Chapter 31

Chapter 31

As the July fire star descended, the summer heat gradually subsided day by day.

Although the southern campaign had yet to receive official confirmation, Jiang Xing, buoyed by Gu Yu’s promise, felt a weight lift from his shoulders and soon recovered from his illness. Seizing a clear and sunny day, he issued polo match invitations, summoning Prince Qin, the Gu brothers, and including Yan Hui to join.

This was one advantage of belonging to an aristocratic family: even without holding high office or enjoying great wealth at court, the prestige and reputation accumulated over generations commanded respect, even from imperial kin and nobility.

During her three years confined at home, Jiang Heng had studied scholarly pursuits but had no time to learn martial skills. Thus, she knew nothing about horsemanship or polo. Fortunately, Jiang Wan was skilled and sat with her in the stands, explaining which players demonstrated superior skill, who had cleverly avoided penalties, and which shots were regrettably missed.

"Look, Yan Hui scored another goal," Jiang Heng remarked, her attention fixed solely on Yan Hui.

Jiang Wan smiled without comment. When it came to polo, Yan Hui was somewhat inexperienced compared to the northern noblemen who had grown up playing the game.

"Ling Lu, I’ve bruised my leg—it hurts terribly. Take my place for a round so I can rest."

During the intermission, Jiang Jin limped over to the stands and, with a toss of his wrist, threw his polo mallet toward them.

Jiang Heng instinctively ducked, but her sister stood up, caught the mallet effortlessly, and with a graceful twist, aligned it with her arm.

From rising to catching the mallet, her movements were fluid and controlled, drawing admiring cheers from the men on the field who turned to watch.

Jiang Heng was equally mesmerized.

It suddenly struck her that her sister’s polo skills might even surpass Yan Hui’s.

"Well then, I’ll go change."

Jiang Wan considered asking Jiang Heng for help but hesitated, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. She swallowed her words and headed alone to the dressing pavilion.

Jiang Jin reminded, "A Heng, go help your sister. Those polo outfits aren’t easy to put on."

Having never worn women’s polo attire, Jiang Heng was clueless. Only then did she realize her sister’s earlier hesitation had been a silent plea for assistance. She quickly stood and followed.

"Sister, you look beautiful in your polo outfit too."

The Jiang family had specially tailored polo uniforms for the young ladies—streamlined for riding and hitting the ball yet retaining feminine elegance. Jiang Wan’s goose-yellow outfit was particularly striking.

Jiang Wan smiled as she removed her hairpins and ornaments. "There are several sets in that clothing chest. Go pick one and change into it."

Jiang Heng shook her head. "I don’t know how to play polo."

"It’s alright. After the gentlemen take a break, I’ll teach you."

Jiang Heng was eager to learn. After a moment’s thought, she selected a pomegranate-red polo outfit.

But after watching her sister play a match with the men, Jiang Heng regretted wearing it.

Her sister’s skills were so exceptional—far beyond needing any chivalrous concessions from the men—how could she possibly learn in such a short time?

She could barely ride a horse properly.

Just then, Jiang Jin sidled over. "A Heng, see how well Ling Lu plays polo? Father started teaching her when she was five, carrying her on horseback. We’ve all been her training partners since childhood."

Jiang Heng nodded silently, withdrawing her gaze. She nibbled on fruit from the stands, refusing to look back at the field.

Five years old... Back then, she’d only been catching chirping cicadas in the village mud.

Yan Hui also left the field and approached the stands, taking a seat in the row behind the young ladies.

"Yan... Envoy Xiao, are you done playing too?" Jiang Jin turned to speak to him.

Yan Hui nodded. "Yes, taking a break."

Jiang Heng glanced back at him, her eyes curving into smiles though she said nothing before turning away again.

Observing the two seated one behind the other with several seats between them and no excessive interaction, Jiang Jin stopped monitoring them and returned his attention to the polo match.

The stands were furnished with tea, fruit, pastries, and preserves. Jiang Jin drank tea while watching the match, occasionally attempting to discuss it with Jiang Heng. But since she understood little, she only offered perfunctory "ohs." Finding this dull, Jiang Jin climbed over the seats to sit beside Yan Hui, analyzing the match with him. Noticing a pile of shelled almonds on the table, he casually grabbed a handful and popped them into his mouth, completely oblivious to Yan Hui’s disgusted frown.

