Chapter 12

"Miss, shouldn't you leave a lamp burning for Lord Rong? Last night, he probably went to the study because he saw that all the lamps in the room were extinguished."

Rong Shu, having grown drowsy, was just settling down with a crescent-shaped pillow in her arms. Hearing this, she understood Yingyue's intention and promptly lifted the canopy, saying,

"No need to leave a lamp on, and there's no need for you to wait for him outside the Moon Cave Gate. Gu Changjin won't be sleeping here. We have an early start tomorrow, so you and Ying Que should retire as well. There's no need for either of you to stay up and guard me tonight."

Yingyue acquiesced reluctantly. Before blowing out the last lamp, she couldn't resist casting a glance at the bed.

There, she saw her Miss clad in a moon-white undergarment. Her eyes, heavy with sleep, shimmered like a layer of water, and her jade-like face, illuminated by the faint candlelight, appeared exceptionally enchanting and captivating, like a blooming lotus.

Unable to suppress another inward sigh of disdain, he thought to himself: With my maiden's countenance so surpassingly fair, that tiresome top scholar is truly a blind man with eyes wide open!

The following morning, Rong Shu hastily finished her breakfast and, draped in a light celadon cloak, left Songsi Courtyard for the main entrance.

On this homecoming visit, Rong Shu was resolute in staying at the Marquis's residence for three to five days. With Madam Zhang still not fully recovered, she instructed Yingyue to remain in the Eastern Antechamber to attend to her, bringing along only Ying Que as her sole companion back to the Marquis's household.

Outside the gate stood a luxurious carriage bedecked with gold and jade, its canopy casting a regal shadow. Ying Que was meticulously tallying the gifts to be taken back to the Marquis's residence during her return visit, when she caught sight of Rong Shu emerging from within. She hastened her steps and drew close, whispering softly, "Just now, as I stepped out to inventory the items, Chang Ji followed and surreptitiously pressed into my hands a painting by Master Chunshan and a string of Buddhist prayer beads from Daci'en Temple, claiming they were specially chosen by the groom for the Marquis and the dowager."

Earl Cheng'an is known for his appreciation of elegance, particularly the landscape paintings by the great scholar of the Jiande era, Master Spring Mountain. The whereabouts of Master Spring Mountain are perpetually elusive, and no new works have been produced in the last two decades. It is evident that Gu Changjin has put considerable effort into obtaining such a painting, making it a thoughtful gesture.

Ying Que's pretty face couldn't conceal her delight as she covered her mouth and giggled, "From what I can tell, Sir still holds Miss in high regard."

Rong Shu was taken aback, suddenly recalling a similar incident from her previous life.

Back then, just like Ying Que, she had been overjoyed, believing that Gu Changjin had made a special effort for her.

"Where are the painting and the Buddhist beads?"

Ying Que pointed to the carriage and explained, "I was worried that these two items might get lost in the gift carriage, so I put them in a small trunk and placed them in the horse carriage. I planned to move them back to the gift carriage once we arrived at the Marquis residence and have someone deliver them to Ho'an Hall." Ho'an Hall was where Rong Shu's grandmother, Old Lady Rong, resided.

Rong Shu nodded. "There's no need to bring them into the marquis residence. Just leave them in the carriage for now. In a few days, when we return, you can take them to the study and give them back to Second Master."

Ying Que's eyes widened, about to inquire the reason, but she caught sight of Gu Changjin approaching the entrance and promptly closed her mouth.

Rong Shu had also noticed Gu Changjin and, bowing slightly towards him, called out, "My Lord." She continued, "Shall we return to the marquis residence in this carriage today?"

In the thin morning light, the young maiden wore her hair in an elegant updo and donned an intricately embroidered golden peach blossom pleated skirt with delicate green leaves. Her pale pink blouse was cinched at the waist with a light green sash, accentuating her slender figure like a delicate flower glistening with dew, waiting to be plucked in the early morning.

Chang Ji sighed inwardly. This Rong family's eldest miss truly was the most beautiful person he had ever seen. Unfortunately, a lovely flower needed a tender admirer, but his master's heart, frozen in a thousand-year-old black ice, lacked any tenderness to cherish such beauty.

He cautiously stole a glance at Gu Changjin, and indeed, found his expression as immovable as a mountain. With a mere nod, he proceeded toward the carriage, exuding an air of indifference and aloofness.

Sensing Chang Ji's gaze, Gu Changjin turned his head to glance at him.

Chang Ji's heart skipped a beat. He hurried forward to open the carriage door and attentively lowered the step. Addressing the pair, he said, "Your Highness, Lady, please get in quickly."

Rong Shu followed Gu Changjin into the carriage and sat across from him.

This carriage was one that Rong Shu had commissioned back when she lived in the Marquis residence. It was spacious enough to accommodate seven or eight people comfortably. The floor was lined with a carpet woven with golden threads, and in the center stood a sandalwood table on which rested an auspicious beast incense burner and a set of exquisite cloisonné tea utensils. At either end of the table were two small chicken-wing wood side tables.

Ying Que mentioned a small chest that was placed beneath one of the small tables.

Rong Shu's gaze lingered on the chest for a moment before she turned her head to lift the curtain on one side of the carriage.

Outside, the shops along Wutong Lane were already open for business, with vendors shouting to sell fried pancakes, hot porridge, and sweet glutinous rice balls. It was a lively scene reflecting the bustling diversity of human life.

A cool breeze, carrying the sounds of the commotion, swept into the carriage. Half of Rong Shu's face was bathed in light as she gazed at the familiar street view outside. The corners of her lips lifted slightly, and a sense of joy began to well up within her.

Songsi Courtyard was not her home, and the Gu family was not her destination. She considered herself merely a guest, thus her actions had to be cautious. Over time, this situation inevitably led to a feeling of oppression.

Amidst the lively bustle of Wutong Lane outside the Gu residence, she truly felt that she had come alive.

How wonderful it was to be alive.

Lost in her observations, she failed to notice the curious gaze of Gu Changjin.

In the three days since their marriage, he had been leaving early and returning late, barely crossing paths or exchanging much conversation. Gu Changjin had initially expected Rong Shu, being a delicate and high-born lady, to put up some sort of a fuss.

After all, his family, the Gus, were not quite on par with the Cheng'an Marquis Estate in terms of social standing. Rong Shu would have had grounds for complaint.

Yet, to his surprise, she behaved most properly, neither causing a scene nor acting out. There was even a touch of formality and distance in her respectful demeanor.

Yes, distance.

Gu Changjin could sense the distance she kept from him.

Having experienced hardships in his youth and honed his skills through two years in the Ministry of Punishment, he was well-versed in human nature and adept at reading people's emotions. Ordinary individuals found it difficult to hide their true feelings from him.

Take Rong Shu, for example. On their wedding day, the instant her veil was lifted, her clear, serene eyes brimmed with admiration for him. But when they met again the following day, that tender glow in her eyes had vanished, replaced by a restrained and distant politeness.

Perhaps because she had not consummated the marriage and been neglected for two days, her heart had finally given up?

Gu Changjin lowered his eyes, satisfied with this outcome.