The Young Marquis Regrets Too Late - Chapter 39

Song Xuan’an found himself caught in a bewildering situation, and his face turned deathly pale. He had no idea why things had escalated to such a state, nor why the brush his elder brother had gifted him would contain such an incriminating object.

His mind was a complete blank, and even as he was taken away under guard, he remained in a state of utter confusion. He couldn’t process what was happening.

The onlookers, seeing Song Xuan’an being escorted away, couldn’t help but be filled with speculation and doubt.

Song Xuan’an’s grandfather was a prominent and highly-respected official, and he even worked in the Grand Secretariat. Would someone like him really need to resort to cheating? Yet the hollow brush handle containing the contraband had indeed been found on him.

However, the crowd did not linger on their speculations for long. They were merely watching for the novelty of it all. After all, they had their own exams to worry about the following day, and no one could afford to concern themselves with other people at such a critical moment.

Gu Huaisheng instructed his subordinates to secure the evidence carefully. Then, he rose and departed the scene.

The news of Song Xuan’an being thrown into a holding cell was no small matter. The Song family had stationed a servant outside the examination compound, who quickly learned what had happened when he saw him being escorted away under guard. 

The servant hurried back home to report the situation.

When Madame Song heard of this news, she was instantly overcome with dizziness and nearly fainted on the spot. She knew her child better than anyone. There was no way he would commit such a disgraceful act. Even though the provincial-level imperial examinations were critical to his future, he would never resort to something like this!

But how had such incriminating evidence been found on him? What was really going on here? She couldn’t fathom it. 

Yet at this moment, the ‘why’ wasn’t her priority. What mattered now was figuring out how to get him out of this situation. If this accusation of cheating stuck, his future as an official would be ruined before it even began. It would already be a blessing if he didn’t lose his life in the process.

This baseless accusation couldn’t be allowed to stand. If Song Xuan’an were branded a cheater, his bright future would be utterly destroyed, and his life would be ruined beyond repair!

The provincial-level imperial examinations were scheduled to formally begin the next day, and Madame Song had heard that Gu Huaisheng had not yet officially charged her son. There was still a chance to turn things around.

She immediately set off to find Secretariat Elder Song, her father-in-law, who was on duty that day in his office within the imperial court. However, since Madame Song couldn’t enter the palace herself, she sent a servant to deliver a message urgently requesting his return, claiming a major family emergency.

The servant understood the urgency of the situation and rushed to the palace to relay the message. 

When they reached the gates, the servant discreetly slipped a silver tael to a guard and pleaded with him to deliver the message to Secretariat Elder Song. 

Seeing both the urgency in the servant’s tone and the weight of the silver, the guard complied and quickly passed the message to the Secretariat Elder Song’s office.

At this time, Secretariat Elder Song was on duty with Wang Shun, who was his colleague in the Grand Secretariat. While the two had their differences, they generally maintained an outward appearance of cordiality.

A messenger hurried to whisper in Secretariat Elder Song’s ear, and his face immediately darkened. He stood to leave, but Wang Shun spoke up lightly. Despite that, his tone masked an undercurrent of suspicion.

He said, “Secretariat Elder Song, where might you be going in such haste?”

Secretariat Elder Song didn’t know exactly what had happened at home, but the messenger’s urgent tone suggested a grave issue. He couldn’t help but think of Song Xuan’an, who was supposed to be at the examination compound that day. Could something have gone wrong there?

He replied to Wang Shun, “There’s an urgent matter at home; I must return.”

The two men were similar in age, as they were both over sixty years of age now. Wang Shun, with his stern and imposing features, contrasted with Secretariat Elder Song’s more refined and gentle appearance. However, at this moment, Secretariat Elder Song was anxious, and his demeanour revealed a rare hint of hostility upon hearing Wang Shun’s words.

That Wang Shun had deliberately chosen this moment to speak clearly showed that he intended to make things difficult. Secretariat Elder Song had no desire to argue and turned to leave, but Wang Shun was quick to continue.

“Today is the day your grandson goes to the examination compound, isn’t it? You’re leaving your post in such haste, abandoning your duties—which is highly irregular for you. If this behaviour raises suspicions and someone starts investigating, wouldn’t that cause a serious problem?”

Though Wang Shun’s tone remained polite, his words were anything but.

They were both sharp-minded individuals. Upon hearing Wang Shun’s words, Secretariat Elder Song could conclude that something had gone wrong on Song Xuan’an’s end.

