I Became The Stepmother of My Ex-husband

by Usui Takumii

not mine, this seat is bored.

5. 21 to 25

Chapter 21 Part 1: First Assistant

The pushing of the people in this corner of the stands had caused a riot. The ladies and wives were so frightened that they took two steps back quietly. The child was only nine years old but already looks really stocky. He heard Lin Wei Xi's words and puffed. He said, "Who are you, get out, don't block this prince from watching the dragon boat!"

Lin Wei Xi glanced at his clothes and guessed the identity of the child. Zhao Wang died in battle a few years ago, leaving only his Wangfei and one young son. How could this orphan and widow guard the Zhao land? Emperor Mu Zong took pity on his young nephew and brought the widow and young son of Zhao Wang to the capital and conferred his nephew as Zhao Wang early to let them enjoy the prince's salary, without worrying about life, nor facing the bitter cold of the North, when little Zhao Wang grew up, he would go to the fief. The Zhao Wang family stayed in the capital like this, a few years earlier than the Yan Wang Mansion.

Little Zhao Wang inherited the title of Wang at a young age. His mother was young and widowed. He was the only lifeblood left. One could imagined how spoiled he is, Zhao Wang had no male elders to discipline him, and he had been indulged by his mother and servants all year round. Now that Zhao Wang was nine years old, he was already a little overlord that everyone in the capital avoided. Just like now, who could prevent him from pushing someone coldly? However, who made the other person the little wangye, there were no one who dare to control him, could only regard it as having a bad luck.

The surrounding madams all stepped back and avoided him. A kind-hearted lady thought that Lin Wei Xi did not know who he was, and softly reminded her: "This is Zhao Wang."

This is Zhao Wang, and that's enough.

Zhao Wang snorted arrogantly when he saw this: "Did you hear that, I am a Wangye! Who told you people to block me from watching the boat, deserve to be thrown down."

Listening to what he said, Lin Wei Xi's heart was on fire, Princess Mansion's servants helped to stop Lin Wei Xi and reminded: "Miss, Zhao Wang is still young, it is inevitable to be playful, let's take a look at the injured first."

Lin Wei Xi knew that they were still in the palace, and the other person while lawless, still a little Wangye, even if he did disgraceful things she could only leave it to Gu family to teach a lesson, she could not cause trouble for the princess mansion. Lin Wei Xi glared at Zhao Wang with an angry look, then turned to look at the woman who was almost pushed down: "Madam, how are you?"

The woman was only twenty-five or twenty-six years old, and she was just recovered from her shock. When she heard that the other party was the influential Zhao Wang, where would she dared to investigate, and quickly waved her hand and said, "I'm fine. Thank you Miss for helping me, Miss don't have to mind."

The woman was afraid that Lin Wei Xi's righteousness would cause trouble, so she quickly grabbed Lin Wei Xi trying to calm her down. The movement here already attracted the attention of the Empress Dowager Qian on the other side, and Lin Wei Xi had no choice but to say, "Madam, you are pregnant, just now is it alright? If so, I will accompany you out and ask for a doctor?"

"There is no need." The woman wanted to refuse, but Lin Wei Xi looked at the other's face and insisted on accompanying her to find an imperial doctor. The woman's refusal was to no avail, and her lower abdomen was indeed uncomfortable, she didn't dare to stay in this place anymore, so she gave Lin Wei Xi a grateful look, and followed Lin Wei Xi away.

After leaving the stands, the woman dared to breathe a long sigh of relief, and her expression became painful. Lin Wei Xi saw something amiss, and quickly asked the people of the princess mansion to take Princess Shou Kang's sign and go to the hospital to find a doctor.

Lin Wei Xi helped the woman to sit on a water pavilion. This place was originally set up for people to rest. Now everyone was watching the dragon boat with the Empress Dowager. The water pavilion was empty and very clean. Lin Wei Xi helped the woman to sit down, looking at the other's face, really anxious.

She grew up in a big family and knew how dangerous it was for a woman when they were pregnant. Her mother Wei shi died because of a miscarriage, so Lin Wei Xi could not stand someone treats pregnant women harshly. She was so anxious till she got angry, and kept looking outside: "Why the imperial doctor not here yet?"

