Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Jiang Heng likewise lay awake in bed for a long time.

Shortly after, Cheng Ping entered the bedchamber, carrying a quilt and setting it down. "Madam, the master said he won’t be sleeping in the study."

Jiang Heng sat up in surprise. Gu Yu had already entered the bedchamber, unhurriedly taking off his outer robe.

Jiang Heng glanced at him, then lay back down, deliberately letting out a soft yawn as if she had been sound asleep and was disturbed by his return.

Gu Yu lay down and stayed still for a while before suddenly pulling back the lady’s covers to cover himself as well.

"What are you doing back? Aren’t you afraid Mother will come to lecture us again tomorrow?" Jiang Heng said lazily.

Gu Yu mentioned that he had already sent someone to deliver a message to Yifang Hall.

Jiang Heng said nothing more and turned to face the inner side of the bed. The man behind her pressed close as usual, and as usual, desire quickly ignited.

"..."

Jiang Heng shifted further inward, intentionally avoiding the man, but he pulled her back abruptly, holding her even tighter.

"I won’t misbehave."

Before the lady could voice her refusal, Gu Yu spoke first. He wouldn’t do anything—he just wanted to hold her.

True to his word, he made no further moves, though his desire remained intense.

"Shouldn’t you go back to the study to sleep?"

Jiang Heng spoke softly, as if negotiating, not meaning to drive him away but not wanting him to endure such discomfort.

"The study is too cold."

Hearing this, Jiang Heng fell silent. So it wasn’t that he wanted to sleep here—it was just because the study was cold.

"I can’t sleep by myself."

After a moment of silence, the man added this.

"Then why not..."

"Why not what?" Gu Yu, completely unaware of what the lady was about to say, asked after hearing her hesitate for so long.

"Why not take a few concubines?"

Gu Yu’s breathing grew heavy, his brows furrowing in the darkness, but he deliberately suppressed all emotion as he spoke. "Are you serious?"

Jiang Heng hummed in affirmation. "Mother has already suggested separate rooms. In a few days, when my pregnancy stabilizes and my body grows heavier, if she brings up taking concubines, I’ll have to agree then."

Before the man could speak, she continued calmly, "Pregnancy lasts ten months, and childbirth and nursing take time too. Even if we say a year without intimacy, it’s already a conservative estimate. I doubt you could endure that long."

Jiang Heng had heard these things from her instruction matron before her marriage and knew it was an unavoidable reality. She had never expected Gu Yu to remain devoted to her alone for life. Now that she was pregnant, it was time to address such matters.

After speaking, Jiang Heng heard no response from the man for a long time. Assuming he had silently acquiesced, her heart sank, but she said nothing more. Hugging the quilt, she shifted further inward, closed her eyes, and prepared to sleep.

"If you had married Yan Hui, would you also take concubines for him after becoming pregnant?"

The voice behind her was chilling, sending shivers down one’s spine.

Jiang Heng pursed her lips. Yan Hui again—why did he always have to compare himself to Yan Hui?

But if she had truly married Yan Hui, there would never have been anyone else between them. That was a promise they had made to each other in their youth. But they were young then, unaware of how complicated life could be, thinking that as long as they were willing, nothing else mattered.

Jiang Heng pretended not to hear his question, keeping her eyes closed and saying nothing.

He poked her shoulder, refusing to let her sleep.

However, Jiang Heng ignored his antics, and unlike before, he didn’t forcibly turn her around to face him.

"Jiang Heng, am I really that lacking that I can’t compare to him?" The man’s voice was filled with resentment.

Jiang Heng was equally exasperated and had no choice but to turn around and confront him. "When did I ever say you couldn’t compare to him?"

"Then answer my question." Gu Yu grabbed her wrist, not giving her a chance to pretend to sleep and avoid the topic.

Jiang Heng lowered her head and remained silent.

"You wouldn’t do it for him because you believe he wouldn’t need it and would never agree. But for me, you have such thoughts. In the end, you still think I’m not as good as him."

"I don’t," Jiang Heng denied weakly.

"Jiang Heng, you keep saying I can’t endure for long. Back when I was away for months on military campaigns, why didn’t you show such consideration then? Why didn’t you arrange for a few maids or concubines to serve me?"

Jiang Heng frowned and said coldly, "I was ignorant back then. Now I understand—is the Duke complaining that it’s too late?"

Gu Yu laughed in frustration. "If I really listened to you and took concubines, wouldn’t you hold it against me forever?"

Jiang Heng grew angrier as she listened. Pushing him away in a huff, she lay down on her own. "Don’t worry, I sincerely mean for you to take concubines. I won’t regret it."

