Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Jiang Heng, however, knew exactly what Gu Yu was thinking.

He had never been one to repay good for evil, and he was a complete stranger to Yan Rong—so why would he go to such lengths to help?

He was... still hung up about her history with Yan Hui.

"Even if I do acknowledge him as a sworn brother, what difference would it make? After all, he’d only be a sworn brother, not a blood relative. His last name is still Yan, not Jiang."

Jiang Heng looked at Gu Yu and said this without waiting for his reaction, then turned and walked away.

Gu Yu sensed that the Lady was angry but did not hurry after her. Instead, he continued walking at a steady pace. However, with his long legs and large strides, he soon caught up to her, slowing his steps again to match hers, walking side by side as usual.

Jiang Heng showed no reaction, acting as if Gu Yu were not there. Once they exited the Imperial College gate, she went straight to her horse.

Gu Yu stopped short, his expression darkening as he glanced at a small stone on the ground. After a moment’s thought, he aimed in the direction of Jiang Heng’s horse and kicked the stone.

The stone flew straight and true, hitting the horse squarely on the rump. Startled and in pain, the horse whinnied and snapped its tether, bolting away.

Gu Yu immediately strode forward—not to calm the frightened horse, but to grab Jiang Heng’s wrist and pull her behind him for protection.

"My horse! Go after it, quick!"

The Imperial College was located in the suburbs, where there were few pedestrians, but Jiang Heng was still worried that the horse, knowing the way back, might run into the city and cause trouble.

Gu Yu also pretended to be urgent, whistling for his own horse. He helped Jiang Heng onto it, and together they took off after the runaway horse.

They caught up to the horse just outside the city gates. As Jiang Heng started to get down and ride her own horse, Gu Yu held her back, saying, "Your horse spooked out of nowhere—it might be sick. You’d better not ride it."

It would be better for them to share his horse.

Unaware that Gu Yu had been the one to scare off her horse, Jiang Heng took his words at face value and dared not ride it again. After a moment’s thought, she asked Gu Yu, "Can’t you control it? If you can, you ride that horse, and I’ll ride yours."

Gu Yu pressed his lips together. If he claimed he couldn’t control it, she might think less of him, but he had no desire to ride that horse.

"This horse of mine is imprinted on its owner. It wouldn’t be safe for you to ride it alone."

Hearing this, Jiang Heng had no choice but to drop the matter.

To prevent her from reconsidering, Gu Yu left her horse at the guard post at the city gates, saying he would have the stablehand check what was wrong with it.

The two rode back into the city together.

"If you don’t want to acknowledge him as a sworn brother, then forget it." There was no need for her to stay angry with him over this.

Though Gu Yu took the initiative to speak, Jiang Heng still did not respond. After a moment of silence, she changed the subject and asked, "Don’t you need to go to the yamen?"

"No."

Jiang Heng was puzzled. With the civil service examination approaching, how could he not need to go to the office? Unless...

"Have you... been dismissed by His Majesty as punishment?"

Gu Yu remained silent.

Jiang Heng privately assumed she had hit the mark. After a moment’s silence, she took his hand, which held the reins, and comforted him, "It’s alright. Actually, it’s just as well not to have that job—saves you from stepping on toes left and right."

The Ministry of Personnel’s examination was bound to involve influential families trying to seek favors in advance. Gu Yu had been brought in by Prince Qin midway to oversee the process, and unlike previous years where it might have been a mere formality, he would undoubtedly enforce strict standards, inevitably making enemies.

"The examination has been postponed. His Majesty wants me to focus on the Hengsheng Association matters first."

Gu Yu turned his hand over, enveloping her small hand and the reins in his palm, before explaining to her.

So it wasn’t a dismissal—her comfort wasn’t needed after all. Jiang Heng let out an "Oh" and tried to slip her hand away, but he held on tighter. He even placed the reins in her hand, guiding her to hold them while his hand covered hers.

"His Majesty would not dismiss me at a time like this." Only when he spoke again did Jiang Heng stop struggling, listening quietly.

"You understand as well that to conduct the Ministry of Personnel’s examination properly, it’s impossible to please everyone. It’s a task that inevitably makes enemies. His Majesty needs someone who can both withstand the pressure from influential families and hold his own. There aren’t many suitable candidates."

Few could match Gu Yu in both clout and accomplishments. Those who were currently comfortable in their positions would not want to take on such a contentious task. Those who were ambitious and unafraid of opposing the powerful families might lack the authority to succeed, risking failure and wasted sacrifice.

Gu Yu understood clearly that His Majesty had not punished him for executing a court official without authorization out of favoritism or appreciation for his talents, but simply because he was useful to the state—capable of doing what others could not or would not.

