Chapter 32

Chapter 32

The Official Post Station.

Yan Hui’s room was unlit. He stood in the pitch-black night, cradling the tabby cat in the crook of his arm, absentmindedly stroking its fur.

"Brother," a soft voice called, accompanied by a gentle knock on the door.

Yan Hui’s gaze flickered, but he remained rooted to the spot, making no move to open the door.

A moment of silence passed outside, then the gentle knocking resumed.

"Brother, I was wrong."

Yan Hui frowned, then finally opened the door, ushering her inside. He saw Jiang Heng disguised as a young male servant, her head wrapped in a turban, clad in a dark, pleated tunic.

"Brother, my sister is waiting for me in the main hall. I can’t stay long," Jiang Heng explained.

Yan Hui gave a slight nod, his voice flat. "You needn't have come."

Jiang Heng knew he was angry—he had been upset since the polo match. It was her fault; she should have firmly refused Gu Yu, shouldn't have worried about propriety or saving face, or given up so easily when she couldn’t break free. She shouldn’t have been so quickly swept up in the excitement of the game.

"Brother, I was wrong," Jiang Heng repeated, her head bowed.

Yan Hui’s brow furrowed slightly. He knew perfectly well she had done nothing wrong. She was Duke Wei’s wife, and their mutual affection was only natural.

What right did he have to be angry?

On her way here, Jiang Heng had resolved to press her brother for a decision, but now, face to face with him, she couldn’t utter a single word that might force his hand.

Silence descended, making the darkness in the room feel even more profound.

But Jiang Heng had little time. Gu Yu surely had eyes and ears at the post station, and he might already be on his way, having received news.

"Brother, please don’t be angry anymore, alright?" Jiang Heng spoke again, coaxing him softly.

"Why haven’t you divorced him yet?" Yan Hui’s usually gentle voice held a rare, low note of reproach.

"I will divorce him, Brother. It’s just that there are still some matters…"

"When?" Yan Hui cut off her explanation, getting straight to the point.

"Gu Yu’s younger siblings are in the midst of arranging marriages. Duke Wei said he doesn’t want to cause complications for the Gu family or affect their weddings by divorcing at this time…" Jiang Heng fell silent for a moment before softly explaining again, still concealing the true reason she had agreed to Gu Yu’s request to temporarily delay the divorce.

In the pitch-black room, Yan Hui snorted coldly. Was this truly why she hadn’t divorced him? Did she care so much about causing trouble for the Gu family?

So, she did have some feelings for Duke Wei after all? Enough to worry about his siblings’ marriages…

The room plunged into deep silence once more.

"Brother, my sister told me you’ll be heading south in seven days. I might not be able to see you off then, but no matter what, please take care on your journey…"

"A-Jiu," Yan Hui interrupted her again, stepping closer in the darkness.

Since he had always been restrained and proper, never overstepping boundaries, Jiang Heng didn’t shy away. But this time, to her surprise, he pulled her close, pressing her against his chest.

"A-Jiu, are you still willing to come with me?" Yan Hui had thought he could accept it, could let go, could yield Jiang Heng to another. But today, he realized he couldn’t. If he couldn’t, why hesitate any longer?

Jiang Heng was naturally willing. She had never changed her mind. She had been familiarizing herself with the route south, learning the southern dialect, even practicing eating fish…

"Brother, I’ll settle things here as quickly as possible…"

"Seven days," Yan Hui wanted her to make a clean break, setting a deadline. "Once I’ve finalized my return plans, I’ll give you a location. Seven days from now, if you’re willing to come with me, I’ll be waiting there. If not…"

He paused, his breath heavy for a moment, then continued, "If not, then let it be."

Seven days wasn’t enough time to settle matters with the Gu family or persuade her father and brother. But because Yan Hui had made his decision, Jiang Heng agreed without hesitation. "I’m willing. I’ll definitely come."

A faint smile finally touched Yan Hui’s eyes. "Good. I’ll be waiting for you."

Knock, knock, knock. Someone was at the door again. "Envoy Xiao, are you there? My mistress requests your presence in the main hall."

No sooner had the words been spoken than another voice followed: "Duke Wei, are you also looking for Envoy Xiao?"

This servant was, of course, the one Jiang Wan had sent to deliver the message.