The woman frowned her eyebrows and half leaned on the armchair, her face pale. Seeing Lin Wei Xi was anxious for her, she felt moved and said, "Thank you Miss. You and I never met before but you saved me without saying a word. Now still getting a doctor for me. The great kindness of miss, Su Niang will remember it for a lifetime, and repaying the favor many times more..."

"Don't say this, you were shocked before. The most urgent thing is to rest. As for repaying, there is no need to repay, anyone who sees this kind of thing would not just stand and do nothing. In the future, when the child is born safely, you can carefully bring him up till he grow up, consider that as the greatest repayment."

The woman's eyes were almost red: "Miss, you are such a good person, your kindness Su Niang will not forget. This woman's surname is Liu, and the boudoir name is Su Niang. I don't know how miss is called?"

Liu Su Niang, Lin Wei Xi didn't think much when she heard the name, and said, "My surname is Lin, and my boudoir name is Wei Xi."

Liu Su Niang heard this and she understood: "It turned out to be Miss Lin. A few day ago I heard that His Highness Yan Wang took Marquis Zhongyong's daughter to the capital, is it this miss?"

Lin Wei Xi was taken aback when she heard this: "You know me?"

"Where. Only heard my husband mention it, Su Niang just repeat what somebody else said." Liu Su Niang smiled bashfully and looked at Lin Wei Xi with pure amazement in her eyes, "Marquis Zhongyong with extreme loyaly serves the country. My husband often tell me that Marquis Zhongyong is a role model for his generation, but it's a pity that he didn't have the chance to meet him. Didn't expect today Su Niang have a blessing of three lifetimes, to meet Miss Lin, and Miss Lin is still this beautiful and outstanding first-class talent."

Lin Wei Xi also liked this weak and shy lady very much. When she mentioned about Lin Yong's deeds, her affection was even greater. Lin Wei Xi asked: "I didn't expect anyone in the capital to read about my father. Dare I ask who your husband is?"

"Miss Lin is polite, he is just an editor at the Hanlin Academy, whose name is Shen Ming Da." Liu Su Niang repeatedly declined, sincerely looked like her husband did not have a great official position, and she felt a little embarrassed in front of Lin Wei Xi.

Lin Wei Xi was stunned when she heard the name, and then repeated incredulously: "Shen Ming Da?"

Liu Su Niang was taken aback by Lin Wei Xi's sudden raised tone, and stared blankly: "Yes, what's wrong? Could it be Miss Lin know my husband?"

It's more than know, Lin Wei Xi had a deep memory of this name, like a thunder piercing the ear.

Before Lin Wei Xi was reborn she saw the heavenly book by chance. After she learned that she was just a character in the book, and a stepping stone cannon fodder, she almost scared out of her wits, so she didn't even bother to read the details in the back. But even so, Lin Wei Xi was in the end the daughter of court official, and she was raised by the princess for a long time. Her years of political intuition made her endure the nausea, skipping the sweet and greasy interaction between Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao, and found it later that the book had a lot of important elements. For example, what will happen in the next few years, and who will be the First Assistant after Zhang Xiao Lian?

This book mainly described the love between Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao, and unilaterally praised Gao Ran. There were very few parts related to court situation, and most of them were in the same area. Lin Wei Xi could only roughly guess the direction of the court from reading between the lines, and Shen Ming Da was a character whose name was clearly mentioned in the later part of the book.

There were no other reason, it's because Shen Ming Da was the next First Assistant. Shen Ming Da passed the imperial examination brilliantly as Zhuangyuan1. He was an editor in the Imperial Hanlin Academy for many years. His conduct was gentle and cautious, never offended his colleagues. During Zhang Xiao Lian's administration he neither too soft nor too hard. However, after the death of the tyrannical First Assistant Zhang, Shen Ming Da suddenly shined, in the chaotic situation to flow upstream and became the new cabinet First Assistant.

1 Zhuangyuan is the top scorer of the imperial examination.↩

Chapter 21 Part 2: First Assistant

Lin Wei Xi was able to remember this name thanks to Gao Ran. Although Gao Ran's younger brother was favored, after all he was still a shu-born, how could he able to break through the social class and established as heirs without the assistance of the people in high position. Gu Cheng Yao, a nobility, was one of them, and Shen Ming Da was the other one.

