Chapter 198: The Request
Jinchao was currently receiving guests in the side hall of the main chamber in the western courtyard.
Ji Wu Shi had arrived with her eldest aunt-in-law Song Shi, third sister-in-law Liu Shi, and fourth sister-in-law Chen Shi.
It had been a long time since Jinchao had seen her maternal grandmother, and she missed her dearly. After paying respects to Song Shi and Liu Shi, she hesitated slightly when she saw Chen Shi... Chen Xuan was her sister-in-law, yet she had to address Third Master Chen as "Third Uncle." How should she address Chen Xuan properly?
Ji Wu Shi smiled and took her hand, saying, "Let me share some happy news—your fourth sister-in-law is expecting..."
Jinchao congratulated Chen Shi, whose face flushed with shyness. The jewel-embedded longevity hairpins at her temples made her look especially radiant.
Soon after, Second Madam arrived. Today, she wore a neatly tailored maroon Hangzhou silk jacket embroidered with double happiness patterns. She first paid respects to Ji Wu Shi, then invited the eldest aunt and the others to the flower hall. The women from the Duke of Dingguo's residence and the Earl of Yongyang's residence had also arrived, making it the perfect opportunity for a game of mahjong.
The eldest aunt left with the two sisters-in-law, while Ji Wu Shi asked Jinchao to accompany her for a walk.
Supporting her grandmother's hand, Jinchao strolled with her along the winding corridors of the western courtyard, followed by maids and matrons carrying stools and other necessities. Ji Wu Shi sighed deeply and asked, "What exactly is going on between you and Third Master Chen?"
Jinchao fell silent for a moment, unsure how to explain the matter to her grandmother. Finally, she said, "...We met before and found each other suitable."
Ji Wu Shi continued, "When I received your letter, I was truly startled. Do you really understand what kind of man Third Master Chen is? You're still young, while he holds the position of Minister of Revenue. Though he appears refined and gentle, his mind is deep and ruthless... I fear you might suffer. Moreover, Third Master Chen is much older than you, and his family status far surpasses yours..." Over and over, Ji Wu Shi expressed her worries for Jinchao.
This child, whom she had cherished and doted on, was now about to marry.
It was just a pity. She could protect Jinchao for a time, but not for a lifetime.
She had once hoped Jinchao might marry Ji Yao, but then the incident with Madam Zhao had happened... Ji Wu Shi recalled that day. Upon hearing of Jinchao's engagement, Ji Yao had remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "As long as she's happy." Having watched him grow up, Ji Wu Shi knew all too well the sorrow in his heart.
The candles in Ji Yao's study had burned through the night, and the next morning, he had left for Jizhou to handle business for the trading company. He still hadn't returned.
After some thought, Jinchao said, "Grandmother, I've considered all of this. Please don't worry. You must trust me."
Ji Wu Shi smiled. "Of course I trust you. As long as you're happy, I'll be content... Even if you're a second wife, it doesn't matter as long as Third Master treats you well. I met Jiang Shi before—she was virtuous and gentle, treating Third Master with respect, yet there was always a distance between them. A man like Third Master Chen has a strong sense of responsibility. Even if he doesn't love you, as long as you bear his name, he'll protect you for life..."
As they walked and talked, Jinchao thought of taking her grandmother to the Beautiful Embroidery Hall for a rest. But then, someone came running up behind them, panting heavily.
Turning around, Jinchao saw it was Caifu. After hurriedly bowing, Caifu lowered her voice and said, "Miss, the Young Master of the Household wishes to see you."
Jinchao frowned. What was Ye Xian doing here?
"Did he say why he came?"Caifu shook her head: "How could I not know? The Young Master is waiting for you in the Beautiful Embroidery Hall. The guards he brought are all armed. The servants who welcomed him in were so frightened they ran to inform Tai Furen..."
Jinchao's heart sank. She instructed Caifu to accompany her grandmother to the flower hall first, while she returned to the Beautiful Embroidery Hall with Qingpu.
His grand entrance... this was clearly meant to show others their connection. Jinchao felt a headache coming on—why couldn't he show any consideration for others?
When Jinchao returned to the Beautiful Embroidery Hall, she indeed saw a group of sword-bearing guards standing outside, all tall and expressionless. Inside, Baiyun was anxiously looking around and hurried over upon seeing her: "...The Young Master is in the central hall."
Jinchao said, "Go to the eastern courtyard. Inform Tai Furen about this." No matter what, she had to let Madam Feng know.
Baiyun nodded and left. Only then did Jinchao step toward the central hall.
Ye Xian sat on the Grand Preceptor's Chair sipping tea, bathed in bright sunlight. His face was as pale and flawless as polished jade.
Hearing footsteps, he turned to look. Jinchao wore a white jacket with faint green bamboo leaf patterns and a lake-colored skirt, her expression unchanged. Yet her gaze held reproach and confusion... She entered the central hall and curtsied: "Greetings, Young Master. Our household is celebrating a joyous occasion—are you here to attend? Then you should be in the western courtyard."
Ye Xian stood and walked up to her. "I thought it was you who was getting married..."
Jinchao smiled and shook her head. "It's my father's remarriage. The Xu family's bridal procession will arrive soon. Why don't you come with me to the western courtyard?"
If they stayed here any longer, things would become truly unclear. The Gu family didn't know they were acquainted.
Jinchao took a step forward, intending to lead Ye Xian to the western courtyard to talk. But he suddenly reached out and grabbed her hand.
