The wedding candle, thick as a child’s arm, stood on the table. It was exquisitely crafted, with dragons and phoenixes carved lifelike on its surface. Dragon scales were brushed with gold powder, phoenix feathers dyed in brilliant, changing colors.

They coiled around the bright red candle body, exuding an air of wealth and celebration. The wick burned steadily, eating a deep hollow in the wax core. A pool of bright melted wax gathered in the center, contained by thin wax walls, not yet overflowing.

Seventh Miss Niu had already retired to the guest room. The guests had long left the bridal chamber, leaving only a row of personal maids and elderly attendants. Fifth Miss Niu had removed her pearl headdress and ceremonial robes, changing into a thin red full-length gown with wide sleeves and a matching outer robe, sitting quietly on the new bed reading.

Elderly Maid Chang, assigned by the Zhao family, received news and carefully approached to report: “Young Madam, the Young Master couldn’t hold his liquor and was made terribly drunk by General Song and the others. The senior Madam had him stay in the front courtyard to sober up. It might take a few more hours.”

Seventh Miss Niu set aside her book. She stood and walked to the wedding candle, her long fingernail lightly scratching the dragon candle, letting the pooled hot wax flow out through the breach. It dripped down, gradually solidifying. A festering wound needs to be drained to heal. Since she was married now, sooner or later Zhao Xiuyuan would have to face her appearance.

“Since the Young Master is drunk, bring him here and let me attend to him.”

Elderly Maid Chang half-opened her mouth, then decided the Young Madam’s suggestion was quite virtuous. She softly agreed and personally led people with a sedan chair to fetch Zhao Xiuyuan.

Meanwhile, the Vine Garden was brightly lit. Old Master Zhao led his eldest son and wife along with Zhao Xiuyuan up to the second floor, their faces grave.

“Grandfather, look.” Zhao Xiuyuan took out the key and opened the door, picking up the scattered ropes from the floor.

Seeing the cut ends of the ropes, Old Master Zhao remained silent. He walked to the wide-open window. In the faint moonlight, he easily made out the Ji family residence.

In the deep night, only the Ji household still had a dim light burning.

“Reporting to Old Master, Master, Madam, and Second Young Master: Ji Fu has harnessed a carriage to fetch a physician. It’s said Madam Ji vomited blood and remains unconscious. Second Miss Ji returned home at the beginning of the dog watch.” Zhao Ping stood at the doorway with lowered hands, reporting softly.

Madam Zhao’s face turned pale with anger: “Paying debts is heaven’s law! Hmph, at dawn I’ll send people to bring Second Miss Ji back…”

“Foolish woman!” Old Master Zhao scolded harshly, “To take Second Miss Ji into the Zhao family, besides debt collection, can we not show mercy? Make her come to us willingly?”

Madam Zhao trembled in fear, lowering her head in trepidation.

Zhao Xiuyuan lifted his robe and knelt, gritting his teeth: “Grandfather, calm your anger. This matter was my own initiative, Mother had nothing to do with it.”

Old Master Zhao said flatly: “Just based on that letter, without even knowing who sent it, what were you thinking?”

Zhao Xiuyuan closed his eyes briefly, deeply regretting his carelessness: “Perhaps they want to use us to achieve their own goals. I want Second Miss Ji, they want the Ji family’s secret formula. Our interests don’t conflict.”

“What’s done is done. But someone rescued her.” Old Master Zhao’s gaze grew colder than moonlight, “Do you understand now?”

Zhao Xiuyuan lowered his head: “It must be the letter sender who rescued Second Miss Ji, showing benevolence to the Ji family. That fire—such coincidences don’t exist. The Zhao family… was used as a pawn.”

He suddenly raised his head, his face full of indignant humiliation: “Grandfather, at this point, why can’t we directly demand Second Miss Ji as debt payment?”

“At this point…” Old Master Zhao sighed deeply, “Second Master, the Zhao family still needs its reputation! Madam Ji falls ill, the Huanhua Dye Shop suddenly catches fire, suffering heavy losses. At this critical moment, if the Zhao family uses debt notes due next year in the fourth or fifth month to force payment, do you want everyone to believe the Zhao family set that fire? Do you want people pointing fingers at the Zhao family?”

Madam Zhao couldn’t hold back anymore, muttering softly: “Are we just going to waste those thousands of copper coins we spent?”

Old Master Zhao smiled coldly: “Since we’ve already broken with the Ji family, we certainly won’t waste the money. Just wait—many covet the Ji family’s secret formula. They want the Zhao family to take the blame, but we’ll sit back and watch the tigers fight. When the Ji family is completely destitute, that will be the Zhao family’s opportunity.”

There’s still a chance! Zhao Xiuyuan secretly clenched his fists. He would wait!

At this moment, Elderly Maid Chang sent someone to the Vine Garden: “…Second Young Madam instructed us to carry the Young Master back, she’ll attend to him personally.”

Old Master Zhao’s expression softened: “Second Master, marry for virtue, take concubines for beauty. Fifth Miss Niu may not have looks, but the benefits she brings you are beyond what Second Miss Ji could provide. In the future… it will all be up to you.”

“I understand. Grandfather, please rest early. Father, Mother, your son takes his leave.” Zhao Xiuyuan bowed deeply and turned to leave.

He had already been drinking, and deliberately spilled more alcohol on his clothes, returning to the bridal chamber reeking of wine.

Zhao Xiuyuan kept his eyes closed, feigning drunkenness as he was carried onto the couch.

He heard Fifth Miss Niu’s gentle voice. She ordered someone to bring sobering soup and hot water. Soon, a hot cloth was placed on his face. The scent of powder lingered at his nose.

Zhao Xiuyuan, eyes still closed, caught Fifth Miss Niu’s hand. The delicate wrist, the smooth skin. He thought again of Ji Yingying, rescued by that mysterious person. Grandfather was right—this marriage alliance with the Niu family would be a powerful aid to the Zhao family.

Fifth Miss Niu gazed at his refined features, involuntarily remembering Yang Jingyuan’s sun-bright face. Her husband could not be inferior to Yang Jingyuan. She said quietly: “Young Master is awake? Would you like to drink some sobering soup?”

Zhao Xiuyuan obligingly opened his eyes slowly.

What a face it was! With the powder washed away, the upper half was jade-white, her pupils clear. Her cheeks were densely covered with light brown spots, like brown sugar spilled from inside a white flatbread. Up close, one could see the pits formed by the spots. He startled, violently throwing Fifth Miss Niu’s hand away.

Fifth Miss Niu giggled. She touched her cheeks, asking softly: “Frightening?”

A kind of satisfaction flickered in her clear eyes. Because of this face, all her good qualities went unseen. She would never forget how she had once hoped Yang Jingyuan would discover her worth. Now, she no longer hoped. She would take control of her own fate. She would never let anyone trample her life again.

Zhao Xiuyuan took a deep breath, that feeling of unwillingness growing stronger. After all, he married her for the Niu family’s power. Now that she had entered the Zhao family, she was no longer in control. He composed himself, moving his gaze from her face, and said flatly: “With the lights out, it’s all the same.”