Chapter 278: Awareness
Jiang Yan hesitated, his expression uneasy.
Third Master Chen looked at him quietly without urging. Only the distant clamor could be heard in the study.
Yet Jiang Yan felt a chill run down his spine, his voice lowering further. The matter he had uncovered had shocked even himself. He had spent two full days deliberating how to broach it with Third Master Chen, but the events involving the Yao family left him no choice—he had to inform the master so a decision could be made.
"This subordinate has learned about... Madam's past with the Seventh Young Master," Jiang Yan said, his voice stiff. "Madam... Madam once seemed to have feelings for the Seventh Young Master, likely when she was fourteen. For a year afterward, they had some contact—exchanging letters or gifts. However, the Seventh Young Master consistently rejected her advances. Later... they ceased all communication. It was merely youthful infatuation, the kind of thing that happens when one is young and inexperienced... After that, Madam never contacted the Seventh Young Master again. The Seventh Young Master grew to despise her because of it, which might explain their later conflicts."
Jiang Yan didn’t dare raise his head to look at Third Master Chen.
He couldn’t imagine what expression the master wore, so he kept his gaze down.
Third Master Chen had spent his life maneuvering through court politics, wielding immense power. Yet in his own household, such a scandal had unfolded.
A stepmother and stepson... If word got out that Third Master Chen had married a woman who once fancied his own son, it would be utterly absurd.
The sound of gongs and drums grew louder—likely the wedding procession had entered the main gate, followed by two rounds of firecrackers. The atmosphere was jubilant.
Third Master Chen closed his eyes briefly.
With a faint, humorless smile, he murmured, "No wonder." No wonder there had always been an odd tension between those two. No wonder Chen Xuanqing seemed so fixated on Gu Jinzhao, revealing cracks in his composure in front of him. And no wonder Gu Jinzhao had deliberately kept her distance from Chen Xuanqing, both openly and subtly.
In youth, ignorance often led to mistakes. But he wasn’t entirely sure whether this counted as one of Gu Jinzhao’s mistakes.
Standing straight with his hands clasped behind his back, he asked Jiang Yan coolly, "They never saw each other again after that?"
Jiang Yan nodded. "No further contact. The maid said... after Madam’s mother fell ill, her temperament changed, and she stopped interacting with the Seventh Young Master. From what this subordinate has gathered, it aligns—after her mother’s severe illness, Madam became much colder in demeanor."
He finally lifted his head and saw Third Master Chen’s face, which bore an unmistakable indifference. There was no anger, not even surprise... Jiang Yan suspected these emotions were buried deep within the master’s heart. Just as always. No one could ever truly discern what he was thinking.
"If there was no further contact afterward, then let this matter rest. Does anyone else know about this?" Third Master Chen asked.
Jiang Yan replied, "The maid used to serve Gu Lan, so Gu Lan is aware. In fact, it might be more accurate to say... Gu Lan played a crucial role in Madam’s feelings for the Seventh Young Master. The maid mentioned that Gu Lan had schemed against Madam many times—each act a venomous betrayal of sisterly bonds. That’s why Madam later harbored such dislike for her younger sister. Therefore, this subordinate suspects... now that Gu Lan is barely clinging to life in the Yao household, she has told the matron guarding her that she has a secret to trade with Third Madam Yao in exchange for her life..."
Third Master Chen said, "You’re worried she’ll use this as leverage?"Jiang Yan nodded and said, "That's correct, but this subordinate is merely speculating. It might be something else entirely..."
"Kill her." Third Master Chen interrupted him softly.
Jiang Yan didn't react immediately, stammering, "You... you mean..."
"Kill her. Leave no traces." After saying this, Third Master Chen walked out of the study, where a maid sent by Madam Chen was waiting.
The auspicious hour for the wedding ceremony was approaching, and Madam Chen had sent someone to fetch him.
Jiang Yan quickly followed, murmuring a quiet acknowledgment.
The central hall outside the bridal chamber was decorated with lanterns and colorful hangings. The lattice windows were adorned with large red double-happiness characters. An altar table was set up, bearing the memorial tablets of heaven, earth, the sovereign, ancestors, and teachers, along with incense burners, candles, and offerings of fruits and pastries. Jinchao sat on one side in a Grand Preceptor's chair, but noticed the adjacent chair was empty.
The bride's attendant came over first, looking somewhat puzzled.
Madam Chen, standing nearby, instructed Luo to fetch him, saying, "He went to the study with Jiang Yan earlier. How could he still not be back by now?"
The ceremonial master, matchmaker, and attendants entered one after another.
Only then did Third Master Chen walk in. Dressed in his second-rank crimson official robes, he appeared more solemn and dignified than usual. Yet his expression remained indifferent as he strode directly to the Grand Preceptor's chair and sat down, nodding to the ceremonial master who looked his way. "You may begin."
Jinchao lowered her voice to ask, "Why were you gone so long?"
"Hmm, had a few extra words with Jiang Yan," he replied.
Gu Jinzhao frowned slightly. Though she couldn't fathom what Third Master Chen was thinking, she sensed something unusual. Just as she was about to press further, the bride and groom entered hand in hand. The bride, supported by her attendants, wore a phoenix crown and ceremonial robes, standing half a head shorter than Chen Xuanqing. Beside him, she appeared delicate and graceful. The handsome groom and beautiful bride made a picturesque pair, yet Chen Xuanqing stood rigidly straight, his face expressionless as he stared straight ahead.
