The Young Marquis Regrets Too Late - Chapter 55

Jiang Jingchun didn’t know why Gu Huaisheng had suddenly appeared.

This was certainly not something she had anticipated.

Song Xuan’an and Chen Muqing, who were following behind her, also froze in surprise.

Why was Gu Huaisheng here?

Moreover, from his demeanour, it seemed like he had been deliberately waiting here for them.

So, those dishes earlier weren’t a result of someone losing a bet—they were all ordered by him.

Faced with this unexpected situation, Jiang Jingchun chose not to say much for now. After all, Chen Muqing and Song Xuan’an were still present, and it didn’t feel appropriate to delve into the matter with them around. Instead of questioning why Gu Huaisheng was here, she asked, “We’d already ordered our food. Why did you order so much more?”

Gu Huaisheng’s smile didn’t waver as he replied confidently, “If a wife is having a meal, naturally, it’s her husband who should pay. Since I ran into my wife and her friends dining out, of course, it’s my duty to treat you all.”

A husband treating his wife—wasn’t that just the most reasonable thing in the world?

How could he be wrong for doing this?

There was a subtle but unmistakable undercurrent in his words. It wasn’t that he was picking a fight, but his tone carried a hint of smugness.

Gu Huaisheng’s smile was pleasant. However, the expressions on the three’s faces were far less so.

Jiang Jingchun could hardly bear his behaviour. She wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but everything he said sounded laced with sarcasm.

She had originally planned to keep things under wraps, but being discovered like this left her with little choice. Now that they had run into each other, there was no point in hiding. Jiang Jingchun bid farewell to the other two, tugged at Gu Huaisheng’s sleeve, and tried to lead him outside.

However, Gu Huaisheng didn’t budge. He smiled and asked, “Aren’t you planning to go somewhere else to hang out after this? I can join you.”

Jiang Jingchun bit back the urge to snap at him. Seeing that he wouldn’t move, she grabbed his hand and gave him a sharp glare.

Gu Huaisheng looked down at her hand holding his. At that moment, he wholly ignored how she was glaring at him.

“Are you coming or not?” Jiang Jingchun asked impatiently.

Finally, Gu Huaisheng moved. He let her drag him away.

Song Xuan’an watched them leave and opened his mouth as if to say something, but Chen Muqing gave his sleeve a subtle tug and silently shook her head, signalling him to stay out of Jiang Jingchun and Gu Huaisheng’s affairs.

Gu Huaisheng seemed to be quite petty when it came to matters like these. If Song Xuan’an meddled in front of him, who knew what kind of words he’d say later? For now, it was best to avoid interfering in their ‘family matters.’

Song Xuan’an understood Chen Muqing’s meaning and stopped moving. He watched helplessly as Jiang Jingchun pulled Gu Huaisheng along towards the staircase. Halfway down, Gu Huaisheng suddenly glanced back at Song Xuan’an.

Unlike the warm smile he had given Jiang Jingchun earlier, his gaze towards Song Xuan’an was ice-cold.

There was even a hint of warning in his eyes.

Gu Huaisheng had no reason to look kindly on someone who frequently inserted himself into his relationship with his wife.

Song Xuan’an pressed his lips together in silence. He met Gu Huaisheng’s gaze head-on. He understood what that look meant.

But what had he done? Was it so wrong for him to play polo with her? 

Their playing polo together had nothing to do with Gu Huaisheng.

Fortunately, Gu Huaisheng only spared him a glance before quickly shifting his gaze away, as he didn’t want Jiang Jingchun to notice anything.

The two walked on in silence until they were outside. As soon as they exited the building, Jiang Jingchun let go of Gu Huaisheng’s hand. He looked at his now-empty hand but said nothing.

Once they were inside the carriage, he broke the silence. “So, you went out with Song Xuan’an and others today?”

The sky had grown dark, and the dim light inside the carriage obscured his face. His voice was calm, and his expression was hidden in the shadows, so it was impossible to discern his emotions at that moment.

Jiang Jingchun stared at the passing street scenes outside the window but still answered honestly. She didn’t lie this time, and replied with a soft ‘Mm,’ but then said no more.

She thought she heard Gu Huaisheng chuckle faintly before he asked, “What were you doing?”

It sounded like a simple question devoid of any particular emotion.

Jiang Jingchun couldn’t quite grasp his mood or imagine his current expression. She answered truthfully, “We just played polo. What else could we have done?”

He was always suspicious, always imagining things. But aside from playing polo and chatting, what else could she and Song Xuan’an possibly do?

She felt so restricted—she couldn’t say this, couldn’t do that…

And yet, here he was, pulling a stunt like this today. She couldn’t help but ask, “How did you know we were at the restaurant?”

Even though Jiang Jingchun’s expression was unreadable in the dim light, Gu Huaisheng could infer her tone perfectly.

He didn’t want her to misunderstand, so he truthfully explained, “I had business to take care of today and arranged to meet someone for a meal. I just happened to see you come in.”

After a brief pause, he continued, “If you want to see him, do you think I’d stop you?

