Qiao Chu

Xiao Xun sat in the main seat of Chu Lan's study, and only after repeated invitations did Chu Lan finally take a seat opposite him.

"Mr. Chu, there’s no need to be nervous," Xiao Xun said. "I’m merely here on behalf of the Third Prince to assess the situation."

Chu Lan sighed and pointed outside. "To be honest, I haven’t even been allowed to see it myself. She forbids me from going near it. That Chu Garden—this entire household—is entirely under her control."

Even though Xiao Xun had come to investigate the state of the Chu family, he couldn’t help but laugh at this remark.

The idea of a young girl running the household was indeed absurd, but Chu Lan was beyond caring about appearances. He continued, "Heir Apparent, you know what she’s like. You traveled with her—you’ve seen how fearsome that girl’s temper can be—"

When Chu Ke had earlier claimed that Chu Zhao had behaved rudely toward the Crown Prince of Zhongshan during their journey, Chu Lan had been furious, fearing it would harm the relationship between their families. Now, however, he felt nothing but relief. He almost wished he could grasp Xiao Xun’s hands and weep with him in shared misery.

Xiao Xun smiled faintly. "Miss Chu’s temperament is indeed somewhat unconventional."

Chu Lan nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes. She learned it all from her father. That father-daughter pair lived far away in the Border Commandery and never listened to the family."

If Chu Ling could openly curse the Emperor, it was hardly surprising that his daughter would provoke the Third Prince. As the eldest brother, he couldn’t control his younger sibling, and as an uncle, he couldn’t manage his niece. Helpless and aggrieved, he sighed.

"She—" Chu Lan tried to continue, but Xiao Xun cut him off. "I understand. This matter has nothing to do with you, Mr. Chu."

Though that was precisely what Chu Lan had intended to convey, hearing the Heir Apparent state it so bluntly made him slightly embarrassed. He lifted his sleeve to cover his face and sighed. "The Chu family is truly unfortunate."

"His Majesty tasked me with assisting the Third Prince in the literary gathering. I’ve been closely following this matter, and at this point, it’s not something that can be resolved in a few words," Xiao Xun said. "But rest assured, Mr. Chu—I am here to find a solution, not to assign blame."

Chu Lan looked up anxiously. "Then how do we resolve it?"

Would they arrest Chu Zhao? If so, he hoped they would take only her and spare the rest of the family.

Xiao Xun chuckled. "Why arrest anyone? That would only make the Third Prince appear intolerant. If Miss Chu were to meet with an unfortunate accident, wouldn’t that settle the matter?"

Chu Lan was startled.

"What kind of accident?" he asked cautiously.

Losing an arm or a leg would be unacceptable. If something like that happened, he would have no way to explain it to his second brother. Once enraged, his brother showed no respect even for the Emperor—he certainly wouldn’t spare Chu Lan.

"Mr. Chu, you’re overthinking it. I merely meant that Miss Chu could fall ill—for instance, by accidentally falling into the water," Xiao Xun explained. "The Chu Garden has a lake. Miss Chu has been mentally exhausted from the competition and often strolls by the lake. An accident would be entirely plausible."

Chu Lan suddenly understood. Of course! Why hadn’t he thought of that?

"What an excellent idea!" he exclaimed, unable to contain himself as he stood up and paced around. "Let me think—how should we proceed?"

Should they tie her up and throw her into the lake in the middle of the night?

Xiao Xun smiled. "Mr. Chu, there’s no need to actually push her into the water at midnight. We only need to claim that it happened. But at this stage, mere words won’t suffice."

Chu Lan was timid, not foolish. He understood Xiao Xun’s meaning. If Chu Zhao had conceded and withdrawn from the competition earlier, they could have confined her and claimed she had fallen ill or drowned. Though outsiders might not believe it, they would have dismissed it with a laugh, and the Third Prince would have let it go.

But now, with the situation so inflamed, if he were to suddenly announce that Chu Zhao had fallen into the lake and taken ill, no one would believe him. They would mock him, and the Third Prince would not forgive him.Chu Lan murmured, "What should we do then?"

"Of course, it must be done in broad daylight, under the public gaze," said Ning Kun, the scholar who had followed Xiao Xun inside, unable to hold back any longer.

After speaking, he gave Chu Lan a scrutinizing glance.

