Jiang Yan’s face showed hesitation.

Third Master Chen quietly raised his eyes to look at him, without urging him to speak. In the study, only the distant clamor could be heard.

Jiang Yan felt a chill down his spine, and his voice became even lower. What he had learned had shocked even himself, and he had deliberated for two full days on how to tell Third Master Chen. But the events at the Yao household forced him to speak—the Third Master needed to make a decision.

“I’ve learned about Madam’s past with Seventh Young Master,” Jiang Yan’s voice was dry. “…Madam had feelings for Seventh Young Master, seemingly when she was fourteen. Later, they corresponded for about a year, exchanging letters or small gifts. However, the Seventh Young Master consistently rejected her. After that… they ceased all contact. Such things often happen during youthful infatuation when one doesn’t know better… Afterward, Madam never contacted Seventh Young Master again. Seventh Young Master grew to dislike Madam because of this, which may be the cause of their disputes.”

Jiang Yan didn’t dare look up at Third Master Chen.

He couldn’t imagine Third Master Chen’s expression, so he didn’t dare look.

Third Master Chen had spent his life maneuvering through court politics, turning situations to his advantage, only to face such a matter at home.

A stepmother and stepson… If this got out, that Third Master Chen had married a woman who once had feelings for his son, it would be utterly absurd.

The sound of gongs and drums drew closer—the wedding procession must have entered the main gate, with two more strings of firecrackers set off. A scene of complete joy.

Third Master Chen closed his eyes briefly.

He said with a hint of a smile: “No wonder.” No wonder these two always seemed unusual around each other, and Chen Xuanqing was so concerned with Gu Jin Chao, repeatedly showing weakness in front of him. And Gu Jin Chao’s obvious and subtle ways of distancing herself from Chen Xuanqing.

In one’s ignorant youth, everyone makes many mistakes. But he wasn’t entirely certain if this was Gu Jin Chao’s mistake.

He stood straight with his hands behind his back, asking Jiang Yan coolly: “Did they never meet again afterward?”

Jiang Yan nodded: “They never met again. That maid said… after Madam’s mother fell ill, her temperament changed, and she no longer kept in contact with Seventh Young Master. From what I’ve gathered, it seems true. After Madam’s mother became seriously ill, Madam’s personality became more distant.”

He looked up and saw the undisguised indifference on Third Master Chen’s face. Yet there was no anger, not even surprise… He suspected these emotions were suppressed in Third Master Chen’s heart, just as before—no one ever knew what he was truly thinking.

“Since they had no further contact, let’s not bring this up again. Does anyone else know about this?” Third Master Chen asked.

Jiang Yan said: “This maid originally served Gu Lan, so Gu Lan knows too. I should say that Gu Lan played a crucial role in Madam’s feelings for the Seventh Young Master… The maid said that Gu Lan did many things to harm Madam. Each incident showed a venomous disregard for sisterly bonds, which is why Madam later came to dislike her sister so much. So I have a suspicion that now that Gu Lan is nearly unable to preserve her life in the Yao household, she told the servant woman guarding her that she has secrets to exchange with Third Madam Yao, begging Third Madam Yao to spare her life…”

Third Master Chen said: “You’re worried she’ll use this information as a bargaining chip?”

Jiang Yan nodded: “Exactly, though it’s just my suspicion. It could be something else entirely…”

“Kill her,” Third Master Chen interrupted softly.

Jiang Yan didn’t immediately comprehend, stammering: “You… you mean…”

“Have her killed, leave no trace,” Third Master Chen said, then walked out of the study. Outside, a maid sent by Old Madam Chen had arrived.

It was almost the auspicious time for the wedding ceremony, and Old Madam Chen had sent someone to find him.

Jiang Yan followed, softly acknowledging the order.

The main hall outside the bridal chamber was decorated festively, with large red double-happiness characters pasted on the latticed doors. A ceremonial table was set up with tablets for Heaven, Earth, Emperor, Parents, Teacher, and Ancestors, along with an incense altar, candles, fruits, and pastries. Jin Chao sat on one of the high-backed chairs, noticing that the chair beside hers was empty.

The woman representing good fortune from the bride’s side had already arrived and seemed somewhat confused.

Old Madam Chen nearby sent Lü Luo to fetch him, saying: “He just went to the study with Jiang Yan, yet he still hasn’t returned at this time.”

The ceremonial master, matchmaker, and good fortune representatives entered in sequence.

Third Master Chen finally walked in, wearing his second-rank crimson official uniform, appearing more formal and serious than usual. His expression was calm as he walked directly to the high-backed chair and sat down, nodding to the ceremonial master who looked at him: “…We can begin.”

Jin Chao lowered her voice to ask him: “Why were you gone so long?”

“Ah, I had a few more words with Jiang Yan,” he answered.

Gu Jin Chao frowned slightly. Though she didn’t know what Third Master Chen was thinking, she sensed something unusual. Just as she was about to ask more, the bride and groom entered, led by a silk ribbon. The bride, supported by her attendants, wore a phoenix crown and embroidered robe. She was half a head shorter than Chen Xuanqing, appearing delicate beside him. He was handsome, she was lovely—a beautiful scene indeed. Chen Xuanqing stood straight, expressionless, looking directly ahead.

Incense was burned, firecrackers were set off, and music played. The ceremonial master chanted the rites, and the couple first offered incense and bowed, then performed the three kneeling and nine kowtowing ceremony.