“What would it cost you to just tell me that?

“If I hadn’t run into you today, were you planning on never telling me?”

Jiang Jingchun indeed had no intention of letting him know. She didn’t see why it was necessary. They had simply gone out to play polo—what was there to say about it? Besides, he was someone who was so adept at maintaining a poker face, and she had no way of knowing what kind of thoughts he’d be hiding underneath that face if she told him.

Just now, they had exchanged only a few words, yet it already felt like he was itching for a fight.

“There’s nothing to tell. Bringing it up would just ruin everyone’s mood. You’re petty, and you’re always overthinking things—you know that yourself. Besides, I haven’t done anything with Song Xuan’an. Can’t you be a little more magnanimous and stop being so paranoid?”

He’d always been such an ungenerous person. Jiang Jingchun had thought so in the past, and she still thought that way right now. Moreover, he was like this with everything.

She still remembered how when, during the Dragon Boat Festival, she’d mustered up the courage to ask him out, but he refused to accompany her and instead went out with someone else.

What was that if it wasn’t being not generous and petty?

And now, he was upset again after seeing her have fun with someone else.

He was just so petty.

Upon hearing her words, Gu Huaisheg actually let out a soft laugh, but his eyes were devoid of warmth.

Be more magnanimous…

She might as well have outright called him a jealous shrew.

She was telling him to be more magnanimous.

Wasn’t he being magnanimous enough already? He was suppressing his true feelings and trying hard not to let his bias against Song Xuan’an get the better of him. Was he supposed to step aside and watch the two of them be together to prove his ‘magnanimity’?

However, Jiang Jingchun was stewing in her own thoughts of the past and couldn’t let it go. She said, “Stop trying to control who I meet. If you want to see someone in the future—whether it’s Eldest Miss Lou, Third Miss Meng, or anyone else—go ahead. Let’s just not interfere with each other’s lives anymore.”

Let’s just not interfere with each other’s lives anymore…

When Gu Huaisheng heard her words, he clenched his fists so hard that he nearly drew bl00d.

So, even after they were married, he didn’t even have the right to ask where she went?

He couldn’t understand why the conversation veered towards Eldest Miss Lou and Third Miss Meng. 

“I’ve never had anything to do with them. How could it compare to your situation?” he said.

She said that she wouldn’t care about them, but he’d never done anything with those two women. What was there between them for her to care about?

Did he ever come home with someone else’s scent on him? Did his clothes ever carry another woman’s lip rouge stains? What gave her the reason to say such things?

But Jiang Jingchun didn’t listen. She just said, “Oh? Is that so? Who knows? Weren’t they once prospective matches for you? Who can say for sure there wasn’t something going on between you and them?”

This series of questions made his head throb.

Prospective matches…

Gu Huaisheng suddenly realised why Jiang Jingchun brought up those two women.

Because she had stumbled across him during the time they were his prospective matches, when he was seeing if he’d match well with them. Back then, she had liked him so much. It must’ve hurt her terribly.

Bringing it up now was probably her way of seeking revenge for those feelings.

Understanding dawned on Gu Huaisheng, and his voice grew hoarse as he explained, “We only saw each other in those instances—when we saw if we were good matches. There was nothing else.”

He was afraid that she wouldn’t believe him, so he added, “Really, there was nothing at all…”

This could be considered an explanation, but Jiang Jingchun had no intention of listening to it. She perfunctorily responded, “Oh, well, he and I also have nothing between us. We’re just friends, that’s all.”

What was the point of explaining now? It was too late. So much time had passed. Rehashing this now seemed futile.

If he had said something back then, just one word, she would have believed him immediately and let it go.

But he hadn’t said anything. So the matter stayed with her and became buried in her heart, and now, it’d resurfaced as something that she could torment him with, again and again.

There was no point for either of them to argue further. Their conversation had gone in circles and returned back to the same place. Neither spoke another word for the rest of the journey home. When the carriage arrived, Jiang Jingchun dismounted and walked inside without so much as a glance back.

Jiang Jingchun had spent the entire afternoon playing polo and was already exhausted. Once she arrived home, she headed straight for the washroom. After freshening up, she collapsed onto the bed. Her eyelids grew heavy, and before long, she was fast asleep.

She did everything smoothly and unbotheredly. She acted as if Gu Huaisheng didn’t exist at all.

Gu Huaisheng followed her into the house and sat down at the desk, where he pretended to read a book. However, his eyes kept drifting toward her.

Only when she was fully asleep did he set the book down.

He rose and walked to the edge of the bed.

Her breathing was steady. It seemed like she was sound asleep.

Even after all those words they exchanged, she could sleep without a care. She seemed utterly unbothered by what’d transpired between them earlier, like she could take anything he threw at him without ever minding.

Their argument hadn’t escalated into a fight, yet her words had pierced him and left gaping wounds in his heart.

That anger sat heavy in his chest. He couldn’t dissipate them. 

And yet, there she was, carefree as ever. She said everything she wanted and then fell asleep without a second thought.

