His wine cup paused mid-air as Gu Chaobei looked up.

He’d just sent someone to stop her, yet she was already at the Eastern Courtyard? What was she doing running over there in the middle of the night? And she still hadn’t returned?

Across from him, Ye Wendao looked up to see Fourth Young Master Gu’s expression suddenly change. He’d just been praising the wine, but now his face looked as if he’d drunk a cockroach from the cup.

“What’s wrong?” As a close friend, Ye Wendao asked with a smile.

“Nothing. A thrush bird from my residence isn’t familiar with the grounds and flew away.” Gu Chaobei sighed, “I’m afraid I need to go back and check.”

Ye Wendao raised his eyebrows: “What kind of bird is so remarkable? Didn’t you promise to spend seven days out here without going home? Don’t tell me you’re making excuses to brush me off?”

“Of course not.” Gu Chaobei chuckled lightly, “It’s truly because that bird is rare and precious. I’ll return under cover of night and be back by dawn. Just pretend I never left.”

Ye Wendao clicked his tongue twice: “You only care about these flowers and birds. What a pity for all those maidens’ hearts. Fine, go ahead. I’ll cover for you here.”

“Many thanks.” Gu Chaobei stood, leisurely excusing himself from the banquet.

“They all said that after Fourth Young Master Gu married Third Miss Shen, there might be some changes, but he’s still the same.” Seeing him leave, someone nearby couldn’t help gossiping a few words, “Previously lacking in studies and now even more immersed in wine and pleasure. It seems those rumors circulating in the capital weren’t necessarily true.”

“What rumors from before?” Someone new to the capital asked with a smile.

“You don’t know—that Third Miss Shen supposedly has an extraordinary destiny, with the fortune to prosper her husband. Several imperial princes and nobility used to compete to arrange an engagement. It was only because the Prime Minister rendered meritorious service to the ruler that this daughter-in-law was secured, only to be wasted on this fourth young master.”

“What use is the fortune to prosper husbands? Look at Fourth Young Master Gu—hasn’t he shown any improvement at all?”

Ye Wendao sipped his wine and chuckled at these words: “Indeed, no improvement at all. What a waste of so many masters’ concerns.”

Leaving the Drunken Flower Pavilion, Gu Chaobei mounted his horse and rode straight toward the Prime Minister’s residence. Zhuiyun followed behind, saying, “It was the eldest young madam who invited Madam over. There shouldn’t be any major incident.”

Gu Chaobei snorted coldly: “It’s precisely because she’s the one who took her that I’m going back. That woman is far from clean.”

Zhuiyun was slightly puzzled. The eldest young madam usually appeared generous and proper—how could she be unclean? Many in the residence felt she was good at managing the household and virtuous, not at all like the willful person rumored outside.

“From now on, you all need to be more vigilant.” As he spurred his horse, Gu Chaobei continued, “Don’t bring anything from the Eastern Courtyard to Madam’s courtyard. Whenever the eldest young madam asks Madam to do something, come tell me.”

“Yes.” Zhuiyun decided to trust his master. Sometimes what the eyes see isn’t necessarily the truth.

Kicking up dust all the way, the horse stopped beside the courtyard wall of the Prime Minister’s residence. Not using the gate, Gu Chaobei expertly scaled the wall, while Zhuiyun led the horse to the stable.

Looking at the quiet surroundings, Gu Chaobei first removed his flashy outer robe, wearing only the dark inner robe beneath, and stealthily made his way to the Eastern Courtyard.

“The flowerpots in the rear courtyard were stacked up—someone stepped on them to climb over the wall.” Yushu was frowning as she reported, “This servant searched around outside but didn’t see anyone. They probably fled long ago.”

“Could an unconscious person climb over the wall by herself?” Shen Guiya was somewhat angry, “Now the game is exposed. Next time we try to use this method against her, it definitely won’t work again. This should have been foolproof—how could she possibly escape?”

Yushu shrank her neck: “Perhaps she has good fortune.”

“Fortune?” Shen Guiya snorted coldly, “What’s there to believe in such superstitious things? I’d rather believe in zodiac signs! Forget it, forget it. Let’s sleep. Anyway, this time she has no evidence against me and can’t do anything to me.”

“Yes.” Yushu quickly came forward to help her change clothes.

She escaped? Gu Chaobei breathed a slight sigh of relief. Uninterested in watching the rest of the scene, he turned and left the Eastern Courtyard.

She actually dodged it herself—one could only say her fortune was good. Shen Guiyan appeared so honest and proper, only fit to be bullied.

Returning to check the Northern Courtyard, that person was indeed already resting. Gu Chaobei entered silently, helplessly discovering she was sleeping quite well.

Not at all like someone who’d been bullied.

Touching his nose, Gu Chaobei chuckled softly, relieved.

In her sleep, Guiyan felt her face itch somewhat, her lips also feeling heated. She couldn’t help but turn over. Afterward, she heard someone’s murmuring voice, then nothing more.

Waking up, it was already bright outside. Shen Guiyan quickly rose. Jiang Shi had already prepared her clothes and morning meal.

“Today Scholar Fu will deliver a plaque to the residence.” Jiang Shi glanced at her, “Madam didn’t rest well?”

Her complexion was rather poor. Shen Guiyan nodded, “Yesterday I learned a lesson, so I didn’t sleep very well.”

That Shen Guiya could actually do such things truly startled her. Fortunately, there was Lady Xu’s help, otherwise this time she couldn’t have escaped.

What blood relatives—she’d almost truly believed that person had changed her nature. These blood relations were perhaps more vicious than unrelated people. This time truly broadened her horizons.

“Scholar Fu is an important court minister. Later the Prime Minister will surely greet him personally, and the residence will be lively again.” Jiang Shi sighed, “Unfortunately, Master isn’t here, so the spotlight will definitely be the Eastern Courtyard’s again.”