After the couple bowed to each other, Yu Wanxue swayed slightly as she rose. Chen Xuanqing gently steadied her.

The ceremonial master immediately proclaimed loudly: “The ceremony is complete. The couple may enter the bridal chamber.”

By this time, darkness had fallen, and red lanterns were lit and hung high.

The guests then entered the evening banquet.

By the time Jin Chao had settled everything and returned to Muxi Hall, Third Master Chen had not yet returned.

Red lanterns were also hung in the corridors of Muxi Hall for the festive occasion. Jin Chao hadn’t rested much at noon and was now extremely tired. She had wanted to wait for Third Master Chen to return, but leaning against the large pillow, she fell asleep without realizing it.

The night’s commotion had subsided, with only the sounds of the wedding chamber celebration still coming from Shuya Pavilion.

Jin Chao was awakened by Qing Pu, who brought her a bowl of medicinal soup to drink. Other maids brought hot water for Jin Chao to wash her face.

Third Master Chen returned from outside at this time.

Gu Jin Chao immediately smelled a hint of alcohol and went forward to support him: “Don’t you usually avoid drinking? Why did you drink today?”

Third Master Chen waved his hand, refusing her support—he was still quite sober. “I had a couple of drinks with the Grand Canal Transport Governor. It’s nothing.”

Jin Chao immediately had the maids prepare a sobering soup. After he sat on the luohan bed, she untied the rhinoceros-decorated leather belt of his official uniform. “Isn’t the Grand Canal Transport Governor supposed to be in Huai’an Prefecture in Southern Zhili? Has he returned to the capital to report?”

Third Master Chen made a sound of agreement, his voice deep, his gaze resting on Gu Jin Chao for a long time.

He wanted to ask her something but also didn’t want to. After hesitating for a long while, with Jin Chao also silent, the room fell into silence.

Earlier at the banquet.

The Grand Canal Transport Governor raised his cup with a smile: “Our Third Master Chen doesn’t appreciate the goodness of fine wine and can’t join me for a drink. Life’s pleasures are fleeting—if you neither drink nor enjoy women’s company, what joy is there?”

Duke Zheng, Chang Hai, laughed heartily: “Minister Wu doesn’t know that the Third Master married a beautiful young concubine in May and treasures her greatly. How can you say he doesn’t enjoy women’s company? Don’t be fooled by him.”

The Grand Canal Transport Governor said: “I thought that since your father died, you had truly sworn off women.”

Third Master Chen lowered his eyes and smiled, playing with his wine cup. Suddenly, he raised it and drank it all at once.

Both the Grand Canal Transport Governor and Chang Hai were startled. The Governor recovered first, clapping his hands: “Well! It seems the Third Master is in good spirits today. How do you find the taste of fine wine?”

Third Master Chen said: “It’s not that I’ve never drunk before.” He handed the cup to a servant and had another cup poured, which he drank down.

Cups were exchanged throughout the banquet. By the time the Grand Canal Transport Governor left his seat, Third Master Chen turned his cup upside down on the table, showing no signs of intoxication.

…

The maid brought over the sobering soup, but Third Master Chen closed his eyes, showing rare fatigue.

Gu Jin Chao had him lean against the pillow while she massaged his brow and temples.

Her hands had little strength, too light even for scratching an itch. Third Master Chen held her hands, increasing the pressure himself.

Jin Chao pulled her hands away and picked up the sobering soup: “Shall I feed you?” After drinking, his emotions were more outwardly expressed. She didn’t know what matter weighed on him, but it was enough to make even him feel tired. Gu Jin Chao felt great tenderness for Third Master Chen in this state.

Usually, he took care of her more often. As his wife, she felt somewhat inadequate.

Third Master Chen looked at her without speaking. Jin Chao hesitated, then scooped up some soup and brought it to his lips. At first, he didn’t move, but after a moment he opened his mouth and drank it sip by sip.

The maid took away the bowl. After thinking for a while, Jin Chao pressed his arm and said softly: “Although I don’t know what you’ve been thinking about these past days, you can tell me anything. I may not fully understand… but it’s always better to speak out.”

Is speaking out truly better?

Third Master Chen didn’t think so. He had secretly investigated her and learned of some absurd matters. But he wasn’t entirely sure if this matter was still ongoing. He didn’t want to burden her further—Gu Jin Chao was someone who easily overthought things and was quite sensitive. Yet he couldn’t help but be concerned.

Third Master Chen raised his hand to caress Jin Chao’s face, full of tenderness.

Jin Chao instinctively wanted to avoid his touch but quickly suppressed her reaction. His rough large hand moved over her chin, then suddenly held her still as he leaned forward.

Jin Chao was pressed down by him, tasting the alcohol on his lips—it seemed to be the flavor of autumn dew white wine…

She felt the kiss was too urgent, making it a bit difficult to breathe. She reached up to push him away, but his hand quickly pinned her down, and he untied the cords of her clothes, allowing no refusal.

Her pregnancy had just passed three months…

Jin Chao sighed inwardly and put her arms around his neck. She knew that no matter what, Third Master Chen would never harm her or their child. She now had complete trust in him.

Indeed, Third Master Chen soon stopped, and after a moment of calming down, he picked her up and helped her rearrange her clothes.

Jin Chao thought of their intimate encounter before… if he wished, they could still be that way.

But Third Master Chen released her, saying, “You’re tired today too. I’ll have someone bring water for you.” After speaking, he got off the luohan bed and went outside to instruct the maids.