Chapter 709: This Is a Masterstroke of Strategy [Thank You! Again! 40 Chapters Owed]

Back in Xinzhou,

Gu Shi, pregnant with her second child,

lay in bed holding her own biological son,

had spoken aloud her worries and schemes,

and the young Master Yu before her—

had worn that same insincere expression.

He had said "no" with his lips,

yet in the end, he still allowed the physician summoned by the Gu family into the mansion

to "nourish" the body of Lady Fan.

Watching Lady Fan's health decline steadily, growing weaker by the day,

young Master Yu used the excuse that Bianjing housed many master physicians to send Lady Fan all the way from Xinzhou to Bianjing.

Such turmoil could easily break even a healthy person—how much more so a woman whose constitution had been shattered by childbirth and weakened for years?

The result of Gu Shi's schemes was that she rose from a concubine-born daughter of a minor family to become the lawful wife of the son of the Grand Coordinator, a high-ranking prefect.

Her own two children became legitimate heirs.

Truly, her gains were immense!

When Lady Fan was still a maiden, she had been doted on by her parents, innocent and kind-hearted, utterly unaware that many things must be fought for and seized.

In her spare moments over the years,

Gu Shi often revisited that scheme of hers.

After all, the taste of success won through painstaking effort and exhausting planning was simply exquisite, unforgettable.

That past success had greatly bolstered Gu Shi's confidence!

When Gu Shi was young and of low status, she had still planned for herself and her children—

now that this excellent match with the Gu family lay before her, she would surely plan for her own biological daughter!

"Back then, even as a concubine, I succeeded. Now I am the mistress of the Yu household! I must scheme boldly!" Gu Shi thought, as she pondered this.

"Tell me again what happened at the polo field today," young Master Yu said.

Gu Shi's sneer vanished instantly; after a deep breath, she spoke slowly: "My lord, today—"

When Gu Shi finished speaking,

"No!" young Master Yu said, shaking his head.

"Why not?" Gu Shi frowned, her tone commanding.

"You ask why? Master Gu Er has already won the prize bestowed by the Empress—she knows of this happy affair! If we now interfere, swapping brides, it would be sheer ingratitude!"

Looking at young Master Yu's expression, Gu Shi shook her head: "My lord, you've misunderstood. Do you think the Gu family and Lady Gu Hou are interested in Yanran?"

Young Master Yu: "Then what?"

Gu Shi shook her head, speaking softly: "My lord, I've already said it— the Gu family values our Yu family's reputation as a scholarly, pure-blooded lineage!"

"To others, Father-in-law is the patriarch of civil officials, the titan of the court!"

"What the Hou family truly covets is the Yu family's network of connections! Whichever girl they marry, it's all the same—so long as they marry into our family!"

"Even if the Empress learns of this, we can offer a plausible reason for the switch—something done for the Gu family's sake, to preserve this happy union! The one who suffers is our Hong'er!"

"With such sincerity on our part, how could the Gu family possibly break off the betrothal?"

"Then, my lord, watch—when the Empress learns of this, it will become a reason for the Gu family to seal the marriage all the more."

After this cascade of words, young Master Yu, who had previously held firm opposition, paced a few steps, his eyes filled with hesitation.

Seeing this, Gu Shi continued: "In this way, both our daughters become entangled with the Gu family! If the Gu family refuses, they are ruining our daughters' lives for good—we will have the moral high ground!"

He stopped pacing, took a deep breath, and said: "This matter… think it over carefully yourself. I'm going to the study to read."

With that, young Master Yu walked out, hands behind his back.

"Yes, my lord," Gu Shi bowed her head.

Young Master Yu left the room.

Inside, Gu Shi lifted her head, straightened her posture, took a deep breath, and smiled again.

"Ah! Think it over? That's just another way of saying yes!"

A barely audible whisper came.

Several days after the polo match,

on the eighth day of the fourth month,

Jinming Pond, as usual, closed its gates for the season,

and without the fishermen in the northwest corner, the fish in the pond struggled to find food.