Moreover, the matter had also already reached Wang Shun’s ears. Sure enough, he had eyes and ears all throughout the capital, and little could happen in the capital without him knowing it. 

Secretariat Elder Song inwardly sneered at this. However, he also knew that Wang Shun was warning him. If he left his post now, regardless of whether Song Xuan’an was guilty, Wang Shun would spread this matter far and wide and use it to tarnish his reputation.

If this matter escalated, it would snowball into a scandal of monumental proportions. 

Moreover, if something had really happened to Song Xuan’an, and Secretariat Elder Song left his post to deal with the issue, it might even be interpreted as an attempt to interfere with the investigation or bribe officials. 

Judging from Wang Shun’s demeanour, it seemed that whatever Secretariat Elder Song might attempt to help Song Xuan’an, Wang Shun would definitely find out. People under his command infiltrated even the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and they were hard to deal with. At that point, every move Secretariat Elder Song made would be crystal clear to them. Under such scrutiny, even if he wanted to act, it would be nearly impossible.

Even though Secretariat Elder Song didn’t know exactly what had happened, the implicit warning left him paralysed. He had no other options and could only send someone to decline Madame Song’s request for help.

Madame Song waited at home for a long time, only to receive news that Secretariat Elder Song was busy and couldn’t leave his office.

Instantly, her head started to spin.

However, after forcing herself to calm down, she went to seek out Song He.

Although the relationship between the couple was usually strained, after all, this was a matter concerning the Song family, and Song Xuan’an was still his biological son. How could he stand idly by? Surely, he would try to find a way to save him, right?

However, the hope Madame Song harboured was shattered after she saw Song He.

The two spoke in the courtyard of his yamen, where only the two of them were present.

The moment Song He heard that Song Xuan’an had been arrested for hiding cheat sheets, he flew into a rage.

“That worthless scoundrel! I knew he couldn’t stay out of trouble for even a day! Instead of studying properly when he had the chance, he’s now resorted to this underhanded trickery! And to make matters worse, he didn’t even manage to make it into the examination compound before getting caught red-handed! That disgrace! He’s completely tarnished the Song family’s reputation and utterly shamed his grandfather. If His Majesty holds us accountable and the entire Song family is implicated, I’ll beat that wretched fool to death myself!”

His rapid, unrelenting words fell upon Madame Song without warning, like a torrential downpour.

Madame Song’s eyes brimmed with tears of rage as she said, “You don’t trust him? How could you not trust him!?”

Shouldn’t he, as his father, know best that he wouldn’t do something like that?

Her child was a kind-hearted boy, but his father thought of him as weak and useless. In his words, her son was nothing more than someone who could only achieve success through cheating!

Yet Song He felt no sense of error in his judgement. “Did I say anything wrong? If he were as sensible as A-Jing, would I think of him this way?”

Hearing this, Madame Song completely lost her composure and slapped Song He fiercely across the face.

She must have been out of her mind to come to him today. He was practically wishing for her son to fail so that the child of that wretched woman could take his place! And yet, she had naively hoped for his help.

Song He was stunned by the slap, and instinctively raised his hand to retaliate. However, perhaps constrained by his so-called gentlemanly principles, his hand hovered mid-air for what seemed like an eternity before he finally let it drop.

Madame Song no longer expected this man to step forward and save her son. As tears streamed down her face, she glared at him with burning resentment, then stormed out, her sleeves billowing as she left.

After leaving, Madame Song felt at a complete loss as to where to go. Her servant suggested, “Madam, why not try speaking to your daughters?”

She still had two married daughters. Surely, they wouldn’t turn a blind eye to their younger brother’s plight.

Madame Song pressed a handkerchief to her face, sobbing. “They’re married now. How could I bother them with this? Hua’er’s child is already four… Dragging them into this will only burden them further. What could they even do? It would only lower their standing in their husbands’ households. Besides, the exam overseer this time is Gu Huaisheng. He’s so heartless—who could plead to him?”

With this, the two fell silent for a moment. The only sound left in the carriage was Madame Song’s muffled sobbing. After a while, the attendant seemed to think of something. She hesitated before speaking, “If it’s Young Marquis Gu… perhaps Miss Jiang could plead on your behalf.”

At these words, Madame Song’s sobs came to an abrupt halt.

