Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Jiang Heng put away the divorce agreement, ceasing her arguments and no longer pressing Gu Yu on his reasons for not wanting a divorce.

As she casually flipped through the ledger, she brought up the topic of keeping cats.

"I remember you don’t like cats. What made you suddenly decide to get one?"

Gu Yu paused, his eyes lifting slightly. He saw her gaze fixed on the account books, as if she were merely making small talk without any deeper meaning.

*She knew he disliked cats—then why couldn’t she discern his true intentions in giving her one?*

*Or perhaps she refused to keep it not because she disliked the cat he gave her, but because she was respecting his feelings? Knowing he didn’t like cats, she chose not to raise one?*

"If you like it, just keep it." There was no need to consider his wishes.

Jiang Heng’s expression remained unchanged, her eyes still on the account books as she idly remarked, "I’ve always liked them. Didn’t Duke Wei once say I was neglecting my duties because of them and forbid me from keeping cats? Why are you allowing it now?"

Gu Yu was at a loss for words.

"Whether you slacked off back then because of a cat or something else—you know the reason yourself."

Before he found out about Yan Hui, he had indeed once thought her lack of dedication toward everything was because of a cat.

Jiang Heng wasn’t angered by this nor did she argue. She replied lightly, "I like cats, but you don’t. If I keep one, wouldn’t that mean you’d have to accommodate me?"

She lifted her eyes to Gu Yu, her gaze suddenly unreadable. "Duke Wei, are you willing to accommodate me?"

Gu Yu fell silent. Hadn’t he made it obvious enough? Why was she asking this?

"It’s just a cat. It's not a big deal."

His tone was indifferent, as if the matter were trivial in his eyes.

Jiang Heng smiled faintly, lowering her eyes back to the account books. Her gentle voice held no trace of joy. "So you are willing, then?"

Gu Yu remained silent, saying nothing.

"Perhaps I overthought it," she said when she received no answer.

Gu Yu glanced at her and said, "You could think of it that way, too."

Jiang Heng pretended not to understand. "Think of it how?"

"That I am accommodating you." His tone was casual, as though stating a simple truth, without delving into the complex emotions behind it.

Jiang Heng smiled again, curiously asking, "Duke Wei, why are you accommodating me?"

Gu Yu looked up at her, noticing she was acting differently today. In the past, would she have ever engaged him in such a back-and-forth conversation?

She would have long found an excuse to send him off to the study.

"I was imprisoned, and you worked hard pulling strings for me."

The implied meaning was that this was the reason.

Jiang Heng pondered silently for a moment. She knew he wasn’t telling the truth but didn’t immediately call him out. Softly, she said, "Your imprisonment was somewhat related to me. I went to beg Prince Qin and visited you in prison merely to do what little I could, as a form of repayment. What I did was only to make sure we're even."

Gu Yu’s brush left a thick blot of ink on the list.

Then she heard her continue, "I heard from Cheng Ping that you instructed her to catch a cat long before you were imprisoned."

She had finally exposed his excuse.

"Duke Wei, why are you really accommodating me?" Her tone turned pushing him that night.

Gu Yu was silent for a moment before suddenly closing the list and looking straight at her. "What do you think the reason is?"

Jiang Heng hadn’t expected him to throw the question back at her. While she was still stunned, Gu Yu added, "Whatever reason you hope for, I can comply with your wishes."

Just like that, he turned the tables, evading her deliberate probing and leading.

With those words, anything he said afterward could be seen as guided and provoked by her, not from his heart.

Jiang Heng stared at him for a long moment before suddenly smiling carelessly. "If Duke Wei doesn’t want to say, then forget it. Talking about complying with my wishes makes it sound as though you care deeply."

"How do you want me to care?"

The man’s expression had turned serious.

Jiang Heng had already reached a judgment in her heart. Though she found it somewhat unbelievable, she knew this conversation could not continue.

"I’m tired."

She abruptly stood, closed the account book, and tossed it onto the desk. Addressing Gu Yu, she said, "You may leave. I wish to rest."

Gu Yu was taken aback.

It wasn’t strange for the conversation to end abruptly, but what was strange was her daring to kick him out in such a manner.