Two more days passed,

and it was now mid-April,

the sun climbing higher, the temperature rising with it.

Along the roads and in the gardens of Bianjing, lush greenery stretched everywhere, interspersed with blooming flowers of every hue.

The wind blowing in carried increasing heat.

Sometimes, after lingering too long in the afternoon sun, the skin felt scorched.

On this day, at the first hour of the morning (after nine a. m.),

Jiyin Alley,

the Sheng household,

"Everyone, take a rest!"

Master Zhuang said, then walked to a nearby Luo Han chair, lay down, and closed his eyes for a nap.

The others in the classroom rose, stretching their stiffened bodies after long sitting.

Qi Heng stood behind his desk, stretching his waist, and stole a glance toward Minglan behind him.

Minglan, who usually kept her head down, had raised it today—her lips curved in a faint smile.

Qi Heng was startled by Minglan's smile, and unconsciously, his own lips curved upward.

But his smile froze quickly.

For Qi Heng followed Minglan's gaze and saw that she was staring at Gu Tingye, who sat just ahead of Xu Zaijing.

"Young master, have some water,"

Buwei said, holding out a large-handled porcelain cup.

Qi Heng snapped back to himself, nodded, took the cup, and drank—but his gaze remained fixed on Gu Tingye to his right.

After finishing the water and returning the cup to Buwei, Qi Heng used the motion of stretching to glance back at Minglan again.

Minglan, still watching Gu Tingye, sensed his gaze, looked up at Qi Heng, and immediately lowered her eyes as their eyes met.

Qi Heng had no time to rejoice at having made eye contact with Minglan—before him rose a thought: "These past two days!"

Thinking of this, Qi Heng suddenly felt hollow inside.

Sitting down, he looked again at Gu Tingye, trying to discern what about him had captured Minglan's attention.

Gu Tingye finished speaking with Xu Zaijing, turned, and said: "Yuanruo, why are you staring at me so much?"

He glanced down at his own clothes.

Qi Heng quickly smiled: "Uncle, I've noticed you've been unusually happy these past few days, so I couldn't help but look more often."

Hearing this, Gu Tingye's smile grew even more triumphant; he raised an eyebrow: "Hah! Not bad! Wait two years, Yuanruo—you'll understand."

Changfeng behind Qi Heng also smiled: "My three younger sisters have always been close to Yanran. My fourth sister has been nagging to prepare a congratulatory gift these past few days."

Mo Lan up front turned shyly, saw Xu Zaijing and the others watching her, and gave a small, bashful nod.

Seeing this, Ru Lan rolled her eyes in disdain.

Qi Heng, after a moment of surprise, brightened and smiled: "So your three sisters are happy too."

As he spoke, the realization struck him, and he swept his gaze over the three Lans.

Seeing Minglan nodding with a smile, Qi Heng's mood lifted; the hollow feeling inside vanished instantly.

Beside him, Xu Zaijing looked ahead at Gu Tingye and smiled faintly.

Meanwhile,

within the inner city,

Guangfu Alley,

the streets were wide, with pedestrians passing frequently.

Lush trees lined both sides, casting broad patches of shade when the sun shone.

A breeze blew through,

"Shhhhh-laa~"

the treetops swayed gently, leaves rustling.

On the ground and walls below, dappled spots of light flickered, growing larger, smaller, vanishing as the leaves moved.

Amid the rumble of carriage wheels,

a procession of carriages approached from afar.

Four carriages, guarded by mounted escorts, were made of fine materials, painted in muted tones, each adorned with clusters of blooming flowers along the sides.

Inside the carriages,

the maid Yunmu lifted the curtain and said: "Miss, we're nearly there."

"Mm, tell the front to head straight into the courtyard—we'll dismount at the second gate."

"Yes, Miss."

Hearing the mistress and maid's conversation,

the noble girl sitting beside Chai Zhengzheng, about the same age, also reached out and lifted the carriage curtain to look outside.

"Big Sister Chai, the scenery around here is lovely! Is this your family's newly bought mansion?"