Shen Ming Da only appeared on the late stage of the heavenly book, by then Gao Ran's position was stable, there was Gu Cheng Yao solely favoring her in the inside, and the respected mistress of the Yan Wang Mansion on the outside, and it was supposed to be completely perfect. But who was Gao Ran? She was the heroine, and the people who oppose her would not have a good end, but the family and close friend recognized by the heroine must all have a smooth life. Although not as good as the heroine, they were already winners in all aspects of life.

Gao Ran as a shu daughter heroine, after marriage she was favored, with one stroke she got the man. Her only disgrace was probably the status as shu daughter and the lack of power of her maternal family. In the book, Han shi was a concubine, but her heart was pure, clear as ice and clear as jade, she was together with Duke Yingguo Shizi completely because of love. The relatives of the Han shi were all down-to-earth and good people. They often came to Yan Wang Mansion to give Gao Ran fresh fruits and vegetables. They were accepted by everyone in the Yan Wang Mansion. Among them, Gao Ran had a cousin surnamed Han, Gao Ran then acted as a matchmaker and married her to Shen Ming Da as a second wife.

At that time, Shen Ming Da had not yet made his mark, and was just a small editor. He was very poor and because of his deceased wife did not remarry for many years. Gao Ran felt that such a man who remembered his late wife must be a good man. Although he was poor, but the Han family also had a small savings from her allowance, there was no shortage of food and clothing. In any case, character was the most important. Gao Ran felt that Shen Ming Da was worthy of her cousin, so she decided to let her cousin marry over. It was later proved that this was indeed the heroine's golden finger for Gao Ran. Shen Ming Da had a meteoric rise after Zhang Xiao Lian's death and soon became the First Assistant in the cabinet. Han shi's son could become the heir of Duke Yingguo Mansion, Shen Ming Da's contribution was not small.

Lin Wei Xi didn't expect to hear the name here today. Lin Wei Xi was surprised, and then she looked at Liu Su Niang in front of her and somewhat understand. Perhaps this was the original wife that had an early demise that made Shen Ming Da unwilling to remarry for many years.

"Miss Lin, what's the matter with you?"

Lin Wei Xi came to her sense, only to find that she had been staring at Liu Su Niang. Liu Su Niang was frightened by her gaze, Lin Wei Xi lowered her eyes, covered the strangeness in her eyes, and smiled casually: "Nothing, just recalling that Shen Ming Da in the 9th year of Jianzhao was Zhuangyuan (top-scorer). I can talk to the Zhuangyuan madam it's a nice surprise."

Liu Su Niang believed it was true and smiled shyly: "Why, Miss Lin made fun of me again."

Lin Wei Xi smiled and did not speak. At this time, the imperial doctor finally came, and Lin Wei Xi quickly stepped aside to let the imperial doctor check the pulse. She had just stepped back when she saw a man hurriedly walked into the water pavilion with an anxious look: "Su Niang, how are you?"

Lin Wei Xi was shocked. This is the future First Assistant, Zhuangyuan in Jian Zhao's 9th year, Shen Ming Da. Lin Wei Xi turned around immediately, and saw that several others had lifted their robes and stepped into the water pavilion.

It even alarmed Yan Wang.

Gu Hui Yan's expression was not very good. His majestic eyes fell on Lin Wei Xi. Seeing that nothing was wrong with Lin Wei Xi, his expression improved slightly: "I heard that the women side were in chaos, and some of them were almost thrown from the high platform. Are you injured?"

"I'm fine." Lin Wei Xi quickly shook her head and pointed to Liu Su Niang inside, "It's Liu Niangzi1 who is not very good."

Gu Hui Yan raised his hand, and the imperial doctor who followed hurried in to check the pulse. Gu Cheng Yao also followed. Lin Wei Xi had nothing to say with him, she just nodded at will and consider that as greetings.

This incident in those old madams' eyes seemed to be a little play, but when Yan Wang came in person the nature of the jokes immediately changed. People from Zhao Wang Mansion hurriedly led little Zhao Wang to the water pavilion, and when Gao Ran heard that Gu Cheng Yao had come over she immediately followed after.