"I won’t." Gu Yu didn’t force her to look at him anymore and lay down, holding her from behind.

"There are many difficult and unbearable things in this world, but what makes us human is our ability to make our own choices. I said I won’t take concubines, so I won’t. Stop overthinking and making problems where none exist."

Sensing the lady’s anger and her desire to argue, he held her tighter, preventing her from moving, and added, "Don’t you know there are many ways for a couple to find relief? Pregnancy doesn’t mean we can’t be intimate at all."

He leaned close to her ear and listed a few examples. "Do you want to try?"

Jiang Heng’s face flushed crimson. She didn’t dare breathe heavily and could only pretend she hadn’t heard any of it, feigning deep sleep.

"I won’t be outdone by him. Whatever he can give you, I can too."

Jiang Heng felt a warmth by her ear as the man spoke with solemn determination.

...

The results of the special imperial examination were announced in mid-December. Unlike previous exams where names were not concealed, this time the candidates’ names were hidden. After the chief examiners made their initial assessments, the results were submitted to the Emperor for final approval. Thus, those who passed were often referred to as the Emperor’s disciples.

The top candidate among the Emperor’s disciples was Yan Hui.

Jiang Heng hadn’t heard any news from Gu Yu beforehand. She learned of it in her incense shop, overhearing people discussing it.

"Look, that’s the newly crowned top scholar, personally selected by the Emperor. He’s quite handsome."

Since this year’s top scholar was from the south and previously unknown, the news caused a stir in the capital, drawing even more attention than the humble scholars who had topped the imperial exams before. When the new top scholar paraded through the streets to showcase his honor, the capital was nearly gridlocked, with roads impassable to carriages and horses.

Even so, Jiang Heng, residing in the Duke Wei’s mansion, had heard nothing about it.

As the year-end approached, many people came to buy incense, and the Incense Shop was originally crowded. However, with Yan Hui's appearance, most of them rushed out to watch the excitement.

Jiang Heng also stepped out of the shop and stood in the crowd, glancing from a distance.

Yan Hui was leading a horse, and the saddle, bridle, tack and gear on the horse were all brand new—it must have been a newly purchased horse.

"Wouldn’t the imperial court award him a horse? Why would the Emperor's protégé need to buy one himself?" some nosy onlooker remarked.

"That horse costs a fortune. Besides, haven’t you heard? Even the horse manure from the Directorate of Imperial Horses is sold at a high price. Do you think the court would be willing to award him a horse?"

The mention of the Directorate of Imperial Horses selling horse manure got them even more excited.

"I heard that recently, a fight broke out over buying horse manure. It’s said that the officials had already settled on a buyer, but when the buyer went to collect the manure, the officials said someone else had offered a higher price and refused to sell it to him unless he raised his bid. The buyer wasn’t happy and later brought people to intercept the higher bidder. They ended up fighting right outside the Directorate of Imperial Horses and even attracted the attention of the government troops."

While they were discussing, Yan Hui walked toward the incense shop, and the crowd quickly scattered like frightened animals.

"I’d like some calming incense," Yan Hui said to the shopkeeper, just like an ordinary customer.

The shopkeeper said with a smile, "With the year-end approaching, many customers are buying incense. There are still many customers ahead of you. Would you mind waiting for a while?"

Yan Hui nodded and then turned to Jiang Heng. "Could I trouble you to let me wait upstairs for a moment?"

He glanced at the onlookers around, as if simply seeking a quiet place to wait.

Jiang Heng nodded and led him upstairs.

Yan Hui followed unhurriedly, walking steadily behind the young woman.

This wasn’t his first time going upstairs in the incense shop. Many years ago, Jiang Heng would often take him upstairs to show him her stock of incense. They would lean against the railing together, observing the bustling market below.

Now, perhaps because she was pregnant, she walked slowly and steadily, unlike before when she would run up the stairs and turn back to urge him to hurry.

"Brother, congratulations."

Only after they stopped upstairs did she turn around, said with a slight smile.

Her polite but distant manner made Yan Hui uncomfortable, but he still smiled back at her.

After offering congratulations, silence fell between them again.

Yan Hui had never imagined that he and Jiang Heng would one day reach a point where they had nothing to say to each other.

How did it come to this? He thought with frustration.

He leaned against the railing, listening to the people below still discussing the fight caused by the Directorate of Imperial Horses selling horse manure.

Jiang Heng must have heard it too. In the past, she would have told him about such new happenings, listening to his comments and criticism. But now, she said nothing, as if she hadn’t heard a thing.

