After Gu Quan captured Wan City, his subordinates smoothly took over all affairs in the city, large and small, and soon the city resumed normal operations.
However, this matter was not yet concluded.
While the city had been captured, it needed to be held. After all, Xiang City was located near Wan City, and it remained uncertain whether Wu County Governor would dispatch troops to Wan City.
Lian Yue felt fortunate that she had initially been the favored concubine of a Vassal King. Through Lu Xun, she had learned about the divisions of power across the land, so she wasn’t completely in the dark.
At this moment, she actually hoped Xiang City would send troops to Wan City. That would leave their city vulnerable, allowing the Yuan Clan to seize the opportunity.
Only if Wu County Governor fell from power, and Madam Wu lost her backing, could she completely escape the shadow of death.
Even a clay figure has some temper. Since the other party repeatedly used deadly tactics against her, she couldn’t just stand there and take the hits—she needed to find a way to seek revenge.
The cold moon hung in the sky, and the water was icy. Lian Yue stood in the pavilion, the wind lifting strands of her hair. Her expression was remarkably calm.
The opportunity came faster than expected.
Several days later, on a snowy morning, Lian Yue had just taken her medicine and went for a walk on the street when she saw a group of people entering the city.
Riding at the front was a young man, about the same age as Gu Quan. He wore a blue robe with a white jade pendant set at his waist, exuding an aura of extreme nobility.
As he passed by, Lian Yue got a clear look at his face—handsome enough to be a painting.
If Gu Quan could be described as radiantly handsome and unrestrained, then this person could truly be called the peerless young master.
She couldn’t help but take a few extra glances.
Xuan Yao, responsible for her safety, was by her side. Seeing her stop to watch, he explained: “This is the eldest son of the Yuan Clan’s main branch, named Yuan Jing. He is our lord’s closest friend, likely here to visit him.”
Lian Yue had only heard that Gu Quan had borrowed a thousand soldiers from the Yuan Clan, and had just learned from Xuan Yao that he was friends with this Yuan Jing, whom the world called the Number One Young Master.
Suppressing her doubts, she pretended to inquire: “Is this the Young Master Yuan from the Family of Four Generations of High Officials?”
Xuan Yao, holding his sword, proudly lifted his chin: “Of course. Our lord has wide-ranging friendships. From famous scholars and powerful figures down to street vendors and porters, he can chat and laugh with anyone. There’s no one who doesn’t admire him.”
Lian Yue: “…”
That wasn’t what she had asked.
But speaking of which, with the Yuan Clan sending someone to Wan City now, could there be intentions of forming an alliance? If Wu County Governor were to send troops to Wan City, then the Yuan Clan and Gu Quan would share a common enemy.
A thoughtful glint flashed in her eyes, though she showed no expression on her face. Following his words, she said: “When I was in Liao City, I had already heard of Marquis Gu’s chivalrous nature. That must be why so many people are willing to befriend him.”
Sighing, she continued flattering: “If not for Marquis Gu keeping his promise and coming to Liao City to help, I would have lost my life long ago. He truly is a good man.”
Xuan Yao was younger than Gu Quan, still possessing a youthful temperament. Seeing that Lian Yue’s mentions of his lord were all praises, and her eyes held genuine sincerity, he began to view her slightly more favorably.
He nodded: “Of course.”
Seeing that Yuan Jing’s procession had already disappeared at the end of the street, Lian Yue said: “General Xuan, would you mind if I go buy some cosmetics?”
Xuan Yao replied: “Feel free, Madam.”
After Gu Quan occupied Wan City, he hadn’t harmed the common people. Seeing that the change of power hadn’t affected them, they continued with their lives as usual. Only the wealthy families in the city worried about being purged.
Lian Yue only went to the market to buy some commonly used rouge and cosmetics. Spotting someone selling a qin, she glanced at it but could only afford to buy a flute from the neighboring stall due to her limited funds. She then stopped idling in the city and returned home.
Before her transmigration, her parents were middle-class, so she had been raised as a “tiger child” since childhood, attending countless extracurricular classes. She gained superficial skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Looking back now, those hardships weren’t in vain.
On the way back, Xuan Yao remarked, “I didn’t expect you to know how to play the flute, Madam.”
