Dou Wenyi’s face turned slightly pale, her heart roiling with turbulent waves, her figure nearly unsteady.
Cuizhi quickly supported her arm, “Miss, what’s wrong?”
Hearing the commotion, the people inside turned to look and saw Dou Wenyi wearing an extremely elegant plain skirt, her lotus-like steps moving gently as she gracefully approached.
Her skin was like congealed cream, her hair simply styled with only a Begonia Pearl Flower casually tucked in, yet it carried a unique charm, so beautiful that one couldn’t look away.
Pure as washed snow, ethereal as spring blossoms—the lovely figure from his dreams instantly materialized in reality!
Xie Guidu’s clear, cold face softened instantly, his gaze harboring a complex emotion, “Qianqian…”
Dou Wenyi’s heart sank into an icy abyss.
Qianqian was her childhood name. In her previous life, she had only told him after they were married.
Had he truly been reborn?
But if he had been reborn, why would he still want to marry her when he cherished Dou Mingyan so deeply?
During countless nights when they embraced and lingered in intimacy, the person on his mind was someone else.
If he didn’t love her, why did he use the pretense of “love” to deceitfully coax her, mock her, and let her drown in his false tenderness?
Dou Wenyi suppressed her disgust and resentment, lifted her skirt to step inside, and bowed slightly to greet everyone.
Her mother, Madam Gu, sat at the head, wearing a Begonia patterned Xiangfei-colored gold-threaded Ru skirt. With an oval face, adorned with pearls and jade, she appeared plump and luxurious. Even though she was already past thirty, she still possessed a graceful charm.
Madam Gu’s expression was cold as she motioned for her to sit down.
Dou Wenlian glanced at the empty seat below her and consciously took a seat in the corner.
“Young Master Xie, please address me as ‘Fourth Miss.’ It is improper to directly call a young lady by her childhood name.”
Xie Guidu was slightly taken aback, “Fourth Miss, please do not blame me. I was impolite.”
“May I ask, Young Master Xie, how did you come to know my childhood name?”
“Yier!” Her mother, Madam Gu, shot her a displeased glare.
Xie Guidu’s brow furrowed with confusion as a scene abruptly surged into his mind.
The bridal chamber was adorned with red silk everywhere, decorated with lanterns and colorful hangings, luxurious and dazzling. His slender fingers carefully lifted the fiery red bridal veil.
The woman, shy and timid, revealed a charming, gentle smile and softly called him, “Husband!”
Xie Guidu raised an eyebrow slightly and sat down opposite her, “Yier.”
“You may also call me by my childhood name.”
“What is Yier’s childhood name?”
“You are the top scholar—can’t you guess?”
“Sparse shadows slant across clear, shallow water; subtle fragrance drifts under the twilight moon. Could it be the two characters ‘Qianqian’?”
…
Xie Guidu felt as though he were under a spell. Ever since he fell a few days ago, he had been dreaming of her every day.
Sometimes, they were even dreams too embarrassing to speak of…
These troubling dreams gave him a strong premonition, so he disregarded his original plan and came to the Dou residence early to propose.
Madam Gu, seeing him lost in thought, forced a smile and spoke, “Young Master Xie is learned and talented, with an impressive appearance. I am very satisfied—you and our Yier are a match made in heaven. If you could form a happy union…”
“Ahem—” Her father, Dou Bochang, frowned and directly interrupted her words.
Gu Shi had no choice but to fall silent.
Dou Bochang spoke unhurriedly, "Marriage is a matter of parental orders and matchmaker's words. Some time ago, your mother seemed dissatisfied with this match. Marriage is about uniting two families—for a junior like you to rashly come and propose is rather inappropriate."
Xie Guidu and Dou Mingxiu had once studied at the same academy. He frequently visited the residence and could be considered childhood friends with Dou Wenyi.
However, Xie Guidu was the legitimate son of Marquis Ningyuan—a man of noble status, profound learning, and the top scholar personally appointed by the current emperor. His official career held boundless prospects.
