Chapter 64

Chapter 64

The next day, he did not attend court.

Du Lingjing had just sat up from the embroidered quilt when he entered briskly from the adjoining room.

At the sight of him, Du Lingjing, recalling the events of the previous night, turned away in anger. His usual cold sternness was absent; instead, he silently observed her displeased expression, gathered her garments, and brought them to the bedside.

He laid the robe across her shoulders, but Du Lingjing immediately pushed it away. Undeterred, he took hold of her wrist and helped her into the sleeves.

Du Lingjing wanted nothing to do with him, nor did she wish for him to attend to her so closely, giving him the chance to be near.

She tied her own belt, but he seized another chance.

The esteemed Marquis Lu bent down, took hold of her slender pale ankle, and drew a stocking onto her foot.

Du Lingjing went still, then felt the coarse heat of his work-roughened fingers brush against the tender skin of her foot. The strange feeling, coupled with the memory of his forcefulness the night before, made her shiver involuntarily.

He looked up, his intense gaze locked on her face.

Du Lingjing wouldn't give him the satisfaction and called for Qiu Lin.

The man stood up, and as soon as Qiu Lin entered, she said,

"Bring me my preventative draught."

For the first time, the lady openly requested the medicine in front of the marquis.

Qiu Lin gasped in surprise.

Sure enough, the marquis's expression froze briefly, his gaze resting heavily on his wife, who ignored him entirely.

After a pause, Qiu Lin braced for another quarrel between the marquis and his wife, but he said nothing to her. Instead, he asked,

"Does the lady's preventative draught harm her health?"

The medicine was a secret formula from an old imperial physician, which Ruan Gong had gone to great lengths to obtain.

She replied, "It does no harm."

The man listened, and said, "Good."

Uncertain of his intentions, Du Lingjing had Qiu Lin bring the medicine and took it. After swallowing the dose, she glanced at him.

He showed no reaction, speaking slowly.

"Very well, take it then, my lady. I’d like to see whether your preventative proves stronger, or if your husband prevails."

His words made Du Lingjing's heart skip.

With one last look at her, he turned and left.

Du Lingjing balled her hands into fists.

Qiu Lin kept sighing beside her, her gaze involuntarily dropping to her mistress's belly.

Would her mistress's preventative work, or would the marquis prove stronger?

*

---

In the eastern district of the capital, at the Gu residence in Huanghua Lane.

The presents sent by Lady Protector arrived at Madam Wan's courtyard in Rongyu Hall.

Her daughter-in-law, Lady Liang, entered with head respectfully lowered and reported, "...Lady Protector has sent only the most precious medicinal ingredients. Would you like to inspect them yourself?"

Madam Wan waved the suggestion away, instructing the items to be stored, and sent Lady Liang to personally deliver their thanks to the Count of Xin Yun’s residence.

Once Lady Liang was dismissed, she turned to her granddaughter, Du Runqing.

"Qing'er, you see? Lady Protector truly favors you. Did I not say so?"

Du Runqing could never have imagined this.

Her father hadn't gained the marquis's patronage and had returned to his original post. Among the aristocratic young ladies of the capital, she was unknown—or rather, notorious because of the scandal of the sisters’ exchanged marriages.

Lady Protector was the emperor’s maternal aunt, respected even by the emperor, the empress, and the Imperial Noble Consort. How could she, of all people, be chosen as a prospective bride for Commander Wei?

Though she ought to trust her grandmother’s wisdom, she couldn’t help but express her misgivings.

Madam Wan laughed lightly at the question. "True, you may not compare to other noble daughters. But if Lady Protector could have chosen a noblewoman from an eminent family for the commander, she would have done so long ago. Why wait until now? The key, Qing'er, is that you carry the Du name."

Du—the Qingzhou Du clan, niece of Grand Secretary Du Zhili.

As it happened, Wei Jue revered Grand Secretary Du above all others.

"...When your uncle passed away, Lady Protector secretly sent an extraordinarily lavish condolence gift—one even heavier than your own uncle’s. Since the Wei and Du families had no prior connections, it was done discreetly, but I knew."

Madam Wan patted her granddaughter’s shoulder.

"Wei Jue refuses to marry, and Lady Protector cannot influence him. But what if the bride comes from the family of the very man he reveres most?"

Madam Wan suspected Lady Protector would have preferred Du Zhili’s own daughter, Du Lingjing. Unfortunately, Du Lingjing was bosom friends since girlhood with Princess Nianjia, making her unsuitable.