Lian Yue replied modestly, “Just a little, though I don’t play well.”
Back when she was still Lu Xun’s concubine, he had clung to her like a dog from their first meeting, so she never needed to use tricks to please anyone.
But now…
She wasn’t familiar with Gu Quan, who held her life and fortune in his hands. Hearing of his fondness for music, she felt compelled to humble herself and curry favor to find common ground and gather information.
As she reached the entrance, she saw over a dozen horses tied in the stable outside. Her eyes flickered, but she pretended not to notice anything.
Lian Yue entered through the side gate, walked along the corridor, passed the fish pond, and arrived at the courtyard where she lived.
That day, the government office had been filled with corpses and blood. After the soldiers collected the bodies, the bloodstains were washed away with water.
After Gu Quan took over the office, security became extremely tight. Originally, Lian Yue had moved outside the compound, but for her safety and to avoid wasting manpower protecting her, she was moved back to the rear courtyard of the office, separated from Gu Quan’s courtyard by just a wall.
As she stepped into her courtyard, she caught sight of Gu Quan and Yuan Jing drinking tea in the pavilion, seemingly discussing something.
Lian Yue paused and turned to Xuan Yao, saying, “Thank you for escorting me today, General Xuan. Are you thirsty? Would you like to come in for some tea?”
Xuan Yao waved his hand, “No need. The master is in the pavilion; I’ll go ask him for a cup.”
With the office heavily guarded, she didn’t need close protection as long as she stayed inside.
“That works too.”
Lian Yue bowed slightly and returned to her courtyard alone.
She went inside and fiddled with the flute for a while, attempting to play a folk tune. Perhaps because she hadn’t played in so long, her breath control was unsteady, and it sounded grating and unpleasant.
Lian Yue quickly set the flute aside, realizing she had overestimated herself. It was better not to embarrass herself in front of others for now.
A sense of frustration welled up inside her.
The day was still long, and she had little to pass the time. It was cold outside, so after sitting quietly for a while, an idea struck her—she decided to go strike up a conversation.
She took out a bronze mirror and studied her reflection. Finding herself somewhat haggard, she used the newly bought rouge and cosmetics to fill in her eyebrows and redden her lips, adding some color to her face. She looked a bit prettier now.
It felt a bit abrupt to visit someone like this; it was better to dress up a little.
People are visual creatures, after all, and tend to be more tolerant of those who are attractive—a truth Lian Yue understood well.
After some thought, she changed into a dark-colored quju robe, making herself look more like a widow, before heading to Gu Quan’s courtyard.
Rumors were still circulating about her and Gu Quan having an affair. Though she didn’t care about such trivial reputations, she had to be cautious to avoid gossip.
When she reached the courtyard entrance, guards stopped her.
Lian Yue said calmly, “Pardon the interruption. Could you please inform Marquis Gu that I’d like to have a few words with him?”
The guard stared straight ahead, speaking in a very official tone: “The lord is discussing important matters with a distinguished guest and is not receiving anyone at the moment. If you have business, madam, it would be better to return later.”
Lian Yue nodded: “Very well, I shall return later.”
She didn’t dwell on being turned away. The two were hardly acquainted to begin with, and she had indeed chosen an inappropriate time, making her visit rather abrupt. It was only natural he wouldn’t see her. She would simply return later to inquire about Yuan Jing’s purpose.
Having said this, she prepared to turn away.
A languid voice drifted out: “Wait. Let her in.”
In the courtyard.
The important matter Gu Quan and Yuan Jing had been discussing was somewhat related to Lian Yue. Seeing her figure, he didn’t overthink it and had the guard let her pass.
The guard immediately stepped aside, bowing his head: “Madam, please enter.”
Lian Yue blinked, returned their courtesy, and then walked into the courtyard.
As she approached the pavilion, she unconsciously slowed her steps, hesitating slightly.
Mainly because the two men before her were too pleasing to the eye.
Both were young men—one in a blue robe, aloof and distant; the other in red, with charming eyes and brows. Both held real power, like dragons and phoenixes among men, making it hard not to pause in awe.
Lian Yue took a deep breath and quickly glanced at Xuan Yao.