In the past, she would have at most said "I’m tired" before turning to leave. She would never have been so bold as to outright order him to leave.

"Didn’t you hear me? I said leave."

She was even more assertive and bold than before, as if she had suddenly become a different person.

Gu Yu frowned but said nothing. He took his things and left.

Jiang Heng instructed the servants to lock the door before finally letting out a sigh of relief.

Though she couldn’t be entirely sure whether Gu Yu had truly had feelings for her, she was certain of one thing: she had no need for such feelings from him. It would be best if he took them back promptly and avoided entangling her further.

······

The day of departure was drawing near. Gu Yu was busy almost every day, rushing between the office and the imperial city, returning very late each night. Jiang Heng treated these past few days as her last in the capital. She went to the Incense Shop to arrange business matters and withdrew three hundred taels of silver to send to the National Academy to cover Yan Rong’s expenses during his studies in the capital.

"Why so much all at once?" Tang Yue said. "Their expenses at the college aren’t high. The hundred taels you sent last time would have lasted them three years."

Jiang Heng explained her upcoming journey south. "I’m afraid I won’t have another chance to see him after this. In the future, whether it’s his studies, seeking office, or navigating official circles, I likely won’t be able to assist him. I must ask Uncle Tang to take care of everything for him."

Tang Yue nodded slightly, sighing with emotion. "You care for him so deeply. It’s a pity—he’s far inferior to his elder brother. His brother was cultured and polite, never once argued with anyone during his studies. But this one is impatient and hot-headed, getting into arguments every few days."

Jiang Heng frowned, letting out a faint sigh of frustration. "Uncle, I’ll go see him."

Unexpectedly, when she found Yan Rong, he was in the midst of another argument.

"Your writing is pure garbage! What, can’t take feedback?" Yan Rong retorted defiantly, not backing down.

The scholar in embroidered robes arguing with him came from a prominent "pillar of state" family of the current dynasty. He sneered at Yan Rong, "If your writing is so good, why didn't the teacher hold up your essay as an example instead of mine? It seems you're just a sour grape, jealous."

Yan Hui retorted mockingly, "Do you truly not know why the teacher chose your essay as an example, or are you playing dumb? Your essay was chosen not because it was well-written, but because you were well-born."

The robed scholar smacked Yan Rong's head and said, "So what if I was well-born? If you have the ability, go be reborn into a better family, then come back and laugh at my poor writing!"

Yan Rong was not one to take a hit lying down. He swung a punch and gave the robed scholar a black eye. The two began to scuffle, while the other scholars egged them on under the guise of trying to break up the fight.

Just as Jiang Heng was about to step in to mediate, a man's voice shouted to stop them.

Jiang Heng recognized him as Du Zhong, a Director from the Ministry of Justice's Bureau of Prisons. The Imperial College occasionally invited capital officials who had passed the imperial examinations and were known for their scholarly achievements to give lectures and discussions. Presumably, Du Zhong had been invited here.

After reprimanding the two fighters and scolding the onlookers who were fueling the conflict, he dispersed the crowd and kept Yan Rong behind to speak with him alone.

"What is your relationship with Yan Hui, the eighth son of the Yan family of Canghe County?" Du Zhong asked, noticing that Yan Rong bore some resemblance to Yan Hui.

"He is my elder brother," Yan Rong replied respectfully, knowing that Du Zhong was not like other fame-seeking individuals but a man of genuine talent and learning.

Du Zhong looked him over and patted him on the shoulder. "Your temperament is far inferior to his."

Yan Rong remained silent.

Du Zhong continued, "I studied with your brother for three years under Mr. Tang Yue. Back then, the atmosphere in the college was no better than it is now, but your brother never looked down on anyone's essays. Whenever the teacher held up an essay as an example for us to study, your brother would read it carefully and find its merits. As for that scholar just now, I haven't read his essay and won't judge it, but he must have insights that those of us from privileged backgrounds have never encountered. Perhaps his essay reveals a thing or two."

"Speaking of which, I was able to study at the college without worrying about food and clothing thanks to your brother."