Jiang Jingchun and Gu Huaisheng were cousins. The Gu and Jiang families were close. Though Gu Huaisheng was known for being unyielding, he at least wouldn’t refuse to see Jiang Jingchun for the sake of their family ties.

Would Gu Huaisheng actually listen to Jiang Jingchun? Madame Song didn’t know.

But right now, Jiang Jingchun seemed like the only remaining option.

And Jiang Jingchun wouldn’t stand by and let Song Xuan’an meet such an end.

With that thought in mind, Madame Song hastily instructed the coachman to change direction and head to the Chen family residence.

Neither Jiang Jingchun nor Chen Muqing had any idea what was happening. It was already nearing noon when they saw Madame Song rushing towards them in a frenzy. Despite it being autumn, her face was covered in sweat, and her clothes were thoroughly damp.

Jiang Jingchun and Chen Muqing exchanged a glance.

What on earth had happened?

Tears glistened in Madame Song’s eyes as she made a beeline for Jiang Jingchun and gripped Jiang Jingchun’s hands tightly.

Jiang Jingchun was startled and overwhelmed. She was wondering how to respond when she suddenly heard Madame Song sobbing, “Xiaochun, please save Xuan’an!”

At these words, Jiang Jingchun’s face turned pale. Song Xuan’an was in trouble!?

He had been fine just this morning. How could something have gone so wrong in such a short time?

Seeing Madame Song’s distressed state and hearing her desperate plea, Jiang Jingchun realised the urgency of the situation.

She became anxious as well and hurriedly asked, “Aunt, please tell me. What happened to Song Xuan’an?”

“He… he was arrested by your cousin! They found cheating materials in his belongings… How could that be? How could Xuan’an cheat?! He’s not that kind of person. You know he isn’t! He wouldn’t do something like this!”

Madame Song was frantic. She clutched Jiang Jingchun’s hands tightly as she spoke. As Jiang Jingchun heard Madame Song’s words, she felt a wave of dizziness, and her heart sank. Her limbs turned cold.

Cheat?

How could that even be possible…?

Jiang Jingchun firmly believed Song Xuan’an wasn’t capable of such a thing. But why were such incriminating items found in his possession?

She couldn’t piece it together—not without seeing Song Xuan’an herself to uncover the truth.

Her head spun as she asked, “Did this happen just this morning? And he’s been taken away by Gu Huaisheng?”

Madame Song nodded tearfully and said, “Xiaochun, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have forced him to take the imperial examinations. But he can’t be branded a cheater! If that happens… his whole life will be ruined! Please, I beg you—go plead with your cousin. If Xuan’an gets out of this, I swear I’ll stop pressuring you two. You two can marry. As soon as he leaves the examination compound, I’ll personally visit the Jiang family to arrange the proposal…”

Madame Song sobbed harder. Her words became increasingly incoherent as desperation consumed her.

As Jiang Jingchun listened to Madame Song’s cries, she felt as though her mind was spinning out of control.

Plead with Gu Huaisheng?

The last time she’d spoken with him, she had made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with him. She had told him to leave her alone, to let go of the past…

Just this morning, when he passed by her in front of the examination compound, he hadn’t even spared her a glance. It was clear he had taken her words to heart.

How could she plead with him now?

Besides, he might very well be hoping for Song Xuan’an’s ruin. What good would it do to beg him?

However, Madame Song continued to cry beside her. She said, “His grandfather is occupied in the Grand Secretariat and can’t leave, and his father refuses to help him. You’re cousins with Young Marquis Gu—right now, you’re the only one who can save him…”

Jiang Jingchun finally came to her senses. She was forced to confront the reality of the situation.

Could she really just stand by and watch as Song Xuan’an’s future was destroyed?

Even if they hadn’t spoken of marriage, even if they were just friends, she couldn’t bear to just stand still and not do anything at this moment.

Regardless of whether Gu Huaisheng would agree, she had to try. She would swallow her pride, humble herself, and plead for Song Xuan’an’s sake, even if it meant only the slimmest chance of salvation.

After resolving herself to this, Jiang Jingchun gripped Madame Song’s hands and said firmly, “Auntie, don’t cry anymore. I’ll go find my cousin.”

With that, she turned and went out. She headed straight for the examination compound.

In less than the time it’d take for an incense stick to burn, Jiang Jingchun arrived at the gates of the examination compound. The candidates had already entered and settled inside. Compared to the bustling crowds from earlier, the outside had now become quiet, with hardly anyone in sight.

