Gu Lanfang straightened her posture, suppressing the doubts in her heart, and tugged lightly at the corner of her lips.
On the other side of the soft couch sat Jiang Chong, his gaze falling—almost unconsciously—on Yun Shuyue. They had met a few times before, and in Jiang Chong’s impression, the young lady of the Yun family had always seemed rather frail, her complexion tinged with pallor.
Because of this, his old friend Yun Hongyi had once even suggested breaking off the betrothal, fearing that his daughter’s marriage into their household would only bring worry. Yet today, she appeared far more spirited than usual.
Though Jiang Chong had said nothing aloud in response to his wife’s earlier words, inwardly, he could not help but feel concerned. On one hand, he worried his son might stubbornly shut himself away, leaving his new bride neglected. On the other hand, if Yun Shuyue were to feel ill at ease in the Jiang household, he would carry a sense of guilt toward his friend Yun Hongyi.
Thinking thus, he cast a glance at his wife. Having shared most of a lifetime with Gu Lanfang, he knew at once she intended to offer Yun Shuyue some reassurance.
Suppressing her misgivings, Gu Lanfang let out a quiet sigh and, after some hesitation, offered a tactful explanation: “Shuyue, Yuan has never held his liquor well. Last night, he must have drunk far too much, which is why he ended up sleeping in the study.” She coughed lightly as she spoke.
Yun Shuyue’s brows and eyes gleamed like pearls, her expression radiant. To be honest, Gu Lanfang had been struck by her beauty at first sight; judging by her demeanor, she was nothing like the sickly figure rumored in the streets.
With a poised smile, Yun Shuyue first bowed respectfully to her parents-in-law, then said: “Mother need not worry for me. Even late into the night yesterday, I still heard a lot of commotion outside. He is a high minister of the court—naturally, many came to offer congratulations. The Jiang family must treat them with proper courtesy, lest others find fault.”
Her words were perfectly measured. Gu Lanfang nodded approvingly:
“You are indeed sensible. From now on, you are the Prime Minister’s wife. In all things, you must put your husband first, and it would be best to bless the Jiang family with descendants soon.”
Ignoring Jiang Chong’s glance, Gu Lanfang spoke her concerns plainly.
Yun Shuyue merely smiled faintly, choosing not to reply.
At that moment, the maids brought in the prepared tea. Jiang Chong cast a look toward the doorway, his expression darkening. “At this hour, why has Yuan’er still not come over?”
Gu Lanfang had no idea what was going on and could only send a servant to call for him. The servant had barely stepped out of the hall when Chen Ping came running in.
“Master, Madam, the Prime Minister asked me to say that there was an important matter to report at court this morning, so he cannot come to offer tea.” As he spoke, Chen Ping stole a glance upward—only to see the Madam’s face practically blazing with anger.
Master Jiang’s troubled gaze, however, fell upon Yun Shuyue.
Following his master’s eyes, Chen Ping looked over—and was instantly stunned. This new mistress was far too beautiful!
The atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly awkward. Once Chen Ping departed, Yun Shuyue herself lifted the teacup and respectfully offered tea to her father- and mother-in-law.
Yet as they drank, each harbored their own thoughts.
To Gu Lanfang, her son’s absence at dawn was proof enough that he disliked this woman from the bottom of his heart. To Jiang Chong, Yun Shuyue’s composure and measured grace showed she would surely become a worthy helpmate to his son.
And Yun Shuyue? She only wished to finish the ritual quickly and return to Qinglan Courtyard.
No sooner had she stepped back into the courtyard than Nanny Tao came forward to greet her. “Well? The Master and Madam didn’t make things difficult for you, did they?”
Yun Shuyue smiled and shook her head. “No. It’s just that Mother-in-law isn’t feeling well today and skipped breakfast. Let’s eat here in the courtyard instead.”
Chun Liu, who could never keep anything to herself, muttered gloomily:
“Nanny Tao, you don’t even know—Miss went to serve tea today, and Master didn’t even show up!”