Chai Zhengzheng smiled and shook her head. "Little Sister Yuan, this house is rented by my family!"

The girl called "Little Sister Yuan" looked at Chai Zhengzheng in surprise, then laughed. "Your family buying mansions is common—but renting one? That's unusual!"

Chai Zhengzheng laughed at this.

The Yuan family's ancestral home was Hejian Prefecture; since the founding of the Great Zhou, they had produced several jinshi, and still had clan members serving in court—they were one of the great clans of the Eastern Hebei Circuit.

Previously, when Chai Zhengzheng was in Cangzhou, she had met the Yuan girl a few times.

This Yuan girl, upon arriving in the capital this time, was not selected for the palace, and had been staying with relatives in the city with her mother.

"Little Sister Yuan, my mother said Wu Da Niangzi already has someone in mind for your match?" Chai Zhengzheng smiled.

The Yuan girl lowered the curtain, nodding slightly with a shy expression.

"Which family's young master?" Chai Zhengzheng asked curiously.

The Yuan girl smiled, pursed her lips, and murmured shyly, "It seems to be Wu Da Niangzi's nephew from her natal family."

Chai Zhengzheng thought for a moment, then smiled. "Minister Wu of the Ministry of Revenue? That's a fine family! Have you met him yet?"

The Yuan girl shook her head.

Chai Zhengzheng smiled. "If you stay in the capital, you might get a chance to meet him at a polo match or a tea gathering."

As soon as she finished speaking,

"Whoa! Whoa!"

With the driver's sharp tug on the reins, the carriage halted, then turned.

"We're entering the courtyard now," the Yuan girl said with a smile.

After traveling a little longer,

the carriage came to a smooth stop.

Chai Zhengzheng and the Yuan girl stepped down from the carriage using the mounting stool, accompanied by their maids.

Looking around at the surrounding houses and scenery, the Yuan girl smiled. "Such a beautifully built courtyard—it's a shame not to buy it."

Chai Zhengzheng laughed. "But only if the owner is willing to sell."

Saying this, Chai Zhengzheng waved to her sister-in-law, Lu Shi, who had just stepped down from the carriage behind them.

Before heading to the rear courtyard,

Chai Zhengzheng told her personal maid, Zi Teng: "When the other noble girls arrive, greet them and gently ask their pardon, then lead them straight to the rear courtyard."

Zi Teng quickly smiled and replied, "Yes, Miss."

Passing through corridors and gates,

Chai Zhengzheng, her sister-in-law Lu Shi, and the Yuan girl arrived outside the northernmost courtyard.

Before entering, they heard a soft, melodious pipa melody drifting from upstairs.

"That pipa is played beautifully," the Yuan girl praised.

After entering the courtyard,

they ascended the wooden pavilion's second floor,

where the sheer curtains on the inner windows had already been drawn back, revealing a breathtaking view of the imperial gardens in the distance.

"Servant girl greets Lady Da and Third Miss,"

Wei Fangzhi, the leading courtesan, already waiting there, veiled and holding her pipa, bowed respectfully to Lu Shi and Chai Zhengzheng, then nodded in greeting to the Yuan girl.

"Little Sister Yuan, tell Wei Xingshou what tune you'd like to hear," Chai Zhengzheng smiled.

The Yuan girl, snapping out of her awe at the view, scanned Wei Fangzhi in surprise. "Wei Xingshou? Is that really you? I've heard your name even back in my hometown in Cangzhou! Some say your pipa is 'like celestial music, briefly enlightening the ear'—today I finally have the honor to hear it!"

Wei Fangzhi quickly bowed low. "Thank you for your kind words, Miss—I am unworthy."

"Wei Xingshou? It's really you? I've heard your name even in my hometown in Cangzhou! Some say your pipa sounds like 'heavenly music that suddenly clears the ears'—today I finally have the honor to hear it!"

Saying this, the Yuan girl named a tune.

Amid the pipa's melody,

noble girls from various families began arriving on the upper floor.

Those who had never been here before would involuntarily gasp at the view outside the windows.

"Feiyan Miss has arrived."