Not long after Gu Hui Yan's arrival, the water pavilion that originally peaceful immediately became crowded. Lin Wei Xi ignored the people outside and listened attentively to the diagnosis of the imperial physician inside: "... Madam was frightened and her fetus was unstable, which causing her abdominal pain. Fortunately, she was put in place in time, and this old man wrote a few more prescription to strengthen the foundation. Morning and evening, each one dose of the medicine..."

Listened to the imperial doctor's words it seems that Liu Su Niang didn't have a serious problem. Lin Wei Xi finally breathed a sigh of relief. When Lin Wei Xi thought about it again she was terrified. If she didn't pay attention to her surroundings today, or if she didn't catch Liu Su Niang in time when the incident happened, then the following things would be unimaginable. Perhaps Liu Su Niang's death at a young age was also related to this matter?

Inside there was endless whisper, and after a while, Shen Ming Da walked out of the partitioned area and was about to come over to give Lin Wei Xi a big bow. Lin Wei Xi was taken aback, and hurriedly avoided: "Master Shen, what are you doing?"

Actually, Shen Ming Da's current official position was insufficient to be called Master, but Lin Wei Xi was anxious and did not notice. When Lin Wei Xi evaded, she unconsciously leaned towards Gu Hui Yan's position. Gu Hui Yan supported Lin Wei Xi and reached out to block Shen Ming Da for her: "It's fine if the people alright. You want to give her a big bow, but instead it scared her."

Wang Yan had spoken so Shen Ming Da had no choice but to just make a bow with hands folded in the front to the two people: "Thanking Yan Wang, Thanking Miss Lin."

In fact, the official rank of Shen Ming Da was not enough to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in Xiyuan. Today, this husband and wife could enter the palace was all because of the prominent Hanlin Academy as well as his Zhuangyuan title. But the power in the palace was as rich as the clouds. It was tolerable for him to serve the emperor at the front. But Su Niang was pregnant and alone, and she had a non-talkative temperament, Shen Ming Da's heart was vaguely anxious, always feeling that something will happen. Later the news came, it said that Su Niang was almost thrown from the stands. Shen Ming Da was so frightened, cold sweat running down his whole body, he quickly left everything behind and followed Yan Wang out. Fortunately, Su Niang didn't have an accident, otherwise, Shen Ming Da was trembling in fear when he was thinking about it.

Shen Ming Da sincerely thanked Lin Wei Xi, he had a clear and noble reputation, but Hanlin small official had no right to speak in the capital. How could Su Niang's life and death enter the eyes of this group of influential people. If it weren't for Lin Wei Xi that hold Su Niang, and then use her own connection to ask for a doctor, Su Niang would definitely be much worse today.

Yan Wang refused to let him bow to Lin Wei Xi, for fear of frightening Lin Wei Xi, Shen Ming Da then retreated and remembered Lin Wei Xi's kindness in his heart. Big favor did not need to say thank you, if there was a chance in the future, Shen Ming Da would definitely return Lin Wei Xi's grace of saving his wife.

Since the people were fine, it was alright to slowly recuperate later, the matter was stop temporarily. Gu Hui Yan's expression was light, the pressure came in an instant: "Who is pushing the people on the stands?"

1 Niangzi, polite form of address for a woman.↩

Chapter 22 Part 1: Chili Pepper

After Gu Hui Yan said the words, the whole water pavilion was quiet, only the sound of gurgling water outside the house could be heard.

People from Zhao Wang Mansion walked out reluctantly and said, "It's our little wangye."

Gu Hui Yan's eyes were sharp, and his voice implied the power of thunder: "Let he speak for himself."

Little Zhao Wang squeezed out from behind his servant. When he stood up, his voice was inaudible: "It's me." After he finished speaking, he indifferently mumbled: "Isn't she not falling? Who told her to block this wangye from watching the dragon boat."

"Until now you haven't realized your mistake yet." Gu Hui Yan looked at him coldly, "You inherited your father's title at a young age. I used to pity you for losing a father since childhood and didn't discipline you very much, but now it seems rather causing harm for you. You indulge in such lawless behavior."

