Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Jiang Heng knew the tabby cat had also recognized Yan Hui.

How could it not? Even while still in its mother’s womb, it had often heard Yan Hui’s voice.

It was born around her thirteenth birthday and became her birthday gift.

Together, they named it Yan Xiaoshi—a name that was almost “spot on.”

The first time she met Yan Hui, she was only six years old. She had plucked all the pomegranate blossoms from the tree in front of his house and stuck them all over her hair. Yan Hui caught her in the act. Instead of scolding her, he smiled and introduced himself: “I’m Yan Ba. Who are you?”

She felt guilty and dared not give her real name, fearing he would report her to her governess—who would then write to her mother about how unruly and unmanageable she was.

So she made up a name: “I’m Yan Jiu.”

From then on, he called her “A Jiu.” She always assumed it referred to the “nine” she had randomly claimed.

It wasn’t until her coming-of-age ceremony—the *ji li*—that he presented her with a pomegranate blossom hairpin, its case engraved with the characters "Yan Jiu" (燕久). Only then did she understand the "Jiu" he intended carried the meaning of "eternity."

By custom, a girl’s given name was assigned at birth, but her courtesy name was chosen only upon reaching adulthood at fifteen—hence the phrase “waiting for a name in the boudoir,” used to describe unmarried young women. She had been sent away at birth and only brought back at fifteen. Unlike her elder sister, her parents had given little thought to her courtesy name, simply calling her A Heng based on her given name. So she took it upon herself to adopt Yan Jiu as her courtesy name—as if she, too, were “waiting for a name in the boudoir.”

After returning to the capital, her parents found her wild, poorly educated, and inept at womanly arts—unfit to be a noble lady. Fearing she would disgrace the Jiang family upon marriage, they confined her at home for three years to study poetry, etiquette, and manners.

During that time, Yan Hui came to the capital to study. She often sneaked out to see him without her parents’ knowledge—sometimes bringing their little cat along.

They raised the tabby cat together for five years.

Even after three years apart, the cat, like her, recognized Yan Hui at a glance.

Jiang Heng walked out of the bamboo grove, lost in thought, and failed to notice the rough mountain path. She stumbled backward—but was caught by a strong hand gripping her waist, lifted effortlessly over the uneven stones, and set down steadily.

Gu Yu studied her, as if trying to read in her eyes why she had been so distracted that she hadn’t noticed him following closely behind.

“Why is your cat named Yan Xiaoshi?” he asked abruptly, staring into her eyes.

Jiang Heng turned away, avoiding his intense gaze, and replied casually, “Just a random name. Probably because it was born on the tenth day—around the time swallows return.”

Gu Yu seized her wrist, holding her still before him. He looked down into her eyes and asked softly, “Is that really the reason?”

Forced to look up at him, Jiang Heng curved her lips slightly and murmured, “Mhm.”

“Does it have anything to do with that Yan Rong?” he asked coldly and directly.

Jiang Heng’s expression faltered, and her breath caught for a moment.

Had he already investigated Yan Rong? When did he find out? How much did he know?

But no—he had been preoccupied with her sister’s affairs lately. How would he have had time to look into a young boy? The Yan family lived far away in Canghe; even the round trip alone would take over ten days. If he had gone, her brothers surely would have known—and told her.

If he hadn’t investigated, then how? He was friends with Prince Qin. Uncle Tang had helped Yan Rong as a favor to Prince Qin. Perhaps Prince Qin had mentioned it to him.

With that thought, Jiang Heng composed herself and met his gaze directly. “What do you think it has to do with him?”

Gu Yu studied her for a moment. Seeing no evasion in her expression, he reasoned that although the young man was handsome, he was far younger than Jiang Heng. When Jiang Heng returned to the capital at fifteen, the boy was only nine—just a child. What could possibly have happened between them?

Still, he said, “I heard he’s studying at the Imperial College. It’s nearby. Shall we go see him?”

Jiang Heng lowered her head and whispered, “Didn’t you say before that I shouldn’t interact with him?”

Gu Yu was left speechless.

“But if you want to go, then let’s go,” Jiang Heng said casually.

Even so, Gu Yu didn’t let it drop. He led her toward the mountain gate—but just then, a messenger from the city arrived with urgent news: the plan he had been working on had hit a snag and required his immediate return.

Gu Yu had no choice but to abandon the idea. He ordered his attendants to prepare his horse and, turning to Jiang Heng, told her, “The envoy of Prince Zhennan is staying in the back mountain lodgings. Do not go there.”

Jiang Heng nodded.

He added, “South of your quarters, there’s a row of houses where my men are stationed. If anything happens, report to them.”

Jiang Heng was taken aback—but nodded again.

After these instructions, Gu Yu mounted his horse and rode off quickly back to the capital.

…

The Dali Prison.

The cell where Jiang Wan was held was fairly spacious, furnished with a bed, a clothing chest, a small table, a screen, and other items—almost indistinguishable from an ordinary room. Yet it remained a prison, its air heavy and damp.

Since her miscarriage, Jiang Wan had been in poor health. Coupled with her melancholy, even daily medication had done little to help. Today, she had suddenly developed a high fever and nearly died. The jailers urgently summoned a doctor and sent word to Gu Yu.

“How is she?” Gu Yu asked upon arrival.

The physician, who had been waiting, replied, “The fever has subsided. She’s stable for now.”

“Lord Gu…” Jiang Wan, hearing Gu Yu’s voice, struggled to sit up on the bed, eager to speak with him.

Gu Yu waved the doctor away and approached the screen. “I’m here,” he said calmly.