Now that Princess Nianjia had returned to the capital and married, Lady Protector grew anxious over the gossip surrounding Wei Jue’s unwed status. How could she not be anxious?

Some time ago, Madam Wan had delicately suggested her granddaughter’s suitability, and Lady Protector had quickly seized upon the idea. During the recent birthday banquet at Jing’an Marquis’s residence, she had had her eye on Qing'er.

Madam Wan looked at her granddaughter. "Lady Protector is quite pleased with you. What is there to doubt?"

She added, "What have I always taught you? So long as you remain obedient and mindful of your place, focusing your efforts on managing the household, no matter how lofty the family, you will thrive. Others who act willfully—even those wed by imperial decree—cannot endure."

The implication was unmistakable.

Du Runqing bowed her head in assent. Satisfied with her granddaughter’s compliance, Madam Wan dismissed her with a nod.

"Your grandmother would never wrong you."

More importantly, her once-flourishing reputation as the capital’s matchmaker had waned. Even her son, Gu Yangsi, though gradually recovering, remained without an official post.

If this continued, the Gu family would have no choice but to leave the capital’s high society and return to the countryside—a sure path to decline.

After a lifetime of scheming, was she to be undone by a single marriage involving Du Lingjing?

Of course not. Though no one sought her matchmaking services now, if she could secure her granddaughter a marriage to a powerful minister like Wei Jue, her reputation would surely be restored.

Her son, Gu Yangsi, had grown increasingly irritable, venting his frustrations on the servants. Unable to console him, she had to act swiftly.

The only uncertainty was that Lady Protector held little sway over Wei Jue. Additional measures would be necessary...

Two days later, the entire capital was alive with excitement.

Before dawn, those who had received advance news were already making a festive racket to announce the good news to the homes of the successful scholars. The sounds of celebration never ceased, one wave after another.

The Dus, of course, had reason to rejoice—Du Jicang not only passed but also ranked twelfth on the prestigious Apricot List. By the time of the final imperial examination next month, such a high ranking would surely place him among the top candidates. Even if he didn’t secure a position in the top three—as Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, or Tanhua—he would undoubtedly be a full Jinshi scholar in the second tier, not merely an associate Jinshi in the third.

Du Lingjing had just gotten up in the morning when servants came one after another to congratulate her. She instructed Ruan Gong to get money for tips, but before her own funds could be distributed, someone had already ordered Head Steward Zong to bring out three large baskets of silver—one for the inner quarters of the marquis’s residence, and the other two for the messengers outside delivering the joyous news.

Such a grand display might have led outsiders to think that even the martial-oriented Lu clan had someone on the passing list.

Though Du Lingjing had no wish to acknowledge his favor, his silver had already been given out.

Not wanting to spoil the celebration, she didn’t want to quarrel with him and instead asked Ruan Gong again,

"Did Liulang pass or not?"

Without prior news, Ruan Gong had posted lookouts at Chengqingfang, instructing them to check the results at the examination compound gates first thing in the morning.

But word had yet to reach the marquis’s residence.

Du Lingjing feared the news might be intercepted before it reached her.

Chang Pu, however, reassured her, "Madam, I found a dog-sized gap behind the bushes in the backyard—perhaps I can slip out. If no news comes by day, I’ll crawl out at night with a lantern and bring the results back for you!"

His vivid description nearly made Du Lingjing picture him wriggling through the hole.

But this was the Marquis of Yongding’s residence. More likely than not, Chong’an would be waiting for him on the other side before he even made it through.

She didn’t want to dampen his spirits, but Ruan Gong had no patience, landing a solid kick.

"Crawl through a dog hole?! What a disgraceful idea!"

He booted Chang Pu out with another kick. "Go wait at the gate for news!"

Chang Pu scurried off, rubbing his backside, only to come tearing back a quarter-hour later.

"Any news?" Du Lingjing asked eagerly.

Everyone turned to him, but the boy decided to tease. "Care to guess, Madam?"

Even Qiu Lin couldn’t resist the urge to kick him this time. "Spit it out!"

Ai Ye gave him a sharp pinch instead, making him yelp.

But he finally caved.

"He passed! Liulang passed, alright?!"

When Du Jicang passed the provincial exam, he ranked eighth, so his success in the metropolitan examination was expected.

Liulang, however, had been uncertain—four years ago, he barely made the cut at the bottom of the list.

Du Lingjing lit up. "Liulang really passed… What rank?"

Chang Pu flashed three fingers.