Meanwhile, the Dou family lacked outstanding male descendants to support it and was gradually declining. For over a decade, Dou Bochang had remained a minor fifth-rank official, while the second branch's Dou Zhongyuan held only a nominal court position, spending his days indulging in frivolous pursuits without any serious occupation.
As the gap between the two families widened, the previously arranged marriage had gradually faded from discussion.
Xie Guidu collected himself and bowed, "Uncle, rest assured. This marriage was arranged by our grandfathers—my mother has no authority to interfere. I've long informed my father, who raised no objections. Wenyi and I share mutual affection—I beg for your blessing."
"If you consent, I shall invite my mother and a matchmaker tomorrow to present betrothal gifts. Once Fourth Young Lady enters the Marquis household, I will treat her with genuine devotion and never allow her to suffer any grievance."
Dou Wenyi suppressed her fury, nearly at her limit, "Young Master Xie, mind your words! I've been recuperating at Yuqing Monastery for four years without any contact with you—how could there be 'mutual affection'? I implore you not to make baseless claims that tarnish my reputation!"
The room fell into a frozen silence.
Xie Guidu's profound gaze settled on her—the young maiden resembled an autumn begonia, enchanting without vulgarity, radiant and captivating.
A woman's reputation was paramount. Even if she had long admired him and secretly sent numerous gifts, she would never willingly bear the stigma of "clandestine exchanges."
Suddenly comprehending, Xie Guidu immediately amended, "This is my error—poor word choice. Fourth Young Lady is gentle, virtuous, talented, and perfectly suited for family life. Our families long had this marriage arrangement—in my eyes, she has always been my destined wife."
"I once witnessed Fourth Young Lady offering aid to a distressed woman at Mufang House—not only escorting her to a medical clinic but also advancing payment for her medicine. Such pure kindness is truly admirable! I beg for your blessing, Uncle."
Dou Wenyi frowned deeply upon hearing this, her fair hands clutching the embroidered handkerchief so tightly she nearly tore it, wishing she could rip his lying tongue out.
That incident happened five years ago—she was merely twelve then. How dare he bring it up now?
Truly worthy of a former Chief Grand Secretary—silver-tongued and manipulative, weaving flawless lies to sway her father's heart.
All while crafting himself an impeccable persona of devoted lover.
How utterly hypocritical!
Hearing this, Dou Bochang's expression softened, his gaze growing increasingly benevolent, "So it seems this is indeed a favorable match?"
"No! I refuse to marry him!" Dou Wenyi protested urgently.
"Father, Young Master Xie is peerlessly exceptional—how could he possibly admire someone like me? There must be some misunderstanding."
Madam Gu's face immediately darkened, "Silence! The older you grow, the more unruly you become—this is not your decision to make!"
Dou Wenyi rose and knelt on the floor, hands clasped, back straight.
Tears glistened in her eyes as she trembled, "Father, this is not willfulness—I am truly ashamed. A person's worth lies in self-awareness. How could someone with stains like mine possibly marry into a noble house like Marquis Dingyuan?"
Dou Bochang's face turned completely cold.
Dou Wenyi seemed oblivious to his expression and continued, "A tall tree catches the wind; a great match may not be suitable. With Xie Gongzi's extraordinary talent and brilliance, how many noble ladies in the capital wish to marry into the Xie family? Rumor has it that the Grand Princess intends to wed Princess Fu'an to him."
"Whether in family background, temperament, or talent, your daughter cannot compare to Princess Fu'an. Therefore, I urge Father and Mother to reconsider! Lest we give others cause for gossip and become a laughingstock!"
Dou Bochang stared in astonishment. Since when had she become so perceptive about court affairs?
After what had happened to Dou Wenyi, even if the Dou family tried to conceal it, the Xie family would surely not swallow such an insult once they found out.
Coupled with a Grand Princess who held real power—if she seized this opportunity to make trouble, the humble Dou family could not withstand the wrath of both sides.
He couldn't help but hesitate.
Xie Guidu frowned. "As for the Grand Princess, I will handle it myself…"
Just then, a clear, crisp female voice came from the doorway, "Sister, you are mistaken—"