Chapter 64: Her Not Coming Should Be the Norm

Chapter 64: Her Not Coming Should Be the Norm

The Mid-Autumn Feast was approaching, yet a significant event occurred in the palace.

Wang Yong presented a batch of wine to the Emperor. The wine was exceptionally fine, with a taste never before experienced.

Thus, the Emperor couldn't help but drink more than usual.

Empress Yang had always disapproved of the Emperor drinking alcohol. Upon hearing the news, she rushed over to advise him.

Unexpectedly, the Emperor flew into a rage, not only accidentally striking the Empress but also declaring his intention to depose her.

Although they quickly sealed off the news, it still managed to leak out to those with keen interest.

Chu Xu sat in the pavilion, quietly waiting for Gao Wenyan's arrival.

However, even as the sun set, Gao Wenyan did not show up.

"Master, it's time for dinner."

Zhi Yan came to call him.

Seeing that Chu Xu did not respond, he lit a lamp and said again, "It's drizzling outside."

"The lady probably won't come."

"Hmm."

He responded indifferently but remained seated at the table, unmoving.

The teapot bubbled, containing a new type of tea.

Just two days ago, he had found another special tea, which he intended to let Gao Wenyan taste today.

"Shall I have dinner brought here?"

Thinking he would definitely stay, Chu Xu unexpectedly stood up.

"No need."

Before leaving, he glanced back at the secret passage.

Chu Xu suddenly found himself amusing.

What was there to feel lost about? Her not coming should be the norm.

The sky was overcast, and a light rain began to fall.

The lights were extinguished in the general's residence, but Gao Wenyan could not sleep, tossing and turning in bed, utterly bored.

She had originally planned to go to the Vanity House today but was stopped by Lady Gao.

"A young lady running off to drink every day—what propriety is that!"

Though she said this, when had Lady Gao ever cared about such propriety?

She had merely heard the rumors circulating in the capital, assuming Gao Wenyan went to the Vanity House daily to drown her sorrows over Lin Qian.

Thus, Gao Wenyan was kept at home, experiencing a day of filial piety.

General Gao accompanied her in martial arts practice, while Lady Gao personally cooked delicious meals for her.

Perhaps they had reached an agreement not to mention Lin Qian in front of Gao Wenyan.

But from General Gao's occasional sarcastic remarks, Gao Wenyan guessed their intentions.

So she happily spent the day with them.

During dinner, General Gao recounted a funny incident from the morning court session.

It turned out that Duke of Yang had gone mad, speaking to the Emperor with a sharp tongue.

Being straightforward, General Gao did not understand the underlying reasons and simply shared the story as a joke with his family.

What had actually happened?

Curiosity got the better of Gao Wenyan, and she finally changed her clothes and secretly left the residence.

Riding to the Eastern City, she saw the dimly lit Vanity House and realized her impulsiveness.

Going to the Vanity House now would draw attention, perhaps exactly what Wang Yong was waiting for.

So she turned back rationally.

Due to the wine incident, Wang Yong's desire to catch Chu Xu in a compromising situation grew more urgent, and he dispatched more people.

Two eunuchs-like figures roamed around, and upon seeing Gao Wenyan, both were taken aback.

"Where are you headed, lady?"

Gao Wenyan sat upright on her horse, looking down at them.

Frowning, she said, "Do I need to tell you where I'm going?"

The eunuch felt embarrassed and smiled, "Lady, you misunderstood."

"There was a thief who escaped today, and we are ordered by Eunuch Wang to catch him."

"Oh? In that case, why don't I help you."

Saying this, she smiled again. "I love catching thieves the most."

Clearly feeling alarmed for a moment, they hastily refused.

"How could we dare trouble the young lady?"

The other one echoed, "Exactly! We can't delay the young lady's important matters."

She waved her hand casually. "What important matters? It's just that my foolish brother hasn't returned home yet, so I came out to look for him."

"That's certainly more important than catching thieves."

Indeed, Gao Wenting was still outside meeting friends.

They exchanged glances and had no choice but to continue stalling.

"Finding the young master is more important."

Otherwise, where would they find a thief for her?

Gao Wenyan feigned regret.

"Sigh, alright then."

Before leaving, she didn't forget to instruct, "If you need help, remember to find me."

She appeared genuinely enthusiastic, as was her usual demeanor.

"Yes, the young lady is kind-hearted!"

"Have a safe journey, young lady."

Thus, Gao Wenyan rode her horse leisurely toward Blossom House.

Unexpectedly, Gao Wenting was not at Blossom House.

She had no choice but to give up.

However, on her way back to the General's Mansion, she spotted someone sneaking around behind a tree, watching something.

It was none other than her brother.

Silently dismounting, Gao Wenyan quietly approached him from behind. Before she could startle him, Gao Wenting had already turned and drawn his sword.

Seeing it was Gao Wenyan, he couldn't help but relax and sheathed his sword.

He complained, "What are you doing, sneaking around like that?"

Gao Wenyan ignored him and peeked over his shoulder.

But Gao Wenting pulled her back, signaling her to be quiet.

What could be so secretive?

Gao Wenyan looked over and saw Gao Wenxi and Li Wanqing.

This combination was indeed quite new.

So she couldn't help but ask, "What did you hear?"

But Gao Wenting shook his head, saying he heard nothing.

Gao Wenyan gritted her teeth in frustration.

"Then why have you been squatting here for half a day."

Half a day? He had just arrived!

Ignoring Gao Wenting's protests, Gao Wenyan peeked over again.

Their conversation was clearly nearing its end, and they soon bid each other farewell. Li Wanqing left first, but Gao Wenxi did not follow her.

Turning his gaze, he looked over and said, exasperated, "Still not coming out?"

Thus, his two less-than-reliable siblings awkwardly poked their heads out from behind the tree trunk.

"You've really grown up."

Always lurking around corners.

"I only came because I saw Second Brother here."

Gao Wenyan ruthlessly sold out Gao Wenting.

"Hey! You..."

Gao Wenting was furious but couldn't refute it.

He walked over to Gao Wenxi and grinned, "I was just curious."

Then he asked, "Older Brother, was that Miss Zhiyao?"

The woman wore a veil, and he was some distance away, so he couldn't see clearly.

Gao Wenyan couldn't help but glare at him.

He sure knew how to talk, poking at the sore spot.

Gao Wenxi glanced at them and chuckled softly, "It seems Yishan has indeed spoken a lot."

So Gao Wenting realized he had misspoken, inadvertently dragging Lin Yishan into the situation.

He fell silent, exchanging glances with Gao Wenyan.

After a few exchanges, neither of them had come to a conclusion.

Gao Wenxi, losing patience, said, "Aren't you going back yet?"

"Going back."

Gao Wenyan responded first.

"That's right. I specially came to pick up my older brother."

Immediately after, Gao Wenting led the horse over, deliberately bending down and feigning respect, "Big Brother, please get on the horse."

Both of them couldn't help but be amused.