Gu Huaisheng felt uncomfortably suffocated.

He climbed onto the bed and moved to her side.

The soft candlelight on the desk flickered. It illuminated her sleeping figure.

Her long black hair spilt loosely over her shoulders. A few stray strands framed her face. Her closed eyes made her lashes seem even longer. The warm light softened her pale complexion and made her look almost unreal.

Gu Huaisheng thought she was better like this—quiet and serene. That sharp tongue of hers couldn’t spew hurtful words while she slept.

She had said so much earlier, yet he couldn’t bring himself to say anything more in return. After all, it was his fault.

But watching her lie there in such a carefree manner still made the suffocation in his chest grow heavier.

It felt as if, from beginning to end, she never truly cared about these things. In the end, the only one left hurting was him.

When she was awake, he wouldn’t dare to do anything. Only now, while she slept, could he muster the courage.

He gently pulled her arm out from beneath the covers and rolled up her inner garment sleeve to reveal a stretch of fair skin.

Jiang Jingchun was exhausted today, and she was sleeping too deeply to notice anything Gu Huaisheng was doing. She remained oblivious to his actions while she was in her dreams.

Gu Huaisheng stared at the exposed skin before him. Then, he finally opened his mouth and leaned in to bite.

As if he was venting his frustration this way, he bit down on her skin. Even so, he didn’t dare bite too hard, as he was afraid of waking her up. 

Jiang Jingchun, who was sleeping soundly, would naturally not wake up because of his pointless action. She just furrowed her eyebrows slightly and pouted her lips in her sleep.

Gu Huaisheng lifted his gaze slightly and took in every detail of her reaction.

She was such a heartless person.

She truly had no defences up, did she? Even after provoking him to such anger earlier, she still dared to sleep so soundly.

With this thought in mind, Gu Huaisheng sank his teeth slightly harder on her skin. He bit her like a little puppy gnawing on a bone and refused to let go.

Gu Huaisheng had bit her with the intention of punishing her and venting his frustration. However, as his nose caught the lingering fragrance on her skin, he unexpectedly extended his tongue to gently lap at the spot he had bitten.

It was unclear how long he nibbled before he finally let go. Under the candlelight, he could see the faint teeth marks he’d left on her slender arm… along with a trace of his saliva.

Gu Huaisheng’s fingertips couldn’t resist brushing over the marks.

He wanted to bite deeper and leave a lasting imprint, just like the one she had left on him. 

However, ultimately, Gu Huaisheng did nothing further.

Waking her up would do him no good, after all.

Yet, after that bite, his anger dissipated. He rose from bed and then went to the washroom to freshen up. When he returned, he lay back down beside her and closed his eyes, then fell asleep soon after that.

The morning sun rose slowly. Its rays filtered through the window lattice. The growing warmth, along with the faint sound of maids sweeping the courtyard, slowly seeped into the room. Jiang Jingchun only stirred awake around mid-morning, on the hour of the Snake.

Madame Gu was well aware that Jiang Jingchun had been pampered since childhood and that it wouldn’t be easy for her to wake early, if she was asked to. Thus, after her initial appearance for formal greetings on the first day after she married, Madame Gu did not require her to rise at dawn to greet her. This leniency allowed Jiang Jingchun to sleep in until the sun was high in the sky nearly every day.

By the time she woke up, Gu Huaisheng was naturally no longer by her side. He’d most likely gone to his workplace.

The faint bite mark Gu Huaisheng had left on her hand the night before had long since faded, and Jiang Jingchun noticed nothing unusual.

Before lunch, word came from Jinghua Hall inviting Jiang Jingchun to dine together.

Neither Marquis Gu nor Gu Huaisheng was present, as they were both on duty at the office. This left only Jiang Jingchun, Madame Gu, and little Gu Huailang in the dining hall.

When Jiang Jingchun arrived, the other two had yet to touch their chopsticks. They were clearly waiting for her. She took a seat next to Gu Huailang, who beamed at her. His eyes narrowed into crescents as he smiled and greeted her, saying, “Sister-in-law.”

Jiang Jingchun smiled and tousled his hair as a response. After sitting down, she asked Madame Gu why she’d suddenly called her over today.

Madame Gu replied, “I actually called you here because I wanted to discuss something with you. Now that you’ve married into the Gu family, there are certain household matters I must teach you about. Otherwise, when I grow older and can no longer manage the household, you might not know anything about them, and that wouldn’t do.”

It wasn’t easy to be the wife of a nobleman. She needed to take care of matters of the household, which involved overseeing numerous servants and hosting various banquets during festivals—tasks that were far from leisurely.

Madame Gu had been deliberating whether to start teaching Jiang Jingchun now. After all, as the daughter-in-law of the Gu family, it was inevitable for her to learn these responsibilities. However, she was newly married, and Madame Gu was afraid of overwhelming her if she taught her these things from the get-go. These tasks would exhaust them both mentally and physically.

As she was overthinking, it was inevitable for her to fail to decide on it.

