Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: Madam, May I Stay with You Tonight...?

“Still, the lady is virtuous.” After sitting down, Cheng Wenyuan hesitated for a moment before saying, “There are many rumors about the Marquis’s residence outside now; surely the General’s household has heard of them. Otherwise, tomorrow I shall accompany you to the General’s residence to explain a few things to the old general...”

“No need.”

Chu Yao rejected coldly.

“There’s no need to explain this matter. Rest assured, Young Master, the General’s household will not cause you trouble.”

“That is natural. Wenyuan knows the General’s household’s integrity well. I was only wondering if I should humble myself and seek forgiveness from the old general...”

“No need.”

“Then, we shall follow the lady’s decision.”

Cheng Wenyuan looked at Chu Yao, deliberately wearing a forlorn expression.

He still hoped that Chu Yao would agree to go to the General’s residence.

After all, the old general’s rank was high, with many old acquaintances and friends in the court.

The old general was also deeply favored by the Emperor.

If the old general could speak on his behalf, perhaps he would soon be reinstated.

He put on a look of defeat to show the woman who was infatuated with him the difficulties he faced.

Cheng Wenyuan fully expected the always understanding Chu Yao to offer to help him out of his predicament.

But she did not!

Not even a single question.

After much hesitation, Cheng Wenyuan could only shamelessly ask, “Madam, I wonder if the old general might speak to His Majesty for me...

We are husband and wife, sharing honor and disgrace together.

I admit I have wronged you in this matter, but in the future, I will treat you well and make amends.

Madam, I could stay tonight in Yaoguang Pavilion...”

“Pfft—”

Chu Yao couldn’t hold it in and spat out the sip of tea she had just taken.

If the matriarch were here, she would be scolding her for lack of decorum.

Chu Yao’s thoughts lingered on Cheng Wenyuan’s last words.

What did he mean?

He said he could stay tonight in Yaoguang Pavilion!

Meaning, as long as she persuaded her grandfather to help him, he was willing to sacrifice his virtue...

Cheng Wenyuan was actually willing to offer himself for his own future?!

Did he think she cared?!

She had long seen through that selfish and hypocritical man.

Her heart held only hatred and disgust for him.

He even treated her like a bargaining chip!

How utterly laughable.

“Madam, are you all right?”

Seeing Chu Yao so out of control, Cheng Wenyuan slightly frowned, almost imperceptibly.

Usually, he would have swept his sleeves and left by now.

But today, needing her, he restrained his emotions.

He kindly offered a handkerchief to her.

Yet the woman did not take it, merely wiping her mouth casually with the back of her hand.

Cheng Wenyuan’s hand holding the handkerchief froze mid-air, and he awkwardly withdrew it.

Chu Yao finally understood why in the previous life it took her so long to see Cheng Wenyuan’s hypocritical face clearly.

Back then, whenever Cheng Wenyuan showed even a hint of despondency, even just a glance, she would be considerate enough to help him solve all difficulties.

Sometimes, she even worried about hurting his noble pride.

She often secretly took care of his connections to smooth his way.

This time, she was not so self-deluded, so she quickly saw through Cheng Wenyuan’s false kindness.

“Young Master, you have just taken a concubine; it’s not right to neglect her. I will not keep you any longer.”

Cheng Wenyuan’s expression darkened.

“Madam, but what about the old general...”

“My grandfather is old; it’s not right to ask him to intervene in everything. Besides, His Majesty is still angry; Young Master should hold back for now.”

Having said that, Chu Yao rose, signaling the end of the visit.

Cheng Wenyuan frowned slightly and stood to leave.

He did not understand why Chu Yao had changed so much recently.

She was not like this before.

The way she looked at him, the tone she used—none of it was like this before.

He still remembered their wedding night.

Moonlight, like flowing water, spilled into the bridal chamber where red candles flickered, illuminating Chu Yao’s jade-like face.

Her red dress trailed on the floor, like a blooming peony, dazzlingly beautiful.

He gazed at the shy and timid woman before him, a complex emotion swelling in his heart.

He had to admit, Chu Yao was extraordinarily beautiful.

Her features delicate, her skin fine as porcelain.

Her almond-shaped eyes glistened with moisture, as if able to captivate hearts.

She lowered her eyelids, long lashes casting faint shadows in the candlelight.

Her bashful expression softened his heart.

She slightly lifted her head, and their bright eyes met.

Her eyes were full of deep affection and admiration for him.

“Husband...”

Her voice was low and gentle, soft as the warm spring breeze brushing through willows.

Her delicate jade-like hands trembled slightly.

Cheng Wenyuan could see her nervousness.

Her cautiousness.

At that time, Cheng Wenyuan knew she was precious.

But he found an excuse not to touch her.

Simply because he had promised Jin Xi not to be with any other woman.

Jin Xi was his first woman.

Their childhood bond was incomparable to any outsider!

Thinking of Jin Xi, Cheng Wenyuan unconsciously walked to Qiuxi Courtyard.

It was still the same courtyard, but now he no longer needed to sneak around here.

Yet, the price was heavy.

Cheng Wenyuan forced a bitter smile as he pushed open the door.

“Wenyuan. You’re here.”

Cheng Jinxi entered joyfully, rushing into Cheng Wenyuan’s arms.

“Jinxi...”

“Wenyuan, we can finally be together openly and honestly. I am finally yours.”

Tears shimmered in Cheng Jinxi’s eyes.

At that moment, Cheng Wenyuan felt a pang of pity for her.

He closed his eyes briefly, thinking: Jinxi’s happiness makes my sacrifice worthwhile.

Soon, the candlelight inside was extinguished,

leaving only the lingering sounds of passionate sighs.

Yet all the room’s springtime splendor could not dispel the night’s chill outside the courtyard.

...

That afternoon, at Songhe Hall.

Chu Yao had just exchanged a few words with Lady Li when the melancholic Cheng Wenyuan entered.

Seeing him look in her direction,

Chu Yao turned her head away, pretending not to see.

Just then, a commotion approached from outside the courtyard.

Turning to look,

they saw Young Master Cheng Wentong clutching his head, with blood seeping between his fingers.

He grimaced in pain, stepping inside supported by two young attendants.

“Grandmother, your own grandson has been beaten; you must stand up for me!”

“What happened?”

“Grandmother, Cheng Wenbing beat me! He was ruthless; my head is wounded and bleeding nonstop, and I feel dizzy.”

Cheng Wentong feigned staggering, frightening Lady Li, who hurried to support him.

“Let Grandmother see how serious the injury is.”

Lifting his hand, Lady Li gasped in shock at the sight.

“That scoundrel Cheng Wenbing dared to beat Brother Tong like this!

Song, immediately have them both caned fifty times each.

Then throw them out of the Marquis’s residence!

Giving them work and letting that lowly son attend the clan school was already too generous.

Now they dare to be so insolent and beat Brother Tong!”

Chu Yao knew that Cheng Wenbing and his father were distant branches of the Cheng family, living in poverty.

Cheng Wenbing’s father, Cheng Quan, was responsible for the garden’s plants and trees.

She had seen Cheng Wenbing before—he was diligent and sensible, not a mischievous child.

In the previous life, this never happened.

Perhaps because this life she had stopped Cheng Wentong from attending private tutoring and sent him to the clan school instead, where both boys studied and conflict arose.

With this in mind, Chu Yao quickly said,

“Wait a moment. Old Madam, since they are all family, there may be reasons behind this. It's best to find out the full situation before taking action.”