"What? Third on the Apricot List?!" Qiu Lin blurted out.

Du Lingjing arched an eyebrow.

Chang Pu grinned. "No, Liulang ranked third lowest."

Du Lingjing nearly almost swatted him too.

But even if Jiang Fengchuan was third from last, his name was still on the list—at least an associate Jinshi. Who knew? The Emperor might take a liking to him and grant him a proper Jinshi title, adding even more prestige.

Du Lingjing whispered a prayer.

She thought of Sanlang, who had worried so much about this in life. Seeing it now from the heavens, he could rest easy.

Liulang had made the list, and she too was married. Everything was different now.

Lost in thought, Du Lingjing rested her chin in her hand by the window and drifted into a long reverie.

...

By the evening of the third day, Du Jicang finally managed to visit the marquis’s residence.

Lu Shenru first congratulated him in the outer courtyard, then invited his wife to the front hall, where a banquet was prepared to celebrate the newly successful scholar.

Du Jicang was beaming, and Du Lingjing was equally delighted, giving him a congratulatory gift.

Lu Shenru asked about his plans for his official post.

The three chatted for a while before the meal ended. Just then, a retainer arrived to discuss matters with Lu Shenru, and Marquis Lu stepped away briefly, leaving only the Du siblings in the courtyard to share tea.

Du Lingjing first inquired about Feng Xiang’s situation. Her elder brother replied,

"Little Feng doesn't dwell on setbacks. He moped for half a day but returned to his usual self the next morning. He even asked if I’d like to compile my examination essays into the latest essay collection."

Du Lingjing laughed at this—Feng was exactly as she’d expected.

But she also brought up Jiang Fengchuan, while he was gone.

Du Jicang admitted that Liulang’s ranking had been dangerously close to failing, but fortunately, he’d made it.

"...Though the Jiang clan lost Sanlang, Sanlang raised Liulang in his stead. This outcome is consolation enough."

Du Lingjing went quiet for a moment.

She agreed, but whether it was Liulang or Sanlang, the name "Jiang" must never be mentioned in front of a certain someone.

From her sleeve, she took out a small box and handed it to Du Jicang.

"Please convey my congratulations to Liulang and Imperial Dowager Consort Jiang on my behalf. This is a celebratory gift for Liulang—I’d be grateful if you could pass it along."

It was a small favor.

But just as Du Jicang accepted it, her husband returned through the gate, catching both the earlier words and the exchanged gift.

His gaze swept over Du Lingjing, who pressed her lips together in silence.

Fortunately, Du Jicang was still present, and neither of the Lu couple spoke further.

After a few more pleasantries, the moon rose, and Du Jicang bid farewell to his sister and brother-in-law, leaving the marquis’s residence.

Du Lingjing turned to go back to the main courtyard, but before she could take a step, her path was blocked.

"Stay at Yuanxiu Pavilion tonight."

His voice was low.

Du Lingjing knew it was simply because she had given Liulang a congratulatory present.

She sidestepped him and walked out, her face cold.

"No."

...

At the Distant Peaks Pavilion, Lu Shenru's outer courtyard bedchamber.

The spring’s flow had nearly run dry.

Du Lingjing was so furious that her entire body was drenched in sticky sweat, her thin robe slipping below her shoulders as she panted heavily. Yet he still refused to release her, relentlessly grinding against her most sensitive spot.

No matter how she hit or shoved, it was useless—instead, his movements grew more precise and forceful. Under the shifting moonlight, his dominance was unmistakable with each withdrawal and thrust.

Du Lingjing gritted her teeth—how could a man like this exist?!

Her toes curled and uncurled repeatedly as she was drenched in sweat. For the first time, she wanted to bite someone.

Biting—so desperate, so unscholarly. Yet she couldn’t hold back.

But his body, hard as forged steel, a man forged in the northwestern frontier, left her no place to sink her teeth.

He still didn’t stop. Du Lingjing’s eyes reddened with anger, and as if reading her thoughts, the man suddenly extended his hand right to her lips.

Without thinking, she bit down, her teeth clamping onto the vulnerable flesh of his thumb. He didn’t even wince—just chuckled softly.

As he thrust deeper, she bit down harder.

Yet he remained unfazed, though any more force would draw blood.

But scholars don’t bite.

Du Lingjing suddenly gave up, lowering her head.

The man sighed as well. His bitten hand cupped her cheek, his fingertips brushing gently before he leaned down to kiss her.

She turned her head away, so his lips landed on the delicate nape of her neck.