After Jiang Jin helped himself to another handful, Yan Hui placed the remaining shelled almonds on a plate and moved to another seat.

Jiang Jin never imagined Yan Hui had left over a few almonds; he assumed it was lingering resentment toward the Jiang family’s past actions and didn’t pursue further conversation.

When the next intermission arrived, Prince Qin called Yan Hui to play another round.

Yan Hui stood, carrying the plate. As he passed Jiang Heng, he set it down beside her.

Jiang Heng smiled at him, then—worried her brother might notice—first covered the almonds with her handkerchief before discreetly transferring them in several batches into her pouch, planning to nibble on them slowly one by one.

On the polo field, Jiang Wan also prepared to withdraw. "I’m going to rest awhile."

Prince Qin looked at her, admiration undisguised in his eyes. "I hadn’t expected Madam Guiyi to be so skilled at polo."

"Your Highness flatters me." Since they were on the polo field, Jiang Wan didn’t perform a curtsy but instead offered a respectful, composed cupped-hand salute.

"Would you care for another match with me later?" Prince Qin invited.

Jiang Wan hesitated, and Prince Qin sensed her reluctance. Glancing toward the stands and noticing Jiang Heng also waiting in polo attire, he added, "Let’s have Duke Wei join too. With both Jiang sisters on the field, I can witness the brilliance of the Jiang family’s daughters."

He turned to Gu Yu. "Cheng Zhou, what do you say?"

"Excellent." Gu Yu had also noticed Jiang Heng’s polo outfit and was curious to see her skills.

Jiang Wan intended to decline further, explaining that Jiang Heng didn’t know how to play, but a gong sounded, signaling the start of the next match, forcing her to withdraw.

Back in the stands, Jiang Wan informed Jiang Heng about the upcoming match with Prince Qin.

"I didn’t get a chance to explain that you can’t play. Later, quietly tell Duke Wei you won’t be participating," Jiang Wan advised.

Jiang Heng paused briefly, a faint smile touching her lips. She grabbed a handful of almonds and pressed them into Jiang Wan’s hand, whispering, "Yan Hui gave these to me."

Jiang Wan was also taken aback. She glanced back at Yan Hui’s former seat, now littered with almond shells.

Hmm... she had to admit, Yan Hui understood thoughtfulness better than most gentlemen she’d met.

But she’d heard he would be leaving soon. Whether they’d meet again was uncertain. Any further closer involvement with her sister now would only disturb her heart without bringing any benefit.

"A Heng," Jiang Wan considered telling her that Yan Hui was about to depart, but seeing the contented smile on her face, she held her tongue.

Let her be happy a while longer.

When the next polo match began, Jiang Heng accompanied her sister onto the field and, as instructed, told Gu Yu she didn’t know how to play polo.

"You don’t know how?" Prince Qin looked over, surprised. "Your sister plays so well, yet you don’t?"

Polo was a game immensely popular among noble families in the capital, regardless of age or gender—almost everyone could swing a mallet, with only varying levels of skill. Moreover, the Jiang family ranked among Qingzhou’s top aristocratic clans, and polo was part of the training for both young men and women of the house.

Prince Qin's offhand remark made Jiang Heng's face turn beet red with embarrassment.

Though she had always known she couldn't compare to her elder sister, being compared to her in public—especially in front of so many young men, including Yan Hui—and coming up so short brought tears to her eyes. Not caring about Prince Qin's status, she furrowed her brows and shot him a dirty look.

Jiang Wan, noticing her younger sister's distress, quickly spoke up gently in her defense, "My younger sister was raised back in our hometown as a child and never had the chance to learn."

Prince Qin, realizing his unintended offense after being glared at by the young lady, chuckled to himself at Gu Yu's wife's feisty side but said out loud, "Then let's just..."

Before he could finish saying "forget it," Gu Yu, from his horse, leaned down, slipped his arm around the young lady's waist, lifted her onto his horse, placed the polo mallet in her hand, and covered her hand with his.

Jiang Heng instinctively struggled, trying to break free from his grasp.

Gu Yu tightened his arm, holding her firmly against him, and said, "It's fine. I'll teach her now."

He then turned to Prince Qin and added, "We won't be on your team anymore. Let's play individually—whoever scores more goals wins."

