Chapter 31 Confusion What’s going on?

Chapter 31: Perplexity

What's Going On?

Upon suddenly learning about her second brother's possible whereabouts, Zhong Yao's mood lifted considerably. Several times, seeing Madam Zhong restless and anxious, she wanted to share the news about her second brother with her. However, to avoid causing trouble for Xie Chi, she held back.

Moreover, that information was merely Xie Chi's speculation. It was also possible that her second brother had been killed long ago and his body dumped at the bottom of the river.

Zhong Yao had this thought originally to stop herself from leaking the news. While she succeeded in keeping the secret, the more she dwelled on it, the more plausible this possibility seemed. So worried that she couldn't sleep well for two consecutive days.

Lack of sleep left her feeling weak all over. Coincidentally, she didn't want to be kept under surveillance by the Fourth Prince anymore, so she simply didn't leave the manor much.

But you can't stop what's coming.

The Dragon Boat Festival was approaching. Even though the five members of the household were scattered in different places, the festivities still had to be observed. On this day, while Madam Zhong was overseeing preparations for the festival, Zhong Yao received a letter delivered by the gatekeeper.

Recently, the manor often received letters from the Yong'an Marquis Estate. The servants knew that Zhong Yao and Xue Fang were as close as sisters and were accustomed to it, so they delivered the letter directly to her.

Zhong Yao didn't think much of it either. Who would have thought that upon opening it, she would see only one line: "Do you want me to personally visit your home to act as your matchmaker?"

The handwriting was unfamiliar; Zhong Yao didn't recognize it. The letter wasn't signed either, but Zhong Yao guessed whose hand it was from.

She panicked slightly and hurriedly sent an invitation to the Yong'an Marquis Estate.

For the next two days, Zhong Yao met with Xue Fang daily, either visiting rouge shops or going to see river lanterns, but Xie Chi never appeared again.

If he didn't show up, Zhong Yao couldn't very well charge into the Marquis Estate, kick open his door, and forcefully seduce him, could she?

By the third day, the Fourth Prince probably couldn't hold back anymore. He widely spread the news that his dragon boat team would take first place in the dragon boat race in the west of the city. He also sent invitations to many people, asking them to come watch.

The capital was full of aristocrats, and aristocrats had plenty of time on their hands. When people had too much free time, they loved to seek amusement. Therefore, during every festival, the capital was especially lively.

The Dragon Boat Festival was one such occasion.

Every year at this time, the capital's elite would gather along the moat to watch the dragon boat races. When they got carried away, some young gentlemen would even roll up their sleeves and join the race themselves to win smiles from the young ladies on the viewing platforms.

Zhong Yao had gone to watch last year and, believing her second brother's nonsense, placed a bet on the team he favored, only to lose a painful fifteen taels of silver.

Because his appearance attracted gossip, the Fourth Prince rarely went to places crowded with commoners. This uncharacteristic behavior this year definitely had a purpose.

When Zhong Yao heard that Old Madam Xie was also among the invited, she understood the Fourth Prince's intention.

If Old Madam Xie went, she would definitely bring Xue Fang along. These two were the only "female family members" in the Marquis Estate, one old and one young. Xie Chi would inevitably show up as well.

The Fourth Prince was creating an opportunity for her.

"He is capable of something like personally visiting to act as a matchmaker," Xie Chi wrote in his reply to Zhong Yao.

The Fourth Prince was moody and unpredictable, but he wasn't stupid. He knew that as long as he wasn't excessively outrageous, his father the Emperor would protect him.

As for something like taking the initiative to visit someone's home insisting on acting as a matchmaker for a court official's daughter, it was merely impolite. At most, he would receive a few inconsequential reprimands, which he wasn't afraid of at all.

If things really developed that way, not only would Zhong Yao get on the bad side of the Fourth Prince, but Madam Zhong would also be scared half to death.

After consideration, Zhong Yao decided to go.

Madam Zhong had already received a letter from Zhong Lan and was temporarily pacified. Now she only worried about the Zhong family's second son. Coincidentally, it was a lively day, so she planned to take the opportunity to mingle with the female family members of Xu Guozhu's household to inquire if they had any news.

Unfortunately, the female family members of Xu Guozhu's household went to the north of the city, while Zhong Yao needed to go to the west.

"The Fourth Prince invited Old Madam Xie over there. Be careful not to bump into them," Madam Zhong was uneasy about Zhong Yao, a young lady, going out alone.

"I'm going with Chen Luoling. Besides, the weather is gradually getting hotter. I want to ask her household servants to bring some more clothes for my elder brother."

