Dou Xiang’er sighed. “Don’t force Gao Zhi. You used to be friends. There’s no need to make her kneel. Just have her apologize to A-Tou. Don’t take things too far.”
“You really are such a good Samaritan.”
Zou Hao glanced back at her. Dou Xiang’er frowned but still said nothing.
“I won’t kneel, and I certainly won’t apologize.”
Gao Zhi stood up.
A hint of amusement surfaced in Jiang Tou’s eyes.
If there was anyone in this world who understood Gao Zhi best, she thought, it would undoubtedly be her.
Getting along with Gao Zhi was actually not difficult. She might look hard to approach, but in truth, she was kind and good-natured, placing great importance on dignity and principles. Just like now—though she had been publicly humiliated, she still couldn’t bring herself to say a single improper word.
When the spectators saw Gao Zhi suddenly stand, the curses directed at her noticeably weakened. After all, she was the daughter of the Grand General of State, and her reputation for exceptional martial arts had spread throughout the capital. What commoner would truly dare offend the Gao family or their daughter?
“Jiang Tou.”
Jiang Tou was suddenly called by name and froze for a moment. She looked up to see Gao Zhi giving her a faintly mocking smile.
“When you marry the Crown Prince, even if you don’t invite me, you should at least treat Zhu Wen to a proper meal.”
Jiang Tou’s expression stiffened.
Not good.
“Zhizhi…”
The noble young ladies all felt that something was wrong when they heard Zhu Wen’s name and turned toward Gao Zhi.
The spectators below were equally confused and craned their necks to look.
“Luanfeng Yin belongs to him. You and the Crown Prince used to meet there every month and carry on your affair. Zhu Wen was practically your matchmaker.”
Gao Zhi watched the brief flashes of shock and realization on the noble ladies’ faces. She raised her voice, making sure everyone in the teahouse could hear her clearly.
“You and I have been friends for so many years. If you had told me earlier that you and the Crown Prince were deeply in love, I would never have agreed to his proposal.
“But he hid the truth from me while courting me, and you hid it too, secretly carrying on an affair with him behind my back while telling me that the two of you shared nothing more than sibling affection.”
The spectators exchanged glances and lowered their voices, whispering among themselves.
“My goodness.”
“This is more dramatic than a play.”
“Is what Gao really said true?”
“Looking at Miss Jiang’s expression, why does she seem a little guilty?”
“Could it be that the Gao family’s daughter didn’t betray the Crown Prince at all? Instead, she discovered the affair between the Crown Prince and Miss Jiang? Is that why she angrily decided to marry Prince Huai’an?”
“I heard that the Gao family’s daughter is as straightforward as a tree root. She wouldn’t know how to put on an act. I’m afraid it’s true.”
“How could it be fake? Didn’t she just reveal exactly where the Crown Prince and Miss Jiang met in secret? Luanfeng Yin is a private establishment frequented by the powerful and influential. And the Crown Prince is Zhu Wen’s maternal cousin. They must have been caught having an affair by the Gao family’s daughter.”
“So Miss Gao is actually the victim here.”
The Gao family’s daughter, who had seemed so arrogant in their eyes moments ago, now appeared completely different upon closer consideration—a woman betrayed by both her best friend and the man she loved, wronged yet forced to pretend she was strong.
Meanwhile, Jiang Tou, still kneeling on the ground, now appeared increasingly hypocritical and affected.
“How is that possible!”
Zou Hao pointed at Gao Zhi.
“You forced Jiang Tou to kneel and then made up all these stories! How shameless!”
“Miss Zou, if I remember correctly, your father, Zou Sheng, is also a regular at Luanfeng Yin.”
Gao Zhi’s lips curved slightly.
“If you want to know whether what I said is true, go home and ask your father.”
Zou Hao’s eyes widened.
“You still dare slander…”
“Whether it’s slander or not, you’ll know once you confirm it.”