As the maid announced,

Rong Feiyan entered the second floor, accompanied by Xi Bu and Ning Xiang.

"Wow!" Xi Bu and Ning Xiang gasped behind her, then exchanged a complex glance.

Rong Feiyan, ahead of them, stared at the scene before her, eyes wide.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Gu Tingyi, who had arrived earlier and stood nearby, smiled.

Rong Feiyan nodded with a smile.

"Come, let's sit over there," Gu Tingyi said.

As the noble girls chatted,

"Gao Miss has arrived!" Maid Zi Teng rushed up the stairs, breathless. "Quickly!"

Chai Zhengzheng stood up in astonishment. "What? Is it Big Sister Taotao?"

"Yes, Miss!" Zi Teng replied quickly.

Hearing this, the other girls on the second floor exchanged surprised glances.

Then, all rose and hurried downstairs.

Waiting below the wooden pavilion for a moment,

Gao Taotao entered the courtyard with a warm smile, accompanied by her entourage.

Before Chai Zhengzheng could speak, Taotao smiled. "Zhengzheng, we've come uninvited—don't mind us!"

Chai Zhengzheng quickly bowed. "Big Sister Taotao, how could we possibly mind!"

As Chai Zhengzheng spoke, the other girls quickly followed with their own bows.

"Greetings, Big Sister," "Greetings, Miss,"—various greetings echoed.

Gao Miss smiled with dignified grace, returned their bows, then stepped forward.

"Come, let's go upstairs," Gao Miss said.

Gao Miss led, the others followed, ascending the second floor together.

"Let's go up," the Gao girl said with a smile.

"Such a view is rare indeed!"

After Gao Miss sighed in admiration, Chai Zhengzheng smiled beside her. "You're right, Big Sister."

Gao Miss looked around at the girls and smiled. "My coming here has made you all stiff—you're not enjoying yourselves."

"Big Sister, don't say that! We're not stiff at all," Chai Zhengzheng replied.

"Zhengzheng's right—we're not!" Zhang Wu Niang added with a smile.

Gao Miss chuckled.

After Chai Zhengzheng's polite insistence, she took the main seat on the second floor.

"Everyone, please sit," Gao Miss said.

After everyone sat down, Gao Miss continued: "The Empress said I spend too little time in Bianjing, and urged me to meet more people. I went to the Chai household looking for Zhengzheng and learned you were all here."

Hearing this, Gu Tingyi and the others all bowed slightly with perfect poise.

After everyone responded in assent and took their seats, the Gao girl continued: "The Empress said I spend too little time in Bianjing, so I should meet more people here. I went to the Chai household to see Zhengzheng and only learned you'd come here."

Upon hearing this, Gu Tingyi and the others each gave a polite, composed nod.

Gao Miss burst out laughing.

Rong Feiyan whispered, "Big Sister, why are you laughing?"

Gao Miss shook her head, still smiling. "You're all too formal! Every smile, every gesture—you're acting like your elders who hold court titles."

At this, the girls glanced at each other, then couldn't help but laugh.

Watching them laugh, Gao Miss said, "Now that's better!"

"I don't know many people at the polo matches. If I can't remember your names, don't take offense."

Zhang Wu Niang bowed and smiled. "Big Sister, we'd never take offense! Today, Zhengzheng has the new wine from Qingfeng Tower—if you can't name it, you must drink a cup as penalty."

Gao Miss nodded with a smile. "That works!"

After a few more words, the girls realized Gao Miss's earlier remarks had been teasing.

Any girl who had ever appeared before the Empress's tent, she remembered without fail.

Gao Taotao's status as Crown Princess was already certain—she would one day be Empress.

Naturally, none of them would miss the chance to leave a good impression on her.

But every girl who had ever appeared before the Empress's tent, she remembered without fail.

Gao Tao's status as Crown Princess is set in stone; she is the future Empress.

Everyone naturally spared no effort to leave a good impression on her.

When Tao Tao was speaking with the other girls,

Zi Teng walked up to Chai Zhengzheng and whispered, "Miss, Lady Yu's eldest daughter says she's unwell and won't be coming today. The Yu family's maid sent me to convey her apologies."

