now?”

Jiang Jingchun quickly replied, “No, I’m just stating the facts…”

Chen Muqing laughed even harder at her reaction.

Jiang Jingchun was annoyed by Chen Muqing’s teasing and started to playfully tickle her. The two started wrestling in good fun.

Huayun, who was watching from the side, also smiled. 

Since Jiang Jingchun had come to live with the Chen family, she had changed so much. She was like a completely different person now.

The girls’ laughter was clear and pleasant. It echoed through the courtyard. Their merriment was interrupted when the visibly flustered gatekeeper came rushing in.

The gatekeeper ran towards Chen Muqing and said, “Miss! Miss! There’s trouble!”

Chen Muqing couldn’t help frowning at his panic. She asked, “What’s the matter? What happened?”

The gatekeeper panted as he explained, “The eldest young master of the Jiang family is outside. He insists on coming in!”

Hearing this, Chen Muqing and Jiang Jingchun exchanged a puzzled glance.

What was Jiang Runchu doing here today? He had always been at odds with Jiang Jingchun. Why would he come to the Chen family residence now?

Chen Muqing speculated, “He’s probably here to take you back home. Seeing that you haven’t returned for so long, and with the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, he must want to bring you back.”

Jiang Jingchun shook her head. “He doesn’t care whether I go back or not.”

She could guess why Jiang Runchu was here. Lady Li must have forced him to come.

Chen Muqing didn’t press further and simply asked, “Do you want to go back? If not, I’ll handle it and send him away.”

Jiang Jingchun shook her head.

She didn’t want to return.

Chen Muqing understood her meaning and said, “Alright, wait here for me. I’ll go and chase him away.”

She quickly stood up and followed the gatekeeper outside.

Jiang Runchu was still standing at the gate. His tall, upright figure gave off an air of grace, but his expression was as grim as ever. He frowned and seemed deep in thought.

Chen Muqing walked up and called out, “Hey.”

Hearing the voice, Jiang Runchu turned to see her. His frown deepened.

He thought to himself, as expected, anyone who mingled with Jiang Jingchun wouldn’t be very well-mannered either.

With a scowl, he remarked, “This is what the upbringing of the Chen family looks like?”

Chen Muqing wasn’t interested in sparring verbally with him and just wanted to send him on his way. She replied, “What the Chen family’s upbringing is like has nothing to do with you, Young Master Jiang. If you have the guts, go to the northern frontier and tell my father that our family lacks proper etiquette.”

Hearing this, Jiang Runchu’s face grew even darker. He didn’t want to waste words either and got straight to the point. “Tell Jiang Jingchun to come out. She’s been lingering here for days now. It’s time for her to go home.”

“She’s not going back,” Chen Muqing said firmly. “You should go back yourself.”

“Not going back? The Jiang family residence is her home. If she doesn’t return there, is she planning to live with the Chen family forever? I’m not here to negotiate. Tell her to come out.”

His voice carried a sharp edge and was tinged with anger.

However, Chen Muqing was unperturbed and matched his tone. “It seems like Young Master Jiang doesn’t understand human language. I’m not negotiating, either. I’m telling you she’s not going back with you.”

Her father was stationed in the northern frontier. What gave Jiang Runchu the audacity to act like he was her father and try to lecture her? He must be dreaming with his eyes wide open.

“Oh, she’s not going back? Fine, fine. Let’s see how far you can go with this.” Jiang Runchu gritted his teeth. “If she has the guts, let her never return! And when she gets married, let the bridal palanquin depart from your Chen family residence!”

Jiang Runchu couldn’t understand what had happened that day to make her so angry—angry enough to refuse to return home, even during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family reunions.

For over ten years, she had been known as Miss Jiang, the young miss of the Jiang family. Now, she wanted to sever ties completely? How could that be?

Chen Muqing was infuriated by his shameless words and was about to retort when another voice interjected.