Du Zhong had only recently learned that it was not the Chancellor of the Imperial College who had provided him with funds to study in peace, but a young lady. Because he got along well with Yan Hui, she had extended her support to him and several other scholars who were close to Yan Hui.

"I passed the *jinshi* examination in my fourth year at the college. If your brother had been there, he would have passed that year as well. His scholarship was better than mine. I dare not say he would have been the top candidate that year, but Mr. Tang Yue once said he had the talent to be one. Even if he didn't become the top candidate, his abilities were undeniable, and he would have had opportunities to distinguish himself eventually."

Seeing Yan Rong silent and thoughtful, Du Zhong patted his shoulder again and said, "The world is indeed unfair, but since we are born into it, complaining about injustice only wastes our time and energy on useless indignation and creates enemies everywhere. If you truly have talent and learning, you won't be held back forever by this unfairness. Moreover, your brother also studied under Mr. Tang Yue, who held him in high regard. I doubt you would want Mr. Tang Yue to secretly sigh that you are not as good as your brother."

After these words, Yan Rong bowed respectfully to him and withdrew to return to his studies.

Jiang Heng did not stop Yan Rong. After he left, she called out, "Director Du," and walked gracefully toward Du Zhong.

"Madame Jiang," Du Zhong greeted her with a cupped-hand salute.

Jiang Heng nodded slightly in return. "Thank you for speaking to him just now, Director Du."

"You are too kind, Madame Jiang. I only did what little I could," Du Zhong replied. During his time at the Imperial College, he had seen Jiang Heng visit Yan Hui and knew they shared a deep bond, though later, for some reason, the young lady married someone else, and Yan Hui disappeared...

But he supposed that Yan Rong's ability to study at the college now was also thanks to her assistance.

"Six years ago, thank you for your generous help, Madame Jiang. I have long prepared the silver to repay you, but I feared it might be presumptuous, so I never visited. Now that we've met, would you prefer I send it to Duke Wei's residence or to your incense shop?"

Jiang Heng assumed Uncle Tang had told him the truth and smiled. "There's no need for that, Director Du. If you insist on repaying, please give it to Uncle Tang instead, so he can continue to be a talent scout and support promising officials like you."

Jiang Heng's smile was bright, her words gentle. Du Zhong looked at her for a moment, feeling he had overstepped, and quickly lowered his gaze. "Madame Jiang is most kind. In that case, I will do as you say."

"There is one more thing I would like to ask of you, Director Du," Jiang Heng said.

"Please speak freely, Madame Jiang. I will do my utmost."

Jiang Heng said, "Yan Rong is like a younger brother to me, but I am about to leave the capital and do not know when I will return. Even if I were in the capital, the most I could offer him is financial support. Unlike you, who can be a mentor and friend in both studies and official life. So, I would like to ask you to guide and advise him in the future. If he proves disobedient, please do not hesitate to discipline him as needed."

Du Zhong readily agreed. "Since Madame Jiang trusts me with this task, I will devote myself to it wholeheartedly."

They walked and talked together, eventually leaving the Imperial College.

Jiang Heng boarded her carriage and departed, while Du Zhong stood motionless, watching the carriage gradually disappear into the distance. It took him a while to collect himself. As he was about to mount his horse to return, he caught sight of Gu Yu standing behind him, though he did not know when he had arrived.

Dressed in his purple official robes, he must have come directly from his office. It was unclear how long he had been there or why he had not spoken up and left with Jiang Heng earlier.

"Duke Wei," Du Zhong saluted him calmly and without fluster.

Gu Yu narrowed his eyes, staring coldly at him for a moment before speaking slowly, "You and my wife have known each other for a long time?"

It was this same Du Zhong who had once helped Jiang Heng submit a petition to Prince Qin. At the time, Gu Yu had not thought much of it, assuming Du Zhong was merely doing his duty and helping out of respect for Jiang Heng as his wife.

But now, it seemed more complicated.

Du Zhong did not hide the truth and explained how Jiang Heng had helped him with his studies years ago, though he never mentioned Yan Hui throughout.

"Is that all?" Gu Yu pressed, as if interrogating a criminal.

