Although the matter of dissolving the engagement once again came to nothing, and hope had become increasingly slim, the immediate crisis around him had at least disappeared. Gu Zhan still felt much more relaxed.
The next day after returning from Zhen’guo Temple, he took Zhang Liu and Pingliang out of the residence.
It was the first time in a long while that he had the mood to stroll around the capital. Gu Zhan was quite interested in the ancient imperial capital.
The Prince’s Estate was located on Zhongcheng Street, a street lined entirely with noble residences, most of which had been bestowed by the emperor.
Leaving Zhongcheng Street led to Xingwu Street, the main artery of the capital, running through the entire Shengjing.
Xingwu Street had no residences, only shops. With such prime location, it would be a waste not to use it for commerce. As far as Gu Zhan knew, the Prince’s Estate itself owned many properties on Xingwu Street.
Since Gu Lin had only one concubine and had not yet taken a wife, the Old Royal Consort still controlled the household finances.
Gu Zhan had not yet come of age and was unmarried, so the two brothers had not divided the household. He did not yet have his own businesses, and all his expenses were allocated through the estate’s accounts.
He did not have financial independence.
He did not particularly mind this. In his previous life, he had also relied on his parents for money, as he had not yet entered society.
Moreover, he had never been an ambitious person. In his previous world, he was not short of money, and his parents had some connections. As long as he graduated from university, he could enter a decent company. He had no objections to such a predetermined future.
Even after transmigrating, he still had no great ambitions. With Gu Lin protecting him, as long as he did not act recklessly, he could live a life of wealth and ease.
He knew he was not very clever and could not handle the intrigues of court politics. He did not want to drag Gu Lin down. Being a carefree rich young master suited him well.
He had already decided that once he ended his engagement with Wen Yunyue and resolved the threat posed by the Male Lead Wei Hao, he would travel across Great Yue.
His greatest hobby was traveling. That was why, right after high school graduation, he had planned a trip with friends. He had never expected an accident in the middle of the journey, sending him to this world.
……
Gu Zhan wandered absentmindedly through the streets until Zhang Liu, noticing his lack of interest, suggested, “Second Young Master, I heard that Young Master Liu San has formed a cuju team. Would you like to take a look?”
Although the original Gu Zhan was not skilled at cuju himself, he enjoyed watching others play and was generous with rewards. People in the cuju circles knew he was lavish.
At this, Gu Zhan’s eyes lit up.
Only then did he remember that Great Yue bordered Great Liang, a constant threat, and was a martial nation. Cuju was therefore highly valued.
Since it involved strong physical competition, cuju had become popular since the founding of Great Yue. The imperial court held tournaments, and the winner could receive rewards from the emperor.
Over time, cuju became a widespread sport. In addition to imperial tournaments, local competitions were also organized across the country.
Noble young men even formed their own cuju teams. The strength of a team had even become a strange way for them to compete with each other.
Of course, only frivolous playboys would seriously acknowledge such a standard.
After all, no matter how popular cuju was, it remained a sport unrelated to official careers. Only a foolish ruler would promote officials based on their cuju skills.
Cuju in Great Yue was similar to football in Gu Zhan’s previous world. He had been part of his school’s football team since middle school. However, there had not been many matches, only occasional friendly games, which had left him unsatisfied.
But here in Great Yue, cuju competitions were a nationwide activity. Perhaps he would not be so bored anymore.
“Let’s go take a look,” Gu Zhan said.
The Young Master Liu San mentioned by Zhang Liu was the second legitimate son of the Duke of Liu, the third-ranked son in the family. With an elder brother above him, he had more freedom, as long as he did not cause trouble.
Liu San was considered one of the original Gu Zhan’s idle companions. They did not have deep ties, but they often interacted in drinking and entertainment.
He was also a cuju enthusiast, though unlike other nobles, he preferred playing himself. Since not many playboys were willing to join him, he recruited players himself. Because of this, others mocked him for lowering his status and mingling with commoners.
To support cuju, Liu San had purchased an estate outside the city and converted its eastern grounds into a cuju field, where they trained daily.
Gu Zhan naturally could not walk there, so he sent Pingliang back to fetch a carriage while he and Zhang Liu waited.
Zhang Liu was quick-witted and good at reading his master’s mood, making him likable. Pingliang was more taciturn, but he always completed tasks reliably.
