Although the Old Royal Consort had felt somewhat displeased after seeing Wen Yunyue earlier, her mood improved immediately when she saw that Gu Zhan ate more than before during the meal. With a kind expression, she said, “It seems Buddha has shown his divine presence. The evil energy on Zhan’er must have been dispelled.”
Gu Zhan echoed, “I also feel much better today.”
“You must be more sincere when copying scriptures. With Buddha’s protection, you will be able to avoid evil influences in the future.”
Because Gu Zhan had shown signs of improvement, the Old Royal Consort’s faith in Buddhism deepened even further. She had already decided that once they returned to the residence, she would build a Buddhist hall and invite an eminent master to reside in the Prince’s Estate.
Although deceiving the Old Royal Consort like this made Gu Zhan feel guilty, seeing that she had not suspected his change still brought him more relief than anything else.
He just wanted to live well.
After finishing the meal, Gu Zhan returned to his room to continue copying texts. It had only been a short time, and his handwriting only resembled the original Gu Zhan’s by about thirty percent. That was still far from enough. This handwriting could not fool anyone.
Zhang Liu and the others stood guard outside. They were already used to not disturbing Gu Zhan while he copied Buddhist scriptures. Although his temper seemed much better than before, he was still strict about certain matters, and no one dared to provoke him.
However, Zhang Liu was not someone who could stay idle. Before long, he started chatting with Pingliang. Both of them were personal attendants of Gu Zhan, so they were naturally closer.
“Pingliang, tell me, Second Master used to fear nothing. Why did he get so scared this time?” Zhang Liu asked.
As Gu Zhan’s most loyal follower, Zhang Liu, who was used to flaunting Gu Zhan’s name and acting arrogantly, was very unaccustomed to the change.
Pingliang glanced at him. “Try having a few days of nightmares and you’ll understand.”
During those days, Second Master was tormented by nightmares to the point of even wanting to end his own life. Now that he had finally recovered, compared to losing his life, a change in personality was nothing at all.
Zhang Liu gave a dry laugh. “Fair enough.”
In truth, Zhang Liu understood the original Gu Zhan quite well. He knew that although he appeared domineering, he had no real sense of responsibility. Being frightened by nightmares was not surprising at all.
However, Zhang Liu believed that once this period passed, Gu Zhan would surely return to his old ways. After all, a leopard cannot change its spots.
Stretching lazily, Zhang Liu thought that as long as he stayed by Second Master’s side, benefits would never be lacking.
After copying for more than an hour, Gu Zhan put down his brush. At this time in the past, he would go out to sneak a bite to eat. Although he was not hungry today, the habit remained. He did not want to continue writing. One must balance work and rest.
He left the small courtyard. He was still not used to being followed, so he left Zhang Liu and the others behind and wandered alone inside Zhen’guo Temple.
Zhen’guo Temple was divided into the front hall and the back courtyard. The front area was where visitors drew lots and offered incense. Every day, many people came to pray or give thanks.
On the western side of the temple stood a tall, thick tree called the “Love Tree.” As its name suggested, if a man and woman sincerely made a wish under it, it was said to bless their relationship.
As for those who made wishes but still separated afterward, that was simply due to insufficient sincerity, and had nothing to do with the tree.
Gu Zhan did not know where the Love Tree was, but somehow, as he walked, he ended up there.
It was already late in the day, and only a few people stood beneath the tree.
Gu Zhan looked up at the canopy. It was indeed very tall, with dense foliage. It would be a pleasant place to enjoy shade in summer.
When Wen Yunyue arrived, she saw Gu Zhan standing beneath the Love Tree in a daze.
“Second Master has also heard of the Love Tree’s legend?”
Gu Zhan was startled by her voice and only nodded after a moment.
Wen Yunyue’s eyes were like flowing autumn water, her skin fair as snow. She smiled gently. “Second Master, would you like to make a wish?”
Gu Zhan felt a slight nervousness and quickly averted his gaze. “There are already too many people making wishes. We shouldn’t add to the burden of the Love Tree.”
This young lady was far bolder than he had imagined for a woman of this era.
Wen Yunyue did not mind being refused. “If it were before, Second Master would never have cared about such things. It seems you truly have changed.”
Gu Zhan did not respond. He suddenly realized he had underestimated Wen Yunyue. He had thought she was a delicate and gentle woman, but now she seemed quite bold. In that case, perhaps he could bring up breaking off the engagement again.
He became somewhat tempted. “About the matter of ending our engagement earlier, has Miss Wen thought it through properly?”
Wen Yunyue tilted her head, not answering directly. “Why does Second Master insist on breaking off the engagement?”
Gu Zhan had already prepared his reasoning. “Because I don’t only like you. If I marry you, what about the others? Don’t worry, as compensation, I can handle the dissolution in the most favorable way for you.”
The original Gu Zhan was indeed quite flirtatious. If not for his elder brother Gu Lin keeping him in check, the residence would likely already be filled with concubines.
Thinking of this, Gu Zhan even felt a bit of pity for the original owner. Born into privilege, yet unable to freely indulge due to his strict elder brother. Wen Yunyue was likely his only real chance at a marriage, which explained his urgency.
Wen Yunyue replied calmly, “Second Master may rest assured. After we marry, if you like anyone else, you may bring them into the household. I will not interfere.”
Gu Zhan froze. “Th-this… you’re that magnanimous?”
In modern times, saying something like that would probably earn a slap.