Jiang Jingchun was stopped at the gate of the examination compound by a guard, who refused to let her in.

The examination compound was an important place. It wasn’t a place that just anyone could enter.

Jiang Jingchun looked uneasy. She said, “I have an urgent matter and need to see my cousin. Could you please pass along a message to him for me?”

The guard, who didn’t recognise Jiang Jingchun, asked, “Who is your cousin?”

“Young Marquis Gu.”

Hearing this, the guard paused. Indeed, Young Marquis Gu was serving as the exam overseer here today. Seeing the anxiety on the young miss’ face, it seemed she must have encountered some pressing issue, which was why she had come looking for the young marquis. If the guard turned her away and delayed something important, he might face consequences for it.

After some thought, the guard relented and said, “Very well, wait here for a moment. I’ll have someone inform him.”

With that, the guard sent someone to Gu Huaisheng’s wing to deliver the message. Before long, the messenger returned and led Jiang Jingchun inside to see him.

Jiang Jingchun followed the messenger into the examination compound.

The place was quiet, and as she walked, she couldn’t hear a single sound.

The candidates were housed separately from the exam overseer. Moreover, since the examination wouldn’t start until tomorrow, Gu Huaisheng had spent only part of the morning supervising, and, with no other pressing matters, had retreated to a chamber in his wing.

As for the issue of cheating… 

Only five individuals had been caught with concealed cheat sheets during the morning inspections. Those caught were now detained in prison. The other individuals, besides Song Xuan’an, had already been disqualified from this round of the imperial examinations. Further punishment for them would be determined after the provincial-level imperial examinations concluded.

As for Song Xuan’an’s case, Gu Huaisheng had merely stated that the characters on the gold foil sheets were too small to discern clearly for now. He would wait for further inspection to make a judgement. After all, wrongfully accusing someone would tarnish their reputation and, in itself, would be a grave mistake.

The gold foil sheets were now in Gu Huaisheng’s possession, but he had yet to indicate when he would address the matter. 

When Jiang Jingchun arrived at the chamber, she found Shuliang, Gu Huaisheng’s personal attendant, waiting at the door. Surprisingly, he didn’t seem at all shocked to see her. Instead, he respectfully greeted her and ushered her into the room.

She found this strange, but she said nothing and entered.

Once she was inside, the door was closed behind her.

She raised her eyes and saw Gu Huaisheng seated at a writing desk.

An incense burner filled the room with a faint fragrance. He sat there, partially obscured by wisps of smoke. His jade-like features emanated an almost ethereal air. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the lattice windows and cast light on his profile. When he heard the sound, he lifted his gaze towards the door. His eyes, which were illuminated by the light, were as clear and pure as glazed crystal beads.

Being under his gaze made Jiang Jingchun feel like she had been caught and had nowhere to hide. Her unease only deepened because of it.

Gu Huaisheng was far too astute; he would surely know why she had come today.

The last time they had seen each other was at the Jiang family residence, when she had pleaded with him to stop pestering her. She had spoken words that all but severed their bond.

Yet here she was, seeking him out of her own accord.

This left Jiang Jingchun flustered and embarrassed. She was starting to regret what she had done. Had she known things would come to this, she never would have spoken so harshly to him last time.

As she stood by the door, she mustered the courage to step forward. Though the distance from the door to his desk was only a few steps, it felt like an eternity before she reached it.

She stopped before Gu Huaisheng and finally whispered out, “Cousin.”

That simple word seemed to drain all her strength. She felt humiliated. She bowed her head low, as she didn’t dare to meet his gaze.

A shadow fell over Gu Huaisheng as her familiar faint fragrance approached. Gu Huaisheng lifted his eyes and took in her expression fully.

Seeing her so uneasy made him immediately understand that she was feeling embarrassed about their last meeting. Despite having resolved to cut ties with him, she was now forced to stand before him again, and she was even compelled to call him ‘Cousin’ for the sake of Song Xuan’an.

A mocking smile tugged at the corners of Gu Huaisheng’s lips.

His dear cousin had come to plead with him for the sake of another man.

Bitterness swirled in Gu Huaisheng’s heart, yet his face remained composed, and his smile remained warm and charming. His eyes glimmered as if they were filled with starlight.

However, the words that came from his mouth didn’t match his gentle appearance. They were far from kind.

He said, “Cousin, I thought you don’t want to see me again?”