Chai Zhengzheng nodded: "Understood! Go visit the Yu household this afternoon—just to show your concern."

Zi Teng bowed and left.

Seeing Tao Tao's gaze across the room, now sipping tea after finishing her conversation, Chai Zhengzheng leaned over and murmured a few words.

Tao Tao nodded softly: "Is it that time of the month?"

"She didn't say," Chai Zhengzheng replied.

"Oh! By the way, are you shooting arrows today?" Tao Tao asked with a smile.

"Huh? We did plan to, but since you're here, the younger girls won't shoot." Chai Zhengzheng said.

"Don't be silly! We'll watch from the second-floor south balcony, and the shooters can use the courtyard below. Just assign two strong maids to stand by—everything will be perfectly safe!" Tao Tao said.

Chai Zhengzheng thought for a moment: "That might work."

Soon,

an arrow target was set up in the courtyard.

Whenever a girl came down to draw her bow, a strong maid from Gao's party stood beside her.

To ensure no one suddenly turned their arrow toward Gao's girl or any other girl.

After playing for a while,

"Zhang's Fifth Daughter: ten arrows on target, seven struck the red center."

At the maid's call, Zhang's Fifth Daughter returned to the second floor.

As she watched Rong Feiyan warming up below, Zhang's Fifth Daughter said, "Gao sister, I'm actually better at swordplay than archery."

Gao's girl laughed: "Oh? Then after archery, we'll have to see it."

Just then,

"Wow!"

"Wow!"

As Rong Feiyan drew her bow below, the noble girls on the second floor gasped at the arrows sticking in the target.

"Rong Feiyan: ten arrows on target, seven struck the red center!" the maid below called out.

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

The girls on the second floor burst into applause.

"Feiyan really knows how to shoot! Zhengzheng, it's your turn!" Gao's girl laughed.

Chai Zhengzheng smiled and nodded, walking downstairs.

Rong Feiyan ascended to the second floor.

Hearing the admiring words from the noble girls, Rong Feiyan smiled shyly.

"Oh!"

"Wow!"

"."

"What a pity!"

"Chai Miss: nine arrows on target, seven struck the red center."

When Tao Tao of the Gao family went downstairs to shoot,

the Yuan girl raised her thumb toward Chai Zhengzheng and Rong Feiyan and said, "You all are truly skilled."

Before Gu Tingyi and the others could speak, the girl added, "But, Sister Chai, your archery wasn't like this before."

Chai Zhengzheng blushed slightly: "Today… I've never shot here before. I'm just not used to it."

Rong Feiyan stared blankly down at the courtyard: "Me too."

Gu Tingyi: "I… I just changed my bowstring."

Zhang's Fifth Daughter: "Yeah, I'm better with the sword—you know that."

Listening to the girls' chatter, Lu Shi raised her round fan to cover her smile.

Mid-April,

first hour of Shen (after 3 p. m.)

The sky was thick with dark clouds,

though it was afternoon, the light was as dim as dusk.

Jiyin Alley,

Sheng Family Academy,

a strong wind swept into the academy,

fluttering the robes of those seated and rustling the papers on the desks.

Xu Zaijing inhaled the wind and smiled: "Smells like rain's coming."

On the wooden platform behind, Hua Xiang, Xiao Tao, and Xi Que all began sniffing the air.

"Tap! Tap!"

The front-row instructor tapped his folding fan on the desk. When everyone looked up, he said: "Put your books down for now. Rest a bit—we'll listen to the wind and watch the rain."

"Yes, Instructor."

Everyone bowed in response.

Afterward, the academy fell silent.

Suddenly,

a flash of white light lit up the academy.

"Lightning's coming!" came Ru Lan's voice.

Xu Zaijing, by the wall, saw the flash and silently began counting.

"Boom~"

A deep thunder rolled from beyond the sky.

After counting, Xu Zaijing scratched his head, thinking: 'Sound travels through air at three hundred and forty…?'