Since falling ill, Jiang Wan had refused to let anyone see her in such a state. She had begged Gu Yu to bring a screen, and during their conversations, she never allowed him to step beyond it. Gu Yu had never defied her wishes.

“I’m grateful for all your help these days,” Jiang Wan said, lying weakly against the bed and sighing as she gazed at the tall, upright figure behind the screen. “Sometimes I think it might be better if I just died.”

She truly hadn’t expected Gu Yu to be so caring and attentive.

At her coming-of-age ceremony years ago, she had been quarreling with her beloved and, in a fit of anger, randomly pointed to a guest and gifted him the peony painting. To provoke Xiao Ze, she had deliberately chosen someone beneath her station.

Afterward, whenever she visited her brother’s camp, she would see Gu Yu practicing on the training field. Every time he spotted her, he would stop and watch her—his phoenix eyes sharp and ambitious.

Soon, rumors spread through the camp that Gu Yu wanted to marry her. When her brother questioned him about it, Gu Yu freely admitted it was true. At the time, he had earned only a few military merits and served as a mid-ranking officer under her brother. Her brother, saying he was reaching above his station, assigned him an almost impossible task: leading a hundred soldiers to capture Huiluo City—the “Granary of the Heavenly Dynasty.”

It was during that battle that Gu Yu made his reputation. His military achievements earned him a position among the Eight Pillars of the State—making him the only commoner ever to receive such an honor.

She heard that his triumphant return to the capital was impressive and grand—but by then, she was already en route south to marry Xiao Ze and become his princess.

The year she was crowned empress, she heard that Gu Yu had set his sights on her twin sister and asked for her hand.

She had thought she would remain empress for life, her son would become crown prince, and one day—even Gu Yu would bow before her.

She never imagined that Gu Yu would lead an army that broke through her kingdom’s gates, forcing her husband—the emperor of Southern Chen—to surrender shirtless and in bonds.

Xiao Ze, a man of immense pride, could not endure such humiliation. After days of melancholy, he ultimately chose to end his own life.

She did as he asked and prepared two cups of poisoned wine, but upon witnessing the way he died, she grew terrified. It was then she realized that death was not as simple as she had imagined.

The Xiao clan regarded her as a murderer, but Gu Yu always protected her.

When she discovered she was pregnant, she was already bleeding.

She knew it would be best not to keep the child, yet she wanted to—she wanted to keep Xiao Ze's child.

She begged Gu Yu for help. Though he was furious, his face dark with anger, he still summoned a physician, got her medicine, and even persuaded Prince Qin to allow her to leave prison for recuperation.

She did indeed become pregnant, and the Xiao clan, for the child's sake, might not have relentlessly pursued her for retribution.

Unfortunately, she ultimately lost the child...

Jiang Wan squeezed her eyes shut in grief, taking a moment to compose herself before continuing, "Master Gu, may I return to see my father and mother? I fear that one day I might fall asleep and never wake again... I wish to see them once more. It has been five years since I last seen them."

"Alright."

Gu Yu agreed from behind the screen without the slightest hesitation.

"But I have some questions for you. I hope you will answer them truthfully."

Jiang Wan replied, "Go ahead."

"Do you know Xiao Yuan, the Military Advisor serving Prince Zhennan?"

Jiang Wan thought for a moment and nodded slightly. "I’ve heard of him. He arrived at Prince Zhennan’s residence about three years ago—around the time you married A Heng. I heard he was severely injured at the time, hovering on the brink of death, and it took two months to save him. Later, he accompanied Prince Zhennan to Lingnan."

"This time, he is the envoy. He has requested to see you."

Jiang Wan understood Gu Yu’s concerns.

If she were healthy and had not suffered the miscarriage, she would have nothing to fear from meeting the envoy. Similarly, if she were still pregnant, there would be no cause for concern.

But now, she had just lost the child.

The Xiao clan already suspected her of murdering their former lord out of greed for wealth and status. How could they possibly believe that she lost the baby because she was so weak? They would likely assume she intentionally aborted it, viewing the child as a remnant of the fallen dynasty.

She feared the Prince Zhennan's envoy might think the same. If Prince Zhennan held a grudge against her and made her punishment a condition for peace talks, even Gu Yu might struggle to protect her.

"Has this Military Advisor ever met you before? Is he familiar with you?" Gu Yu’s voice remained calm, showing no sign of worry.

Jiang Wan recalled carefully and replied cautiously, "He may have seen me, but we don't know each other."

"If Xia Miaoji were to impersonate you here, would he be able to tell?" Gu Yu asked seriously.

Jiang Wan was taken aback. Xia Miaoji bore a striking resemblance to her—about eighty percent alike—and she had once deliberately imitated Jiang Wan’s mannerisms and demeanor. To someone unfamiliar with her, the impersonation would probably work.

But she worried that Xia Ji might resort to tricks and deliberately expose the deception.

"What about Xia Ji..." Jiang Wan voiced her concern.

"I will handle it," Gu Yu assured her. "Tomorrow night, I will come to take you out."

Jiang Wan wasn't expecting it to be so soon. Then it occurred to her: if Xia Ji were to take her place, she would have to assume Xia Ji’s identity and stay at Gu Yu’s residence... This...

"Then... where will I be staying?" Jiang Wan felt it would be inappropriate to live in his household pretending to be a concubine.

"You will pose as Ling..."

He nearly said "Ling Lu," but Gu Yu caught himself—the person before him was Ling Lu.

"You will pose as your sister and return to the Jiang family for a visit."