"That is all. I have nothing but respect for Madame Jiang," Du Zhong replied.

Gu Yu asked no further questions but warned in a deeper voice, "Remember, some people, even a glimpse of their back, are not for you to look at."

With that, he let Du Zhong leave and turned to enter the Imperial College to find Tang Yue.

He had finally managed to finish his duties at the office early today and had come to pick her up after hearing she was at the college. From afar, he had seen her walking and laughing with Du Zhong, completely unaware that his horse was tied under the willow tree near the college gate or that he was standing in the nearby grove.

Du Zhong said Jiang Heng had provided him with funds for his studies. Gu Yu intended to ask Tang Yue how many others she had helped and where they were now.

With Yan Rong's matter settled, Jiang Heng felt a sudden clarity of mind. The only two things she cared about in the capital were Yan Rong and Fan Jirong. At any rate, Yang Zhihong was accompanying Gu Yu south, so he would not be able to trouble A Rong for the time being. As for Yan Rong, Du Zhong was a reliable man and an old friend of Yan Hui's, so he was in good hands.

She could set out south with peace of mind.

As soon as she stepped into the Ninghe Courtyard, Chun Jin came out to meet her, gesturing toward the room with her chin and whispering, "The eldest young lady is inside. She seems to be in a terrible mood. Perhaps you should wait until the master returns before going in?"

Chun Jin was afraid Gu Qingyue, in her anger, would pick another fight with her mistress and had come out specifically to stop her.

Jiang Heng was in a good mood and had no desire to quarrel with Gu Qingyue. She thought Chun Jin's suggestion was reasonable and was about to retreat elsewhere when Gu Qingyue emerged.

"Sister-in-law," she said, her face tear-streaked and listless.

Jiang Heng had no choice but to step forward and comfort her. "A Yue, what's wrong?"

The question only made Gu Qingyue more upset. Tears streamed down her face, and without caring that they were still in the courtyard or that many servants were present, she cried to Jiang Heng, "I went to see Prince Qin, and he admitted it."

"Let's talk inside," Jiang Heng hurriedly pulled her into the room, dismissing the other maids who were tidying up and only allowing Chun Jin to stay.

"Sister-in-law, Prince Qin admitted it. He said he has taken a liking to Madam Guiyi and that when the time is right, he will give her what is rightfully hers."

Gu Qingyue spoke between sobs. She had mustered her courage to confront Prince Qin, expecting him to offer some explanation or plead difficulties, but he did not. Instead, he openly told her that he had taken a liking to Madam Guiyi and that they had already been intimate.

He was still as gentle and polite to her as before, no different. She could not understand how such a person could do such a thing with Madam Guiyi.

He told her that if she was still willing to marry him, he would marry her and give her the dignity due to a princess consort, ensuring no concubine or maid would bully or overstep her. However, he also hoped she would be tolerant and not mistreat the concubines.

If she did not wish to marry him, the engagement would be called off. He would not force her, nor would he let these romantic entanglements affect her brother.

Gu Qingyue did not know what to do.

She had always believed she would marry Prince Qin and was quite satisfied with him, satisfied in every way. Although she had long known he had concubines and maids—which noble and wealthy families didn't?—she also understood clearly that as a prince, Prince Qin wouldn't have only her; if he were to ascend the throne someday, it would be even more impossible for him to have only her.

Though she had thought this way before, when it actually came to facing the reality, she still found it hard to bear.

"Sister-in-law, I don’t want to stay here anymore. I want to go south with you," Gu Qingyue sobbed, almost choking on her tears.

Jiang Heng’s heart softened. Thinking that since they were already bringing the whole family along, one more person like A Yue shouldn’t be a problem, she was about to agree when a cold voice from outside the door said, "No."

Gu Yu pushed the door open and said to Gu Qingyue, "You stay here. Face Prince Qin and think carefully about what you really want, so you won’t regret leaving or making a hasty decision."

"Why are you so heartless!" Gu Qingyue couldn’t listen to reason at that moment. She just wanted to escape this place of heartache.

"I’m your sister! Why can’t you, for my sake, persuade Prince Qin not to touch those... those promiscuous women!"