Shen Guiyan raised her eyebrows: “Spotlight?”

“Scholar Fu has eight cartloads of talent. He most enjoys composing poetry and is also the chief examiner for this imperial examination.” Jiang Shi said, “Delivering the plaque is just along the way—he’s probably coming to get close to the eldest young master. Who doesn’t know the eldest young master will surely win first place this time?”

Put plainly, having ability wasn’t enough—one still needed to cultivate connections.

Shen Guiyan wasn’t as worried as Jiang Shi. If Gu Chaodong had ability, let him have the spotlight. Right now at court, two factions were contending, the Crown Prince was regent, and the situation was chaotic. She felt that Gu Chaobei’s distance from the court might actually be a good thing.

The plaque Scholar Fu was delivering was the one the Emperor had personally inscribed last time: “A Hundred Years of Harmony.” The Gu residence had started preparing the ceremonial reception early in the morning. Shen Guiya wore an extremely gorgeous robe of red brocade embroidered with a hundred flowers, with a yellow skirt embroidered with silver trim underneath, her head full of dazzling ornaments. Naturally, she looked good, but it was too ostentatious.

Shen Guiya felt nothing was improper and stood happily beside Lady Gu.

Gu Chaodong and Gu Chaonan were both standing early in the great hall. Prime Minister Gu was also waiting. Shen Guiyan arrived rather late, silently taking her place standing in the back.

“Scholar Fu is the Empress’s favored person. Gaining his appreciation is naturally good.” Lady Gu held Shen Guiya’s hand, “I don’t need you to bring glory to Chaodong. Just don’t make any wrong moves or steps later.”

Shen Guiya’s eyes were full of excitement. She nodded in agreement on the surface, but inwardly she was extremely happy. A scholar? Nothing more than poetry and prose. This dynasty didn’t exist in history—she could casually recite some Tang and Song poetry and these people would surely revere them as divine works.

Standing in the back, Shen Guiyan listened, her thoughts turning several times.

The current Empress’s power was overwhelming, her temperament peculiar and difficult to please. If Gu Chaodong entered government service, he would probably serve under her. Who knew if this was good or bad?

“He’s here.” Someone outside quietly announced, and the Prime Minister rose to greet him: “Lord Fu.”

Scholar Fu was a sharp-eyed little old man who laughed heartily upon entering: “Congratulations to the Prime Minister!”

Prime Minister Gu smiled along, looking at the plaque being carried in behind him. This was personally bestowed by the Emperor and was originally sent to find the palace’s imperial craftsman for carving, but the Empress intercepted it. After it was carved like a grace and favor, she specifically had Scholar Fu deliver it.

What needed to be said was simply one sentence: No matter how grand the imperial grace, there’s still the phoenix carriage pressing down alongside.

“Scholar Fu has gone to much trouble.”

Scholar Fu waved his hand, followed to take the seat of honor, and scanned the room: “Where is that pair of newlyweds?”

Shen Guiyan paused, then stepped forward to bow: “This commoner woman, Shen Shi, greets the lord.”

Scholar Fu looked at her, studied her for a while, then smiled: “Fourth Young Master has good fortune.”

Shen Guiyan’s back inexplicably felt somewhat cold. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Scholar Fu’s gaze was too sharp. Just as she was about to say something to divert attention, Prime Minister Gu turned his head and asked Lady Gu, “Where is Bei’er?”

Lady Gu glanced at Scholar Fu and said quietly, “He’s outside and hasn’t returned.”

“Outrageous!” Prime Minister Gu was furious, “Send someone to find him and bring him back! How can this be? The Empress’s grace is such, and he still doesn’t return to give thanks?”

Scholar Fu laughed upon hearing this: “The fourth young master is naturally carefree. Why must you be angry, Prime Minister?”

“Ah, I’ve failed in teaching my son.” Prime Minister Gu sighed, “I hope the Empress won’t take offense.”

“How could she? Prime Minister Gu’s family is loyal and filial—the Empress naturally knows this.” Scholar Fu sat down, smiling with his eyes narrowed.

Everyone in the hall smiled along, making idle conversation.

Seeing the time was about right, Lady Gu said, “A banquet has been prepared. Lord Fu, please proceed to the flower hall.”

“Thank you for the hospitality.” Scholar Fu stood, glanced at Shen Guiyan once more, then walked outside with the Prime Minister, smiling.

“You were always called a talented woman before, weren’t you?” As Shen Guiya passed by her, she suddenly turned and asked with a smile.

Shen Guiyan looked ahead, following the others, ignoring her.

Shen Guiya sneered lightly: “Look at your aloof manner. Later I’ll let you see what a true talented woman is.”

Back at the Shen residence, Shen Guiya had always been unremarkable precisely because Shen Guiyan’s brilliance was too overwhelming. Now it was time for her to turn things around. No matter how talented Shen Guiyan was, could she compare to famous ancient poets?

Walking confidently to the front, Shen Guiya held Lady Gu’s hand and smiled sweetly. Shen Guiyan followed behind, her face showing no ripples.

During the banquet, dancing girls performed, but Scholar Fu seemed uninterested, so everyone else was also listless and couldn’t speak. High officials’ residences generally kept dancing girls to please distinguished guests, but those in the Prime Minister’s residence were too old-fashioned—both the dance costumes and choreography were unremarkable.

Seeing Lady Gu’s worried expression, Shen Guiya felt her moment to perform had arrived.

“The banquet is dull. Why don’t we discuss poetry instead?” Shen Guiya spoke up, “Yesterday, Guiya happened upon a verse of poetry. Hearing that Lord Fu is an expert in such matters, I wanted to present it for your evaluation.”