One could even say he was currently earning back trust by proving his worth.

"Husband..."

Gu Yu felt a warm breath against his neck as the Lady tilted her head back to look up at him, her earlier anger completely gone.

Gu Yu’s eyebrows lifted slightly, and the corners of his lips quirked, though he did not show overt delight. Instead, he sighed with a hint of helplessness. "In the future, could you stop giving me reasons to worry?"

Jiang Heng thought he was still referring to the gathering incident and felt a renewed sense of guilt. Apologetically, she said, "Alright. From now on, whenever officials or scholars ask to see me, I will refuse them all."

What Gu Yu cared about was not the assembly, but he was naturally satisfied with her promise—though it was not enough.

"What else?" he asked.

"..." Jiang Heng could not think of anything else that might worry him.

"Also, you must hurry and give me a child." He said this with complete seriousness.

Jiang Heng opened her mouth, hesitated, and finally muttered a vague assent.

Having a child wasn’t solely her responsibility. Since her periods had become regular, and the physician had assured her that her health was fully restored and there were no obstacles to bearing children, the only uncertainty lay with Gu Yu...

Better not to bring it up. A man as proud as he—who couldn’t even tolerate being told he smelled sweaty—would soak in the bath for nearly an hour using most of a bar of soap. If his prowess in that area were questioned, who knew what he might do.

······

"Husband, are you free in the coming days?"

With the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, Jiang Heng wanted to visit her elder sister. However, since her sister still held no recognized position, Jiang Heng had no good reason to visit. Going to Prince Qin’s residence would require Gu Yu to accompany her.

In a few days, the palace banquet for the Dragon Boat Festival would take place, followed by the civil service examination. Gu Yu’s schedule would only grow busier, leaving only these few days with any flexibility.

Without hesitation, Gu Yu replied, "I am free today."

"What is it?"

Jiang Heng explained her thoughts.

Gu Yu agreed without the slightest hesitation. "Alright."

After a moment’s thought, he added, "Your sister was the one who personally brought me the message before. Prepare some thank-you gifts—something pricey."

Having said this, his gaze remained fixed on her face, watching her closely for a while. Only when he saw no trace of suspicion or anger did he quietly breathe a sigh of relief.

Jiang Heng had already prepared gifts, but they were not expensive, just ordinary items. At his words, she instructed Cheng Ping to prepare some additional gifts.

Unexpectedly, not long after, Gu Qingyue heard the news and hurried over.

"Sister-in-law, are you heading to Prince Qin's residence?"

Jiang Heng nodded. "Why? What is it?"

Gu Qingyue didn't speak immediately. She glanced at Gu Yu, then pulled Jiang Heng aside to whisper: "Sister-in-law, I have something I’d like you to deliver to Prince Qin."

"Hmm?" Jiang Heng tilted her head, studying her.

Delivering something to Prince Qin—could it be that Gu Qingyue still hadn’t let go of him?

"Sister-in-law, don’t misunderstand. I’m sending him this just to express my gratitude. When we were arrested and jailed last time, didn’t Prince Qin help us? I’ve been wanting to thank him but never found the right chance."

Gu Qingyue’s expression was calm, as if she truly only felt grateful for Prince Qin’s help and had no other thoughts.

"Sister-in-law, since that incident last year, Prince Qin has never come to see me again. Sometimes when I went out with Princess Huyang, and she deliberately invited Prince Qin to join, he would make an excuse to leave as soon as he saw me. Later, when you suggested I meet other potential husbands, Prince Qin still didn't react at all. Even when I was imprisoned last time and he personally requested the Emperor to visit the jail, he still didn’t come to see me."

Gu Qingyue’s expression grew increasingly detached; all the fervor and shyness of her initial infatuation had cooled.

"I know he’s busy with official duties, but my third brother is also busy—I’ve never seen him so occupied that he has no time for you. So I realized Prince Qin was doing it intentionally. He probably gave up on the idea of marrying me a long time ago."

After a pause, Gu Qingyue sighed softly, lifted her chin, and declared, "I’ve long since stopped wanting to marry him."

"Sister-in-law, please give these to him. After this, we’ll be completely square."

Gu Qingyue handed Jiang Heng a gold and silver-inlaid lacquer box, heavy with all the gifts Prince Qin had given her over the years—return gifts and birthday presents.

For every gift she had given Prince Qin, he had given one in return. And until last year, he had never missed her birthday.

Prince Qin was known for his thriftiness, so she had never dared to give him anything too extravagant or valuable. Yet the return gifts he gave her—gold, jade, rare treasures—even Princess Huyang couldn’t help but envy, saying Prince Qin had given her all the precious items bestowed by the Emperor.