"The Directorate of Imperial Horses selling horse manure is essentially competing with commoners for profit. Now, they’ve gone back on their word to the people, leading to fights and disputes. It’s rather ridiculous," Yan Hui remarked casually.

Jiang Heng nodded slightly and replied, "Indeed, it is."

"However, brother, you’ve just entered officialdom. It’s best not to show your edge too much. Moreover, the issue of selling horse manure has been around for a long time. It can’t be changed overnight. Even if you have the intention, you must proceed gradually."

Unknown to the two speaking upstairs, someone was already standing on the staircase.

Gu Yu’s expression was grim. He had only took his eyes off her for one day, and when Jiang Heng came to the incense shop to check the year-end accounts, she had run into Yan Hui.

And Jiang Heng was actually advising Yan Hui on how to be an official?

Yan Hui was the top scholar, the Emperor's own student. Wouldn’t he know how to be an official without her advice?

Gu Yu had been an official for so many years. Why had she never shown concern for him? Why had she never advised him not to offend others?

"A Jiu..."

Gu Yu heard Yan Hui call her name so gently, and his expression suddenly darkened. His grip on the railing tightened so hard it nearly splintered it.

"Brother, please call me Madame Jiang from now on," Jiang Heng’s voice, though gentle, was clear.

Only then did Gu Yu’s expression soften slightly. He remained silent, continuing to listen to their conversation.

"What?" Yan Hui felt his heart grow cold, wondering if he'd heard wrong.

"She said, from now on, you should call her Madame Jiang."

Gu Yu’s footsteps sounded calm and measured as he ascended the stairs.

"It’s crowded now. Your calming incense will take some time to prepare. You should leave first. When it’s ready, my wife will have it delivered to you."

Gu Yu told Yan Hui to leave.

But Yan Hui ignored him and turned to look at Jiang Heng.

To his surprise, Jiang Heng also urged him to leave.

"Farewell," Yan Hui only said farewell to Jiang Heng with a bow.

Now, only the husband and wife remained upstairs. Gu Yu looked at his wife without a word, his eyes sharp and accusatory.

Jiang Heng looked at him and gently patted her belly.

She was already over four months pregnant, and her pregnancy was beginning to show. However, she was wearing thick clothes, making it less noticeable. If she hadn’t deliberately straightened her posture and touched her belly, one might have forgotten she was carrying a child.

Gu Yu’s gaze softened slightly, losing some of its cold intensity.

"He’s in the spotlight right now. Keep your distance from him to avoid gossip," Gu Yu said sternly, his expression serious.

Jiang Heng nodded and said, "I didn’t realize the wait would be this long. Otherwise, I would have told brother to go home and wait as well."

"Are you sure it just didn't think of it?" Gu Yu asked sharply, wondering if she had meant to talk with Yan Hui.

Jiang Heng nodded. "I just wanted to offer my congratulations."

Gu Yu’s lips tightened. "Are you happy that he became the top scholar?"

Jiang Heng instinctively wanted to nod, but as she started to nod, she caught the dark expression in his eyes and paused, lifting her chin again, saying nothing.

Jiang Heng had been completely cut off from news, oblivious to the fact that the streets and alleys of the capital were filled with talk of the top scholar appointed by the Emperor.

This imperial examination was groundbreaking and would undoubtedly be recorded prominently in history. As the first top scholar of the dynasty’s new examination system, Yan Hui’s glory was unparalleled—even surpassing Gu Yu.

If someone else had become the top scholar, Gu Yu might not have reacted so strongly. But he had deliberately kept the news from her, making sure she didn't find out about Yan Hui’s success. It was clear how much it mattered to him.

"Husband, actually, it’s thanks to your courage to not fear offending people and do what others wouldn’t dare. Your efforts in planning and reforming made this imperial examination possible, ensuring that talented people wouldn't be overlooked..."

"Talent? Is that how you see him?" Gu Yu’s expression did not improve. Instead, he latched onto her choice of words, pressing the point.

Jiang Heng sighed softly in resignation, thought for a moment, and patiently said, "Husband, there is no lack of fine horses, but a lack of judges of horses. Tell me, which is more valuable—the fine steed, or the judge of talent?"

Gu Yu remained aloof and did not answer.

Jiang Heng continued, "I believe the judge of talent is more valuable. It's a pity that people only see the excellence of the fine steed, but overlook the contribution of the one who recognizes it."

Only then did Gu Yu's expression soften slightly. He extended his arm toward her.

She smiled gently and placed her arm in his palm.