After the thunder faded,

another cold gust swept through,

and soon, rain began to patter softly.

Watching the endless drops falling from the eaves, Xu Zaijing sat quietly lost in thought: 'The smell of rain… it's the same everywhere.'

"Jing Ge!"

Gu Tingye's annoying voice rang out.

Xu Zaijing tore his gaze from the eaves, frowned at Gu Tingye: "Hmm?"

Gu Tingye hesitated, whispering: "Jing Ge, has Xiao Yu the physician been free lately?"

Xu Zaijing shook his head: "I haven't been to the Yu household these days—I'm not sure. Second Brother, do you need something?"

Gu Tingye nodded eagerly: "It's been days since the polo match ended. My sister says Lady Yu's eldest daughter hasn't shown up at all."

Xu Zaijing breathed in the cool, fresh air and smiled: "Second Brother, your wedding date is already set. Isn't Lady Yu busy embroidering her trousseau? She can't be going out like before."

Gu Tingye said: "I've thought of that too, Jing Ge."

"But the other day, Chai Zhengzheng sent a maid to inquire—and they still didn't see Lady Yu."

Xu Zaijing froze: "The maid didn't see her either? Why?"

Gu Tingye said: "They said they feared contagion. If they're saying that, it's not just about embroidery. So…"

Xu Zaijing nodded seriously: "You're right, Second Brother. Lady Yu might truly be ill. After class, let's go together to visit Xiao Yu."

Gu Tingye gratefully squeezed Xu Zaijing's shoulder.

Xu Zaijing patted Gu Tingye's arm, then leaned back against the wall, closing his eyes to listen to the rain.

Moments later, Xu Zaijing suddenly opened his eyes and said to Gu Tingye: "Wait—I need to bring in someone important."

"Someone more skilled than Xiao Yu?" Gu Tingye asked.

Xu Zaijing shook his head: "Someone who can get us into the Yu household legitimately."

You hour, exact (around 6 p. m.)

After the rain ended,

the air carried a crisp chill.

The Sheng family's back courtyard,

everywhere damp,

dew glistened on a few flowers and plants.

Shou'an Hall,

since it was overcast, candles had already been lit inside.

Lady Sheng, wrapped in a thickened beizi, rose from her Luohan chair,

paced two steps with her hands behind her back, and looked at Xu Zaijing: "Jing Ge, you want to use my name to take Xiao Yu to the Yu household?"

Xu Zaijing nodded: "Yes, Grand-aunt. Lady Yu has always been powerless in her own home. With your command, Brother Yu will be able to see her."

Lady Sheng glared at him: "Jing Ge, you speak as if Lady Yu's grandmother doesn't care for her! If Lady Yu falls ill, wouldn't her grandmother send for a physician?"

Xu Zaijing bit his lip, hesitating: "Grand-aunt, forgive me for speaking plainly—but Lady Yu's grandmother has always loved her. Still, the Yu household's internal affairs were once handled by Old Master Yu; now they're managed by Young Master Yu and his wife."

"Some of the inner workings, Old Madam Yu simply doesn't know."

"And if there's truly nothing wrong, it's just letting Brother Yu take another look. But if something goes wrong—"

Old Madam furrowed her brows, sat back down on the Luohan chair, pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. I'll write a note."

Upon hearing this,

Xu Zaijing stood up happily, bowed and clasped his fists. "Thank you, Aunt Ancestress."

Old Madam waved for Xu Zaijing to sit, turned her body, and began writing on the small table beside the Luohan chair.

Ninth hour precisely (around 8 p. m.)

North of Bianyang Fang, 【337】 Xingguo Fang,

Inside the old Song Gate's main street,

Street-side snack stalls hung lanterns, illuminating the damp ground.

Not far away, Qingyun and Zhi Que stood watching several fine steeds.

At a table beside the stall, Xu Zaijing, Gu Tingye, Yu Huguang, and Ren Yiniang sat together.

Xu Zaijing looked at Yu Huguang, frowned, and whispered: "Miss Yu was suddenly terrified—her qi surged, her spirit shook, her frightful qi reversed and became chaotic?"