"He’s really here?" Jiang Heng didn’t want to create complications. Afraid that Gu Yu might see her there and, in a fit of rage, try to harm Yan Hui, she glanced around for a hiding place.

"Don’t be afraid." Yan Hui suddenly reached out and untied her head wrap, letting her hair cascade down like a waterfall. He then removed his outer robe and draped it over her, completely concealing her servant’s attire. "Go to the inner chamber. No matter what happens, don’t come out, and don’t turn around."

Jiang Heng obeyed, retreating to the inner chamber.

Yan Hui loosened the front of his inner robe, feigning having been roused from rest, as if he had just gotten out of bed, and calmly lit a lamp.

Outside, the servant recited the lines Jiang Wan had prepared: "My mistress has been here for a while. She sent someone earlier to look for Envoy Xiao, but there was no response. We weren’t sure if you were in your room."

Gu Yu had also seen Jiang Wan in the main hall. Her words during their conversation matched exactly what the servant was saying.

The words of master and servant matched a little too perfectly.

"Duke Wei, is there something you need?"

Yan Hui opened the door, and Gu Yu saw him wearing only his inner robe, as if he hadn’t had time to dress properly.

"Envoy Xiao, you’ve already retired? My apologies for disturbing you. My mistress has something to discuss and has been waiting in the main hall for some time."

"Mm, you go ahead. I’ll be there shortly." Yan Hui dismissed the servant, then glanced at Gu Yu and moved to close the door.

Gu Yu held the door open, his phoenix eyes casually sweeping the room. Everything seemed normal.

"Duke Wei, are you looking for someone?" Yan Hui asked without concealment.

Gu Yu didn’t answer, his gaze fixed on the curtain leading to the inner chamber. Still, nothing seemed out of place.

Everything was suspiciously normal.

Yet, driven by intuition, Gu Yu pushed the door open and stepped inside. "Envoy Xiao, have you seen any suspicious individuals?"

"No," Yan Hui replied impatiently.

As soon as he spoke, the tabby cat suddenly leaped out from behind the curtain, meowing and pouncing toward Gu Yu. Fortunately, Yan Hui intercepted it in time, holding the cat in his arms.

As the curtain was lifted by the cat, a figure was momentarily visible in the shifting light. Gu Yu caught a glimpse of a figure in the inner chamber—someone with loose, flowing hair, draped in a man’s robe.

Gu Yu strode forward, only to be blocked by Yan Hui.

"Duke Wei, that is my person," Yan Hui said, nothing more.

It was the middle of the night—his attire, the sleeping garments in the inner chamber—anyone should have guessed what they were doing.

But Gu Yu had no right to question it. If he took another step forward, it would be a breach of etiquette.

Gu Yu’s clenched fists were tight enough to crush the white jade hilt of his dagger, a vein throbbed at his temple, yet he did not take another step forward. He did not forcibly lift the curtain, nor did he drag out the lady behind it.

After a moment of confrontation, he suddenly drew his short blade. In a flash, with a swift motion, he sliced clean through a corner of the nearby table.

With a sharp crack, the wooden corner fell to the ground, startling the tabby cat, which let out a meow and leaped from Yan Hui’s arms, darting into the inner chamber.

The fluttering curtain was quickly pressed down by someone inside.

"Envoy Xiao, safe travels."

Gu Yu’s eyes burned with enough hatred to draw blood. He glanced once more at the curtain, sheathed his blade, and stomped away.

Jiang Heng, behind the curtain, finally let out a long sigh of relief. Thankfully, thankfully, Gu Yu had not discovered her presence here.

"A-Jiu, in the next few days, give him the annulment documents."

Yan Hui knew Gu Yu had recognized Jiang Heng. The seed of suspicion would take root in his heart. He hoped this would make him sign the annulment documents without protest.

***

Jiang Heng returned to the Gu residence early the next morning.

"Sister-in-law, you’re finally back! I thought you’d be staying away for several more days."

As soon as Jiang Heng entered, Gu Qingyue hurried over, looping arms with her.

Due to Luo Ci’s punishment and Xiao Luo Shi’s loss of authority, the entire Gu household now regarded Jiang Heng with more fear than respect. Only the Gu family’s Fourth Brother and younger sister treated her decently, speaking to her normally.

"Did you and Third Brother have another disagreement?" Gu Qingyue suddenly whispered.

Jiang Heng was taken aback. "No, why?"