Madam Zhong had been unsettled these past few months, inevitably overlooking some details. Hearing this made some sense, but she also thought that on such a day, Chen Luoling would be in high demand socially and might not be willing to pay attention to her. Just as she was thinking this, Chen Luoling arrived at their door.

"I don't get along with my two cousins from my aunt's side and don't want to play with them, so I came to find Third Miss," Chen Luoling said gently and politely. "I've already arranged with Xue Fang. After picking up Zhong Yao, we'll go find her together."

The two sisters were quite renowned for their beauty in the capital. Since she said so and brought many servants, Madam Zhong couldn't very well refuse. After admonishing Zhong Yao a few words, she finally let her go.

Because of her elder brother's matter, Zhong Yao had been meeting with Chen Luoling frequently these days. However, the only topic they could discuss was Zhong Lan. This topic was somewhat awkward for Chen Luoling, so even when brought up, they only talked about matters related to the business at hand, finishing after just a few sentences.

Speaking of which, the Chen siblings were also unlucky. Originally, they had a well-laid plan, but it was completely disrupted by Zhong Lan. Left with no choice, one had to enter the capital first as cover, while the other stayed outside the city waiting for news before deciding the next step.

Zhong Yao had complicated feelings towards Chen Luoling. After hesitating for a long time, she finally asked, "Why didn't you kill my elder brother back then?"

"..."

Chen Luoling sensed her overly enthusiastic friendliness and replied, "Because murder requires paying with one's life."

"Right, right." Zhong Yao nodded repeatedly, then said, "Then you could have beaten him up. He had no witnesses and wouldn't dare to sue you."

Chen Luoling didn't know what to say. Her mouth opened and closed several times before she finally said, "How about we be quiet for a while?"

Thus, the two traveled in silence, like two strangers forcibly stuffed into the same carriage, quietly arriving at the west of the city.

The riverbank was already bustling. Hawkers carrying flowers and round fans shouted loudly, and women holding mugwort called out their wares along the streets. Joy was everywhere. On the elevated viewing platforms near the river, concealed by gauze curtains, many noble families had already taken their seats.

The viewing platforms varied in height, and their locations were also deliberate. The highest spot with the best view was traditionally reserved for prominent figures in the capital, such as the Xu Guozhu family last year.

At that time, Zhong Yao followed her second brother onto a small boat. From afar, she saw eunuchs leading a large procession. Later, she learned that Empress Xu had sent calamus wine and honey-cooled zongzi from the palace.

This year, the people there were Old Madam Xie and Xue Fang, invited by the Fourth Prince.

As soon as Zhong Yao and Chen Luoling arrived, people from the Yong'an Marquis Estate came and politely invited them to watch from the higher platform.

Upon reaching the place and looking around, quite a few people were accompanying Old Madam Xie, both men and women, all of them prominent figures.

This was normal. In the capital, any slightly lively occasion inevitably involved social obligations. Many would bring their juniors to pay respects. If the relationship was good, they would stay and chat together. If the relationship was ordinary, they would maintain appearances and then disperse to amuse themselves separately.

When Zhong Yao and Chen Luoling entered, there weren't too many people inside, and they were talking.

The Fourth Prince said, "Old Madam, you are in such good health. Once Heir Xie marries and the household adds a child next year, you can still help look after them."

Old Madam Xie nodded with a chuckle.

A noblewoman beside them asked in surprise, "Has Heir Xie already been betrothed?"

In that instant, within the spacious, luxuriously decorated viewing platform, almost everyone's ears perked up.

"Betrothed, betrothed," Old Madam Xie said.

Zhong Yao's mind went blank for a moment.

Xie Chi was already betrothed?

That made sense. Because he was already secretly betrothed to his beloved, that's why he was so concerned about his own virtue. And that's also why, a few days ago, he deliberately didn't reply to her letters, wanting to sever ties with her completely.

A strange feeling suddenly welled up in Zhong Yao's heart. She couldn't identify it, nor could she describe it. Before she could figure out what was going on, she heard Old Madam Xie continue, "The betrothal is set for the ninth day of the ninth month. It'll be cooler by then, just in time for the end of the quiet cultivation retreat at Ziyun Temple. At that time, I'll take the two children to see the Marquis."

"..."

A hush fell over the viewing stands.

The Fourth Prince's face stiffened. Leaning toward Old Lady Xie, he raised his voice. "What I'm saying is, Xie Chi should get married!"

"Get married?" Old Lady Xie feigned sudden understanding, then waved her hand dismissively. "No hurry, no hurry. He has his own ideas. Fangfang isn't in a rush either; he's still too young, I can't bear to part with him. I'm getting on, who knows how much time I have left? I just want the children to spend more time with me..."

How could such words be spoken so casually?

A tactful woman nearby quickly interjected, "Your Ladyship, you're the picture of health! Your spirit looks even better than mine!"