“What does it matter to you which family residence her bridal palanquin departs from?”

Chen Muqing turned her head to see who had spoken and was surprised to find it was Song Xuan’an.

It had been a while since Song Xuan’an visited the Chen family residence. He should’ve been busy preparing for the upcoming provincial-level imperial examinations—what brought him here all of a sudden?

After saying that, Song Xuan’an added, “She already said she doesn’t want to go back. Why are you still here?”

These words turned Jiang Runchu’s face alternately blue and white.

Without waiting for a reply, Song Xuan’an grabbed Chen Muqing and walked inside, leaving Jiang Runchu to stand outside alone.

Jiang Runchu was stunned for a moment. These people might be young, but their tempers were as fiery as they came.

Well, if Jiang Jingchun didn’t want to go back, what did it matter to him?

The enraged Jiang Runchu left in a huff and returned straight to the Jiang family residence.

Meanwhile, Song Xuan’an and Chen Muqing returned to the latter’s courtyard.

Upon seeing Xong Xuan’an, Jiang Jingchun’s expression turned a little surprised. Chen Muqing had gone out to chase Jiang Runchu away. How had Song Xuan’an ended up here with her?

Chen Muqing noticed her confusion and explained, “Song Xuan’an happened to arrive while I was outside, so we came in together. We’ve already sent Jiang Runchu away. I’ll head inside now; you two can talk.”

She knew Song Xuan’an had taken time out of his busy schedule to see Jiang Jingchun, so she tactfully excused herself to avoid intruding.

Song Xuan’an sat down directly beside Jiang Jingchun.

She turned to him and asked, “What made you decide to visit today?”

Song Xuan’an replied, “I’ve been cooped up in my study these past few days. My head was buried in books. Before I knew it, over ten days had passed.”

Jiang Jingchun didn’t quite understand what he was getting at.

He continued, “When I finally realised how quickly time was slipping by, I couldn’t stop myself from wanting to come and see you.

“I missed you so much, so I just had to come.”

For days, he had been immersed in his studies. He had dedicated himself to preparing for the provincial-level imperial examinations. He hadn’t even realised the time passing outside. When he finally looked up and saw that the osmanthus flowers were blooming, it hit him that autumn had arrived, and along with it came thoughts of the outside world.

He thought of her. He wanted to see her. And so, here he was.

Jiang Jingchun was momentarily stunned as she processed his words.

She hadn’t noticed before how smooth-talking he could be—how effortlessly he could spin sweet words.

“Stop talking like that,” she said.

Song Xuan’an was obedient for once, and dropped the subject. Instead, he asked, “Jiang Jingchun, do you believe I’ll pass?”

His family didn’t believe in him—his mother, his father, and even his grandfather doubted his ability to succeed in the upcoming provincial-level imperial examinations.

Hearing his question, Jiang Jingchun answered, “Of course I do. If I didn’t, why would I wait for you?”

Hearing her words, Song Xuan’an’s smile grew wider. The setting sun cast its golden light over his face, making him look very spirited and confident.

He said, “Alright, then. You must wait for me.”

She must wait for him to come and marry her.

A few days passed, and soon it was the Mid-Autumn Festival. Once the festival was over, most yamens would begin a two-day break.

However, since this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival coincided with the upcoming provincial-level imperial examinations, the Ministry of Rites, which was tasked with overseeing the examinations, was not granted any time off. Instead, they were busy preparing for the triennial event.

On the eve of the Mid-Autumn holiday, someone from the Ministry of Rites visited the Censorate. He headed straight to the office of Gu Huaisheng, the left assistant censor-in-chief.

The visitor was the vice minister from the Ministry of Rites. His visit was prompted by a matter concerning the upcoming provincial-level imperial examinations.

The vice minister knocked on Gu Huaisheng’s door, and a voice inside called, “Come in.”

He pushed open the door and entered.