Eventually, she visited the Jiang family residence and sought advice from Old Madame Jiang. The old madame naturally encouraged her to teach Jiang Jingchun sooner than later. According to her, learning these skills would only benefit Jiang Jingchun, so why did she keep worrying about this and that? She should teach her. 

Jiang Jingchun had been spoiled by her mother in the past, but she’d already begun to understand proper conduct. She also wouldn’t refuse to learn these things out of laziness. 

Madame Gu found this reasoning sound.

Moreover, Gu Huaisheng himself had suggested earlier that day that Jiang Jingchun should learn some household management. Otherwise, she would feel bored because she’d have nothing to do while staying in the house every day.

When she got bored, she’d want to go out and run around again…

Thus, Madame Gu called her here and brought the matter up to her.

Jiang Jingchun didn’t object upon hearing this. These responsibilities were, after all, part of her role as a wife. While she might be lazy by nature, she wasn’t the type to throw a tantrum over such matters.

People shouldn’t be selfish and always think only of their own comfort, after all.

Truth be told, the Gu family was indeed a good place for her. Everyone treated her well. Even when asking her to handle her own responsibilities, Madame Gu still did it in a kind way.

Jiang Jingchun nodded at Madame Gu’s suggestion and said, “Alright, I’ll go learn with Mother in a while.”

Hearing her agreement, Madame Gu breathed a sigh of relief. She’d been worried Jiang Jingchun might resist.

With this matter settled, the two began eating. But as they ate, Madame Gu’s mind wandered to the topic of Gu Huaisheng and Jiang Jingchun’s marital life. She had initially thought there might be some issue with Gu Huaisheng. But after listening to him, she realised that the issue might come from Jiang Jingchun’s reluctance instead.

Madame Gu counted on her fingers. Gu Huaisheng was already 21, and he would turn 22 next year. She really wanted to hold a grandchild. Among her circle of friends, many had already become grandmothers.

At his age, Gu Huaisheng wasn’t exactly old, but he wasn’t young either. 

The thought left Madame Gu feeling a bit worried.

Still, she reminded herself that Jiang Jingchun had only been married into the family for less than a month. If she intervened too soon, it might be seen as overstepping. With that in mind, she ultimately decided to stay quiet and not push the matter for now.

After the meal, Jiang Jingchun went to Madame Gu’s place and spent almost the entire afternoon there. Gu Huailang was also present; he sat near them the whole time. However, the material that they were discussing was so complex it gave him a headache, and he eventually lay down and fell asleep.

Jiang Jingchun was sleepy as well, but she couldn’t fall asleep like him. She forced herself to keep listening for an entire afternoon. Madame Gu finally gave her permission to leave when the sun began to set.

When she returned to Cangzhuo Courtyard, Gu Huaisheng had already come back from work.

The evening meal had been laid out, but Gu Huaisheng hadn’t touched it yet. He was waiting for her.

The two of them had nearly quarrelled in the carriage yesterday, though the argument ended with Gu Huaisheng’s silent retreat.

Jiang Jingchun assumed he must still be stewing over it.

Yet when she saw him today, there was no sign of displeasure on his face. He even greeted her with a smile when she entered.

“You’re back.”

His attitude left Jiang Jingchun baffled. She gave him a sceptical and suspicious look before sitting down.

It really didn’t seem like he was angry—almost as if he hadn’t taken yesterday’s matter to heart at all.

Jiang Jingchun couldn’t tell if he was genuinely unbothered or simply putting on an act.

Though she found it strange, she didn’t press the issue. If he wanted to let it go, that was fine with her.

She picked up her chopsticks and began eating without further comment.

The two dined in silence for a while. Gu Huaisheng occasionally added food to her plate. Jiang Jingchun watched him but said nothing.

It seemed he truly wasn’t upset anymore.

Since he had let it go, Jiang Jingchun decided there was no point in overthinking. She graciously accepted the food he added to her bowl and ate it.

Gu Huaisheng didn’t eat much and put down his chopsticks earlier than she did.

He said, “The emperor has arranged for an autumn hunt at the imperial hunting grounds around the end of the tenth month. Everyone is expected to attend. I thought I’d let you know in advance.”

The autumn hunt was a long-standing tradition, typically held every two or three years. Noblemen would bring their families to participate. The last hunt had been held two years ago.

Jiang Jingchun had attended that one, too. She had only been fourteen at the time, and her riding skills weren’t as refined as they were now. Moreover, with the emperor, the empress, and even the empress dowager present, her father, Jiang Nan, had kept a close eye on her. Any slight movement from her would send him into a panic, as he always feared she might cause some outrageous scene.

However, though Jiang Jingchun was playful, she wasn’t reckless. On that occasion, she hadn’t dared to stir up trouble. She didn’t get anywhere near a horse, let alone mount one.

As such, the autumn hunt had been dull and uneventful for her.

After that experience, she had no desire to attend a second time.

But now that she was Gu Huaisheng’s wife, such events were unavoidable.

Even if she managed to skip this one, there would be countless other gatherings in the future.