Prince Qin laughed and scolded, "Gu Chengzhou, I had no idea you were so petty!"

Gu Yu was already skilled at polo. In previous matches, he had held back to be polite, but this time, determined to save face for Jiang Heng, he held nothing back—not even for Prince Qin. Galloping and striking the ball, he quickly pulled far ahead.

His technique was superb, and he made a point of guiding the young lady to showcase her skills. With swift twists and strikes, he drew cheers from opponents and spectators alike.

At first, Jiang Heng struggled to keep up, but after watching several goals scored with her mallet, she became fully immersed in the game. She grew excited with each goal and intensely focused when competing for the ball, as if she and Gu Yu had become one polo player.

By the end of the match, Duke Liang, who had came in last, threw down his mallet and exclaimed, "I'm done! This is no fun—it's just you two flirting on the field!"

Suddenly, he noticed his horse eating something. Upon closer inspection, he saw almond kernels scattered on the sandy ground.

"Who’s the cheat? No wonder my horse wasn't listening—someone’s been cheating!"

Others joined in, accusing someone of cheating.

Jiang Heng stayed silent, surreptitiously holding her waist pouch. She hadn’t meant to cheat but had forgotten to remove the pouch, regretting the loss of the almonds her brother had shelled for her.

"Gu Chengzhou, was it you?" Duke Liang called out loudly.

Gu Yu frowned, about to retort that Duke Liang was a sore loser, when Jiang Heng whispered, "I didn’t mean to. I forgot the pouch still had nuts inside."

"It’s fine. Give it to me."

Jiang Heng handed him the pouch.

Gu Yu tossed it to Gu Cen to hold onto and declared, "That round doesn’t count. For the next game, I’ll start with a three-goal penalty."

"No more games! I’m exhausted. Who knows what other tricks you have up your sleeve?" Duke Liang, knowing he stood no chance against Gu Yu, protested loudly.

"If you’re afraid to lose, just say so. Accusing a young lady of cheating—is that your idea of skill?" Gu Yu gave a cool look at Duke Liang.

Prince Qin, still fired up to play another round with Jiang Wan, chimed in, "Let’s play one more. This time, no holding back."

Unsurprisingly, Gu Yu won again. He specifically targeted Duke Liang, who managed only one goal—and that was with Prince Qin’s help to save face.

Though the day was clear and breezy, Jiang Heng was flushed and sweaty from the vigorous riding, her eyes sparkling with triumph as she looked triumphantly at Duke Liang.

Her exertion heightened her natural scent, noticeable even without leaning close.

Gu Yu’s arm around her waist tightened abruptly, pulling her closer against his chest. Still riding the high of victory, Jiang Heng didn’t notice his reaction. Instead, she turned her head, smiled up at him, and shared her joy.

Gu Yu paused, then smiled back, holding her as he walked the horse slowly. He glanced toward Yan Hui, who had left the field alone, walking away, his back to them.

Jiang Heng also noticed Yan Hui’s departure, and her joy faded. She pushed away from Gu Yu, dismounted, and exited the field.

"Silang, where’s my pouch?" Jiang Heng held out her hand to Gu Cen.

The pouch he returned was light and empty—not an almond remained.

"You ate them?" Jiang Heng couldn’t help frowning.

"Uh-huh," Gu Cen replied awkwardly. "Was I not supposed to?"

The match had been so thrilling that he’d absentmindedly finished the nuts while watching.

Jiang Heng said nothing, taking the empty pouch and walking away.

Gu Cen, feeling bad and noticing Gu Yu’s displeasure, scratched his head and offered, "Should I shell some more for Sister-in-law?"

Gu Yu ignored him and headed to the pavilion to change.

On his way out, he ran into Prince Qin.

"Cheng Zhou, come here. I have something to discuss."

They moved to a secluded spot away from the crowd before Prince Qin asked, "What are your true intentions toward Madam Guiyi?"

After a pause, he added bluntly, "Do you intend to marry her?"

"No," Gu Yu replied flatly.

"Then the rumors before..."

"Just rumors," Gu Yu said dismissively.

"In that case, I won’t let those rumors constrain me," Prince Qin said. He wouldn’t let a woman come between him and his trusted aide, nor would he be bound by gossip.