He was a few years younger than Gu Quan and Yuan Jing, his face unable to conceal his thoughts. Seeing her approach, he looked her up and down before pursing his lips in dissatisfaction.
Who had upset him this time?
Gu Quan said: “Madam, please have a seat.”
Lian Yue withdrew her gaze and sat to one side, her eyes fixed on the teacup on the table, not daring to glance around, behaving quite meekly.
Gu Quan then introduced the person beside him to Lian Yue, smiling as he said: “This is Yuan Jing from the Yuan Clan of Ruyang, a dear friend of mine. You may address him as Young Master Yuan.”
Then Gu Quan introduced Lian Yue to Yuan Jing: “A Jing, this is the one I just mentioned—the former favored concubine of Duke Lu, Madame Yue.”
When mentioning “favored concubine,” his voice wavered slightly, causing Lian Yue to glance at him again.
She quickly composed herself and bowed to Yuan Jing, saying: “Greetings, Young Master Yuan.”
She wanted to say a few words of praise, but upon looking up and meeting his cold gaze, she swallowed her words.
At that moment, Yuan Jing returned the courtesy, a gentle smile on his lips as he said warmly: “I have heard Duke Lu often speak of your peerless beauty. Seeing you today, the rumors do not do you justice.”
Lian Yue noticed that although his words were complimentary, his eyes remained devoid of warmth. She understood that his remarks were merely out of aristocratic courtesy, deliberately saying something pleasant to her, not to be taken seriously.
Such people, amiable on the surface, were in fact the hardest to get along with.
She offered him a faint smile, not intending to deepen the acquaintance, and skipped the pleasantries. Instead, she explained to Gu Quan: “Originally, seeing that Gu Hou had a distinguished guest, I shouldn’t have disturbed you. It’s just that I was bored in the courtyard and wanted to borrow a few classics to pass the time. I apologize for interrupting your discussion.”
Xuan Yao, who had escorted her back less than half an hour ago and was already displeased that she had tarnished his lord’s reputation, couldn’t resist saying: “Madam, when coming to borrow classics from the lord, did you need to redo your eyebrows and change into new clothes?”
He then muttered under his breath: “There are already rumors outside, and you still dress up so beautifully.”
Lian Yue fell silent.
She lowered her gaze, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes, and said softly, “Since I’m here to meet Marquis Gu and Young Master Yuan, it’s only proper to dress appropriately. General Xuan, please don’t misunderstand my intentions.”
Upon hearing this, Gu Quan raised an eyebrow and stopped Xuan Yao from speaking further. “Enough. Go to the study and select some books recording strange tales of mountains and rivers for Madam to pass the time.”
Xuan Yao clasped his fists. “As you command, my lord.”
After Xuan Yao left, Gu Quan glanced at her a few more times before getting down to business. “Our scouts have sent back secret reports stating that Madam Wu has returned to Xiang City from Liao City and is persuading the Wu County Governor to form a marriage alliance with the Hongnong Yang clan, seeking troops from Yang Jian to attack Wan City.”
No wonder Xuan Yao had mentioned the rumors in front of her earlier. Lian Yue guessed that Madam Wu still wanted to use this as a pretext for military action.
She couldn’t understand why the other party harbored such hatred toward her. It hadn’t even been half a month since Madam Wu instigated Lu Heng to kill her, and now she was already plotting to attack Wan City—such impatience.
Still, Madam Wu wasn’t foolish; she knew to seek external support. But sacrificing her own sister for a marriage alliance was truly ruthless.
Lian Yue blinked and lowered her eyes. “It’s all my fault. If not for me, Marquis Gu’s reputation wouldn’t have been tarnished. I’ll find a way to explain things to the public.”
Yet Gu Quan said bluntly, “There’s no need to rush this matter.”
Lian Yue was puzzled. “No need to rush?”
Yuan Jing, who had been drinking tea nearby, watched the two converse without speaking. He silently observed the woman before him, then glanced at his old friend with a trace of confusion in his eyes.
Having known each other since youth, he was aware that Gu Quan had always been mindful of women’s reputations and would typically seek to clarify matters promptly. Yet now, he was allowing the rumors to spread. Interesting.