Shen Guiyan took a few steps toward Zuihua Pavilion, but stopped at the entrance, looked down at herself, then looked at Han Jiangxue.

Could they go in looking like this?

The sky was already growing somewhat dark, and red lanterns were slowly being hung out at the surrounding shops. When the matron came out to hang lanterns, she saw these two people standing at the entrance.

“You two…” After looking Shen Guiyan over a few times, the matron had seen her before. Looking at her outfit, she smiled. “Are you going in to find someone?”

Seeing the madam smile so calmly, the two young ladies felt rather embarrassed instead. Shen Guiyan steeled herself. “I wonder if Madam could do us a favor?”

The matron made a gesture of “please.” “Zuihua Pavilion refuses no guests, male or female. The entrance fee is one tael per person.”

Han Jiangxue was startled. One tael per person—it really was a money pit. Ordinary common folk could hardly earn one tael of silver in two months.

Shen Guiyan had already taken out the silver, asking softly, “Does Madam know which room Lord Yuwen is in?”

The matron took the silver and smiled. “You two, please go upstairs.”

Having navigated this world of pleasure houses for many years, she had probably seen plenty of such situations. The matron directly led them to the room next to the one where Yuwen Houde was.

The soundproofing of this wall was not very good. The sounds from the other side could be heard clearly if one pressed an ear to it.

“I’ve accepted the list of items. Why haven’t you left yet?” A woman’s voice—Shen Guiyan found it somewhat familiar but couldn’t recall where she had heard it.

Yuwen Houde laughed. “After accepting such a large dowry from me, you want to drive me away? You heartless little thing. I’ve spent several years of salary on you. What’s wrong with sitting a bit longer?”

Han Jiangxue’s face turned pale. She stared blankly at Shen Guiyan. Shen Guiyan frowned and signaled her to remain calm for now.

“They’re about to open for guests. I’m afraid the Crown Prince will come again today. If he sees you, wouldn’t that be offensive?” the woman said. “Don’t ruin our grand scheme.”

Yuwen Houde snorted twice, then there was a commotion of tables and chairs. The woman called out softly, as if entangled by someone. “Don’t act rashly. If the matron finds out, I’m finished. I’m preserving my virtue for the Crown Prince!”

“Hmph, didn’t you give your virtue to me long ago? What’s there to preserve?” Yuwen Houde scoffed.

Han Jiangxue couldn’t listen anymore. She turned and walked out. Shen Guiyan followed her. Passing by the neighboring door, feeling indignant, she pushed it open with one hand, then pulled Han Jiangxue and ran downstairs.

“Ah!” When the door was pushed open, both people inside were startled. The matron happened to be watching from across the hall. Seeing the scene inside that room, she shouted across the great hall at the top of her voice, “Don’t commit sins! Hanlu, your body has been given to someone. If you take on this client again, I won’t be able to answer to the Crown Prince, and you can forget about entering a noble household!”

Yuwen Houde angrily released Hanlu and turned to leave the room. “Which fool who doesn’t value his life dares to push my door?”

A corner of black clothing disappeared down the stairway. Yuwen Houde hurried after, chasing all the way to the entrance of Zuihua Pavilion.

Han Jiangxue stopped running. With red eyes, she turned to look at him.

“My lady?” Yuwen Houde was shocked. Looking at Shen Guiyan beside her, he frowned. “How did you…”

“My lord has deceived me terribly.” Han Jiangxue wanted to smile, but tears fell directly. “I wait for you at home every day, look forward to you, make clothes for you, manage the household affairs. Yet you run to this place, offering up gold and silver to win another’s favor!”

Yuwen Houde panicked somewhat. He stepped forward wanting to grasp Han Jiangxue’s hand, but was blocked by Shen Guiyan.

“Listen to my explanation.”

“Then explain. I’m listening,” Lady Han said, looking at him with red eyes. “Even if my lord continues to deceive me, it’s fine. As long as you can explain it clearly, can tell me why this is.”

Yuwen Houde opened his mouth. Looking at Han Jiangxue’s expression, he actually didn’t know what to say. By the looks of it, she had heard everything he and Hanlu said. What excuse could he use to explain preparing a dowry for Hanlu?

Seeing he couldn’t speak, the last bit of light in Han Jiangxue’s eyes also disappeared. She grasped Shen Guiyan’s hand. “Let’s go.”

Shen Guiyan nodded and helped her mount the horse at the side, then got on herself.

“My lady!” Yuwen Houde truly panicked now. He blocked the horse’s path. “I only erred this once. Can’t you forgive me?”

Han Jiangxue’s heart had been thrown into an icy cavern, already frozen numb. Hearing him say anything more was useless. She only tugged at Shen Guiyan’s sleeve and said softly, “Elder sister, I’d like to stay at your home for a period of time.”

Shen Guiyan nodded. “You may stay as long as you wish.”

With that, she urged the horse forward. She couldn’t ride well, so the horse’s speed wasn’t fast, but the hooves rose high. Yuwen Houde still moved aside.

Let Lady Han calm down. She was soft-hearted—once her anger subsided, he could go speak sweet words. Right now was a critical moment. He wanted to use Hanlu’s connections to climb up, so he couldn’t worry about other things.

Shen Guiyan brought Han Jiangxue back to the North Courtyard. She had Baoshan tidy up a room for her to stay in and instructed the servants to treat her as the mistress. Han Jiangxue was heartbroken and sat on a stool without saying a word. Shen Guiyan didn’t disturb her. She instructed the kitchen to prepare dinner, and when Gu Chaobei returned, the three of them would eat together.

