The Young Marquis Regrets Too Late - Chapter 52

It was almost laughable.

Which husband wouldn’t call his wife ‘Wife’? Which wife wouldn’t call her husband ‘Husband’?

Oh, right, it was the husband and wife who belonged to Marquis Heyang’s household in the capital.

Gu Huaisheng admitted it. When he got into a huff with her, in the end, he was the only one left hurting.

So why should he bother anymore?

Jiang Jingchun, for her part, had no idea what had gotten into Gu Huaisheng today. Could he have been drinking? Otherwise, how could he suddenly act like a completely different person?

She secretly suspected that this might just be another one of Gu Huaisheng’s tricks. Perhaps he was merely pretending to be pitiful in front of her in an attempt to get her to stop fussing about what had happened earlier.

However, since he was acting like this, she truly couldn’t find a reason to stay angry anymore. She pulled her hand back, turned away from him, and buried her head back under the covers.

Gu Huaisheng wasn’t about to give up, though. He followed her and persistently asked, “Cousin, are you still angry?”

Jiang Jingchun was starting to get a headache from his questions and finally replied, “Go to sleep. Let’s not talk about it anymore.”

If he’d merely played the pity card, Jiang Jingchun wouldn’t have bothered responding to him. However, that combined with his persistence made her see no point in continuing their quarrel.

Gu Huaisheng understood her meaning and scooted a little closer to her.

Jiang Jingchun turned to face him and warned, “Why are you pushing your luck?”

Hearing the irritation in her voice, Gu Huaisheng explained, “It’s cold. I just wanted to move a little closer so I’ll be warm. I kept sneezing when I got up this morning.”

The mention of this morning brought Jiang Jingchun’s memories rushing back.

She choked for a moment before squeezing out, “Serves you right.”

After doing that without much clothing on—if he didn’t catch a chill, who would?

Gu Huaisheng obviously recalled what had happened, too. He cleared his throat lightly before saying, “Don’t go complaining about me to Mother again. I really can’t take it anymore.”

At this rate, even if he wasn’t sick now, he’d be sick eventually.

Hearing this, Jiang Jingchun asked, “What can’t you take?”

Gu Huaisheng realised she didn’t understand and explained, “She keeps making me eat all sorts of highly ‘nourishing’ foods every day. How am I supposed to handle that?”

Highly ‘nourishing’ food…

Oh, so that was why he’d spent the morning holed up in the washroom.

Only now did Jiang Jingchun realise just how much trouble her offhand comments about him not being up to par had caused him.

She was secretly pleased at his misfortune and didn’t dwell on it. Instead, she shot back, “Don’t you have hands?”

The moment the words left her mouth, the air went still for a beat.

After a pause, Gu Huaisheng chuckled softly. “Well, what can I do now? You bit my hand.”

Jiang Jingchun felt that if they kept talking, the conversation would spiral in an uncontrollable direction.

“Just shut up and stop talking,” she said.

Who knew where this would lead if they kept going?

“Oh…”

Gu Huaisheng was finally scolded into silence and obediently shut his mouth.

The two of them lay side by side. Before long, Jiang Jingchun’s soft, even breathing reached Gu Huaisheng’s ears.

Her guard against him wasn’t particularly high because, in her eyes, Gu Huaisheng might be a scoundrel, but he wasn’t scoundrel enough to take advantage of someone while they slept.

Gu Huaisheng noticed that she’d drifted off and quietly snuggled closer to her again.

If Jiang Jingchun were awake, she’d definitely kick him away.

Her temper had been so fiery that he’d practically been forced to sleep on the edge of the bed these past few days.

However, Gu Huaisheng thought to himself that her side of the bed was much more comfortable.

He liked and desired her, but his desires weren’t insatiable. Maybe it was because he was still inexperienced, still unacquainted with such things. For now, he felt that simply sharing a bed with her was enough.

As sleepiness crept in, he stopped thinking about anything else. While listening to the sound of her breathing, he, too, gradually fell asleep.

—

Ever since their exchange that night, the atmosphere between Jiang Jingchun and Gu Huaisheng was no longer as tense and confrontational as when they returned from their visit to the Jiang family, even though it was still less than harmonious.

Gu Huaisheng’s three days off time had ended, and he’d now returned to the yamen to resume his duties.

He’d spent most of his time at the yamen these past few days, so Jiang Jingchun rarely saw him during the day.

Gu Huaisheng had always been incredibly busy. Even when he stayed home, he seemed to have an endless stream of matters to attend to.