After hearing how familiar Gao Zhi was with everything concerning Luanfeng Yin, the spectators were convinced that the Crown Prince and Jiang Tou really had been having an affair. Their gazes toward Gao Zhi now carried traces of sympathy.
“Jiang Tou, I wish you and the Crown Prince everlasting love and ever-deepening affection. I won’t get involved in this mess of yours.”
Gao Zhi smiled and lifted her chin.
“Next time we meet, remember to call me cousin-in-law.”
At first, the noble ladies had joined Zou Hao in blocking Gao Zhi’s way. But as Gao Zhi approached, they all backed away somewhat fearfully.
Zou Hao stood frozen in place, only to hear Gao Zhi lean close and whisper,
“Move, or I’ll make all of you kneel down beside Jiang Tou.
“Then your reputations will be tied to hers forever, rotting and stinking together.”
Dou Xiang’er hurriedly pulled Zou Hao aside, clearing the way for Gao Zhi.
Jiang Tou watched helplessly as Gao Zhi left. Her fingers clenched the fabric of her sleeves until her knuckles turned white. In her ears were increasingly loud insults, along with probing questions from several noble young ladies.
“…Heh.”
She slowly stood up, her peripheral vision sweeping over those contemptuous faces. It felt as though countless little knives were stabbing into her spine, leaving her unable to hold her head high.
Her Zhizhi had truly become formidable.
Good.
Only if Gao Zhi fought back with everything she had could Jiang Tou act without restraint.
She wanted to see exactly how that lofty branch would deal with the fiancé who had betrayed her, lower herself, and serve those illegitimate brats.
She could hardly wait to see just how miserable Gao Zhi’s future would be.
……
After leaving Heyun Teahouse, Chan Yi poked her head out of the carriage.
“Miss, I had the waiter pack up quite a few tea cakes. Shall we go home?”
“Mm.”
Gao Zhi was just about to climb into the carriage when she caught sight of a familiar figure from the corner of her eye.
“Miss, would you like to buy some books?”
A thin young man in a grayish-white cotton robe sat on the stone steps at the entrance of an alley. Several bamboo baskets filled with old books were placed before him.
He looked so down-and-out that Gao Zhi could barely recognize him as the future Prime Minister Yue Yan, the man who would fight alongside Feng Che in her previous life and eventually rise to the highest ranks of the court.
“Have a look, miss. See if there’s anything that catches your eye.”
The young man rested his chin on his hand against his knee and called out,
“Everything must go! Once I sell this batch, I’m going home to farm!”
“I’ll take all of these.”
“Really?!”
The young man’s eyes widened as he sprang to his feet.
Gao Zhi nodded.
“But you have to come with me.”
The young man’s pupils trembled several times. He looked Gao Zhi up and down, then folded his arms and took a step back.
“Miss, you’re very pretty, but I don’t sell myself.”
Gao Zhi froze.
“No need.”
“Huh?”
The young man fell into suspicion.
“But isn’t the most attractive thing about me my face?”
Gao Zhi sized him up.
The young man was around twenty. His skin was fair and smooth, and while his features weren’t particularly striking, his large eyes were bright and lively. Just from his appearance, it was obvious that selling books on the street wouldn’t be his only path in life.
“What is your surname, sir?”
“No need to be polite.”
The young man grinned widely.
“My name is Li Goudan.”
Gao Zhi paused.
“Your real name.”
The young man covered his mouth.
“You could tell even that?”
Seeing that the pretty young lady remained silent, the young man could only say,
“All right. Actually, my name is Zhang Dapao.”
“…Your real name.”
Gao Zhi could feel her patience burning away.
“You’re truly a divine person, miss.”
The young man took a deep breath and announced solemnly,
“I am Zhao Dezhu of Tanzhou. It is my honor to meet you, miss.”
“Master Yue Yan, I’ll get straight to the point.”
Gao Zhi couldn’t be bothered to waste any more time with him.