Nanny Tao smacked Chunliu’s arm and glared at her. “All you ever say is ‘Miss, Miss.’ She’s married now—she’s the Prime Minister’s wife. This isn’t the Yun household anymore. From now on, mind your words and actions, and stop being such a hollow-headed radish!”
Chunliu pouted in protest. “I’m not a radish!”
Nanny Tao guided her mistress back to her room to rest, then turned toward the kitchen to prepare the meal. As she walked away, she let out a barely audible sigh. Though she said nothing aloud, her heart was troubled: the groom had spent his wedding night in the guest room. That could only mean he held no place for his bride in his heart. If even the wedding night was like this, what would the days ahead bring? The thought made her scratch her head in frustration.
By the time Jiang Chengyuan returned to the residence, it was already afternoon. Entering the study, he found his mother seated at the desk.
Seeing her son, Gu Lanfang’s tightly furrowed brow eased slightly.
Jiang Chengyuan set his official hat down on the desk. “Mother, did you wish to see me?”
“Why else would I call you? You know very well.” Gu Lanfang motioned for him to sit, her tone heavy with earnestness. “Yuan’er, I know you’ve always resented the childish betrothal your father arranged. But now the rice is cooked, the bride has been brought home. Life must go on.”
Jiang Chengyuan remained silent.
Gu Lanfang pressed on: “In truth, I also opposed your marriage to the Yun family girl. But today I saw her—she is dignified and graceful, her manners proper, her figure excellent. Truly, she is striking.”
Jiang Chengyuan only replied, “Mm.”
Gu Lanfang was long accustomed to his calm, unreadable manner. Yet the matter of when she might hold a grandchild left her anxious beyond measure. “Yuan’er, do you mean to leave her abandoned in Jinglan Courtyard, unattended?”
At that moment, Chen Ping entered with tea. Jiang Chengyuan lifted the cup and drank deeply. “Court affairs have kept me busy. Each night I work late, so I sleep in the study to avoid disturbing her rest.”
Gu Lanfang found him utterly unyielding. Her temper flared, and with a sigh, she swept her sleeves and left.
No sooner had she gone than Chen Ping sidled closer, speaking with exaggerated seriousness: “My lord, when I delivered your message today, I saw Madam. Old Madam did not deceive you—she truly is a beauty, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. My lord, to marry such a wife is a great blessing…”
But under Jiang Chengyuan’s piercing gaze, Chen Ping’s voice dwindled to a mosquito’s buzz. He slapped himself across the face. “I spoke out of turn. I deserve punishment.”
Jiang Chengyuan rose and searched the desk, then moved to the bookshelf, frowning. “What I drafted the other day—the document on follow-up relief in Rong County—where is it?”
Chen Ping thought carefully, then suddenly recalled. “My lord, before the wedding, didn’t you take that document to Jinglan Courtyard?”
The day slipped swiftly by. The evening sun blazed like fire, bathing Jinglan Courtyard in a golden glow.
Chun Liu ran in circles around the yard, her breath ragged, her steps faltering. At last, nearly fainting, she bent over, hands on her knees, gasping.
Sweat streaming down her face, Yun Shuyue frowned. “Is that all? Are you exhausted already? Continue.”
Chun Liu waved her arms weakly, shaking her head. “Madam, I truly… truly cannot run anymore.” With that, she plopped down on the ground.
Yun Shuyue did not bother to press her. She herself ran for about the length of a stick of incense before stopping. Sweat glistened on her face in the sunset, her clear brows and bright eyes shining like a crescent moon. After a few deep breaths, she lifted a teacup and drank.
Sensing something amiss, Yun Shuyue turned her head toward the half-moon gate.
There, a tall, commanding figure stood with hands clasped behind his back. In the brilliant glow, his eyes—dark as a deep pool—were unreadable.
Following her gaze, Chun Liu saw the Prime Minister himself. She sprang up from the ground and bowed respectfully. “Greetings, my lord.”
Only then did Yun Shuyue realize—so this was Jiang Chengyuan!