To be fair, setting aside personal feelings, when Gu Huaisheng said that Song Xuan’an was foolish, Jiang Jingchun really had no grounds to fight back. After all, considering how intelligent and competent he was, it was hard to argue when he’d judged someone else to be stupid.

The capital had never been short of illustrious families. Any coin thrown into the air could land on a young lord or miss from a prestigious lineage. Yet, among these many descendants of noble households, Gu Huaisheng stood out alone in his exceptional talent.

Throughout history, the revival of family legacies often hinged on the word ‘abundance.’ Great families valued having numerous descendants. The more offspring, the better—not only to support one another but also to avoid gaps in succession and ensure the family’s prosperity. Among so many descendants, there were bound to be a few outstanding individuals—if not one in ten, then at least one in a hundred.

But the Gu family seemed to defy this logic. In comparison, their lineage could be described as sparse, and not taking concubines was a rule for the men in the family. Just from this, one could see how remarkable it was for the marquis’ household to survive and thrive for so many generations. Each of their successive descendants had to be exceptionally capable for the family to maintain such prestige.

Jiang Jingchun realised that Gu Huaisheng’s excellence wasn’t simply an inherent gift. Reaching his current position had certainly not been an easy feat, and he genuinely seemed to work tirelessly. 

But none of this had anything to do with her. The busier he was, the better for her. Ideally, he’d be so busy that he’d barely come home, as that meant she’d be left in blissful peace.

After lunch, Jiang Jingchun decided to head out to visit Chen Muqing.

It was late in the ninth month, and the results of the provincial-level imperial examinations were about to be released.

She no longer thought about seeking out Song Xuan’an because she wasn’t sure how to face him now.

If she wanted to know how he had fared in the provincial-level imperial examinations, she could only ask Chen Muqing.

Unexpectedly, when she arrived at the Chen family residence, Song Xuan’an was there as well.

He had anticipated that Jiang Jingchun would come today, and he made the right call.

Jiang Jingchun hadn’t expected to see him there. For a moment, she froze. She stood unmoving at the courtyard gate, unsure whether to enter or retreat.

Their gazes met, but they both remained silent. Chen Muqing ended up being the first to move. She walked to the gate and pulled Jiang Jingchun inside. She sighed as she said, “What’s the harm in you two staying friends? Surely Gu Huaisheng doesn’t forbid you from having friends, does he?”

Surely he wouldn’t expect Jiang Jingchun and Song Xuan’an to cut ties completely and never speak again. How could that be possible?

After all, they had grown up together. Years of childhood friendship couldn’t just vanish into thin air.

Hearing Chen Muqing’s words, Jiang Jingchun stopped overthinking.

It wasn’t as though she was afraid of Gu Huaisheng. There wasn’t much to fear about him—at worst, they’d quarrel, and she didn’t mind quarrelling with him. It was just that her situation with Song Xuan’an was so awkward now that it made sense to avoid meeting him.

However, what Chen Muqing said also made sense. Were they really supposed to never cross paths again? 

That didn’t seem to be possible, either.

And so, the three of them sat down together, just like they always used to.

Only this time, Jiang Jingchun had become a married woman.

It felt like so much had happened over so little time.

But no matter what, the fact was that everything that’d passed had already passed.

After some thought, Jiang Jingchun asked Song Xuan’an, “So, how did you do this time? In the provincial-level imperial examinations, I mean.”

Song Xuan’an indifferently shook his head and said, “I didn’t pass.”

He didn’t seem to care about failing. Back then, he had poured his heart and soul into taking the provincial-level imperial examinations, all so he could marry Jiang Jingchun.

But now, what did it matter anymore?

Seeing his apathetic attitude, Jiang Jingchun couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger. How could he be so indifferent? Failing meant waiting another three years.

How could he not care?

But perhaps, considering everything that happened, it must’ve been a momentous task for him to pass his examination this time.

Jiang Jingchun asked him, “Who put those gold foil sheets in your brush?”

“Song Xuanjing.”

Jiang Jingchun was stunned. How could it be Song Xuanjing? She still remembered how, whenever she went to the Song family residence to play, she’d see how kind Song Xuanjing treated Song Xuan’an, his younger brother.

Jiang Jingchun had guessed countless people, but she never imagined that the culprit would turn out to be Song Xuan’an’s own brother.

When had it started? Had he been scheming all along, since they were young, or was there a specific turning point?

How terrifying.

Who would ever think that someone so close to him could do something like this to him?

But now that things had come to this, it was already too late to dwell on it.