She had once thought Prince Qin treated her differently, that he saw her as his future wife.

But he had cut her off so abruptly, so decisively, without a second thought.

Gu Qingyue shook off these thoughts and said to Jiang Heng, "Sister-in-law, from now on, I will seriously consider other marriage prospects."

...

At Prince Qin’s residence, Jiang Heng personally delivered the thank-you gift from Gu Qingyue to Prince Qin before going to speak with her elder sister.

"A thank-you gift?"

Naturally, Prince Qin had not expected Gu's Younger Sister to suddenly send him something. When he opened the box and saw its contents, his expression stiffened for a moment. Shaking his head, he smiled, "She really is still a young girl, willing to return such fine things."

Gu Yu also glanced inside and saw an assortment of gold, jade, pearls, and other rare trinkets. Although he had never heard of any gift exchanges between Prince Qin and his younger sister, he now understood most of the situation. Still, he remained silent and refrained from comment.

Prince Qin handed the lacquer box back to Gu Yu. "When I gave these to her, I never expected to take them back. Even if we don’t end up as husband and wife, these gifts are still hers. Please return them to her. As for gratitude, what I did was merely my duty. There’s no need for thanks."

Gu Yu had no intention of getting involved. "If you really want to return them, do it yourself."

Prince Qin replied, "Do you really want me to go and stir up trouble with her?"

If he showed even the slightest hint of reluctance or attachment toward Gu's Younger Sister now, it could easily stir her feelings, making her misunderstand his intentions as a gesture of goodwill and affecting her judgment.

He also hoped Gu's Younger Sister could clearly see his circumstances and the life she would face in the future, without being misled by momentary tenderness. This was the only thing he could do for her now.

As Gu Yu had said, Gu's Younger Sister was simple-hearted. Even if she was upset over Jiang Wan’s matter and held a grudge against him, he had many ways to make her marry him. But he didn’t want to use those methods on her, nor did he want Gu Yu to think he was trying to win over Gu's Younger Sister.

"Consider these as a brother’s contribution to her dowry."

Gu Yu still did not take the box. "I can afford her dowry. If you want to cut ties, do it cleanly. If she keeps these, she’ll be reminded of your wealth and past generosity from time to time. Do you truly want her to move on and live well with someone else?"

Prince Qin paused, nodded slightly, and said nothing more.

Gu Yu continued, "However, if you truly wish to make it up to A Yue,"

He looked at Prince Qin and said seriously, "then help me."

Prince Qin smiled. "With what?"

Gu Yu then explained the matter he had promised the Emperor—persuading previous number one scholars to donate money and goods to the Hengsheng Association. "I’ve thought it over, and this matter must start with you. If you take the lead, others will follow, making the task easier and more effective."

Gu Yu tapped the lacquer box on the table. "It might not even require this much wealth to get things done."

Prince Qin understood that Gu Yu wanted him to take the lead in contributing funds and effort.

In any case, promoting the Hengsheng Association, aiding students, and helping the poor to establish a reputation of benevolence among scholars was also his father’s intention—a national policy to which he ought to contribute.

Prince Qin nodded in agreement. "It’s not difficult."

Gu Yu went on, "There’s another matter. The imperial examination system, though flawed, has been in place since the previous dynasty. Officials are accustomed to it, and sudden changes might cause dissatisfaction, making people think the Emperor is targeting certain individuals."

"Instead, why not request the Emperor issue a special decree to open a new subject? We can apply all the methods we previously planned for the imperial examination system to this new subject first, then gradually extend them to the imperial examinations."

Prince Qin pondered for a long time before saying, "Opening a new subject for selecting scholars isn’t easy. The imperial examinations have just ended. If we open a new subject now, scholars won’t be prepared, and few may participate. It would cost money and effort with little result, likely displeasing my father and giving others grounds to criticize the reform."

Gu Yu had anticipated this. "The empire is unified, north and south, but this year’s candidates are still mostly from the north. If the Emperor issues a special decree, he should look across the land and summon scholars from everywhere, showing his determination to recruit talent."

"As for funds, I believe we should not only avoid cutting costs but also seize this opportunity to promote the role of the Hengsheng Association, providing travel and living expenses for impoverished scholars coming to the capital. This way, Your Highness will also have a legitimate reason to persuade the noble families to contribute to the Hengsheng Association."