"Then why did you go back to your family’s home to stay?" Gu Qingyue asked.

Jiang Heng had not returned last night, and Gu Yu had shut himself in his room, drinking alone all night. Even Cheng Ping had asked Gu Cen to persuade him, but no one could get in. Naturally, Gu Qingyue assumed the two had quarreled again.

Jiang Heng, unaware of Gu Yu’s state, simply smiled and replied, "I wanted to talk a bit longer with my elder sister."

"Have the two of you reconciled?" Gu Qingyue thought that her sister-in-law’s previous stay at her family’s home, including Third Brother’s desire for an annulment, were all because of that Madam Guiyi. She assumed that although Jiang Heng and Madam Guiyi were sisters, they were not particularly close.

Now that they had grown closer, surely there wouldn’t be any rivalry between sisters over a man, right?

Perhaps Madam Guiyi, out of sisterly affection, had clearly rejected Third Brother, and that was why he was drowning his sorrows in drink?

Well, let him drink. His sorrow would pass. In any case, as long as they didn’t annul the marriage, it was fine.

"Sister-in-law, I’ve heard that when someone is hurt, they’re most vulnerable. If you show them even a little kindness at such a time, they’ll be grateful and devoted to you. You must seize this opportunity," Gu Qingyue said, sounding quite knowledgeable.

Jiang Heng was utterly confused and baffled.

Gu Qingyue then told her about Gu Yu drowning his sorrows in drink.

"Is it because your elder sister doesn’t want to marry my brother anymore?" Although Gu Qingyue privately believed this to be the case, she couldn’t resist asking.

Jiang Heng was stunned again. Was it because of this?

After a moment’s thought, she decided it couldn’t be because of her elder sister. Most likely, it was because of Prince Qin.

Gu Yu must have also noticed that Prince Qin had taken a liking to her elder sister. Surely, he knew he couldn’t compete with Prince Qin, so he could only drown his sorrows here.

"Alright, I’ve had someone prepare sobering soup. Sister-in-law, take it to him quickly and say you made it yourself."

Gu Qingyue ordered the waiting maid to bring the sobering soup and pushed Jiang Heng all the way into the Ninghe Courtyard.

Jiang Heng had never seen Gu Yu in such a disheveled state.

He sat sprawled on the ground, leaning against the low couch. Strands of his usually neat hair, tied securely in a jade crown, hung loosely.

Whether it was because he hadn’t slept all night, his eyes were bloodshot.

His features and contours were already sharp and imposing, but now, with those bloodshot eyes, he seemed more intimidating and terrifying than ever, making one afraid to provoke him.

Gu's younger sister had already scurried away, leaving only Jiang Heng and the sobering soup in her hands.

Jiang Heng understood the pain of having to give up a loved one, so she was not surprised by Gu Yu’s state.

Moreover, because he was suffering for her elder sister—because he couldn’t compete with Prince Qin, couldn’t overcome power and influence—he had no choice but to give her up.

Jiang Heng had once felt this pain deeply herself, so she could understand him, empathize with him, and even felt a twinge of pity for him.

But what could she say to comfort him?

She couldn’t encourage him to defy authority and compete with Prince Qin, as that would also put her elder sister in an awkward position.

Nor could she advise him to accept fate and move on, because she knew how difficult that was.

Jiang Heng said nothing. She placed the sobering soup beside him and began quietly cleaning up the scattered wine jars around him.

"Why did you come back?"

He looked at her with those bloodshot eyes, his gaze complex with emotions Jiang Heng couldn’t quite decipher.

Considering his pain, Jiang Heng did not argue or retaliate.

"Whose person are you, really?"

Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her forcefully toward him until she stumbled into his embrace.

His rough palm pressed heavily against the back of her neck, his crimson eyes staring deeply into hers. "Have you forgotten again? You’ve always been my person."

He held her tightly against his chest, his stern face leaning closer.

Jiang Heng instinctively struggled and pulled back, avoiding his advance.

This time, however, Gu Yu did not pursue her aggressively. After staring deeply at her for a moment, he suddenly pushed her away with force.

"Go. I don’t want you anymore."

She was still his wife, having agreed temporarily not to annul the marriage. How could she do such a thing with Yan Hui?