Could she avoid them forever?

That was clearly impossible.

The role that her father had played in her life amounted to nothing more than scolding. Jiang Jingchun always felt a lingering anxiety in such settings because she knew that if she ever truly got into trouble, her father wouldn’t lift a finger to help her. Even if her mother wanted to protect her, her mother wouldn’t be able to do much.

Gu Huaisheng observed her expression and instantly knew what she was thinking. He was reminded of an autumn hunt two years prior. From his hazy recollection, she seemed to have sat quietly in her assigned seat the entire time. Perhaps it was because there were so many people present that day that she didn’t dare to let loose. She must’ve feared that she might offend someone and be reprimanded by her family.

Gu Huaisheng leaned back slightly in his seat and chuckled softly. With an offhand manner, he reassured her, “Don’t worry. As my wife, you’re the legitimate spouse of a young marquis. Do whatever you want. If you offend anyone, I’ll take the blame for you.”

No one had ever said something like that to Jiang Jingchun before. In the past, Jiang Nan and everyone else only ever told her to behave herself and stay out of trouble. To them, she was like a firecracker ready to go off at any moment. She admitted that she did have a restless nature, but their incessant warnings also had worn on her nerves.

As such, when Gu Huaisheng said these words, she froze in surprise.

It seemed he wasn’t afraid of her causing trouble for him.

After he spoke, the room fell into a brief silence.

Night had fallen. The maids had begun hanging lanterns along the corridors. The lanterns cast a soft glow high on the beams, where they were hung from. When one of the maids entered the room to light the lamps, they overheard Jiang Jingchun’s next audacious words and trembled so hard they nearly dropped the fire starter.

Jiang Jingchun seemed to seriously consider Gu Huaisheng’s words. She asked, “Really? What if I go pull the senior grand secretary’s beard?”

When Wang Shun was young, he had received a lot of praise for his impressive beard. He’d let it grow as he aged.

Gu Huaisheng knew full well that she was teasing him, and he played along. He thought for a moment, then retorted, saying, “Then you’d be doomed. He’d probably throw a tantrum just like you and march straight to the emperor, crying and raising hell. The emperor would be unable to bear his beloved teacher’s indignation, so he might get so angry he’d have your head chopped off.”

What nonsense…

He was just short of outright saying that it was Jiang Jingchun who loved to cry and cause scenes. Naturally, she pouted at this and shot him a glare. She chose not to respond.

Gu Huaisheng laughed again but didn’t press further. After seeing her finish her meal and head inside, he, too, got up and left the dining room.

—

That same evening, Jiang Jinghui and Song Xuanjing was summoned to Wang Shun’s residence.

The three of them sat in the main hall.

Wang Shun first inquired about Song Xuan’an’s recent activities.

Song Xuanjing replied, “He’s been working hard at his studies lately. He used to skip lessons at the Imperial Academy frequently, but he hasn’t missed a single day these past few weeks. He’s been remarkably diligent. Grandfather had intended to secure him a sinecure position, but he refused—perhaps he’s still hoping to make his mark through the imperial examinations.”

Wang Shun couldn’t help chuckling upon hearing this. He said, “He’s got quite the ambition. He knows that sinecure officials go nowhere and end up living out their days as idle functionaries. Then again, the Song family has plenty of promising descendants. Anyhow, the Song family has many outstanding descendants and will naturally be able to support him. So what if he’s a legitimate grandson? Still, the trick you pulled on him this time—from now on, he’ll only grow more cautious and leave you with fewer opportunities to act.”

Song Xuanjing considered this and then brought up another matter. “Master, they’ve already started matchmaking for me recently.”

His tone remained even, but Jiang Jinghui, who was seated across from him, couldn’t help but tremble slightly. The cup in her hand wobbled slightly.

Her expression remained unchanged as she asked with feigned curiosity, “Why so suddenly? I don’t recall hearing anything about this before.”

Song Xuanjing glanced up at her and explained, “Grandfather wants Song Xuan’an to marry. Song Xuan’an used me as a shield, so now I can’t avoid it. After all, I’m at the age where I ought to marry as well.”

Jiang Jinghui let out a cold laugh. “Your grandfather really is biased. Everything has to make way for Song Xuan’an. Even when it comes to marriage, he’s forcing you to go first just to clear the path for him.”

Song Xuan’an was the legitimate son, after all. Though Song Xuanjing was more accomplished, Secretariat Elder Song, in both overt and subtle ways, still doted on his legitimate grandson. While he often praised Song Xuanjing, his heart clearly leaned toward Song Xuan’an.

There was an undertone of resentment in Jiang Jinghui’s words. Even before Song Xuanjing could express any dissatisfaction, she was already getting worked up on his behalf.

Both Wang Shun and Song Xuanjing turned to look at her.

Jiang Jinghui realised how unusual her outburst must have seemed, as well. She quickly sipped her tea and said, “I’m just stating the truth…”

Wang Shun was fully aware of her intentions, but he merely smiled and let the matter drop.