Gu Yu understood. On the polo field, Prince Qin’s gaze toward Jiang Wan had been unmistakable.

He had never expected Prince Qin to remain devoted solely to A Yue, but...

"If you marry A Yue, no one else can surpass her position."

"Naturally," Prince Qin said solemnly.

Gu Yu thought further and added, "If A Yue objects, the marriage is off."

After a brief consideration, Prince Qin nodded. "Of course."

Back at the viewing stand, Jiang Heng and her sister had changed clothes and were sipping tea while watching the next match.

Gu Yu sat directly beside Jiang Heng, while Prince Qin took a seat in the same row as Jiang Wan, one seat apart.

"I hear you're excellent at poetry, calligraphy, chess, and painting, and are particularly skilled at Liubo. Might I challenge you to a game someday?" Prince Qin asked casually over tea.

Before Jiang Wan could respond, Jiang Heng turned to look at Prince Qin but was gently guided back by Gu Yu’s hand on her cheek.

Jiang Heng shot Gu Yu an annoyed glance and tried to turn again, but his arm held her firmly, limiting her view to him alone—unable to see Prince Qin or even her sister, though she could still hear their conversation.

"You flatter me, Your Highness. It’s been so long since I’ve played Liubo that I’ve forgotten the rules. I wouldn’t dare embarrass myself before you."

She had rejected him.

Prince Qin glanced over, his gaze lingering on Jiang Wan for a moment before he suddenly smiled. "It’s alright. Then I shall invite you to play polo another time. Your skills on the field are truly remarkable."

Jiang Wan said nothing, neither agreeing nor refusing.

...

When the day came to an end, Jiang Heng deliberately shared a carriage with Jiang Wan and told her about Prince Qin’s intention to marry Gu’s younger sister.

"Sister, you should stop getting involved with that Prince Qin. He won’t marry you."

Jiang Wan paused, surprised, then nodded with a faint smile. "I understand."

"But I’m afraid that if our elder brother figures out Prince Qin’s intentions, he might pressure you again." Jiang Heng sighed. "Sister, what will you do?"

Jiang Heng knitted her brows deeply, already worrying on her behalf and trying to think of a solution.

Jiang Wan found her younger sister’s earnestness both innocent and sweet. She smiled softly and said, "A Heng, don’t dwell on it. There’s no need to worry about things that haven’t happened yet—it only adds unnecessary trouble. Besides, our elder brother’s decisions may not necessarily be the worst. He might not prioritize my feelings, but he will always consider the family’s interests. As long as he values the family’s welfare, and since we share the same fate—rising and falling together—his interests are naturally mine as well. In that sense, his decisions won’t be too bad for me."

Jiang Heng stared at her blankly for a moment before asking, "But would Prince Qin make you his wife?"

Jiang Wan smiled again. "I’ve never thought about it."

"But Prince Qin’s attitude toward you..." Even Jiang Heng, as naive as she was, could tell that Prince Qin’s intentions toward her sister were far from simple.

"A man’s feelings can change in an instant. What he feels today might be gone tomorrow." Jiang Wan dismissed it casually.

"What if Prince Qin really wants you to be his secondary consort? What would you do then?" Jiang Heng was curious to know whether someone as wise and perceptive as her sister could navigate such a situation without offending Prince Qin or turning against their father and brother.

"Then let it be," Jiang Wan said indifferently.

Jiang Heng was surprised. "Just like that? You’d agree?" How could someone as talented and beautiful as her sister settle for being a concubine?

"As long as he isn’t afraid of gossip, doesn’t mind that I’ve been married before, dares to face the resentment and criticism from the remnants of the Xiao and Chen royal families, and has the ability to gain the emperor and the imperial consort’s approval—if he can accomplish all that, why should I worry?" Jiang Wan spoke lightly.

After hearing this, Jiang Heng felt somewhat relieved. It seemed that if Prince Qin truly wanted to take her sister as a secondary consort, it would be quite difficult for him.

"By the way," Jiang Heng suddenly thought of something else, "would Duke Wei agree?"

Jiang Wan found it amusing but still did not reveal Gu Yu’s true feelings. She replied lightly, "That’s a matter for the men to settle. Why should I concern myself with it? Whether he agrees or not, let them work it out among themselves."