This wasn't what he'd expected. He thought Jinchao was being forced to marry Third Master Chen—that the Gu and Chen families were pressuring her. She should be miserable... He'd come to save her. Yet Jinchao's expression was calm and composed.
Gu Jinzhao was startled by the Young Master's actions. No matter how unconventional he usually was, he'd never done something like this!
"Young Master, let go!" She struggled, but Ye Xian's grip didn't budge. Annoyed, she said, "If someone sees this, how will I explain? I'm already betrothed—you can't do this anymore..."
Ye Xian held her hand firmly and asked quietly, "You're engaged to Chen Yanyun?"
What did it have to do with him?
Jinchao glared at him fiercely: "Young Master, if you're here for the banquet, go to the western courtyard. You can't ruin me like this..."
Ye Xian gazed at her steadily. "You can't marry Chen Yanyun... Do you know what kind of man he is? He'd sacrifice his own subordinates and cut off his own brothers without hesitation. How will you contend with someone like him when you're so naive?"
Jinchao was truly angry now and whispered sharply, "Ye Xian, don't be unreasonable. My affairs are none of your concern. What kind of man Third Master Chen is, I'll judge for myself—I don't need you to tell me!"Ye Xian smiled. Her affairs had nothing to do with him... Yes, Gu Jinzhao had helped him once. He considered it a debt of gratitude, thinking Gu Jinzhao was being bullied by others. He wanted to help her reject this marriage arrangement. But upon learning she was willing, he felt even more unsettled...
What exactly did he want to do? Recklessly grabbing her hand, as if thinking, 'Let others see if they must. It might even be better that way.' A woman's reputation must not be tarnished, so what was he trying to accomplish?
He closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them again, his gaze was clear. "Apart from his high status, what else does Third Master Chen have to offer?"
He continued calmly, "If you want to marry someone of high status... why not marry me? The status of a marquis's wife isn't low, is it? With me protecting you, no one would dare bully you."
Ye Xian thought this was a fine idea. After all, he needed to marry soon anyway. Marrying Gu Jinzhao would be perfect—she was so amusing.
Madam Feng had just entered when she heard these words, nearly slipping in shock.
What did the heir mean? Had he taken a fancy to Gu Jinzhao?
First, Third Master Chen came to propose, and now even the heir was involved. What extraordinary fortune did she possess?
Hearing the noise, Gu Jinzhao, in her desperation, bit Ye Xian's hand. He let out a pained gasp, and she seized the chance to pull away.
Madam Feng coughed, her expression more severe than ever. She immediately instructed Xu Momo to close the courtyard gate and stand guard to prevent others from entering. With Fuling in tow, she approached with a smile. "It's rare for the heir to visit, yet you came straight to Chaojie's place. She's just a young woman, inexperienced in the ways of the world, and might not receive you properly." As she spoke, she positioned herself in front of Gu Jinzhao.
No matter what, Gu Jinzhao was already betrothed to Third Master Chen. If any scandal erupted now, her reputation would be ruined beyond repair.
Even if this was the heir, the same rules applied.
The heir of Marquis Changxing—Gu Jinzhao could not afford to provoke him.
Ye Xian tucked his hand into his sleeve. Her bite had been swift and fierce, leaving his hand numb with pain. When he looked at Gu Jinzhao again, she had turned her gaze to a pot of Luo, refusing to acknowledge him.
It was as if he had been slapped awake. Gu Jinzhao had clearly been driven to desperation by him.
Had his earlier words gone too far...
Jinchao took a deep breath. She was no stranger to Ye Xian's willful recklessness, but today's display was unprecedented. She curtsied to Madam Feng and said, "Grandmother, I have a few words for the heir..." She requested to speak privately in the main hall, determined to make her stance clear, regardless of consequences.
Madam Feng glanced at Jinchao, hesitating, but ultimately withdrew.
Jinchao gathered her thoughts and addressed Ye Xian, "Heir, I don't know what you're thinking. You are the heir—worldly concerns mean nothing to you. But I'm different. I'm a woman, and soon to be married. What else can I do?"
Ye Xian studied her for a long moment before replying, "With me protecting you, what is there to fear? Let me see who dares to trouble you."
Jinchao nearly laughed in exasperation.
"You may not fear, but I do. If you truly care for me, don't seek me out again..."
She curtsied deeply. "Consider this my repayment for helping you once." With that, she left the main hall.
She could only assume this was a passing whim of his, though inwardly she was furious at his recklessness.Ye Xian lowered his eyes and fell silent, as if everything was nothing more than a farce. He had brought assassins from the Marquis of Changxing's residence to save her, yet Gu Jinzhao saw him as nothing but trouble.
All the exhaustion Ye Xian had suppressed now surged over him—after all, he hadn’t rested in a long time.
After stepping out of the central hall, he stood there for a long while. The Gu residence was adorned with lanterns and decorations, and the lively sounds from just beyond the walls could be heard. Madam Feng remained standing nearby, seemingly wanting to speak to him, but Ye Xian merely waved his hand and said quietly to Li Xianhuai, "Let’s return to the residence."
He had promised to answer any plea.
He couldn’t act recklessly and bring harm upon her.
As long as this was what she truly wanted, he had no right to interfere too much. Besides, Jinchao didn’t want his interference either…
Ye Xian clenched his fist tightly, the bite wound throbbing faintly with pain.
P.S. Pretty early today, huh... The wedding’s almost here, haha.
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