Though the two men didn’t say more, Jiang Jinghui felt awkward and hastily changed the subject. She looked at Wang Shun and asked, “Sir, did you get to the emperor for funds before Secretariat Elder Song?”

She had picked up this line from something Jiang Jingchun had said during her visit home. She assumed Wang Shun would have been quick to approach the emperor before Secretariat Elder Song did.

Hearing this, Wang Shun recalled the events of the past few days.

After Jiang Jinghui told him about what’d happened at the Jiang family residence that day, he had gone to see Emperor Taihe in the hopes of receiving approval to rebuild Tianlu Terrace as soon as possible.

However, it seemed that Emperor Taihe had learned his lesson from last time. He kept putting the matter aside and eventually said that he would hold a meeting with the Grand Secretariat to discuss it again at a later date.

In this case, he could see that the money he requested wouldn’t come to the Ministry of Works, after all.

Wang Shun’s expression suddenly turned dark. His face seemed menacing in the flickering candlelight and almost terrifying to behold.

“That is money stained with my son’s life, and they’re still fighting over it… None of them will meet a good end…”

The memory of that year and Wang Yu’s tragic death still broke Wang Shun’s heart whenever it returned to him.

His pain was something no one could understand. No one ever would understand it.

All these years, Wang Yu’s figure would seem to appear before his eyes. He could often see his A-Yu, in the guise of a water ghost, standing before him.

Grief always had a way of sneaking up on him without him ever noticing.

That once upright, gentle boy—how did he end up like that?

Wang Shun regretted it deeply. Not a day had passed in these years without him regretting sending Wang Yu to Jiangnan.

He had always thought his son was too dim-witted, not clever enough. If not for his insistence, his son wouldn’t have had to go to such a treacherous place…

Wang Shun had driven his own son to his death.

In truth, Wang Yu’s only failing was that he wasn’t as brilliant as his father had envisioned. That was the only flaw in his white jade. Otherwise, there was nothing wrong with him.

He was kind-hearted—at least, that was what everyone who met him said.

Kindness was a fine quality, but in Wang Shun’s eyes, it was useless. He wanted his son to grow into someone like himself—someone capable of standing tall and independent. Wang Shun wanted his son to always have his own place in this world, even after Wang Shun was nothing but a pile of white bones in his tomb.

But now, his son was buried in his tomb. As his son’s bones turned to dust with the passing of time, Wang Shun remained alive.

Wang Shun never expected that he’d end up a grey-haired old man seeing his black-haired child off—a parent who had to see his own child die earlier than himself.

Everyone had tried to persuade Wang Shun against it at first. They said Wang Yu wasn’t ready to handle such difficult tasks. Even the emperor had said so, as had the empress dowager, who had always been kind to Wang Yu…

But Wang Shun didn’t listen. He believed that people only grew when pushed to their limits.

Whenever he thought of how Wang Yu died, he felt as if he couldn’t breathe.

He often dreamed of him. In those dreams, Wang Shun could see him but could never touch him. Wang Yu would say he was cold. As his figure stood there before him, he didn’t even look like a human being. 

Seeing his master agitated and struggling to breathe, Wang Fu—Wang Shun’s attendant, hurried to bring the medicine and gave it to Wang Shun. After taking the medicine, Wang Shun’s breathing finally steadied.

Jiang Jinghui and Song Xuanjing, who watched this scene from the side, remained silent. They didn’t know how to console Wang Shun.

They only knew fragments of what had happened back then. After all, Wang Yu had died too young, and they had never even met him.

Wang Shun calmed himself down. Finally, he stopped speaking about the past.

He turned to Jiang Jinghui and asked, “Now that Jiang Jingchun is married, how have Jiang Nan and the others treated you?”

Jiang Jinghui lowered her head at the mention of them. Her gaze fell to her toe, and she said, “Li Wanning still seems unable to let go of her. She acts as if nothing’s wrong, but who knows what she’s thinking deep down? Anyhow, Jiang Jingchun doesn’t bother with her anymore. Jiang Nan and Jiang Runchu don’t seem to dislike her as much as before… Master, I think you’re right—Jiang Nan doesn’t really like me. He just wants to get ‘his daughter’ back.”

Perhaps that was his obsession.

She thought that Wang Shun’s observations were spot-on.

They probably never liked her much. Jiang Jinghui found life in the Jiang household far less comfortable than her time in the Wang residence.

Before going to the Jiang family residence, she thought their behaviour wouldn’t affect her.

But clearly, that wasn’t the case.

She was thoroughly annoyed by their attitude—the way they pined for Jiang Jingchun on one hand while dragging her back into the fold on the other.

She wanted to wrap things up quickly and leave.

Wang Shun picked up on Jiang Jinghui’s emotions.

She didn’t like her younger sister, and she disliked her parents even more.

She must have had some expectations before returning to the Jiang family. Unfortunately, she had underestimated Lady Li’s feelings for Jiang Jingchun and the deep bond they had built over the years. No matter how much she tried to sow discord between them, it seemed to have no effect. Jiang Jingchun just seemed to have this effortless charm, while she was like someone who crawled out of a sewer.

