Sui Jingxing stepped out of the Hanlin Academy, posture straight, bowing politely to his colleagues as he bid them farewell.
Once they had gone, he turned back slowly, eyes burning as he fixed his gaze on the academy’s signboard.
“No jinshi, no entry to the Hanlin; no Hanlin, no place in the cabinet.”
A surge of ambition rose within him, unstoppable and overwhelming.
In that instant, he silently vowed: one day he would be granted a marquisate, rise to the top of the imperial court, and have all under heaven admire him, leaving a name remembered for generations!
Pride swelling in his chest, he turned—and saw Wu De, sweating heavily, peeking anxiously from behind.
Wu De almost burst into tears at the sight of him.
Sui Jingxing’s heart raced. He hurried forward, forgetting all formalities:
“Master, it’s terrible! Madam and the young lady reported a case—they’ve been taken to Jingzhao Prefecture!”
A chill ran through Sui Jingxing. He raised his hand and slapped down sharply:
“What do you mean ‘Madam’? Explain clearly!”
A foreboding sense gripped him. Could it be… Rou’er had come into conflict with Madam Wen?
Wu De finally calmed himself and explained the situation, detailing everything he had learned from the Exquisite Pavilion staff.
Sui Jingxing’s mind went blank, and he stepped back two paces.
He drew a deep breath, striving to suppress his panic:
“Any news from Madam?”
As long as Wen Shiyi hadn’t discovered Rou’er’s true identity, he could still coax her. He knew her heart was deeply attached to him—she would believe what he said.
Wu De wiped his sweat, bent low, and replied:
“Madam only said she was returning to the residence to inventory her bridal dowry. She didn’t seem angry.”
Sui Jingxing exhaled in relief, then quietly gave a few instructions. Wu De nodded, gritting his teeth, and went to carry them out.
Sui Jingxing stood for a moment, straightened his robes, and walked toward the Second Prince’s residence.
Wen Shiyi returned home with Sui Changle and instructed Xiangyun and Liuying to open the storeroom and inventory the bridal dowry.
After half a day of work, they returned to report:
“Madam, the dowry has been counted. Here is a list of missing items for your review.”
Xiangyun handed the inventory to Wen Shiyi. Changle leaned over, reading aloud softly:
“Phoenix peony headpiece with point-inlaid feathers,
Glazed bead eight-treasure necklace,
Hetian jade ruyi cloud-pattern bracelet,
Red jade twin peony hairpin,
Five sets of pure gold jewelry,
Ten bolts of Su embroidery brocade,
Ten bolts of Sichuan brocade in various colors,
Mica screen,
Ru kiln sky-blue glazed string-pattern urn,
…”
Changle’s eyes widened. Her scoundrel father truly had no fear—he almost emptied her mother’s bridal dowry.
“Mother, is he a glutton? He’s nearly stripped all your dowry.”
Her words were slightly exaggerated. Wen Shiyi’s dowry had been grand at her wedding—truly a “ten-mile red” spectacle. Though some pieces were minor compared to the whole, Chu Rou’er and her daughter had likely never seen such treasures in their lives.
Wen Shiyi glanced at the list, then handed it back to Xiangyun:
“Copy this list and send it to Lord Ye. Many of these are imperial gifts—he must help recover them.”
It was not until evening that Sui Jingxing returned, exhausted.
He hurried to the Jin Xiu Garden, pausing at the courtyard gate.
He smoothed his robes, rubbed his face, forcing a gentle smile, and stepped inside.
The main hall was dark.
His heart sank. Could it be that Madam Wen had discovered Rou’er’s identity and returned in anger to her own family?
He forced himself to stay calm and asked:
“Did Madam say anything before leaving? Was she in a good mood?”
The tea maid, Xi Que, puzzled, replied obediently:
“Master, Madam and the young lady looked quite happy.”
Unable to get more information, Sui Jingxing dismissed her.
Alone in the courtyard, he stood for a while before turning away.
Outside the front yard, Wu De caught up, hesitantly speaking:
“Master, when the young master asked where Madam and the young lady went, I dodged the question.”
“Hmm,” Sui Jingxing replied faintly, his expression unreadable.
After a moment of silence, he asked again:
“Was the task you were given arranged properly?”
Wu De clenched his fists and replied through gritted teeth:
“Yes, Master. It is all arranged!”
Sui Jingxing nodded slightly, reassuring him:
“Don’t worry! At most, some minor suffering. I promise that once it’s done, her servitude will be lifted, and I’ll help her find a good match.”
He spoke as he quickly left:
“Arrange the carriage and horses. I’m going to the Zhen Guo General’s residence to bring Madam back home.”
He had already sought the Second Prince’s help regarding Chu Rou’er. The mother and daughter would spend the night at Jingzhao Prefecture.
He had also arranged to retrieve Wen Shiyi’s bridal dowry from the south city’s Osmanthus Alley, ensuring no risk.
The top priority now was to bring Madam Wen home from her family residence.
He could not allow her to stay too long—his two eldest uncles were shrewd, and any slip could cause trouble.
Sui Jingxing sat in the carriage, pretending to rest, mentally going over the plan to ensure everything was flawless.
“Master, the General’s residence is here!”
The carriage slowed. Wu De’s voice came from outside.
Sui Jingxing rose, instructing Wu De to wait outside.
He glanced at the grand signboard of the Zhen Guo General’s residence, then withdrew his gaze.
The servants at the gate, seeing him, hurried forward and bowed respectfully:
“Greetings, Young Master. Please enter.”
Sui Jingxing smiled gently:
“No need for formalities! I’ll enter myself.”
Being the General’s son-in-law, he was familiar with the residence.
“Of course, Young Master. Please, go ahead.”
Along the way, he asked the maids and learned that the Wen family was dining. He proceeded directly to the dining hall.
Before reaching it, laughter and chatter reached his ears.
Sui Jingxing’s heart sank.
All day he had been on edge, and the very cause of his troubles was happily dining inside.