Gu Yu held her hand as they descended the stairs, saying, "At the Winter Solstice Grand Court Assembly, all officials of the fifth rank and above, along with their wives and titled women, must attend the palace banquet. When the time comes, do not casually look at those you shouldn't."

"Alright," Jiang Heng replied obediently.

···

Winter Solstice Palace Banquet.

As Gu Yu had anticipated, Yan Hui, as the newly selected Number One Scholar, was also the most prominent figure at the palace banquet. Even if some recognized him as the former envoy of the Prince of Zhennan, no one dared to comment, instead offering their congratulations with deference.

Gu Yu's side, however, was much more subdued. Aside from a few of his former subordinates and colleagues from the Ministry of Personnel who came to wish him an early Happy New Year, there was little activity. Unlike Yan Hui's side, which saw a constant stream of visitors until the emperor arrived and the banquet began, only then did it quiet down.

As luck would have it, Yan Hui was seated not far across from Gu Yu. Whenever Jiang Heng lifted her gaze, she could see him, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Gu Yu was beginning to regret bringing Jiang Heng.

With downcast eyes, Gu Yu occasionally glanced toward Yan Hui, his typically unreadable expression now tinged with visible displeasure.

Under the table, hidden from view, Jiang Heng gently squeezed Gu Yu's arm, signaling him not to pay too much attention to others.

She had been very careful to avoid any impropriety, not once glancing toward Yan Hui. Yet Gu Yu kept looking over, which could make others think he had some agenda.

The palace banquet began with the emperor first delivering some standard remarks about the state’s peace and prosperity. He then commended the officials of the Ministry of Personnel, led by Gu Yu, praising them for their excellent work in organizing the special imperial exam. Finally, he expressed great satisfaction with the scholars he had personally selected.

The ministers all praised the emperor for his benevolence and the unity of the realm.

Yan Hui also took the opportunity to pay compliments to the emperor before bringing up the matter of the sale of horse dung.

"This practice has been a convention since the previous dynasty and has continued to this day. However, times have changed. The imperial treasury is now abundant, and the realm is united. I believe such a practice, which profits at the people’s expense, should be temporarily discontinued."

The emperor did not immediately respond but instead looked to the officials of the Court of the Imperial Stud and asked for their opinion.

Some naturally disagreed. "The empire is still in its early stages, with threats lurking all around. The Imperial Stables oversee many horses, and the horse dung piles up like mountains. The income from selling horse dung is used to buy horse feed, offsetting a major expense and eliminating the need to levy additional taxes on the people. How can this be considered profiting at the people’s expense?"

This argument sounded reasonable but was not entirely accurate. Horses in the Imperial Stables had dedicated budgets for feed. The revenue from horse dung was insignificant and hardly covered any costs. In the past, the dynasty emphasized military expansion, and the cost of maintaining horses was high. In recent years, however, the emperor had scaled back military campaigns and, considering the capital was not ideal for horse breeding, had moved many military horses to the Shandan Horse Pasture in Longyou. The expenses for horses in the capital should have decreased significantly. Previously, the cost of maintaining horses did not require additional taxes, and now it should be even less necessary.

Someone pointed this out and also supported discontinuing the sale of horse dung, noting that horse dung prices shouldn’t be rising arbitrarily. While the price of grain had not yet increased, the price of horse dung had already risen.

For a time, the Winter Solstice banquet turned into a political debate, with ministers arguing back and forth, each holding their own opinion, creating a lively atmosphere.

Gu Yu remained aloof from it all, paying no attention to the discussions. He focused on enjoying the delicacies at the banquet and even remembered to offer Jiang Heng a few morsels.

The emperor, perhaps annoyed by his casual attitude, deliberately turned to him and asked, "Minister Gu, what is your opinion?"

Gu Yu slowly finished chewing the food in his mouth before saying, "I believe both arguments have merit."

The ministers scoffed, some criticizing him for lacking principle, others accusing him of being non-committal.

Yan Hui also shot him a contemptuous look.

Only the emperor's smile remained unchanged as he uttered an ambiguous "Oh."

Gu Yu continued, "If the matter hadn’t been brought to light, it might have been overlooked. But now that it has, and the people are aware that the government is selling horse dung, I fear future generations will say that the great Qi Dynasty made its name selling horse dung."

Emperor Qi's smile faltered slightly, and the entire hall fell dead silent. The two factions that had been arguing fervently moments ago now fell quiet.

After a long pause, Emperor Qi said with a laugh, "Minister Yan is right. Practices that exploit the people should cease."