“I value your talent, so I’d like to invite you back to work as my adviser.”
“You what?!”
Yue Yan pointed at Gao Zhi.
“You—you know me?”
“You decide the salary.”
Yue Yan immediately held up three fingers.
Three hundred taels a month… That was cheap.
Compared with the mountains of gold and silver Feng Che had spent in her previous life to persuade Yue Yan to leave Mount Yuelu and come out into the world, this amount was practically pocket change.
“Fine.”
Gao Zhi nodded and was about to have Chan Yi move the books when Yue Yan suddenly grabbed her sleeve.
“You’re really going to give me three taels of silver?”
Three… three taels?
The future Prime Minister Yue, who would one day be rich enough to rival a nation, was asking for three taels of silver. That was even less than the Gao family coachman’s monthly wages.
“If that’s too much trouble…”
Seeing that Gao Zhi still hadn’t nodded, Yue Yan reluctantly said,
“You can provide three meals a day instead.”
Gao Zhi glanced at the baskets of old books and couldn’t help making a cutting remark.
“I never knew selling books could be this unprofitable.”
After Gao Zhi handed the pearl purchased from the Imperial Street to Shao, it took less than five days for it to be placed back onto Gao Zhi’s wedding shoes.
On the eve of the wedding, Bai He saw off Shao and Gao Zheng, who had come to give instructions about the wedding arrangements. She wiped the phoenix-head wedding shoes clean after Gao Zhi finished trying them on.
“Miss, is there anything else you need to bring?
“We’ll have to stay at the Prince’s residence starting tomorrow. If you forget anything, it’ll be inconvenient to retrieve it later.”
Leaning against the bed, Gao Zhi casually listed a few things, all of which Bai He had already prepared.
“Miss, you should bring these books too.”
Chan Yi carried over Yue Yan’s baskets of books and rummaged through them before suddenly letting out a gasp.
“What is it?”
Gao Zhi had not intended to bring any books, but seeing Chan Yi’s flushed face, she curiously leaned over.
“What’s wrong?”
Chan Yi tremblingly handed the book over.
“No wonder Madam didn’t bat an eye when she gave you the illustrated book on intimate relations earlier. It turns out you were hiding this treasure.”
Treasure?
Gao Zhi glanced at the cover and immediately widened her eyes.
In a straightforward, easy-to-understand title, it read—
“Don’t Fear Physical Disabilities! Eighty-Eight Ways for Men and Women to Rediscover Pleasure!”
She casually flipped it open and saw a little figure with legs that could not move lying flat on the page, while another little figure…
Gao Zhi hurriedly closed the book.
She had no idea Yue Yan sold all kinds of books.
After coughing twice, she said,
“You two go out first. I’ll take care of the rest.”
Only after the two had left did Gao Zhi stuff the book into the clothing chest she would be taking with her the next day.
She intended to marry Feng Che, but unlike her previous marriage to Feng Zhao, she had no intention of becoming a married couple in name only.
There were some things she still needed to learn!
The fifteenth day of the eighth month was an auspicious day.
The wedding procession stopped outside the Gao residence, the sound of gongs and drums filling the air with celebration.
Gao Zheng and his wife had assumed that Feng Che, unable to walk, would not be able to personally come to receive the bride.
Unexpectedly, he had not been absent.
The tall man wore wedding robes and rode a white horse. Had Gao Zheng not noticed the inconspicuous dark-red cloth wrapped around Feng Che’s waist and tied tightly to the red silk decorations on the horse, securing his body in place, he might have thought Feng Che’s legs had already recovered.
“He certainly has a heart. Everyone says he can’t walk and is a cripple, yet he forced himself to come receive the bride today. He’s doing it to give A-Zhi face.”
Gao Zheng watched his daughter being helped into the bridal sedan and spoke to Shao with tears in his eyes.
“We’ll know whether he has a heart in the future. I only look at actions.”
Shao wiped the corner of her eye.
