Jin Chao was receiving guests in the side hall of the west courtyard’s main building.

Madam Ji Wu had arrived with her eldest aunt-in-law Madam Song, her third cousin-in-law Madam Liu, and her fourth cousin-in-law Madam Chen.

It had been a long time since she had seen her maternal grandmother, and Jin Chao missed her very much. After paying respects to Madam Song and Madam Liu, she hesitated when she saw Madam Chen… Chen Xuan was her cousin-in-law, but she would have to call Third Master “Third Uncle.” How should she address her?

Madam Ji Wu smiled and took her hand: “Let me tell you some good news—your fourth cousin-in-law is with child…”

Jin Chao congratulated Madam Chen, whose face turned red with embarrassment. With the auspicious longevity hairpin set with gemstones adorning her temples, she looked especially charming.

Soon the Second Madam arrived, dressed neatly in a crimson double-happiness patterned Hangzhou silk padded jacket. She first paid her respects to Madam Ji Wu, then invited the eldest aunt-in-law and the others to the flower hall. Female relatives from Duke Dingguo’s mansion and Marquis Yongyang’s household had also come, making it perfect for a game of mahjong.

The eldest aunt-in-law took the two cousins-in-law with her. Madam Ji Wu asked Jin Chao to accompany her for a walk.

Jin Chao held her grandmother’s arm as they walked along the winding corridor of the west courtyard, with maids and servants following behind with stools and other items. Madam Ji Wu sighed deeply and asked her: “What exactly is going on with Third Master Chen?”

Jin Chao was silent for a moment, not knowing how to explain this to her grandmother, and could only say: “…We’ve met before, and I think he’s suitable.”

Madam Ji Wu continued: “When your grandmother received your letter, I was quite startled. Do you know what kind of person Third Master Chen is? You’re still young, while he already holds the position of Minister of Revenue. Although he appears cultured and gentle, he is deep and calculating, capable of ruthlessness… I fear you’ll suffer. Moreover, Third Master Chen is much older than you, and his family status far exceeds yours…” No matter how she phrased it, Madam Ji Wu was worried about Jin Chao.

The child she had cherished and protected was now about to be married.

Unfortunately, though she could protect Jin Chao for a time, she couldn’t do so for a lifetime.

She had originally hoped Jin Chao might marry Ji Yao, but then the incident with the Zhao family happened… Madam Ji Wu recalled that day when, after hearing about Jin Chao’s engagement, Ji Yao remained silent for a long time before finally saying: “As long as she’s happy.” Having watched him grow up, how could she not know the pain in his heart?

The candle in Ji Yao’s study burned all night, and early the next morning, he left for Jizhou to handle business at the trading company. He hadn’t returned yet.

Jin Chao thought for a moment and said: “Grandmother, I’ve considered all this. You needn’t worry. You must trust me.”

Madam Ji Wu smiled and said: “Of course I trust you. As long as you’re happy, your grandmother will be content… As long as the Third Master treats you well, it doesn’t matter if you’re his second wife. I’ve met Madam Jiang before—she was virtuous and gentle, and she and Third Master Chen treated each other with respect, though somewhat distantly. A man like Third Master Chen has a strong sense of responsibility. Even if he doesn’t care for you, as long as you bear his name, he will protect you for life…”

The two chatted as they walked, and Jin Chao wanted to take her grandmother to sit in Yan Xiu Hall. But someone came running breathlessly behind them.

Jin Chao turned to see it was Cai Fu, who hurriedly paid her respects and said in a low voice: “Miss, the Young Master wishes to see you.”

Jin Chao frowned. What was Ye Xian doing here?

“Did he say why he came?”

Cai Fu shook her head: “I don’t know why. The Young Master is sitting in Yan Xiu Hall waiting for you. The guards he brought are all carrying weapons. The servant who escorted him in was frightened and ran to inform the Old Madam…”

Jin Chao’s heart sank. She instructed Cai Fu to accompany her grandmother to the flower hall while she returned to Yan Xiu Hall with Qing Pu.

His arrival with such a grand display… was meant to tell others that he had a connection with her. Jin Chao felt a headache coming on. Why didn’t he consider the implications for others at all?

When Jin Chao returned to Yan Xiu Hall, she indeed saw a group of tall, expressionless guards with swords at their waists standing outside the door. Inside, Bai Yun was anxiously looking around and hurried over when she saw Jin Chao return: “…The Young Master is in the main hall.”

Jin Chao said: “Run to the east courtyard and inform the Old Madam about this.” No matter what, she needed to let Madam Feng know.

After Bai Yun acknowledged and left, Jin Chao walked toward the main hall.

Ye Xian sat in the master chair drinking tea. In the bright sunlight, his face was as white and luminous as jade.

Hearing the sound, he turned to look. Jin Chao was wearing a white jacket with light green bamboo leaf patterns and a lake-colored Xiang skirt. Her expression appeared no different, though her eyes held some reproach and confusion as she looked at him… She entered the main hall and greeted him: “I hope the Young Master is well. Our household is celebrating a joyous occasion. Have you come to attend the ceremony? If so, you should go to the west courtyard.”

Ye Xian stood up and walked to her, “I thought you were the one getting married…”

Jin Chao smiled and shook her head. “It’s my father who is remarrying. The Xu family will arrive with the bride shortly. Why don’t you come with me to the west courtyard?”

If they stayed here any longer, it would truly become difficult to explain. The Gu family didn’t know they were acquainted.

Jin Chao took a step forward, intending to invite Ye Xian to the west courtyard to talk. But he suddenly reached out and grabbed her hand.

