Before the Marchioness could ask, Jiang Zhiyu continued, “The Empress Dowager’s decree has been issued, and everything is now settled. You are right, Mother-in-law—after all, we were once husband and wife. Why dwell on it? Fortunately, we never consummated the marriage. It must be fate.”
The Marchioness grew even more confused.
Had Jiang Zhiyu come to terms with it in just one night?
Why now, of all times? If she had accepted it earlier or later, all their preparations would have been in vain.
If they did not “clarify” everything today, a thorn would remain in the Princess Royal’s heart, and she might retaliate…
“It’s good that you understand. No matter what, you have been wronged. Rest assured, those words spoken earlier were merely for outsiders. Within our family, we all know the truth. Everything will remain as it is, and you may continue living in Ruanyan Ge.”
On the surface, it sounded as though regardless of what happened outside, within Chengen Houfu, Jiang Zhiyu could still stay with the second branch, living in the courtyard where she and Gu Jin had begun their married life, with nothing changed.
But Gu Jin was to become the Imperial Consort and would eventually move to the princess’s residence. If she, having been remarried to the eldest branch, continued living with the second branch, what would that make her?
Would it mean Gu Jin was inheriting both branches, or that she was his concubine?
No, not even a concubine—she would be the hidden beauty, the secret lover kept out of sight.
This was not out of concern for her but an insult, meant to provoke her.
Yet, under the Marchioness’s expectant gaze, Jiang Zhiyu merely fell silent for a moment before shaking her head, as if giving up on something.
“Your kindness is appreciated, Mother-in-law, but since fate has decreed it so, we should follow its will. Moreover, with the Empress Dowager personally issuing the marriage decree, we dare not take any chances. If the Houfu were implicated, I would deserve ten thousand deaths.”
The Marchioness naturally had no intention of letting her stay in Ruanyan Ge. Even if Gu Jin had instructed to keep her, she should be moved to a secluded courtyard and hidden away, out of the Princess Royal’s sight.
Unexpectedly, instead of being provoked, Jiang Zhiyu seized the opportunity to speak with righteous solemnity.
If the Marchioness pressed further, it would seem she cared nothing for the Houfu.
At a loss for words, the Marchioness watched as Jiang Zhiyu continued, “Since Gu Jin initially married in his elder brother’s stead, it is time to set things right. I should go to the eldest branch, and all my people and belongings should be moved there as well, leaving nothing behind in the second branch.”
These words left the Marchioness, who had been anxious about how to force Jiang Zhiyu out, momentarily stunned.
“What people? What belongings?”
“Naturally, my dowry servants and dowry,” Jiang Zhiyu explained patiently. “Since I was originally meant to marry the eldest young master, these things must accompany me to the eldest branch to avoid criticism. Otherwise, any ambiguity could be seen as deceiving the sovereign.”
“Deceiving the sovereign? Don’t speak nonsense,” the Marchioness hissed, wishing she could seal Jiang Zhiyu’s mouth. With so many people outside, such talk was dangerous.
What did deceiving the sovereign have to do with this? Did the Princess Royal not know the truth?
As long as they handled Jiang Zhiyu properly and maintained appearances, there was no need to be so precise.
Besides, how could they give the dowry and servants to Jiang Zhiyu? The servants were manageable, but most of the dowry was already gone.
“I am only being cautious for the sake of the Houfu and him. In these times, we cannot afford carelessness. Please consider this carefully, Marchioness.” Jiang Zhiyu rose and performed a deep bow, her head lowered, her voice choked yet resolute. To those outside, her silhouette seemed tinged with sorrow.
Eyes met in silent speculation about what was being discussed inside.
Under the watchful gazes, both overt and covert, the Marchioness dared not simply step forward and pull Jiang Zhiyu to her feet.
The net that once bound Jiang Zhiyu had now ensnared herself instead.
“You…”
Just as she was about to speak, Nanny Huang from Old Madame’s courtyard walked in.
The Marchioness was startled and hurriedly rose to her feet. “Why has Nanny Huang come?”
“Old Madame requests that the Marchioness come to Minghui Tang,” Nanny Huang spoke unhurriedly, her gaze never once falling upon Jiang Zhiyu.
The Marchioness felt displeased in her heart.
