Unintentional Surprise (GL) - Chapter 21

How could Jiang Shunyao possibly refuse Wen Dinglan’s request?

Even if she had to brace herself, she still fulfilled her beloved’s wish and stepped out into the front hall of Fuxian Linyin Pavilion.

Such an entrance was different from one that loudly beat the grievance drum—

It was steeped in matters of love and romance, stirring up passionate debts.

When Jiang Shunyao first arrived at the front hall, no one recognized her in her dark robes.

Unsure what to do next, she repeatedly stole glances at Wen Dinglan, hidden behind layers of beaded curtains, hoping for a hint or signal.

Wen Dinglan was looking at her too—gazing at her, then breaking into a sweet smile as if she’d tasted honey.

Strange.

To be so delighted just watching her beloved stroll around a courtyard—wasn’t that odd?

Jiang Shunyao couldn’t figure out Wen Dinglan’s preferences; she truly didn’t understand.

But since Wen Dinglan had asked her to appear, there must be a reason—so she simply obeyed.

Jiang Shunyao was wrong. Wen Dinglan sending her out like this had no deeper reason at all—it was purely on a whim.

Absolutely no logic behind it.

For the time being, no one paid Jiang Shunyao much mind, but the front hall was buzzing with activity.

Che Kuiyuan sat at a tall table in the middle, his voice thick with sorrow, just after wiping away tears, crying out dramatically to the guests:

“Foolish, foolish, longing hopelessly for a fair one’s return;
Bitter, bitter, never knowing spring breezes stir the rear courtyard!”

Most guests admired Wen Dinglan’s famed beauty and talent. Hearing Che Kuiyuan’s complaints, they immediately pressed him:

“Che Kuiyuan, speak plainly—who’s sharing the spring breeze in the back courtyard?”

“Who else? Wen Dinglan and…”

Just as Che Kuiyuan was about to blurt it all out, Jiang Shunyao rushed forward and shoved a plain steamed bun into his mouth.

Mumbling, he could no longer speak clearly.

It was the first time Jiang Shunyao had acted so roughly, and she felt a bit flustered.

But thinking of protecting Wen Dinglan’s reputation, she felt no fear at all.

Still, Jiang Shunyao had little experience with such confrontations. How long could a single steamed bun keep someone’s mouth shut?

Soon, someone among the guests recognized the dark-robed figure:

“Isn’t that… Lord Jiang?”

“Yes, it’s Jiang Shunyao!”

“Lord Jiang, here at Fuxian Linyin Pavilion?”

Jiang Shunyao firmly remembered Wen Dinglan’s instructions—not to flee, not to hide her face—so she let the theatergoers scrutinize her freely.

Che Kuiyuan, still chewing and with crumbs in his mouth, sputtered, “It’s her! She and Wen Dinglan were being all lovey-dovey in the back courtyard!”

There was no time to shove in another bun. The scandalous words had already burst out.

Amid the growing uproar, Jiang Shunyao had to take a stand.

Steeling her gaze and holding firm to her heart, she faced the probing eyes and rude remarks, wholly devoted to defending Wen Dinglan—a fellow woman.

She declared, “Wen Dinglan accepted ten carriages of betrothal gifts from me. She is already my betrothed. Those of you who came to seek her—may now take your leave.”

Telling guests to leave? Indeed.

That suited Wen Dinglan just fine.

But these guests weren’t about to be driven off so easily.

One of them stepped forward, clearly displeased. “She accepted your ten carriages of gifts, and that makes it a betrothal? That won’t do. Fuxian Linyin Pavilion accepted treasures and silver from me too—does that mean the whole place belongs to me?”

Jiang Shunyao frowned. These guests were indeed troublesome.

Unless each was sent away, Wen Dinglan would know no peace.

“Then what will it take for you to leave willingly?”

Leave?

These guests came seeking pleasure—unless they ran out of silver, how could they leave so easily?

They laughed at Jiang Shunyao’s naivety, calling her a calf.

And to deal with a calf? The seasoned old hands had their own shameless ways.

Don’t blame them for refusing to acknowledge her as the newly appointed top scholar—Lord Jiang.