After some thought, Jiang Jingchun looked at Song Xuan’an earnestly and said, “Song Xuan’an, it’s okay. Even if you have to wait another three years, it’s no big deal. You’re still young, and you’ll have more chances. I know your father’s always favoured your older brother, but you can’t give up. If you do, even your mother won’t be able to help you in the future.”

Hearing this, Song Xuan’an let out a small laugh, one that Jiang Jingchun couldn’t quite understand.

As Song Xuan’an looked at her, his eyes were filled with a faint yet indescribable sarcasm.

“Am I that useless? Do I always need other people to help me?”

Jiang Jingchun had helped him, and in the future, his mother would have to help him, too…

How could he let that happen?

Jiang Jingchun understood the underlying meaning of his words and quickly replied, “How are you useless? Song Xuan’an, it’s really not a big deal, truly. Nobody could handle what you’ve been through. If it were me, I wouldn’t have been able to either. No one could’ve seen this coming…”

Suddenly, Song Xuan’an asked, “Do you blame me?”

He looked at Jiang Jingchun. Tears were nearly brimming in his eyes again.

Jiang Jingchun shook her head. “Why would I blame you, Song Xuan’an? Stop asking such silly questions.”

If she hadn’t helped him, she wouldn’t be able to sleep peacefully for the rest of her life.

Song Xuan’an laughed at her words, but his laughter was intense and unsettling.

It made Jiang Jingchun and Chen Muqing look a little scared. 

“What’s wrong with you?”

Song Xuan’an laughed for a long time. Tears even welled up in his eyes from how hard he’d laughed. He finally said, “As long as you don’t blame me, that’s enough. All this time, I’ve kept hating myself for it.”

Jiang Jingchun felt a lump in her throat. At that moment, she didn’t know what to say.

Song Xuan’an, however, quickly spoke again. He said, “A person only gets to be foolish once in a lifetime. I won’t let him deceive me again. You don’t have to worry about me anymore. From now on, I’ll study hard. I won’t let Song Xuanjing get what he wants.”

After everything that had happened, if he continued to be foolish, he would truly be beyond saving.

Wasn’t Song Xuanjing trying to ruin him? Didn’t Song Xuanjing want to destroy him so that Song He would give over the Song family to him instead, in the future?

He would sooner die than let that happen.

Song Xuan’an lightly wiped his eyes. He cleared away his tears, though his eyes were still red.

He looked at Jiang Jingchun and asked, “Can we still be friends? Would Gu Huaisheng allow it?”

Hearing this, Jiang Jingchun immediately replied, “What does his opinion matter in this? He can’t control me.”

The meaning behind Jiang Jingchun’s words was clear to everyone. Chen Muqing quickly chimed in, “Exactly! It’s nothing, really. As long as you’re alive, everything else is just a small matter! Life goes on, doesn’t it? We’ll have plenty of chances to hang out together in the future. Speaking of which, the third son of the He family sent me an invitation. He’s hosting a polo match in the northern suburbs in a few days. How about we go together?”

It had been ages since they last played polo. Lately, they had been entangled in endless troubles. A day out, playing polo and sweating it out, might be just the distraction they needed to feel better.

The other two had no objections, and the three agreed to go together to the polo match.

Later, as the time grew late, Jiang Jingchun and Song Xuan’an worried about returning too late. They didn’t linger further and went their separate ways.

When Jiang Jingchun returned to the Gu family residence, it was still early. Gu Huaisheng had not yet returned from his duties. As the sun set, Gu Huaisheng finally arrived home, dressed in his crimson official robes.

Dinner had already been served in the dining room, and a maid went to call Jiang Jingchun out from the bedchamber.

The two sat face-to-face. Gu Huaisheng had just taken the towel handed to him to wipe his hands, but before he could start eating, Jiang Jingchun had already picked up her chopsticks and begun.

Gu Huaisheng didn’t react much to this. He continued wiping his hand at a leisurely pace. However, he suddenly asked, “I heard from the servants that you went out today?”

Although Jiang Jingchun heard his question, she didn’t stop eating. She lightly replied, “Mm. I just went to the Chen family residence.”

Gu Huaisheng also knew that today was the day that the results of the provincial-level imperial examinations were announced.

He hadn’t sent any secret guards to follow her, because he knew that if she found out, she would make a huge fuss. After all, anything done in secret would eventually be exposed, and he had to learn to cut his losses at the right time.

Still, even without someone following her, he could guess. It seemed that Chen Muqing wasn’t the only one she met at the Chen family residence today.