After considering for a moment, Prince Qin thought it worth a try. The two discussed some details further. When the topic turned to Gu Yu’s unauthorized execution of a court official, Prince Qin solemnly advised, "The court is not the military. Enemies in the court are not the same as enemies on the battlefield. You can’t just behead whoever you want. This time, you were lucky—Father was in a good mood and needed you to get things done, so he didn’t hold you accountable. In the future, you should exercise more restraint. Don’t let Father think you’re arrogant and lawless."

"Besides, if you hadn’t killed that chief interrogator, you could have followed the clues to uncover those behind the scenes. It would have been to our advantage, not detriment."

Gu Yu showed no remorse. "What good would uncovering the masterminds do? They didn’t cause any major trouble, so the Emperor wouldn’t have punished them severely."

At most, the chief interrogator would have been demoted, not severely punished. Gu Yu couldn’t accept such an outcome.

Seeing his attitude, Prince Qin waved his hand. "Enough, what’s done is done. Just be more restrained in the future."

...

"Sister, is he moving now?" Jiang Heng looked at her sister’s slightly rounded belly, wanting to touch it but afraid of disturbing the fetus.

Jiang Wan smiled and nodded, guiding Jiang Heng’s hand to feel the movement.

"He’s really moving! He’s so active," Jiang Heng exclaimed excitedly.

"Sister, how has Prince Qin been treating you? Last time you went to see Duke Wei and personally delivered the message to him, did Prince Qin blame you?" Jiang Heng asked with concern.

Prince Qin had indeed sternly warned Jiang Wan not to interfere in court matters, but since she was pregnant, he hadn’t been too harsh. He hadn’t visited her for a day, considering that punishment enough.

"No, I’m pregnant—what could he blame me for?" Jiang Wan smiled, picking up a piece of spicy dried meat and offering it to Jiang Heng. "Want to try? I’ve been craving this lately. If I don’t eat it for a day, I lose my appetite entirely."

Jiang Heng took a piece and ate it, then recalled a long-standing old wives' tale.

Craving sour means a boy, craving spicy means a girl. Since her sister was so fond of spicy flavors, could it be...

Jiang Heng merely thought about it but said nothing.

Jiang Wan, however, spoke up on her own: "Craving sour means a boy, craving spicy means a girl. This child is very likely a girl. I told Prince Qin, and he said whatever it is, it's fine."

Jiang Wan smiled and took another piece of jerky. "After all, it's his first child. He's bound to dote on it a little more."

Jiang Heng quickly nodded in agreement. "Sister, has Prince Qin mentioned when he'll give you a formal title? He can't keep treating you the same as his servant girls and concubines, can he?"

"No rush," Jiang Wan said calmly, as if she truly didn't mind. "I've been an empress before and received a man's exclusive devotion. It's just a pity that nothing good in this world lasts. This time, I want something that lasts. Not having a formal status now might not be a bad thing. If he doesn't rise to power in the future, a title could be a liability. If he does, the status will come naturally sooner or later."

Jiang Heng had nothing to say. Whatever the case, this was the path her sister had chosen, and there was no turning back now.

She could only pray that everything would go her sister's way and that her journey would be smooth.

"Sister, take good care of yourself from now on. Please don’t go against Prince Qin for our sake."

Jiang Wan smiled nonchalantly. "It was nothing. If I did nothing and Duke Wei found out later, he might resent Prince Qin for showing off in front of you and even misunderstand Prince Qin as having ulterior motives. Then Prince Qin would have no way to defend himself."

"Sister, you..." Jiang Heng flushed slightly but still defended Gu Yu: "Duke Wei isn’t that petty."

"Speaking up for him already? Now you know who those shelled almonds were for back then?" Jiang Wan teased with a laugh.

"Madam, His Highness and Duke Wei are here."

As the two were joking, a maid came to announce their arrival. Jiang Heng stood up to take her leave. "I should go now. Rest well. I probably won’t be able to visit often in the future. Please take care of yourself."

Jiang Wan smiled and nodded, taking her arm as she saw her out.

When she saw Prince Qin, Jiang Heng curtsied but did not rise immediately. Lowering her eyes, she said, "Please treat my sister well from now on, Your Highness. Go easy on her."

Prince Qin was taken aback and stared at Jiang Heng in surprise.

Noticing this, Gu Yu frowned. Ignoring protocol, he stepped forward, blocking Prince Qin’s view of Jiang Heng, and said, "Your Highness, I will take my wife and leave now."

He emphasized the words "my wife" particularly heavily.

Prince Qin caught the deliberate reminder and frowned as well. He took a large step to the side, turning his back to Gu Yu and his wife in a conspicuously cautious manner, and waved them off. "Go, go, go."

After Gu Yu and his wife had left, Prince Qin turned to Jiang Wan. "Have those servant-concubines been disrespectful to you?"