Yan Wang was the head of imperial clan, even if the former Zhao Wang stood here, he would not dare to raise his head if he was scold by Yan Wang, let alone a nine-year-old child. Gu Hui Yan has gone through several wars, and on his whole body was the aura that has been experienced a pile of dead people. When he saw the unrestrained grim expression in Gu Hui Yan's eyes, Zhao Wang was immediately scared and cried. The cry of the nine-year-old child was sharp and loud, everyone's ears felt like it being stabbed. But Yan Wang was standing here, whoever dared to move, even the servants of Zhao Wang Mansion did not dare to coax this little ancestor.

The child's sharp cries resounded through water pavilion, Zhao Wangfei hurriedly rush over. It almost broke her heart when she heard her son's cry from a distance. She pushed the crowd away and rushed to her son's side, clinging to her own lifeblood, and crying: "My son, you are weak since you were young, who gave you grievances that made you cry like this? Pity your father went early, leaving only us orphan and widow, people bullied also has nowhere to say..."

Gu Hui Yan had a headache. He could scold his nephew, he could scold Zhao Wang, even the emperor could lower his face for his teaching, but for young widow sister-in-law, what could he say?

Zhao Wangfei was still whimpering and crying, and Zhao Wang who had his mother backing him up, gradually changed from crying to roaring, he was very confident.

Gu Hui Yan could only restrain his momentum, without personal emotions, and just talk about the matters: "Even if he is young, he can't ignore people's morals and etiquette, let alone he is not young, he is nine years old, and has reached the time to understand etiquette. Pushing people on a high platform, fortunately no accident happened. What should be done in case of an accident? Only this young already had no consideration for human life, only thought he was the one that was right, if he is not disciplined now, when he grow up, wouldn't he become a bully who regards human's life like weeds?"

Zhao Wangfei heard Gu Hui Yan said this about her son, her heart collapsed, and the crying became sharper and sharper: "Why is my son being said this kind of words by Yan Wang? He is just playful. He accidentally ran into a local official's wife who did not even have a grade. Unexpectedly to be cursed by the Yan Wang like this. What are preying on people, regards human life like weeds, Yan Wang is trying force us orphan and widow to our death! My son has lost his father at a young age. Since childhood, has many diseases, often got sick, his body is frail. We both mother and son can only resigned to our fate to survive, but I didn't expect that we would still annoy Yan Wang. I am a widow and it's not auspicious wherever I go. I will ask Empress Dowager for her order at once, and I will return to Zhao's land tomorrow!"

Zhao Wangfei made a fuss about taking her own life, and the people around hurriedly stopped her, tried to persuade kindly. Zhao Wangfei was still crying, she didn't even look at her fat and strong son, and where was the frail appearance of her son?

Gu Hui Yan held one hand behind him, his face was calm, but behind his eyes hidden a great power. Upon seeing this, Shen Mingda hurriedly came out to bow and said: "For saving my wife this lowly official thanking Yan Wang, my wife now has no major problem. Since little Wangye is unintentional, then let's forget it."

Shen Ming Da said that because he did not want Gu Hui Yan and Zhao Wang Mansion to fight. Zhao Wangfei immediately got the point when she heard this, and said: "It's just a kid being playful, in any case there is no accident anyway, so why make a big deal out of it? It all scared my son to cry."

Little devil existed because incapable parents indulging them. With Zhao Wangfei like this, it was no surprise that the little wangye could push people to the edge of the high platform. Gu Hui Yan remember that this little Wangye was after all the only bloodline of Zhao Wang, in the end took pity on him, gave a few sentence of advises: "A caring mother is often damage the son. If you indulge him this way, you may harm him in the future."

What Zhao Wangfei hated the most was people talking bad about her son. She gathered up her son while giving Gu Hui Yan a glance, and her voice was sharp: "Is Yan Wang cannot bear to see our Zhao Wang Mansion to succeed, how can you gave my son such malicious words?"

The people of the Yan Wang Mansion were angry when they heard this, and stared at Zhao Wangfei with fire-shooting eyes. Zhao Wangfei immediately shrank, and started crying again: "Wangye, why did you leave us orphan and widow behind! You throw your head and shed your blood (sacrifice one's life) for the imperial family and the country, eventually died guarding the wasteland, but the rest of the imperial family did not take your affection, even if you die, they will be mean to your only son. This is the only blood of our Zhao Wang Mansion! Wangye, I have let you down, it's better for me to die..."