They each had their strengths. After observing them for a while, Gu Zhan gave up the idea of changing attendants. Since Gu Lin had not suspected anything, there was no need to make unnecessary changes.
“Miss, what gift are you planning to buy for Second Young Master?”
It would be Gu Zhan’s birthday in a month. Marquis Yong’an remembered it more clearly than Wen Yunyue herself and reminded her to prepare a gift, even giving her one thousand taels from the account office.
Thinking of Jiang Yiniang’s strange expression at the time, Wen Yunyue curled her lips slightly.
“I’ll just take a look first.”
Although Wen Yunyue was not short of money due to her mother’s generous dowry, she did not refuse what was given.
Over the years, Jiang Yiniang had been favored by Marquis Yong’an, which had fueled her ambitions. Since Marquis Yong’an’s Wife had no son, Jiang Yiniang already treated the estate’s wealth as her own.
So when she saw Marquis Yong’an casually giving Wen Yunyue one thousand taels, she managed not to lose her composure, which was already impressive.
Wen Yunyue actually remembered Gu Zhan’s birthday, but she had not planned to choose a gift so early. Today, she had essentially been “half-forced” out by Marquis Yong’an.
Qiu Lan, following behind Wen Yunyue, soon spotted Gu Zhan ahead.
“Miss, it’s Second Young Master.”
Wen Yunyue looked over.
Gu Zhan was dressed in a pale blue robe with embroidered cuffs and hems. He stood tall and straight. His brows were thick, and his gaze toward the stalls was clear and bright, carrying a faint smile. He looked quite handsome.
Wen Yunyue raised a brow slightly.
After not seeing him for a few days, she felt Gu Zhan seemed to have shed some kind of restraint. His entire demeanor had become lighter and more natural.
As she thought this, she walked toward him.
Gu Zhan was casually looking over a stall and had not noticed her approach. It was Zhang Liu who reminded him.
“Second Young Master, Miss Wen has arrived.”
Gu Zhan turned around abruptly and saw Wen Yunyue standing behind him. He instinctively took a step back in shock.
Seeing his reaction, Wen Yunyue’s gaze flickered slightly.
“What is wrong, Second Young Master?”
Gu Zhan steadied himself. Realizing his reaction had been embarrassing, he quickly covered it up.
“Nothing. I was just thinking about something else.”
“What were you thinking about?”
Wen Yunyue smiled gently, her expression soft but her eyes serious as she looked at him.
Gu Zhan choked slightly. He had only made up a casual excuse and had no time to think further.
Zhang Liu reacted quickly.
“Second Young Master was planning to meet Young Master Liu San for cuju. He must have been thinking about that.”
Gu Zhan immediately followed the lead.
“Yes, I was thinking about cuju.”
“You know how to play cuju?”
Wen Yunyue asked softly.
“A little, though I am not very good at it,” Gu Zhan replied.
As soon as he finished speaking, she looked at him gently.
“I have never seen Second Young Master play cuju before. May I have the honor of watching you today?”
Her intention was obvious.
Gu Zhan: “…… The field is outside the city. We may not be able to return before nightfall.”
“I will not trouble Second Young Master. I will return before the city gates close.”
It was still early in the day, and there was more than enough time.
At this point, Gu Zhan could hardly refuse. “If Miss Wen has already decided, you may come along. But the Marquis Household carriage… if it arrives too late—”
Before he could finish, a carriage bearing the insignia of Marquis Yong’an stopped in front of them.
His words were cut off.
Wen Yunyue pretended not to notice his expression. “What a coincidence. I happened to come by carriage today.”
Normally, she traveled by sedan chair, but today she had chosen a carriage in case choosing a gift took time.
Gu Zhan gave a dry laugh. “It is quite a coincidence.”
He felt helpless. Now there was truly no excuse left.
Soon after, Pingliang arrived with the Prince’s Estate carriage. Seeing Wen Yunyue, he showed no surprise. After Gu Zhan boarded, they headed toward the city gate.
The Marquis Household carriage followed closely behind under Wen Yunyue’s instructions.
Gu Zhan considered asking Pingliang if he could shake them off, but then thought it would seem too strange. It might make him look like he was afraid of Wen Yunyue. She could not possibly do anything to him anyway.
With that thought, he relaxed. She could follow if she wished. He would simply treat her as if she did not exist.