"Master Chu has lived a life of comfort and privilege, with children naturally filial and never a worry in the world."

He didn’t even know about mundane matters like how to raise children, manage a household, or uphold the family’s reputation.

Chu Lan was somewhat puzzled. Where had he ever lived in comfort, free from worries? For so many years, he had been tormented day and night by concerns for his family and his future.

"Don’t speak like that," Xiao Xun interjected, stopping the scholar. "Master Chu is a scholar who has devoted his life to studying poetry and literature, teaching and enlightening others. How could he possibly concern himself with such trivial matters?"

The scholar hurriedly bowed in apology, expressing regret to Chu Lan.

Chu Lan quickly replied that he dared not take offense. Though he knew he was being looked down upon, he didn’t mind. Someone of the Crown Prince of Zhongshan’s status—who could he possibly hold in high regard? Many would even consider it an honor to be looked down upon by the Crown Prince of Zhongshan.

"Chu Lan may lack talent and depth of mind, but I know the Heir Apparent has come to assist me," he said earnestly.

Xiao Xun shook his head, not taking credit. "You flatter me, Master Chu. In truth, I came mainly to help the Third Prince out of a predicament. Originally, the Hope Spring Garden Literary Gathering was meant for the Third Prince to present to His Majesty. Although His Majesty often says the Third Prince’s studies are useless, he still holds some expectations to see him accomplish something. Who would have thought, before the grand event even began, Miss Chu would—"

Even the Emperor was—Chu Lan felt tears welling up in his eyes. He bowed deeply. "I beg the Heir Apparent to resolve my predicament. Ever since my younger brother caused trouble, my Chu family has been barely surviving. Now, with this disgraceful daughter, the Chu family’s days are numbered."

Xiao Xun reached out to support him gently. "Set your mind at ease, Master Chu. You act for the Chu family, and I act for His Highness and His Majesty. Let us work together with one heart."

...

...

Xiao Xun did not allow Chu Lan to see him out and walked out alone. At that moment, all of the Chu family’s servants were busy at the Chu Estate, leaving the main residence quiet and deserted along the way.

But as a gust of wind passed, the sound of voices filled his ears once more.

Xiao Xun paused and looked in the direction of the noise—it was coming from the Chu Estate.

"Does Your Highness wish to go and take a look?" the scholar asked.

Xiao Xun shook his head. "No need." He was not interested, and, he smiled faintly, "I’ll go tomorrow."

He had not given Chu Lan much time; the arrangements were set for the following day.

"This man is incompetent. Giving him more time will only ensure he fails to handle matters properly," the scholar understood Xiao Xun’s meaning but was puzzled about one thing. "Why didn’t Your Highness directly propose the marriage alliance?"

They had already learned about Chu Lan beforehand and knew that bringing up the matter would send him into raptures, making him eager to resolve the issue with Chu Ling.

This had been discussed and agreed upon at home. Yet, upon arriving, Xiao Xun’s words had changed.

The scholar studied the Heir Apparent’s face—the young man’s features were handsome, his gaze calm and detached. The Heir Apparent did not favor the Chu daughter. Though he had followed his father’s advice, in the end, he still refused to utter the word "marriage," didn’t he?

Xiao Xun said indifferently, "Because after arriving, I saw that Chu Lan is the kind of person who can be made to obey with mere intimidation. There’s no need to bait him with a marriage alliance."

Chu Lan was indeed even more pathetic than imagined. The scholar nodded. "However, Your Highness, do not forget—we are not truly here to solve the Third Prince’s problems."

That was merely a pretext for coming to the Chu family."I haven't forgotten," Xiao Xun said. "The marriage proposal my father wants is to establish ties with Chu Ling. Chu Lan is irrelevant, so tomorrow I will save Miss Chu from drowning in front of everyone—"

At this point, he smiled, revealing charming dimples.

"Will Miss Chu still say she doesn't need my rescue this time?"

But this time, with so many witnesses, the debt of a life-saving grace couldn't be shaken off, and physical contact would be unavoidable. Afterwards, he would visit her a few more times during her illness, creating the impression that the Crown Prince of Zhongshan and the Chu daughter were mutually affectionate—quietly and reasonably, without needing Chu Lan's approval.

Nor even Chu Ling's consent.