Gu Tingye, beside him, followed Xu Zaijing's gaze.

Yu Huguang nodded once.

Xu Zaijing turned to Ren Yiniang.

Ren Yiniang nodded as well, whispering: "Fifth Young Master, my view matches Brother Yu's."

Gu Tingye lowered his voice: "So Miss Yu isn't ill—she was merely frightened?"

Yu Huguang and Ren Yiniang both nodded.

Seeing this, Gu Tingye exhaled in relief. "That's good."

Xu Zaijing glanced sideways at Gu Tingye, then looked at Yu Huguang. "Brother Yu, was the physician's prescription correct?"

"The medicine is properly matched to the symptoms—no issue," Yu Huguang said. "But—"

Looking at Xu Zaijing and Gu Tingye, Yu Huguang continued: "But if the dosage is wrong when preparing the herbs, it can disrupt the qi further, worsening the chaotic frightful qi."

Xu Zaijing: "Hmph! So it really is—"

Ren Yiniang thought for a moment, then looked at Xu Zaijing. "Fifth Young Master, are you suggesting there's something hidden behind Miss Yu's fright?"

Xu Zaijing nodded. "Miss Yanran has lived under Old Master Yu's care for years—never once did this happen! Yet barely half a month after becoming betrothed to Second Young Master, she's frightened."

Gu Tingye froze, face troubled. "Jingge, are you saying it's my fault? Did I harm Miss Yanran?"

Xu Zaijing frowned, glanced helplessly at Gu Tingye. "I suspect it's somehow connected to you."

Gu Tingye's expression darkened, and he nodded slowly.

Xu Zaijing continued: "Second Young Master, go home and tell White Auntie everything that happened tonight—exactly as it happened—and see what she says! Oh, and pay for it yourself!"

When Gu Tingye went to Zhi Que for silver, Xu Zaijing stood and bowed. "Thank you, Brother Yu, and thank you, Ren Yiniang, for your trouble today."

Yu Huguang smiled and shook his head. "If you keep being so formal with me, don't come looking for me again."

He patted Xu Zaijing's arm, then walked toward his horse.

Ren Yiniang smiled, curtsied to Xu Zaijing, then headed toward the other carriage.

Later that night,

Xingguo Lane

Behind the main hall of Ningyuan Marquis's residence.

In the golden candlelight,

Bai Shi, her hair loose, wore a night robe and sat on the Luohan chair; beside her stood Chang Mama.

Looking at Gu Tingye standing nearby, Bai Shi softly asked: "That's all?"

Gu Tingye nodded. "Mother, that's all. Jingge told me to come back and tell you everything exactly."

"On my way home, I thought it over—I believe Jingge is right. Miss Yu's fright was probably my fault."

Bai Shi smiled slightly. "You're not entirely foolish."

Chang Mama, beside Bai Shi, frowned. "Madam, in this Bianjing, the high families have no shame—they each have their own tricks!"

"We've always heard Miss Yu's father and stepmother were stingy and greedy. Now I see even Young Master Yu is willing to throw away his own daughter's reputation!"

Bai Shi looked at Gu Tingye, whose eyes had widened in surprise. "Yè'er, what's wrong?"

Gu Tingye said incredulously: "Mother, Chang Mama—do you mean Miss Yu's fright was planned by the Yu family?"

Chang Mama, who held no regard for the Yu family, sneered. "Young Master Yè, nothing under the sun is surprising! In the inner quarters, it's just a small patch of land—think a little, and you'll guess their intentions."

"Right now, Miss Yu is taking medicine—but in a few months, her 'illness' will likely worsen."

"Our Gu family certainly won't take a sick girl as our eldest daughter-in-law!"

"But you've won the Empress's jade ring at the polo match—so to preserve this wedding, known even to the Empress, the Yu family will likely push forward Third Miss Yu instead, swapping sisters in marriage."

Bai Shi shook her head. "In the end, those unaware of the truth will think our Gu family owes the Yu family a favor."

(End of Chapter)