Jiang Heng suddenly envied her sister’s free-spiritedness. "If—just if—Prince Qin really managed to overcome all obstacles and take you as his secondary consort, would you be willing?"

Jiang Wan said, "A Heng, to be honest, given the Jiang family’s current standing in the court and my own status, there is no better option than Prince Qin. Prince Qin is ambitious—his primary wife position will undoubtedly be reserved for someone who can offer him the greatest support. For the Jiang family and for me, the position of secondary consort would already be an honor. If it ever comes to that, I won’t dwell on whether I’m willing or not. I will firmly seize that honor, maintain it, and strengthen it, turning it into the Jiang family’s glory. And the Jiang family’s glory will be my support."

Jiang Heng stared at her sister for a long moment before lowering her head, her eyes downcast.

No wonder their parents always said she lacked ambition, that her mind was filled only with romantic notions, unlike her sister, who always considered the family’s interests. It turned out to be true... She would probably never possess her sister’s foresight.

"But, A Heng," Jiang Wan noticed her discouragement and held her arm comfortingly, "you and I are different."

"I grew up cherished and protected by the family, enjoying almost every privilege they could offer. Whether during my time as an unmarried woman before marriage or in the hardship after the fall of the kingdom and the loss of my husband, the Jiang family and my father and brother never treated me poorly. I am forever grateful to the family. To strive for and sustain the family’s glory is my duty, and I take pride in it."

"But you grew up in the old residence, without the companionship, care, or guidance of our father and brother. What you received from the Jiang family was merely food and clothing. Therefore, you don’t have to follow my path in everything, nor do you need to be like me—weighing gains and losses, seeking advantage and avoiding harm..."

At this, Jiang Wan smiled self-deprecatingly. "I ought to teach you to weigh gains and losses, to seek advantage and avoid harm. But if doing so goes against your true heart, then do what feels right to you. Don’t overthink it."

This was the first time Jiang Heng had heard someone tell her to follow her heart instead of scolding her for being immature, selfish, or neglecting the family’s interests.

So, was it not an act of rebellion or shamelessness for her to separate from Duke Wei and follow her brother to Lingnan?

"Sister, I want to see Brother Yan Hui. Can you help me?"

Yan Hui had left looking so desolate—he must have been heartbroken. She wanted to see him.

Jiang Wan thought for a moment. After a long while, she nodded slightly but said, "A Heng, Yan Hui will leave the capital in a few days. Although the negotiations hadn’t succeeded, the emperor has promised to ensure his safe return. Once he leaves this time, you may never see each other again. He needs to make a choice."

"A Heng, tell him this: either overcome all obstacles and hold on firmly, or cut ties completely and never see each other again. That would be best for both of you."

Jiang Heng wanted to defend Yan Hui but had only opened her mouth when her sister cut her off.

"Don’t talk about how difficult this or that is. Those are men’s matters, not something for you to worry about."

Jiang Heng pressed her lips together, too ashamed to argue.

"Eighth Miss, Duke Wei has something for you."

With these words, the coachman handed over a pouch—Gu Yu’s pouch.

"What is it?" Jiang Heng asked casually. She took it and felt its weight—it was heavy. Before she could open it, the aroma of almonds filled the air.

A man’s pouch was much larger than hers, and it was almost full of almonds.

On the return journey, Gu Yu hadn’t ridden his horse, claiming he was tired and needed to rest in the carriage. Had he been cracking almonds inside?

"Sister, these are for you, right?" Jiang Heng felt that Gu Yu’s gesture was not meant for her.

Jiang Wan chuckled and said playfully, "Shall we send someone to ask whether they’re for you or for me?"

Jiang Heng lazily replied, "If we ask, he’ll only say they’re for me. But I know who they’re truly meant for."

"If you really think so, then I’ll eat these almonds," Jiang Wan said with a laugh.

Jiang Heng, of course, meant what she said and generously handed the pouch over.

Jiang Wan didn’t refuse and indeed took it to eat. She then sent someone to inform Gu Yu that she wished to let A Heng stay at their parents’ home for the night.

Gu Yu thought it over and agreed.

That evening, he received news from his attendant at the official courier station: Madam Guiyi had gone to see Yan Hui.

Was it really Madam Guiyi?

Gu Yu’s expression turned cold and stern. He rode his horse to the official courier station.