Old Madame had long ceased managing household affairs, so why had she chosen this moment to summon her?
But filial piety was paramount; even the Marchioness dared not disobey in the slightest. She had no choice but to depart in haste.
Nanny Huang looked at Jiang Zhiyu and said softly, “Old Madame says, if the Eldest Young Madam wishes to come tomorrow, please arrive at mao hour.”
“Yes, I will remember it well,” Jiang Zhiyu replied with a slight bow.
Nanny Huang left silently, and Jiang Zhiyu’s anxious heart finally settled.
She had taken her first step.
Although Old Madame had long withdrawn from management, nothing in the household escaped her notice. Surely, Old Madame’s people had been watching today.
Old Madame might turn a blind eye to other matters, playing the part of the oblivious elder, but when it came to the foundation of the Houfu, she would not tolerate even the slightest threat.
No matter how unwilling the Marchioness was, she would have to spit out what she had swallowed.
Slowly straightening up, Jiang Zhiyu glanced out of Ming Tang from the corner of her eye. After a slight adjustment, she turned and walked out of Ming Tang.
This time, she walked directly toward Gu Jin.
Just as Gu Jin was about to prepare, Jiang Zhiyu’s steps halted half a zhang away from him. She smiled and said, “Congratulations, Second Brother, on your triumphant return.”
The address “Second Brother” rolled off her tongue with unusual ease, as if she had uttered it a thousand times before.
The expressions in the eyes of the onlookers were all tinged with surprise, without exception.
Gu Jin’s pupils trembled even more.
Before him stood Jiang Zhiyu—not crying, not making a scene, not even showing a trace of emotion. She simply stood there calmly, looking at him.
As if they were not familiar at all.
Truly, they were merely a sister-in-law and brother-in-law who had met only a few times, exchanging polite congratulations.
He had imagined she would weep and accuse him of breaking his promise, that she would question him relentlessly, even that she would disregard everything just to demand an answer.
He had prepared responses for all of these.
But he had never expected such calmness.
A calmness that was… unsettling.
“Second Brother?” Jiang Zhiyu called out softly, feigning confusion.
With her acting this way, even if he was puzzled, Gu Jin found himself cornered under the public gaze. He could only grit his teeth and bow respectfully, saying, “Thank you, Eldest Sister-in-Law.”
Jiang Zhiyu offered a polite, slight smile, then turned and walked back the way she had come.
Only after passing through the moon gate did Jiang Zhiyu lift the hand hidden in her sleeve.
It was already covered in blood from where her nails had dug into her palm.
If not for the pain reminding her that she was still alive, the moment Gu Jin entered, she would have lunged at him and bitten through his neck.
But she knew all too well that she could not do that now.
She was at her lowest point, without a single reliable person by her side. Not to mention Chengen Houfu—if not for needing her today, she would not even have been allowed to step out of Ruanyan Ge’s door.
Moreover, Gu Jin practiced martial arts; she was no match for him. Even if she succeeded, allowing him an easy death would be too lenient, and it would only implicate herself.
There was still the Princess Royal to deal with, and many other matters. She needed to proceed calmly, step by step.
Now that she had drawn a clear line with Gu Jin, once she regained her people and resources, she would sever the three bonds that bound her. She would no longer be blind and deaf, completely at the mercy of others.
There was still a long road ahead. Gu Jin, we’ll take our time!
…
Minghui Tang.
Nanny Huang escorted the Marchioness out from inside, politely bid farewell, then turned away. The smile on the Marchioness’s face instantly collapsed.
With a forceful tug of her hands, the silk handkerchief she held was torn in two.
Nanny Niu softly reminded her, “Madam, we haven’t gone far yet.”
The Marchioness was seething with anger but indeed couldn’t vent it openly, so she muttered under her breath, “That little wretch actually teamed up with Old Madame to outmaneuver me! I’ve underestimated her over the past year.”
“The young mistress may not have the wit for such a scheme; perhaps she truly had a change of heart, and it was just a coincidence.” Nanny Niu didn’t believe someone could become clever all of a sudden. “But since Old Madame has spoken, Madam, must we really return the person and the dowry?”
“Return it! Of course, we must! As long as that little wretch can handle it!” Fuming, she threw away the torn handkerchief and stormed off in a huff.