Gu Qingyue naturally bore some resentment toward Gu Yu too.

"If I persuade him now, he might restrain himself out of respect for me. But he won’t listen to me forever. Once you marry him, you’ll see what kind of man he truly is. By then, there will be no turning back. Now, you’ve seen clearly: he has his merits, but also significant flaws. You should be grateful that the Gu family doesn’t need you to marry Prince Qin to curry favor with the powerful. You still have a choice."

Though his words were reasonable, they sounded cold and harsh. Gu Qingyue glared at him tearfully, cried for a while longer, then ran off.

Gu Yu sat down at the table, glanced at Jiang Heng, and said, "For this trip south, the Emperor has only permitted me to take you. Don’t make promises lightly."

Jiang Heng nodded casually.

"I’ve heard that over the years, you’ve helped many scholars," he said, looking at her. Then he added, "I’ve been to the Imperial College."

Gu Yu hadn’t learned much from Tang Yue. Aside from Du Zhong and Yan Rong, whom he already knew about, he hadn’t found out who the other scholars were, whether they had passed the imperial examinations, where they were now, or if they knew Jiang Heng was the one who had helped them behind the scenes. He didn't ask about any of it.

He didn’t know how many more men like Du Zhong there were—how many had received her kindness and silently admired her.

"You went to the Imperial College?" Jiang Heng sensed the implication in his words, guessing that he must have seen her talking with Du Zhong and had learned something.

After a moment’s thought, Jiang Heng decided to be forthright. She almost told him everything, explaining how she had helped Du Zhong back then.

"At that time, he got along well with my brother, but his family was poor. When my brother mentioned him, he felt sorry for him, so I provided some extra funds to help him focus on his studies."

Jiang Heng noticed that Gu Yu’s expression remained calm, as if he already knew what she was talking about. She figured he must have interrogated Du Zhong. After a brief pause, she continued, "There were a few other scholars who studied with my brother back then. I helped them too."

"Those people—are you still in contact with them?" Gu Yu asked, his words almost gritted through his teeth.

Jiang Heng looked at him, seeming to weigh how to answer without revealing too much. Finally, she replied ambiguously, "It’s been a long time since we were last in contact."

Her words made it sound as though they had been in contact before.

"Who are they?" Gu Yu’s eyes began to blaze with anger.

But Jiang Heng shook her head, protective as if ready to defend them to the death. "I can’t tell you that. Some of them hold official positions now, with status and reputation to protect. They wouldn’t want others to know their former poverty."

Gu Yu let out a heavy breath and laughed coldly. "Yan Hui knew you were helping these men, and he... wasn’t angry?"

Jiang Heng nodded, not hiding anything. She even seemed to speak proudly of her devotion for Yan Hui. "My brother is kind-hearted. Of course he wasn’t angry."

Gu Yu’s lips twisted into a cold smile. "Right. A man who lives off a woman—what standing does he have to be angry? What grounds does he have to question how many men you’ve been supporting?"

Jiang Heng’s calm expression broke immediately. She frowned, stood up, and balled her fists, reminiscent of when she would defend Yan Hui, as if ready to fight anyone who slandered him.

After fixing the man with a prolonged glare, Jiang Heng gradually relaxed her fists. She sat back down at the table, raised an eyebrow, and said, "I was happy to support my brother."

Gu Yu frowned, the fury in his heart finally erupted. He stared darkly for a moment, then turned and left.

The door was closed. The man slammed it open with one powerful kick, and the double doors crashed to the floor.

After he left, Chun Jin called a few maids to clear away the broken door. She whispered to Jiang Heng, "Miss, what did you say that angered the master so?"

Jiang Heng remained silent.

"Miss, the master hasn't lost his temper like this in ages. It appears to me that he sincerely wants to build a future with you," Chun Jin ventured.

Jiang Heng sighed softly. Had Chun Jin noticed it too?

"If he really wanted to build a future with me, would he fly off the handle so readily? You can’t think so much," Jiang Heng dismissed Chun Jin’s speculation, more determined than ever not to extend any courtesy to Gu Yu in the future.