Incense was lit, firecrackers crackled, and music played. The ceremonial master chanted the rites as the couple first offered incense and kowtowed, then performed the three kneelings and nine prostrations.
When Yu Wanxue swayed slightly while rising after the mutual bow between husband and wife, Chen Xuanqing steadied her with a gentle hand.
The ceremonial master immediately proclaimed, "The rites are complete. Escort the couple to the bridal chamber."
By then, night had fallen, and red lanterns were lit and hung high.
The guests then proceeded to the evening banquet.
When Jinchao returned to Osmanthus Hall after settling matters, Third Master Chen still hadn't come back.
Red lanterns also adorned the corridors of Osmanthus Hall for the occasion. Having barely rested at noon, Jinchao was now utterly exhausted. Though she intended to wait for Third Master Chen's return, she inadvertently fell asleep against a large bolster pillow.
The nighttime festivities had quieted, with only Shuyage still echoing with the sounds of wedding chamber revelry.
Jinchao was awakened by Qingpu, who brought her a bowl of medicinal broth to drink. Another maid brought hot water for her to wash her face.
It was then that Third Master Chen finally returned from outside.
Gu Jinzhao immediately caught a whiff of alcohol. She moved to support him, asking, "I thought you didn't like drinking. Why did you have some after all?"
Third Master Chen waved off her assistance—he was still quite sober. "Had a couple drinks with the Grain Transport Commissioner. It's nothing."
Jinchao promptly instructed a maid to prepare sobering soup. After he sat on the Arhat bed, she unfastened the rhinoceros-horn patterned belt of his official robes. "Shouldn't the Grain Transport Commissioner be in Huaian Prefecture of Southern Zhili? Has he returned to the capital to report?"
Third Master Chen gave a low hum of affirmation, his gaze lingering on Gu Jinzhao for a long moment.He wanted to ask her something, yet hesitated. After a long silence where words seemed to linger unsaid, Gu Jinzhao remained quiet, leaving only stillness between them.
During the banquet.
The Grain Transport Commissioner raised his wine cup with a laugh. "Our Third Master Chen doesn't appreciate fine wine and won't drink with me. Life's pleasures are fleeting—if you abstain from wine and women, what joy is there?"
Duke Zheng, Chang Hai, chuckled heartily. "Commissioner Wu doesn't know—Third Master remarried a beautiful young wife in May and treasures her dearly. Far from abstaining, he's quite the opposite. Don't be fooled."
The Grain Transport Commissioner remarked, "I thought you'd truly given up such indulgences after your father passed."
Third Master Chen lowered his eyes with a faint smile, toying with his cup. Suddenly, he raised it and drained it in one go.
Both the Commissioner and Chang Hai were startled, but the Commissioner recovered first, clapping his hands. "Well, it seems Third Master is in high spirits today. How do you find the taste of fine wine?"
Third Master Chen replied, "It's not unfamiliar." He handed the cup to a servant, poured another, and drank it down.
The banquet continued with cups clinking and toasts flowing. Only when the Commissioner left did Third Master Chen finally turn his cup upside down on the table, showing no sign of intoxication.
...
A maid brought sobering soup, but Third Master Chen closed his eyes, unusually weary.
Gu Jinzhao had him lean against a pillow and gently massaged his temples and forehead. Her touch was light, barely more than a tickle. Third Master Chen took her hand and pressed it firmly where he needed it.
She withdrew her hand and picked up the sobering soup. "Shall I feed you, my lord?" After drinking, his emotions surfaced more easily. She wondered what could weigh so heavily on him, even making him tired. Her heart ached for him.
Usually, it was he who cared for her. As his wife, she often felt inadequate.
Third Master Chen watched her silently. After a pause, she scooped some soup and brought it to his lips. He remained still at first, then parted them and drank slowly.
Once the maid took the bowl away, Gu Jinzhao hesitated before resting a hand on his arm. Softly, she said, "Though I don't know what troubles you these days, you can tell me anything. I may not understand... but speaking helps."
Did speaking truly help?
Third Master Chen didn't think so. He had secretly investigated her and uncovered some unsettling truths. Yet he wasn't certain if they still held. He didn’t want to burden her—Gu Jinzhao was prone to overthinking and sensitivity. But he couldn’t ignore it either.
He reached up and caressed her face, his touch tender.
Gu Jinzhao instinctively flinched but quickly steadied herself. His rough fingers traced her chin before suddenly holding her still as he leaned in.
Pressed beneath him, she tasted the lingering wine on his lips—Autumn Dew White, perhaps.
The kiss was too urgent, leaving her breathless. She tried to push him away, but his hands pinned her down, undoing the ties of her robe without room for refusal.
She was barely three months pregnant...
With a silent sigh, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She knew, no matter what, Third Master Chen would never harm her or their child. She trusted him completely.Sure enough, Third Master Chen soon stopped. After calming himself for a moment, he picked her up and straightened her clothes for her.
Jinchao thought of that time they had been intimate... If he was willing, it could still be like that.
But Third Master Chen released her. "You must be tired today. I'll have someone bring water for you," he said before stepping off the daybed and going outside to instruct the maids.
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