The banquet attendees unanimously praised the emperor for his paternal care for his subjects, and not a word of opposition was heard.

Yan Hui glanced at Gu Yu again and noticed Jiang Heng was also smiling, glancing subtly at her husband beside her.

In the end, one remark from Gu Yu carried more weight than a thousand words from others. With one move, he had not only swayed the emperor's decision but also left the opposition with no room for rebuttal.

No wonder Jiang Heng's eyes were now fixed on Gu Yu.

···

Before the Winter Solstice banquet concluded, snow began to fall outside. The flying snowflakes, sparkling under the glowing glass lanterns, shimmered brilliantly, like fireflies on a summer night.

The emperor, suddenly inspired, invited the ministers and their wives to the Qionglin Garden to enjoy the snow. Everyone knelt in gratitude, except for Gu Yu, who declined.

"Your Majesty, I must return home. Once the snow thickens, the roads will be slippery."

He said this while holding Jiang Heng's hand. Jiang Heng could only cooperate by discreetly adjusting her cloak over her barely visible belly, indicating practical reasons, not disrespect for the emperor.

The emperor laughed heartily and readily agreed.

Outside the hall, Gu Yu placed a cloak over Jiang Heng’s shoulders, but she pulled it off and held it protectively in her arms.

"This fur is water-sensitive. If it gets wet, it will be ruined."

She hadn’t expected it to snow and had worn the reversible fur cloak Gu Yu had given her, neither side of which could get wet.

"If it’s ruined, I’ll buy another," Gu Yu said.

He took the cloak from her and draped it over her again. Seeing her still carefully protecting it, afraid the snow would land on it, he removed his own great cloak and held it up like a canopy to shield her from the snow.

By the time they returned home, a light dusting of snow had already accumulated on the roof.

Jiang Heng stood by the window, watching the heavy snow outside. Fortunately, they had returned early; otherwise, they would have been stranded on the road by the snow.

The room was warm and cozy, while outside, the snow fell in thick flurries.

"Did you eat enough?" Gu Yu asked from behind her, having already instructed the maid to set out a late-night meal.

At such palace banquets, one rarely ate their fill, let alone for Jiang Heng, who was pregnant and had a much larger appetite than before. She certainly hadn’t eaten enough.

Jiang Heng gave a faint smile but didn’t answer, took her seat at the table, and began to eat again.

"I want to resign my official position," Gu Yu suddenly said.

Jiang Heng looked up in surprise. "Why?"

"To sit for the imperial exams. Perhaps I could also earn the title of Number One Scholar."

The only thing he currently lags behind Yan Hui in, where Yan Hui has the upper hand, is the title of Top Scholar.

Jiang Heng pressed her lips together, curbing a smile she could barely suppress, and soothed gently, "But after all, the imperial examination is not the same as the special exam. Even if you become the Top Scholar, you wouldn’t be considered a disciple of the Emperor, would you?"

Gu Yu frowned. The special recruitment was an exceptional opportunity, and no one knew when the next one would be held. He couldn’t just sit around doing nothing waiting for it, could he?

"Husband, I have something for you."

Jiang Heng personally went into the bedchamber and brought out a gilt-edged vermilion lacquer box, handing it to Gu Yu.

"For me?"

Jiang Heng had never gotten him a gift before. Even when it was his birthday this year, he happened to be busy at the yamen planning for the special recruitment and couldn’t return home. By the time he came back, his birthday had already passed. He didn’t bring it up again, and Jiang Heng hadn’t made any gesture either. He’d assumed she had forgotten.

Could it be that the contents of this box were a birthday gift prepared for him long ago?

Jiang Heng nodded, smiling as she looked at him. "Open it and see."

Gu Yu arched a brow and opened the box. Inside, he found a winter robe, a pair of knee pads, and a set of the Four Treasures of the Study.

What had once bothered him—what others had but he lacked—he finally had it all now.

Gu Yu’s mouth quirked as he closed the box, feeling deeply content.

"Cheng Zhou," Jiang Heng called him over to sit beside her, she said, leaning leisurely against his shoulder and gently placing his hand on her belly.

"You may not be the Top Scholar, but you are the father of this child."

That was undeniably true. Gu Yu weighed that for a moment, and his dark mood finally cleared.

"Which do you prefer—the talent scout or the gifted horse?" he suddenly asked.

Jiang Heng smiled. "I like both."

Gu Yu frowned.

"Cheng Zhou, don’t you think you are both the talent scout and the gifted horse?"

Gu Yu’s brows relaxed, the corners of his lips lifting. He said nothing more.

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