Just yesterday, she had won the polo match and turned to smile at him so brightly. He had thought that even if her affection for him wasn't as deep as for Yan Hui, in that moment, there must have been a real connection between them.

He saw Yan Hui's sadness, and he saw her hastily leaping off his horse in concern for Yan Hui's distress. He knew that her excuse about staying at the Jiang residence for a night was actually to meet Yan Hui.

But how could they...?

Was she really that impatient?

He was done with her; he wouldn't keep her any longer.

Gu Yu lifted the wine jar and drank again.

Jiang Heng said nothing and continued gathering up the scattered empty wine jars.

Gu Yu was in such a rage that he wouldn't allow any servants inside, so Jiang Heng had to do everything herself. After tidying the wine jars, she cleaned the mess on the floor. Only when the room looked reasonably presentable did she stop and sit at the desk to organize the account books Cheng Ping had sent over.

It was understandable that Gu Yu was so angry. Since her elder sister had fallen on hard times, he had always been the one supporting and caring for her. He had even said that the one he wanted to marry had always been her elder sister, and that he would definitely marry her.

But no one could have expected that because of a polo match, Prince Qin would become so taken with her elder sister.

All of Gu Yu's previous plans had collapsed—how could he not be furious?

But Gu Yu had more to be angry about than just this.

She was going to break their agreement; she couldn't wait until Fourth Brother and A-Yue's marriage was settled before seeking a divorce.

Gu Yu had kept his promise: her elder brother hadn't been injured again since then, and his previous wounds had healed well. She should have waited a while longer before divorcing, as originally agreed. But now that her elder brother had finally made his decision to take her away, how could she hesitate?

As compensation, she would help him straighten out the Gu family's accounts within these seven days. Then, she would write the divorce agreement and send it to him after she left.

"Get out," Gu Yu said, his eyes looking even redder as he looked at her coldly and ordered her away.

Jiang Heng glanced at him but said nothing, lowering her head to organize the account books.

"Get out," he repeated, sitting there and taking another swig of wine before telling her to leave again.

Jiang Heng still said nothing.

"Get out," he said once more.

Jiang Heng pursed her lips slightly and frowned. Though impatient, her voice held little anger. "Didn't you ask me to manage the accounts? Do you still want me to handle them or not?"

She frowned and met his gaze for a moment before lowering her head again to work on the accounts.

Gu Yu lifted the wine jar and drank, watching her sit obediently at the desk, diligently managing the household affairs. He said nothing more.

After a while, a servant came to report that Prince Qin had summoned Gu Yu for a discussion. Moreover, because Gu Yu had missed court without explanation that morning, Prince Qin had come to the house personally and was waiting in the front hall.

Jiang Heng looked at Gu Yu. He remained seated, showing no intention of getting up. Perhaps hearing "Prince Qin" made him even angrier; he lifted the wine jar and drained the remaining wine in one go.

Then he tossed the jar aside and finally stood up.

Gu Yu wasn't the type to let personal feelings interfere with his duties. Skipping court this morning was already rare for him, and now he likely meant to go see Prince Qin.

"Wait," Jiang Heng called out to him. Did he really plan to see Prince Qin looking like this?

Prince Qin was the most handsome among the current imperial princes. Though he wasn't quite as handsome as Gu Yu, he was exceptionally dignified and strikingly handsome. If Gu Yu went to see him in such a state, wouldn't he be completely outshone? Wouldn't he be completely outdone?

Jiang Heng brought a new set of clothes for him to change into.

Gu Yu stood stubbornly for a moment but eventually changed into them. Just as he was about to leave, he heard the young woman speak again.

"Come here, let me do your hair."

Gu Yu stood motionless, lowering his eyes as if in deliberate defiance.

"If you really don't care about your appearance and aren't afraid of losing face in front of Prince Qin and the servants, then go ahead," Jiang Heng said, putting down the comb and returning to the desk to continue organizing the accounts.

Gu Yu stood rigidly for a long time before finally moving to sit in front of the mirror.

The young woman didn't come over, so he sat there waiting, saying nothing.

Seeing that he was willing to cooperate, Jiang Heng walked over again. She combed his hair, tied it up, and placed the crown neatly before saying, "You can go now."

Gu Yu seemed like a walking corpse, offering no response. He sat in a daze for a moment before standing up and leaving.

Jiang Heng continued organizing the account books. She only had seven days left; she had to work fast, she told herself.