Song Xuan’an’s results must have been announced today. How could he not be there to tell his friends? After all, the three of them used to spend so much time together. 

Hearing Jiang Jingchun’s reply, Gu Huaisheng’s expression didn’t change. He only lightly asked, “How did he do? What were his results this time?”

Jiang Jingchun was puzzled by his question. Instinctively, she felt that it mustn’t be asked with good intentions. However, when she looked up at him, there was no sign of malice in his expression. It seemed like he was merely asking a simple question, with a hint of curiosity but no deeper ulterior motive.

Gu Huaisheng noticed the hint of hostility in Jiang Jingchun’s eyes, and he couldn’t help but find it amusing. He said, “I haven’t even said anything yet. I’m genuinely just curious. Why are you looking at me like that?”

Seeing that there was indeed no hint of malice on his face and that he genuinely seemed curious, Jiang Jingchun finally responded, “He didn’t pass. Why? Are you planning to call him foolish again?”

If so, this was his opportunity. Moreover, if he were to call Song Xuan’an a fool now, she wouldn’t even know how to argue back.

Even though Gu Huaisheng hadn’t said anything yet, Jiang Jingchun had already mentally filled in what he might say.

But what he actually said caught her off guard. He let out a light ‘hmm’ and added, “It’s predictable that he didn’t pass. After being framed like that, of course, he wouldn’t be in the right mindset to take the examination. It’s fine. He’s only 18. He can try again in three years. Even if he really can’t pass, Secretariat Elder Song will help him.”

Those words sounded oddly familiar.

Jiang Jingchun herself had said that three years were nothing and that if he didn’t pass this time, he could try again in three years, and she would wait for him.

Coming out of his mouth, though, these words sounded very strange.

However, as Jiang Jingchun looked at Gu Huaisheng’s serious expression, she thought that he didn’t seem to be mocking her. In fact, there was a rare sincerity in his tone, as if he were genuinely offering comfort.

Since when did Gu Huaisheng ever say things like this? It was almost uncharacteristic.

Could he have truly changed?

Seeing Jiang Jingchun’s suspicious expression, Gu Huaisheng sighed in mild exasperation and said, “When I speak ill of him, you get upset. When I say something good about him, you suspect I have ulterior motives. Cousin, what exactly do you want from me?”

At his words, Jiang Jingchun finally withdrew her gaze. She lowered her head and focused on her meal. In a muffled voice, she replied, “It’s nothing. If you can think that way, then that’s great.”

She was tired of him getting angry over Song Xuan’an and badmouthing him. At that moment, she didn’t care whether he was sincere or not. Regardless, it was nice to hear him say such words.

She saw no point in arguing over it anymore.

Hearing her response, Gu Huaisheng’s jaw tightened slightly.

It wasn’t easy for him to speak such words about Song Xuan’an, as it was against his own conscience. Hearing Jiang Jingchun’s reply made him feel even worse.

Only when he refrained from badmouthing Song Xuan’an would she finally treat him with kindness.

The thought only made him feel more ridiculous.

To avoid upsetting his wife, he was forced to speak well of another man.

However, Gu Huaisheng quickly came to terms with it and let it go.

It didn’t matter. As long as she and Song Xuan’an didn’t cross any boundaries, it was fine.

He’d rather turn a blind eye and take a step back than push her further away.

Gu Huaisheng could still clearly weigh his priorities.

He finally began eating, but the food tasted bland, as if it were nothing more than wax in his mouth.

The setting sun cast a crimson glow through the open door and painted the floor in hues of red. Perhaps observing the custom of ‘no talking during meals,’ Gu Huaisheng ate in silence. Neither of them spoke, and the meal passed in quietness.

After some time, Jiang Jingchun suddenly said, “Grandmother gave me a few shops. I won’t stay cooped up at home forever. When I go out in the future, don’t ask where I’m going.”

Did she really have to explain herself every time she stepped out?

All the constant questioning was tiresome.

Though Gu Huaisheng’s words earlier did sound pleasant, Jiang Jingchun wasn’t so easily convinced of his sincerity.

Besides, if she were honest about her destination, he’d only get upset. If he didn’t ask, though, she wouldn’t have to lie or tell him anything.

Hearing this, Gu Huaisheng paused mid-action.

Her dowry indeed included several shops, and she indeed wasn’t the type to sit idly at home. It made sense for her to go out if she got bored. He couldn’t stop her from going out, but he also knew that whether she was truly going to the shops or elsewhere was another matter entirely.

And now, she wouldn’t even let him ask…

Gu Huaisheng couldn’t help but overthink.