This time, the old lady's hearing was just fine. She tittered and patted the woman's arm. "You, ah, you really know how to talk, don't you? Just saying nice things to humor an old woman like me!"

The little group burst into laughter, making the Fourth Prince look like an outsider.

The Fourth Prince had likely suffered such setbacks more than once; you could almost see sparks of fury in his eyes.

Likely because his temper was so volatile, even in this situation, everyone pretended not to notice, and no one dared to speak to him.

So he shifted his gaze to Zhong Yao, who was slowly approaching, and announced loudly, "Old Lady, your luck holds! More visitors to pay their respects!"

Thanks to that shout, everyone's attention shifted to Zhong Yao and Chen Luoling.

Under the Fourth Prince's heavy, mountain-like gaze, Zhong Yao bowed alongside Chen Luoling.

Old Lady Xie squinted. "It's you two. You've finally arrived. Fangfang has been waiting for quite a while."

Perhaps because she was in a good mood, she even looked somewhat kindly, which put Zhong Yao a little on edge.

She stuck close to Chen Luoling, not daring to speak.

Whether the old lady had had a change of heart or not, she, surprisingly, gave Zhong Yao no trouble.

Meanwhile, Xue Fang, who had been standing by the old lady wearing a cold, deadpan expression, finally made his way over to Zhong Yao. Uttering just two words—"Follow me"—he turned and walked back.

Zhong Yao and Chen Luoling hurriedly followed him to a seat by the window.

The two young women had come alone. The Dowager didn't have much to say to them, and since they had their own companions, others thought it improper to drag them into conversation.

After brief pleasantries, the crowd broke into smaller groups and resumed chatting.

Zhong Yao sidled closer to Xue Fang and whispered, "Can't you be a little friendlier?"

Xue Fang replied, "Pah!"

Zhong Yao couldn't figure out what was wrong with him.

In previous meetings, although his expression was aloof, his actions still showed a hint of warmth. Why, in recent encounters, had he dropped even the flimsiest pretense?

It was as if Zhong Yao owed him hundreds of taels of silver.

Fortunately, Zhong Yao had already grown somewhat accustomed to the similarly frosty demeanor that ran in the Marquis's family and didn't take it to heart.

She smoothly changed the subject and asked softly, "Where is Xie Chi?"

Xue Fang didn't answer. Instead, he glared at her. "If you dare hit me, I'll hit you back!"

Zhong Yao was puzzled. She blinked. "What if I ask Xie Chi for permission before hitting you, and he agrees?"

Zhong Yao's meaning was that the Fourth Prince was waiting to see her use tactics to bully someone from the Yong'an Marquis's household. She needed to put on some kind of show to brush him off.

Old Lady Xie was an elder. However magnanimous Xie Chi might be, he wouldn't permit her to bully his grandmother. Moreover, the old lady held grudges, and Zhong Yao didn't dare provoke her.

Her only options were to seduce Xie Chi or beat up Xue Fang. The latter seemed much simpler.

But Xue Fang didn't see it that way.

After the last time, when Xie Chi had grabbed him by the scruff of the neck to lecture him, Xie Chi had ordered him to stop imitating Zhong Yao. He had sternly explained that the only reason he indulged Zhong Yao's mischief was because she was a girl.

Xue Fang had grudgingly believed him and agreed to keep up the act with Zhong Yao for a little while longer.

Playing along was one thing, but letting her hit him? Out of the question!

"My elder brother would never agree," Xue Fang declared haughtily. "He's still on my side!"

"Isn't it normal for an elder brother to favor his own younger siblings?" Zhong Yao wondered aloud. "What's there to be proud of?"

Xue Fang was left speechless. After a pause, he hissed, "I hate you!"

Zhong Yao replied, "I hate you too."

Her voice was soft as she added in a whisper, "I also hate your grandmother and your elder brother. I started hating them a long, long time ago, even before you."

Xue Fang was nearly bursting with anger. "I'm going to bark like a dog!" he threatened.

He had accurately pinpointed Zhong Yao's weakness, startling her so much that her face paled. She quickly softened her tone. "No, no! I won't say anything more."

Zhong Yao settled down. Xue Fang, still angry, ignored her. Conversation with Chen Luoling felt awkward, so she focused on enjoying the tea and snacks while listening to the chatter around her.

At first, she paid particular attention to the Fourth Prince, noticing how he repeatedly hit a wall when trying to converse with Old Lady Xie.

He mentioned Xie Chi; the old lady talked about calligraphy. He brought up marriage; she talked about Xue Fang. At one point, the Fourth Prince even tried to steer the topic toward Zhong Yao, only for the old lady to say, "Important? Yes, studying is very important. Our Fangfang reads every day, and his elder brother personally checks his work. I don't expect him to read vast amounts; just understanding principles is enough..."