“Jealousy is one of the Seven Outdated Rules. I naturally would not commit such a fault.”
“But, Miss Wen, you are the legitimate daughter of Marquis Yong’an’s Wife’s family. You could have a much better match. Why are you so insistent?”
Gu Zhan was genuinely confused. He had already been so disrespectful, yet she still seemed unwilling to let go.
Wen Yunyue pressed her lips lightly. “I only know that I am engaged to Second Master. I should belong to Second Master.”
“But the person you were originally engaged to wasn’t me.”
“The past is the past. I care more about the present.”
Gu Zhan: “……”
He had thought she was different from the typical noblewoman of this era, but now she seemed even more rigid.
She accepted his shameless remarks without hesitation, yet that only made him feel more hopeless.
How was he supposed to break off this engagement?
He lost the desire to continue the conversation. “It’s getting late. I should head back.”
“I will accompany Second Master on the way.”
On the way back, Gu Zhan could not help but say, “Miss Wen, this way of thinking is not right. A woman should find a husband who respects her, otherwise she will not be happy. I think Wei Hao is quite good.”
In the original story, Wei Hao was indeed respectful toward the female lead.
Wen Yunyue remained expressionless. “But I have already broken off my engagement with Young Master Wei.”
“That’s fine. Men are soft-hearted. Just say a few nice words.”
“If that is the case, why should I go to Young Master Wei at all?” Wen Yunyue looked at Gu Zhan, her eyes bright and beautiful. “Second Master will also soften his heart, won’t you?”
Gu Zhan: “……”
How was he supposed to answer that? Saying no would make him seem inhumane, but saying yes would only give her hope and make the engagement even harder to dissolve.
He felt utterly troubled. This girl was far too difficult to deal with.
They returned to the rear courtyard, and Gu Zhan only then noticed that Wen Yunyue’s residence was not far from his own, and the path they took passed right by her courtyard.
At the gate.
Gu Zhan was about to bid farewell when Wen Yunyue said casually, “My mother has long wanted to meet Second Master, but there was never a chance.”
It was somewhat ironic. They were already engaged, yet Madame Shan had never met Gu Zhan.
The original Gu Zhan had only negotiated the engagement with Marquis Yong’an and never consulted Madame Shan’s opinion.
Gu Zhan sighed. Since he now occupied this body, he had to bear its consequences. “Better to choose a day than wait for one. Does Madame have time today?”
“Of course. Second Master, please.”
Wen Yunyue stepped aside to invite him in.
Seeing her slightly hurried movement, Gu Zhan frowned in suspicion. Something felt off.
When Gu Zhan arrived, Madame Shan immediately sent someone to invite him into the room.
“Greetings, Madam.”
Although Gu Zhan held noble status, he had no official rank or title. Madame Shan, as the wife of a high-ranking marquis, was his senior in both status and etiquette. Thus, he properly bowed.
Since Gu Zhan and Wen Yunyue were already engaged, Madame Shan accepted the greeting calmly.
“Second Master, please sit. I heard you were injured a few days ago?”
“It wasn’t really an injury, just a minor fall. I am already fine.”
Madame Shan nodded. “That is good.”
Then the atmosphere turned quiet. Madame Shan was not talkative, and Gu Zhan did not know what to say either. He was merely a university student in his previous life and now had to face his future mother-in-law. He had no idea how to handle it.
After a moment of silence, Madame Shan said, “It’s getting late. Would Second Master like to stay for dinner?”
Gu Zhan looked out the window and realized it was already mealtime. He had not noticed how much time had passed while wandering outside.
“Thank you for your kindness, Madam, but I must accompany my mother consort for dinner and cannot stay.”
Madame Shan had only made a casual offer. “In that case, I will not keep you.”
Gu Zhan stood and took his leave.
After Wen Yunyue sent him out and returned, Madame Shan said, “Rumors say Second Master is arrogant and domineering, but seeing him today, those rumors are clearly untrue.”
Wen Yunyue smiled faintly, thinking that was because you had never seen the previous Gu Zhan.
Rumors do not appear out of nowhere.
“Yue’er, although your marriage was arranged for other reasons, that was your father’s fault. You must get along well with Second Master.”
Madame Shan sincerely hoped her daughter would live happily. Her own life had been ruined, and she did not want Wen Yunyue to suffer the same fate.
Wen Yunyue merely smiled without speaking.
Madame Shan wished for her daughter to live peacefully and smoothly, but that was not what Wen Yunyue wanted.
When Gu Zhan returned to the courtyard, Zhang Liu said, “Second Master, the Old Royal Consort is waiting for you for dinner.”
Gu Zhan nodded and went to the main hall.
The Old Royal Consort glanced at him. “Why are you back so late today?”
“I went to visit Madame Shan of Marquis Yong’an’s residence.”
In truth, he had spent more time talking with Wen Yunyue, but knowing the Old Royal Consort disliked her, he did not mention it.
Although the Old Royal Consort disliked Wen Yunyue, she had no ill feelings toward Madame Shan. Instead, she even felt some regret. “When Madame Shan of Marquis Yong’an was unmarried, I met her a few times. She was a strong-willed girl, though she had poor judgment.”
Marquis Yong’an had tried to conceal his favoritism toward concubines and neglect of his wife, but such things could not be hidden. Many in the capital knew about it.
Such lack of propriety was also why Marquis Yong’an was excluded by the noble circles.
Strong-willed?
Gu Zhan recalled the Madame Shan he had just met and felt she did not seem strong-willed at all.