“Let’s go. Minister Lian and the others are waiting for us to help receive the guests.”
Feng Che’s parents had passed away, so someone had to stand in for his family.
Prince Huai’an’s residence, which had stood empty for five years, had been completely transformed with decorations. Feng Che’s maternal grandfather, Minister of Personnel Lian Xiao, received the guests together with the Gao couple.
After Feng Che dismounted, his close friend, General Zhongwu Bian Lin, pushed him into the main hall.
Gao Zhi was then helped to Feng Che’s side. The moment she stood still, his thoughts reached her ears.
【A-Zhi is here…】
【…Why is she so beautiful…】
【She’s a little different from how I imagined her every time…】
【But she’s just… so, so beautiful!】
【Phew…】
【Don’t be nervous.】
【Should we hurry up and perform the wedding rites? I’m so afraid she’ll suddenly regret marrying me…】
Gao Zhi really wanted to laugh. She had just started to grin when she remembered that she was getting married and probably needed to look more dignified.
“First bow to Heaven and Earth—”
“Second bow to the elders—”
“Husband and wife, bow to each other—”
During the final bow, someone stopped Gao Zhi by pressing against her shoulder, preventing her from bending down.
A shadow fell over her. She sensed the man in front of her stand up. Driven by curiosity, she quietly lifted a corner of her bridal veil.
Feng Che braced himself against the wheelchair and stood.
His movements were slow yet reverent, as though he regarded her as a goddess. His straight back bent completely before her.
He would not let her bow.
Instead, he bowed to her himself.
The guests couldn’t help teasing them.
“We’ve only just reached the wedding ceremony, and I can already tell Prince Huai’an is going to be afraid of his wife.”
Bian Lin had been their classmate and was familiar with Gao Zhi as well. Since he was standing closest to them, he didn’t bother holding back.
“Back when we were studying, Feng Che deliberately lost to you. After all these years, Feng Che is still falling at your feet, Gao Zhi.”
Gao Zhi’s cheeks heated up.
“It’s our wedding. Stop being annoying.”
The corners of Feng Che’s tightly pressed lips lifted slightly.
【A-Zhi… is she embarrassed?】
Gao Zhi paused, secretly wondering how this man could understand her so well.
“How could I possibly miss Prince Huai’an’s wedding?”
A careless voice rang out through the hall.
Feng Che’s smile froze, and he turned a cold gaze toward the speaker.
“On such a joyous occasion celebrated throughout the realm, my Zhu family naturally has to present a grand gift.”
Zhu Wen had his men carry in a chest nearly half a man’s height.
Gao Zhi’s brows furrowed the moment she heard Zhu Wen’s voice.
“This is a Jade Guanyin I specially obtained from Mount Be Mang. May it bless the two of you with everlasting devotion and perfect harmony.”
The moment Zhu Wen ordered the chest opened, Gao Zhi heard a loud crack.
Several gasps immediately sounded throughout the hall.
Gao Zhi lifted her bridal veil and saw the half-man-high white jade Guanyin split cleanly through the lower body, its broken half smashed into pieces on the floor.
“Oh—”
Zhu Wen glanced at Feng Che’s wheelchair with a mocking smile.
“Look how effective this Jade Guanyin is. It didn’t dare stand half a head taller than the Prince, so it broke both its legs and made itself equal to him.”
The mockery and ridicule were obvious.
The atmosphere in the hall immediately became tense.
“You fat pig.”
Bian Lin shouted,
“It’s a wedding day. Don’t force me to hit you.”
“Instead of hitting me, why don’t you hit the traitor?”
Zhu Wen was already furious at the sight of Gao Zhi. He thought of the rumors about the Crown Prince and Jiang Tou that had spread over the past two days.
The rumors had spread through the capital like wildfire, causing Feng Zhao and the Jiang family to come after him in turn. His business at Luanfeng Yin had also plummeted.
“A fickle, discarded woman and a traitor. You two really are a perfect match.”