After entering the room, he saw Gu Huaisheng at his desk, immersed in official duties. The vice minister stepped forward and greeted him, “Young Marquis Gu.”

Gu Huaisheng looked up and, upon recognising the visitor, stood to welcome him.

The two moved to the reception area and sat down.

Although they were colleagues in the same court, they were only vaguely familiar with each other. Gu Huaisheng was aware that the Ministry of Rites was busy with preparations for the imperial examinations, but had no idea what business the vice minister might have with him.

The vice minister, who had clearly taken precious time out of his packed schedule, cut to the chase. “I came to see you today about the provincial-level imperial examinations. I hope you can help us with something.”

Gu Huaisheng poured a cup of tea and pushed it toward him. “Please, speak freely, Sir.”

“Well,” the vice minister began. “The provincial-level imperial examinations are fast approaching, but we’ve yet to finalise the exam overseers. I came here today to ask if Young Marquis Gu would be willing to take on this role.”

The exam overseers were indeed typically selected from court officials.

Every year, there are always some candidates who attempt to cheat during the provincial-level examinations. Moreover, in recent years, Emperor Taihe had placed exceptional importance on provincial-level imperial examinations. If anything were to go wrong, it would cause an enormous headache for everyone involved.

The vice minister had spent days deliberating over suitable candidates for the role. After much thought, he concluded that Gu Huaisheng was the most reliable choice.

Gu Huaisheng’s reputation and abilities were well-known throughout the capital. In just two short years since joining the Censorate, he had risen to become one of its top officials. No one in the Censorate seemed more capable than him.

Moreover, his current rank wasn’t too high, and he was still young, which suggested he might be easier to approach. The vice minister had hoped that, if he said the right words, Gu Huaisheng might agree to take on this challenging and thankless task. That was why he had come here, to the Censorate.

After explaining his request, he nervously watched Gu Huaisheng’s reaction. He was clearly worried he might refuse.

Gu Huaisheng frowned slightly, and his expression was hard to read, which left the vice minister even more uneasy. He quickly began thinking of ways to persuade him further.

Before he could say anything, however, Gu Huaisheng spoke first. “Alright, I can help with this.”

The vice minister was stunned for a moment. He hadn’t expected Gu Huaisheng to agree so readily. He was overjoyed as he swallowed back the words of persuasion he had prepared. He truly didn’t expect that Gu Huaisheng would actually accept this ‘hot potato’ of a task!

The provincial-level imperial examinations lasted three days, and the role of the exam overseer was exhausting and unrewarding. Most officials avoided it like the plague, yet Gu Huaisheng had agreed without hesitation.

Gu Huaisheng then added, “However, I’ll need full authority over everything that happens in the examination compound. If any issues arise, I ask that your ministry refrain from interfering.”

His willingness to accept the role wasn’t without a personal motive. While he was willing to endure the challenges for his own reasons, he didn’t want unnecessary complications. If he was going to take on this responsibility, he expected the Ministry of Rites to step back entirely. Otherwise, if both the Ministry of Rites and the Censorate got involved in resolving issues, it would only lead to delays and make the matters more difficult to deal with.

Hearing this, the vice minister was even more relieved. Entrusting the matter to Gu Huaisheng meant he could take a hands-off approach. Enthusiastically, he agreed. “If anything does happen, the Ministry of Rites will fully cooperate with the Censorate.”

He then stood and said, “I’ll go speak with the censor-in-chief now to request your assignment for three days. I’ll leave this matter in your capable hands.”

With that, he took his leave.

After the vice minister left, Gu Huaisheng remained seated.

He became lost in thought.

He pressed his lips into a thin line, and his eyebrows furrowed deeply as memories surfaced in his mind.

Jiang Jingchun’s words from that night remained clear as day as it lingered in his mind. She had been willing to sever ties with him over someone like that…

Now, he found himself curious. What exactly gave Song Xuan’an the confidence to claim he could marry her?