This wasn’t what he had expected. He had thought Jin Chao’s marriage to Third Master Chen was forced upon her, that the Gu family or Chen family would pressure her. She should have been miserable… He had come to rescue her. But Jin Chao’s expression was completely calm and relaxed.

Gu Jin Chao was startled by the Young Master’s action. No matter how casual he had been before, he would never do something like this!

“Young Master, let go of me!” She struggled several times, but Ye Xian’s hand didn’t budge. Growing annoyed, she said, “If others see this, how can I explain? I’m already engaged. You cannot behave this way anymore…”

Ye Xian held her hand firmly and asked in a low voice: “You are engaged to Chen Yan Yun?”

What did this have to do with him?

Jin Chao glared at him fiercely: “Young Master, if you’ve come to attend the banquet, please go to the west courtyard. You can’t harm me like this…”

Ye Xian looked at her quietly and said: “You cannot marry Chen Yan Yun… Do you know what kind of person he is? He can send his subordinates to their deaths and is heartless enough to cut off his brothers. You’re so naive—how will you contend with him after marriage?”

Jin Chao was truly angry now and said in a low voice: “Ye Xian, don’t be unreasonable. My affairs have nothing to do with you. I can judge for myself what kind of person Third Master Chen is. I don’t need you to tell me!”

Ye Xian smiled. Her affairs had nothing to do with him… Yes, Gu Jin Chao had helped him once. He felt indebted to her and thought she was being bullied by others, wanting to help her escape this marriage. But learning that she was willing to marry Chen, he felt even more uncomfortable…

What exactly did he want to do? Holding her hand regardless of consequences, seemingly with the thought that ‘if others see, so be it, it might even be better.’ A woman’s reputation cannot be tarnished, so what was he trying to accomplish?

He closed his eyes, and when he reopened them, they were clear. “What good is Third Master Chen apart from his high status?”

He continued calmly: “If you want to marry someone of high status… why not marry me? Isn’t the position of a Marchioness high enough? With me protecting you, no one would dare bully you.”

Ye Xian thought this was a good idea. After all, he had to marry someone. How perfect to marry Gu Jin Chao, who was so interesting.

Madam Feng had just entered and heard this, nearly slipping in shock.

What did the Young Master mean? Had he taken a liking to Gu Jin Chao?

One Gu Jin Chao and Third Master Chen’s proposal wasn’t enough. Now even the Young Master had come. What extraordinary fortune did she possess?

Gu Jin Chao heard the sound, and in desperation, bit Ye Xian’s hand. He let out a pained cry, allowing Gu Jin Chao to break free.

Madam Feng coughed, her expression more severe than ever before. She immediately instructed Nanny Xu to close the courtyard gate and stand guard, preventing others from entering, as she approached Fu Ling. She smiled and said: “It’s rare for the Young Master to visit. Why have you come to Zhao’er’s place? She’s just a woman who hasn’t seen much of the world. I fear she can’t entertain you properly.” As she spoke, she stepped in front of Gu Jin Chao.

No matter what, Gu Jin Chao was engaged to Third Master Chen. If something happened now, her reputation would be ruined.

Even if this person was the Young Master, that fact remained unchanged.

The Heir of Marquis Chang Xing was someone Gu Jin Chao couldn’t afford to offend.

Ye Xian tucked his hand into his sleeve. Her bite had been hasty and forceful, making his hand numb with pain. When he looked at Gu Jin Chao again, she had turned her gaze away to a pot of devil’s ivy, refusing to acknowledge him.

It was as if he had been slapped awake. Gu Jin Chao had been pushed to her limit by him.

Had what he said just now gone too far…

Jin Chao took a deep breath. She had witnessed Ye Xian’s willfulness before, but never as profoundly as today. She bowed to Madam Feng and said: “Grandmother, I have a few words to say to the Young Master…” asking her to leave the main hall. She was determined to make herself clear, regardless of other considerations.

Madam Feng glanced at Gu Jin Chao, hesitating, but still withdrew.

Jin Chao thought for a moment and said to Ye Xian: “Young Master, I don’t know what you’re thinking. You are a Young Master—what do worldly constraints mean to you? But I’m different. I am a woman, and I’m about to be married. What else can I do?”

Ye Xian looked at her for a long time before speaking: “With my protection, what are you afraid of? I’d like to see who dares to harm you.”

Jin Chao almost laughed from anger.

“You may not be afraid, but I am. If you truly wish me well, then don’t come looking for me anymore…”

Jin Chao bowed, “Consider it… repayment for the help I once gave you.” With that, she walked out of the main hall.

She could only assume it was a momentary impulse on his part, though in her heart she was surely angry at his reckless behavior.

Ye Xian lowered his eyes and said nothing more as if all of this had been nothing but a farce. He had left the Chang Xing Marquis’s mansion with his assassins, intending to rescue her, but Gu Jin Chao saw him as merely a nuisance.

All the fatigue Ye Xian had been suppressing surged forth—he had, after all, gone without rest for a long time.

After leaving the main hall, he stood for a long while. The Gu household was decorated with festive lanterns and colored banners everywhere, and he could hear the sounds of celebration from beyond the wall. Madam Feng still stood nearby, seemingly wanting to say something to him, but Ye Xian waved his hand and said softly to Li Xian Huai: “Let’s go back.”

He had promised to grant any request.

He couldn’t act recklessly and harm her.

As long as this was what she wanted, he had no reason to interfere too much. And Jin Chao didn’t want his interference…

Ye Xian’s hand clenched tightly, the wound from her bite beginning to throb with pain.