Prince Qin assumed Jiang Heng’s plea before leaving was because Jiang Wan had told her she was being mistreated. He believed he hadn’t treated Jiang Wan poorly lately. Could it be that those servant-concubines had grown bold enough to form cliques and bully her out of jealousy?

Jiang Wan shook her head and gently reassured him, "A Heng is worried that without status or anyone else to rely on, I only have you to depend on. That’s why she made that request. Please don’t take it to heart, Your Highness."

Prince Qin was silent for a moment, his tone softening considerably. "I’ve promised you that when the time is right, I will give you a proper status. Until then, I’m afraid you’ll have to endure a little longer."

"I’ve said there’s no rush. I trust you," Jiang Wan replied with a smile.

······

After leaving Prince Qin’s residence, they passed by a medical clinic. On a whim, Gu Yu suddenly helped his wife down from the horse and took her inside to see the physician.

"Is my wife pregnant?"

Gu Yu’s question stunned the physician, who quickly took her pulse for a long time to confirm it wasn’t a slippery pulse. He then asked Jiang Heng, "Has Madam been experiencing any discomfort lately?"

Jiang Heng hadn’t felt unwell at all. She had no idea why Gu Yu had suddenly decided to bring her to see a physician or why he asked about pregnancy.

Jiang Heng said no.

Only then did the physician dare to confidently deliver the results: "Your wife is not yet pregnant, but her pulse is normal. It shouldn’t be long before you receive good news."

Hearing this, Gu Yu paused for a moment but said nothing further in front of Jiang Heng. He acted as though nothing was wrong and headed home with her.

Later, he found an excuse to return to the clinic alone.

"You said my wife is normal and should soon have good news?"

The physician nodded repeatedly.

For the first time, Gu Yu felt uneasy. His wife was perfectly healthy, yet after all this time, there was still no child. Could it be his problem?

Gu Yu extended his arm. "Check me. Is there any problem conceiving?"

The physician, while taking his pulse, asked curiously, "Are you experiencing any discomfort?"

Gu Yu said no.

The physician replied, "From your pulse, there doesn’t seem to be any issue. Don’t be impatient. Matters of offspring are a matter of fate. When the time comes, it will happen naturally."

Gu Yu wasn’t convinced. "Do you have any medicine to aid fertility? Prescribe some for me."

Since Gu Yu insisted on medication, the physician naturally didn’t refuse and began preparing a prescription.

"If it doesn’t work, I’ll hold you responsible!"

Upon hearing this, the physician’s arm trembled. Seeing that Gu Yu seemed like someone not to be trifled with, he immediately abandoned any thought of making money from the prescription and said, "Sir, your health is robust. You don’t need any medicine."

Gu Yu’s eyes turned cold, exuding authority without anger. "Weren’t you just about to prescribe medicine? Why are you saying now that I don’t need it? Prepare the prescription now, and don’t try any tricks."

The physician hadn’t expected to be caught in such a situation. On the verge of tears, he pleaded and coaxed, trying to persuade Gu Yu to leave. But Gu Yu wouldn’t listen and insisted on a fertility prescription.

"Cheng Zhou, which one of you is Cheng Zhou? Someone outside is looking for you." A child about five or six years old entered the clinic, clutching a few pieces of candied fruit, munching on them while eyeing Gu Yu and the physician.

Gu Yu temporarily released the physician and stepped outside, where he found Jiang Heng waiting nearby.

It turned out Jiang Heng had grown suspicious and followed him. Seeing him stubbornly demanding a fertility prescription from the physician, she hesitated to go in and drag him out directly. Instead, she sent a child to call him out.

"The physician already said there’s nothing wrong with you. Don’t worry," Jiang Heng said, holding her husband’s hand. Afraid of being overheard, she spoke very softly, with great patience, as if guiding an impatient child.

Gu Yu remained silent.

Jiang Heng thought he might be feeling anxious now that Prince Qin was about to become a father. She gently reassured him, "Alright, stop making a scene. Come back with me. Let’s try for another year."

"What if there’s still no child then? Will you leave?" The man’s expression was deadly serious.

"Of course not," Jiang Heng replied, her voice still soft. She glanced around, afraid someone might overhear their conversation, and gently urged him again, "Let’s go. We can talk more at home."

"Really, you won’t leave?" the man pressed.

Jiang Heng had no choice but to say, "No, I won’t. If it really doesn’t happen, we can adopt. There are so many children in the Futian Orphanage who lost their fathers at birth. We could take one in and raise them as our own. That would work too."

Gu Yu thought it over and finally relented, agreeing to go back with her.