The way they clung to Jiang Jingchun naturally made Jiang Jinghui grow frustrated.

Her heart actually still cared about the Jiang family.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t feel so vexed.

It seemed that no matter the age, women liked to wrestle with questions of love and affection, of who cared and who didn’t. She chalked her current situation up to them—including Jiang Nan, not loving her, their biological daughter.

However, how could Jiang Nan not love her? If he didn’t love her, why had he searched for her for over ten years? If he didn’t love her, why had he changed Jiang Jingchun’s name and left the name ‘Jiang Jinghui’ vacant for her use?

Had Jiang Nan not changed Jiang Jingchun’s name back then, she would also be named ‘Jiang Jinghui’ now.

It was only natural for parents to love their children.

There were no parents who didn’t.

But Jiang Jinghui lacked a sense of security and was always doubting their love.

This worked well for Wang Shun; it made her easier to manipulate.

He understood everything but still told Jiang Jinghui, “Your father is just a selfish man, and your mother is no better. They’re greedy for this and that. Even though they’ve found you, they can’t let go of Jiang Jingchun. Isn’t that despicable? You’re their real daughter, and yet they treat you this way.

“Child, people as greedy as they are deserve to be thrown into the mud.

“I know you don’t like them. Just wait. When the time is right, I’ll make sure they suffer.”

Jiang Jinghui paused briefly after hearing his words but eventually nodded.

She said, “Master, don’t worry. I’ll stay there. I want to see them fall into the mud with my own eyes before I leave.”

Wang Shun nodded in satisfaction at her response.

Song Xuanjing interrupted them by saying, “Master, the autumn hunt is coming up in a few days. I have an idea that could create some trouble for both the Song and Jiang families. It would even drag Gu Huaisheng into the mess—enough to give them all a major headache.”

Before Wang Shun could respond, Jiang Jinghui’s curiosity was piqued as well.

Both of them turned their gazes towards him.

With his usual gentle tone, Song Xuanjing shared his plan.

The moment he finished, Wang Shun chuckled.

He said, “What a vicious scheme.”

If this plan worked, it would indeed spell trouble for everyone involved. Not just the Song and Jiang families— even the Gu family would be humiliated. They’d be hard-pressed to hold their heads high in the capital after that.

Gu Huaisheng refused to let go of the issue with his teacher. Well, this counterstrike would certainly be enough to give him bitter suffering.

Wang Shun nodded approvingly. “Not bad, not bad. By the time the autumn hunt takes place, there will be so many people present. If this succeeds, their reputations will be utterly destroyed. As for your younger brother, he can kiss the idea of marrying into any respectable family goodbye for the rest of his life.”

He then gestured toward Jiang Jinghui and added, “See, Xiaohui, this is your chance to dig a pit for her. Once this scandal breaks out, even your family’s old madame will have to abandon her. No one would want or like someone so disgraceful.”

After finishing their conversation, Jiang Jinghui and Song Xuanjing left the place together.

As they walked out of the Wang residence, Jiang Jinghui couldn’t help but comment, “You really are something, to come up with such a plan.”

“Isn’t Song Xuan’an head over heels for Jiang Jingchun? Just the other day, the two of them went out together for a game of polo. Since that’s the case, why shouldn’t I give them the opportunity they’re so eager for? As for Gu Huaisheng, well, it’ll be hilarious to turn him into a laughingstock. What’s there not to like about killing three birds with one stone?”

If all the people they hated could fall into disgrace, wouldn’t that be fantastic?

Jiang Jinghui didn’t reply immediately. After a moment, she nodded in agreement, then said, “Mm… It’s actually quite brilliant.”

It really was.

For a woman, reputation was everything. If Jiang Jingchun were to face such humiliation at the autumn hunt, she would never be able to show her face in the capital again.

After that, Jiang Jinghui’s thoughts wandered to Song Xuanjing’s marriage prospects, and she brought it up. “What about your family? Who are they planning to set you up with?”

Song Xuanjing replied indifferently, “I’m just a concubine-born son. Who would care? They’ll probably just pick a few random options.”

No matter how well his father treated him, the matter of marriage was always left to the women of the household. For his stepmother, sabotaging his prospects would be as easy as lifting a finger.

She could casually pick some mediocre matches for him. And what could he do? Complain that none of them were good enough?

His voice remained calm and devoid of any bitterness as he said, “It doesn’t matter to me who I marry. It’s inevitable, so don’t look at me like that.”

Jiang Jinghui’s poorly concealed emotions didn’t escape his notice.

Was she feeling sorry for him? Even now?

But he had grown used to this ever since his concubine-mother passed. He had lived like this from a young age and had long since become numb to it.

Jiang Jinghui also knew that Song Xuanjing’s life wasn’t easy. Uncharacteristically, she didn’t argue with him this time.