Once the topic drifted and she rambled on a bit, it was impossible to bring it back to the original point.

Yet, the Fourth Prince stubbornly insisted on arguing with Old Lady Xie, scaring several young ladies and gentlemen nearby into finding excuses to slip away.

Zhong Yao thought this old lady was quite cunning.

But since her cunning wasn't directed at her, it was rather endearing.

Soon after, the sound of a gong rang out, signaling the start of the first round of the dragon boat race. Everyone's attention was drawn outside.

As she watched, Zhong Yao became engrossed. Xue Fang, who loved fun, was quickly captivated as well. Even Chen Luoling showed some interest. The three of them began discussing which dragon boat would win first place, and the atmosphere became much more pleasant than before.

When this round of the race ended, Zhong Yao was examining the dragon boats for the next round when she faintly sensed someone watching her. Casually glancing back, her eyes met the Fourth Prince's murderous gaze, startling her into sitting bolt upright again.

With so many people on the viewing platform, the Fourth Prince couldn't make a scene. Announcing he had matters to attend to, he stood up and walked out.

Just before taking his final step out, he deliberately glanced at Zhong Yao.

Understanding the hint, Zhong Yao quickly grabbed Xue Fang's sleeve and asked, "Where is your elder brother?"

Xue Fang, eager to quickly help her resolve these troublesome matters so he could leave the capital, for once answered obediently, "He's been waiting in the boat for a while now."

Zhong Yao gazed out at the broad river, where the second round of the race had already begun. Apart from the central lane reserved for the dragon boats, there were many small boats near the shore, crowded together, making it impossible to see the people on board or tell which boat held Xie Chi.

But he had said he would come, so he was sure to come.

Zhong Yao let out a long sigh of relief, steadied herself, and found an excuse to step out.

Sure enough, the Fourth Prince's men were lying in wait for her nearby.

Everyone on the viewing platform was watching the dragon boats, and the servants outside were also huddled by the railings, so no one paid attention to Zhong Yao. She was led to a nearby compartment just a few steps away, and as soon as she entered, she saw the Fourth Prince fuming with rage, smashing a teacup.

"I'm so angry! I'm so angry!"

Seeing Zhong Yao, he roared, "I created such a perfect opportunity for you, and what were you doing? Why didn't you help me provoke that old hag?"

To be honest, after witnessing the Fourth Prince being toyed with by Lady Xie and knowing Xie Chi was nearby, Zhong Yao wasn't as afraid of the Fourth Prince anymore.

She said earnestly, "I was thinking about how to seduce Xie Chi later, so I can capture him in one fell swoop."

The Fourth Prince calmed down slightly and asked, "Have you thought of any good methods?"

"No," Zhong Yao shook her head. "It seems like this kind of thing has to be done slowly; it can't be rushed!"

"Idiot! All of you are idiots!" the Fourth Prince cursed a few times, then questioned, "Aren't you supposed to be a vicious woman? How come you don't even know how to seduce someone?"

Zhong Yao defended herself softly and pitifully, "I'm bad in terms of cunning, not in terms of self-degradation..."

It was the first time the Fourth Prince had heard that there were different ways of being bad. He paused for a moment, then said impatiently, "I've had enough of that old hag. Today, you must get this done for me!"

Before Zhong Yao could speak, he continued, "When Xie Chi arrives later, try to find a chance to get close to him. I'll have someone push both of you into the river. Once you're in the water, you must pull at his clothes and scream for help. Best if you tear both your clothes right off. I'll make it so he has no choice but to marry you!"

Zhong Yao: "..."

The Fourth Prince gave her no chance to resist. After giving the order, he resumed his tirade, repeatedly calling Lady Xie "that old hag."

Zhong Yao slipped quietly out. Just as she was leaning on the railing to return, she saw a small boat slowly gliding over from the side. The gauze curtains fluttered in the wind, revealing Xie Chi inside and Xue Fang, who had somehow made his way to his side.

Instinctively, Zhong Yao's mouth drooped, and she wore an expression on the verge of tears.

Inside the boat, Xie Chi frowned.

Zhong Yao thought that if they weren't so far apart, Xie Chi would surely tell her to shut up again.

But unexpectedly, it was Xue Fang beside him who reacted more strongly. Suddenly, Xue Fang looked indignant, clasped his head with both hands, and began banging it forcefully against the side of the boat.

Zhong Yao: "...?"

She blinked rapidly, trying to get a closer look, but by then, the boat's curtains had already fallen shut, and Xie Chi had turned away.

...What was going on?