Du Residence.

Study.

The door banged open as Du Yiyun burst in.

The father and three sons who were talking couldn’t help but freeze.

Du Jianxue’s face darkened. “Not a shred of propriety. Don’t you know to announce yourself before entering?”

“Father!”

Du Yiyun stepped forward, chin slightly raised. “Are you marrying me to He Yun?”

Du Jianxue knew he couldn’t hide it, so he said directly, “The Marquis of Wu’an’s residence matches our family in status. You and He Yun are also of similar age. Marrying him won’t wrong you.”

“How does it not wrong me? What kind of trash is He Yun? Does Father truly not know?”

“Men—which young one doesn’t indulge in women a bit? Once married with a son or daughter, things will be fine.”

“Is he indulging in women?”

Du Yiyun had been eloquent and bold since childhood, daring to say anything.

“Who in the capital doesn’t know He Yun accepts both women and men? If daughter marries such a person, what happiness can there be in the rest of my life? You’re pushing me into a fire pit.”

Du Jianxue was left speechless by her questions.

Du Yiyun reached out and took hold of Du Jianxue’s sleeve, acting coquettishly. “Father, I won’t marry. Help me refuse this match.”

Refuse it?

How?

Du Jianxue looked at the daughter he’d doted on since childhood and could only steel his heart.

“No matter how improper He Yun is, he’s still the heir apparent. If you marry in, you’ll be the heir apparent’s wife with certainty. What will you have to worry about for the rest of your life?”

Du Yiyun never imagined her own father would speak such grand-sounding words. She stood frozen in shock.

“He Yun may be improper, but he is the heir. You marry in and become the heir’s wife with certainty. What more could you want for your life?”

“No matter how much dowry Father gives me, I still won’t marry.”

“Outrageous.”

“I am being outrageous, and I won’t marry. Don’t even think about forcing me, or using my marriage to trade for your bright future.”

Du Jianxue, his secrets laid bare, backhanded her with a slap. “You dare!”

This slap was both heavy and loud, completely stunning Du Yiyun. She stared blankly at Du Jianxue for a long while before running out crying, covering her face.

Eldest Master Du tried to persuade with a stiff neck. “Father, that He Yun’s character is really too…”

“Bastard, is now the time to discuss character?”

Du Jianxue’s belly was full of fire, burning sky-high.

“This marriage was brokered by the Prince. What can I do? Every one of you is useless—accomplishing nothing but ruining everything. Get out, all of you!”

“Father?”

“Out!”

The two sons slunk out in defeat.

Du Jianxue collapsed into his chair, his fists pounding the armrests in frustration.

It was all that dead Lu Shi’s fault. That imperial examination fraud case had stirred up endless trouble for him.

If not for protecting the black cap on his head, would he marry his precious daughter to that He bastard?

Damn it, truly unlucky this year.

…

“Achoo, achoo!”

In the warm pavilion, He Yun sneezed twice in succession. “Who’s cursing me?”

The young male companion in his arms pressed his lips close. “Who would dare curse you? Most likely it’s those little vixens outside—every one of them pining for Young Master.”

“Does my treasure pine for me?”

“Pining to death, missing you to death.”

The young companion writhed like a shapeless mudfish, burrowing into He Yun’s embrace. He Yun’s heart raced, his eyes reddened, and with a slight effort of his hands, he pressed the person down onto the couch.

Just then, a voice came from outside the door.

“Wenyu?”

This call extinguished He Wenyu’s wicked fire instantly. He straightened up and adjusted his clothing.

“Come in quickly.”

The person who entered was Xie Buhuo.

He Wenyu waved his hand, and the young companion immediately took the hint and left, closing the door.

“What brings you to find me?”

“One piece of good news, one piece of bad news.”

He Wenyu smiled. “Which does Second Master want to hear first?”

“The good news.”

“Early this morning, someone came to arrange a marriage for me.”

Xie Buhuo thought of this man’s notorious reputation in the capital, shook his head, and smiled. “Well, that really is good news. What about the bad news?”

“They mentioned Du Jianxue’s daughter Du Yiyun.”

“Why her?”

Xie Buhuo’s expression changed several times. “Who arranged it?”

He Wenyu bumped him with his shoulder. “Guess?”

“I won’t guess. You tell me.”

He Wenyu dipped his finger in some wine and wrote a character on the table—Han.

Xie Buhuo’s gaze instantly turned cold.

He Wenyu leaned forward, smiling wickedly. “I need Second Master to give me an answer—should I marry this Du Yiyun or not?”

“Why ask me about this? Ask your parents!”

“My parents would naturally be willing. What kind of person is Du Yiyun? A famous talented lady of the capital. Marrying her would elevate the Marquis of Wu’an residence’s gates considerably.”

He Wenyu clicked his tongue. “It’s just that the people behind the Du residence truly give my father headaches.”

“If it gives him headaches, don’t marry her.”

“That won’t do.”

He Wenyu’s smile revealed his roguish charm and amorous eyes.

“When a woman marries a chicken she follows the chicken, when she marries a dog she follows the dog. Once she enters my He family’s door, Du Yiyun has no connection to the Du family whatsoever.

If the Du family and those behind them want to cause trouble, I’ll play dumb and act ignorant. They wouldn’t have the guts to force my father either.

If things fail, it’s none of my concern. I get a wife who can hold up appearances for free. If things succeed, I can even benefit somewhat. Don’t you think that’s the logic?”

Xie Buhuo sneered coldly. “If things fail, can it truly be none of your concern? What if they come for a reckoning later?”

“Excellent question!”

He Wenyu clapped his hands, smiling with wicked charm.

“That depends on whether the Crown Prince knows how to conduct himself. If he’s truly determined to win me over, then I can choose not to marry Miss Du. After all, she’s just a woman.”

Xie Buhuo was struck speechless.

Who said this guy was crooked?

Inside, he was sharper than anyone, understanding the ways of officialdom perfectly clear.

…

No matter how deep the night, dawn always comes.

Xie Zhifei had only slept shallowly for two hours before opening his eyes and calling “Zhu Qing.” When no one answered for a long while, he remembered he’d sent both Zhu Qing and Ding Yi out on tasks.

Moments later, Xiaohong and Lüqi entered carrying a washbasin.

After Steward Xie’s stern lecture, both had become much more honest in their thoughts.

After helping Third Master dress and wash, Xiaohong asked softly, “Master, where should breakfast be served?”

“Don’t have the kitchen send it. I’ll go mooch a meal at Second Brother’s place.”

Xiaohong watched Third Master’s retreating back and nudged Lüqi with her elbow. “When did Third Master become close with Second Master?”

“Ask fewer questions about the masters’ affairs. Do your duties properly.”

Lüqi was truly frightened. “If Third Master tells us to leave again, we’ll really have to go.”

The courtyard where Second Master Xie lived was called Shallow Cloud Residence.

The courtyard wasn’t large but was extremely quiet. Several maids saw Third Master entering and their eyes widened in shock.

Third Master and Second Master had never gotten along and never visited this courtyard. Had the sun risen from the west today?

Xie Buhuo was being attended by two senior maids as they changed his clothes. Hearing that Third Brother had come, after a long while he said leisurely:

“How rare indeed!”