Instead, she coolly said, “No matter. Once the autumn hunt plan works, no one will want to marry Song Xuan’an, either. The prominent families in the capital will steer clear of him, and then your grandfather will have no choice but to value you. He’ll probably make sure you marry a proper, elegant bride—someone you’ll like as well.”

Song Xuanjing merely let out a soft chuckle at her words. The two said nothing more as they reached the back gate of the Wang residence and parted ways, each heading back to their respective homes.

—

Ever since Madame Gu said that she would teach Jiang Jingchun about managing the household, Jiang Jingchun had little time to go out. She spent her days learning from Madame Gu, and whenever she had some free time, she would set up a small table in her courtyard and play madiao—a card game, with the maids.

One day, Gu Huaisheng finished his duties and was heading home. As his carriage passed down a long street, a gust of wind lifted the curtain, and Gu Huaisheng casually glanced out the window.

It was late in the tenth month. The autumn wind had given the capital a sombre hue. The cold season had arrived, and the days grew darker earlier. 

By the time Gu Huaisheng left his post, the evening glow had already painted the streets.

He spotted a street vendor hawking goods. Something caught his eye and prompted him to call for the carriage to stop.

Shuliang didn’t know why Gu Huaisheng had suddenly halted the carriage. He looked at Gu Huaisheng and saw him heading towards someone selling tanghulu—skewered candied hawthorns. 

Though Shuliang quickly realised that Gu Huaisheng was buying a candied treat for Jiang Jingchun, he couldn’t help feeling astonished for a moment.

Since when did his young master buy such things?

Gu Huaisheng soon returned with a candied hawthorn skewer in hand. Noticing Shuliang’s hesitant expression, he asked, “What is it?”

Shuliang quickly shook his head and said, “Nothing.”

It was just that Gu Huaisheng, the usually aloof and reserved young master, and the bright red candied skewer made for a rather odd combination. Still, it seemed like Gu Huaisheng had taken Shuliang’s recent advice to heart. He’d changed quite a bit recently. At the very least, he no longer quarrelled as often with Jiang Jingchun.

That was great.

The carriage soon arrived at the Gu family residence. Gu Huaisheng returned to Cangzhuo Courtyard, only to find—to his surprise—that Gu Huailang was also there.

Ever since Jiang Jingchun married into the family, it had become much easier for Gu Huailang to visit her. Today, Jiang Jingchun returned to the courtyard in the early afternoon after her lessons with Madame Gu. Seeing that there was still plenty of time before evening arrived, Gu Huailang decided to join her to play for a while.

Right now, Jiang Jingchun and Huayun were sitting together at a table, with a couple other maids. They were playing madiao. Judging by the state of the game, they were almost finished.

Gu Huailang sat beside Jiang Jingchun and watched them play.

The little boy was the first to notice Gu Huaisheng entering the courtyard. 

“Brother, you’re back,” he greeted.

Jiang Jingchun heard Gu Huailang and glanced up briefly before returning her focus to the game.

Gu Huaisheng hadn’t expected to find Gu Huailang there.

Why was he always hanging around here these days? He never used to come this often.

After acknowledging Gu Huailang’s greeting, Gu Huaisheng discreetly hid the candied hawthorn skewer behind his back.

He couldn’t let Gu Huailang see it.

If he did, it would undoubtedly end up in his stomach.

Gu Huaisheng approached them. The sunset light made his official robe stand out even more than it already did. Against it, his complexion looked even fairer.

The two maids, who noticed Gu Huaisheng’s return, grew nervous and started to rise immediately, but Jiang Jingchun stopped them.

She said, “Don’t go, don’t go. Let’s finish this round first.”

After so many rounds of playing, she was finally about to win one. There was no way she’d let the round end before it finished.

It wasn’t as if Jiang Jingchun took the maids’ money when she won, of course. She also never refused to pay up when they won. She only played with the maids for fun. Now that she was about to win, she wasn’t going to spoil her own fun by calling it quits prematurely.

After hearing what she said, the maids didn’t move. However, they still cast cautious glances at Gu Huaisheng. Fortunately, he didn’t say anything to stop them and simply gestured for them to continue.

They resumed the game.

Gu Huaisheng, still hiding the candied hawthorn skewer behind his back, walked over to Gu Huailang and lightly cleared his throat. He feigned nonchalance as he said, “It’s getting dark. You should head back now.”

Gu Huailang, however, wasn’t willing to leave. Hearing Gu Huaisheng’s pointed remark, he instead moved closer to Jiang Jingchun and said, “I’ll leave later. Once they finish this round, I’ll go.”

Gu Huaisheng pursed his lips but said nothing.

Seemed like he wasn’t leaving anytime soon.

Gu Huaisheng had no other choice but to keep the candied hawthorn skewer concealed. He decided to wait until Gu Huailang left before bringing it out.

However, Gu Huailang noticed his slightly unnatural demeanour.

He asked, “Brother, what’s that you’re holding?”

Gu Huaisheng was caught off guard by the sudden question and hesitated for a moment. His reaction drew everyone’s attention, and they all turned to look at him—and at the hand he was hiding behind his back.