But he pulled her onto his lap, his pursuit lasting until dawn.

...

By the time Du Lingjing rose late in the morning, he was no longer in the room.

Thinking of last night, she leaned against the carved headboard, seething silently for a long while before finally getting up.

Her legs were sore, but she spotted a letter and an invitation placed on the small table by the bed.

It was from NianJia.

Upon opening it, Du Lingjing saw that NianJia had accompanied Wei Cong out of the capital for recuperation, staying at a mountain villa not far from the city. She couldn’t come to the estate for now but invited Du Lingjing to join her for a short stay.

Yet Du Lingjing couldn’t leave—right now, leaving the Distant Peaks Pavilion at all was doubtful.

Still, why had he left the invitation right by the bed for her to see the moment she woke?

As she wondered, the man’s footsteps approached, and he lifted the curtain to enter.

He noticed at once the invitation in her hands. "Would you like to go for a few days?"

Du Lingjing glanced up at him.

That villa was outside the capital.

"Since when is the Marquis so generous?"

She dripped sarcasm, and the man gave a low laugh.

"Of course not," he said. "I’ll accompany you."

Du Lingjing: "..."

She went quiet. He called in maids to help her dress and freshen up before temporarily leaving the bedchamber.

After dressing, Du Lingjing’s eyes caught the empty spot on the sword rack beside her.

Her lips tightened.

All four of his heavy, long blades were still there.

Yet he had taken only Second Master’s Silver Snow Sword.

*

Outside the capital, the mountains and fields had quietly turned green, the new green like heaven’s gauze softly draping over the undulating landscape.

Miraculously, he’d shown mercy—first directing the carriage to stop at the Returning Forest Pavilion. Du Lingjing spent hours there before setting off again for the mountain villa where Wei Cong and NianJia were recuperating.

Amid the lush greenery, rain began to fall, soft as spring.

As the Marquis’ carriage approached the villa’s gate, Du Lingjing saw a couple standing on the stone steps, fresh with spring growth, holding up an umbrella as they looked toward the carriage.

NianJia beamed, waving wildly at her, the spring breeze carrying her figure and cheerful demeanor right into the carriage window.

Du Lingjing’s mood lifted despite herself, waving back despite the rain.

Chong Ping himself drove the carriage, which soon came to a halt at the gate.

He stepped out first, holding up an umbrella to help her down.

Du Lingjing naturally didn’t need to hold the umbrella, but only then did she notice NianJia raising one hand high, holding it over both their heads.

Du Lingjing blinked in surprise to see Wei Cong, exasperated, turn to NianJia. "My princess, allow me. My injury isn’t so severe."

Yet NianJia hesitated and shook her head. "Mother scolded me for neglecting you. If I let you hold the umbrella and she finds out, she might even tattle to the Imperial Dowager Consort."

"But Princess, the umbrella’s already on my head."

Wei Cong was exceptionally tall, and even with NianJia’s arm raised, the umbrella now rested atop his hairpiece.

NianJia hesitated.

But she dreaded another scolding. "...Can’t you bear it, my lord?"

Wei Cong paused, then smiled wryly.

"As my lady wishes."

Du Lingjing also smiled, while someone nearby watched her.

Du Lingjing didn't want to share an umbrella with him. After the four exchanged greetings, she stepped forward and took NianJia’s hand. "You hold the umbrella for me. Don’t bother the heir anymore."

NianJia quickly agreed, and Du Lingjing took the umbrella.

On the other side, Wei Cong didn’t have the marquis hold an umbrella for him. Instead, he simply called Chong Ping over to hold the umbrella for him, and asked how his injuries were recovering.

Meanwhile, NianJia led Du Lingjing to a quiet courtyard to rest.

With the doors and windows open, the two sat by the entrance, watching the rain and making small talk.

NianJia looked Du Lingjing over carefully. "Did Lady Protector cause you any trouble after that?"

She lowered her voice. "I worried I’d gotten you in trouble."

After all, Lady Protector was an elder, an aunt, while Jing was just a niece-in-law.

Du Lingjing shook her head and said it was nothing.

But she glanced at NianJia. "So back then… was it because of Lady Protector?"

Was it because of Lady Protector that NianJia and Wei Jue were ultimately lost in the crowd?

Outside, the rain fell steadily, droplets pattering against the stone slabs and splashing onto the windowsills and doorways.

NianJia shook her head, her voice mingling with the sound of the rain.

She said it was the opposite, actually.

"It had nothing to do with Lady Protector."