“Why keep her in the residence?” Gu Chaobei asked curiously. “She’s the wife of my direct superior.”

While serving food to Lady Han, Shen Guiyan said, “Counting the days, your promotion should come in these next few days. Once you’re promoted, need we fear Yuwen Houde coming to demand her back? This is the Chancellor’s residence.”

Gu Chaobei pursed his lips. He didn’t understand matters between women, but these two suddenly becoming so close truly surprised him.

Han Jiangxue stayed at Gu Manor just like that. Lady Gu came to ask a few questions. After Shen Guiyan answered, she didn’t meddle further. Gu Chaodong wanted to leave the residence to establish his own household, so Lady Gu had no energy to manage North Courtyard affairs.

When Xu Mengdie came over and saw Han Jiangxue, she was very pleased. Holding her hand, she gave her many things, making Han Jiangxue feel somewhat embarrassed. “Why so courteous?”

“Sister, one can see you’re blessed,” Xu Mengdie smiled. “Whatever setbacks you have now needn’t worry you. In the future you will surely be wealthy and noble.”

These words sounded somewhat familiar. Shen Guiyan looked at Xu Mengdie and couldn’t help thinking—did this person praise everyone she met as blessed and destined to be wealthy and noble in the future?

Gu Chaobei’s promotion order came down. He was promoted from Commander to Lieutenant General under Yuwen Changqing, with authority over five thousand troops. Going out, people had to respectfully address him as “General Gu,” yet Gu Chaobei remained as casual as ever. Anyone who saw him thought him unreliable.

Yuwen Houde also rode some evil wind and was actually transferred from under Yuwen Changqing’s command to the Southern Camp.

Originally Yuwen Changqing had already taken back all of Yuwen Houde’s men, but when he transferred to the Southern Camp, not only did he regain military authority, he also seemed to be quite favored by General Lian, becoming a close attendant. Within a few days, he even moved out of Yuwen Manor.

This clearly meant severing relations with Yuwen Manor! Everyone was somewhat surprised. Upon inquiry, they learned that Yuwen Houde had presented a beauty to the Crown Prince, so the Crown Prince promoted him all the way, letting him pass his days in the Southern Camp.

Gu Chaobei snorted with laughter. “That songstress was sent out from my establishment. When did she become his?”

Zhuiyun said in a low voice, “The matron said that everything for Miss Hanlu’s entry into the Crown Prince’s residence, including the dowry, was all prepared by Lord Yuwen, saying she was some distant relative of Lord Yuwen.”

“Distant relative?” Shen Guiyan snorted. A bed companion was more like it.

Han Jiangxue sat to the side, her face still expressionless. After so many days, Yuwen Houde had never come to fetch her. She had also figured it out—as Guiyan said, men’s hearts change easily. Why should she shatter her heart over him? If she thought more about his faults, she could naturally let go gradually.

“The flower garden by the training grounds has autumn flowers blooming beautifully today,” Gu Chaobei said, glancing at Han Jiangxue. He said softly, “Would my wife and Lady Yuwen like to go see them with me?”

“Just call me Jiangxue,” Lady Han said softly. “Don’t call me Lady Yuwen anymore.”

Seeing her mood still low, Shen Guiyan pulled her along. “Alright, let’s go look at the flowers together. It’s a good opportunity to relax.”

After hesitating a moment, Lady Han nodded. In any case, waiting in this residence, no one would come.

Yuwen Houde was in high spirits. Hanlu had already entered the Crown Prince’s residence and was said to be quite favored, which lifted him up as well. Now he could finally escape Yuwen Changqing’s shadow and forge his own path openly, sparing him from people always gossiping behind his back.

Everyone he met flattered him. His new residence had also been arranged. As soon as he returned, there were maids, servants, and concubines coming up to attend to him. His days were most pleasant.

“I’m back,” he said with a smile, pushing open the door to the main quarters.

Inside was empty. No one answered him. Instead, a concubine outside the room hurried out and responded, “My lord has returned.”

Yuwen Houde was somewhat dazed. He reached his hand toward that room, always feeling there should be something there.

It had already been half a month, and Xue’er still hadn’t returned. This time, had she truly given up? He had been busy all along and hadn’t thought about the fact that she still hadn’t come back.

His heart sank a bit. Yuwen Houde’s face darkened. “Mm, I’m back. Go prepare a meal. I have to go out again this afternoon.”

Her not returning was her loss. Now he was successful, his future bright. Only a fool would abandon him.

After lunch, he left with a dark expression. In the afternoon, General Lian had instructed him to go to the Eastern Camp to handle some transitional matters. He rode there and asked someone where Gu Chaobei was. The soldier pointed him toward, “He’s strolling with his wife in the flower garden next door.”

What leisure! Yuwen Houde snorted coldly. That person must have stepped in dog shit to have such good luck—doing nothing yet becoming a high official, and having a wife who constantly accompanied him.

He turned his horse toward the garden. From afar, he saw Gu Chaobei half-embracing a woman, walking slowly.

“Does it hurt?”

“It’s fine now.”

The tone was soft and gentle, but he recognized the voice. Walking a bit closer, Yuwen Houde’s lungs nearly exploded. “Gu Chaobei!”

Hearing this fierce shout, Gu Chaobei didn’t turn around, but the Lady Han he was supporting frowned and glanced over.