Gu Hui Yan was crying with a headache, waved to Gu Mingda and others to retreat, as not to be rude to Zhao Wang's widow. Zhao Wangfei was secretly proud of this and went out holding her son. The rest of the people from the Yan Wang Mansion stayed in the water pavilion, spouting smoke through seven orifices. Yan Wang lectured little Zhao Wang was it not for his own good, and the result did not have to say, he had been set up by Zhao Wangfei!

Gu Cheng Yao's face was pale, he turned to look at Gu Hui Yan: "Father..."

Gao Ran also wrinkled her eyebrows and walked two steps closer, showing earnestly: "Father, Zhao Wangfei only said this because she was anxious. Don't take it to your heart. "

Gu Hui Yan didn't want to get angry with a woman, he waved his hand to indicate that they didn't need to say it again, Lin Wei Xi suddenly turned around and said to Gu Hui Yan: "Your Highness, I am stuffy, let's go out to get some air."

Before Gu Hui Yan could reply, Lin Wei Xi walked out quickly.

The few people inside the water pavilion were stunned for a moment, and then a crisp voice rang out from the outside: "Zhao Wangfei, stay."

Chapter 22 Part 2: Chili Pepper

"Zhao Wangfei, stay."

Zhao Wangfei stopped in confusion, when she turned around she saw Lin Wei Xi, her heart unconcerned, and her expression was also very impatient: "Who are you, dare to call this Wangfei?"

"In terms of identity and status I am definitely not as good as Wangfei, but in terms of being a human being I am still more qualified than Zhao Wangfei. I called you down this time because I wanted to teach you how to conduct yourself and how to educate your child."

"Presumptuous!"

"Wangfei is standing here with straight face only because there was no accident. If the little wangye really pushes people off the stage today, there are deep water under the stands, and Lady Liu is still pregnant, and if there was a slight mistake, there will be one corpse with two lives. Harming this pregnant women and unborn child, Wangfei and little Wangye accumulate some virtues for yourself, in the future are you not afraid of retribution to your descendants?"

Mentioning retribution of one's descendants in this clansmen society was seriously ruthless, Zhao Wangfei immediately became furious: "You are presumptuous! Who are you, this Wangfei has to punish you for a crime of great disrespect!"

"Speaking of great disrespect, it still unable to say who is plotting the wrongdoing. Little Wangye standing behind a group of womenfolk. Not far away was Grand Princess Shou Kang. Little Zhao Wang secretly pushing people, who knows if he originally want to push the princess or someone else, the person just admit to make a mistake for not being careful and let Lady Liu suffer the crime on your behalf. If Wangfei wants to go to Empress Dowager to ask her to become the judge, we can go together, so that Empress Dowager can decide what to do to your son."

Zhao Wangfei was speechless, this matter in the end was her son's wrongdoing, she could endlessly pester Yan Wang, but in front of Empress Dowager Qian, Zhao Wang Mansion would need to take the responsibilities. Lin Wei Xi ridiculed her without restrain like this it's because she was sure that Zhao Wangfei would not dare to make trouble in front of the Empress Dowager.

But even so, Zhao Wangfei couldn't swallow this tone. She looked at Lin Wei Xi and sneered: "Do you think because you didn't say your name this Wangfei cannot find out who you are? Just you wait, this wangfei will make you regret it until you come crying to Zhao Wang Mansion to apologize."

"Sure." Lin Wei Xi folded both hands in front her, tilted her head slightly at Zhao Wangfei, and smiled cutely, "What Zhao Wangfei intend to do to me or to my family? Also no need to trouble Wangfei to investigate it. I can tell you directly, my name is Lin Wei Xi, my mother has passed away for many years, and my father is Marquis Zhongyong Lin Yong. Like the former Zhao Wang, he also died for the country and died in the battlefield. If Wangfei wants to find someone to make a dirty trick, you don't have to hire too many people. I am the only one in my family. It is enough to come at me. When Wangfei acts, I will go to the capital magistrate to beat the drums and cry injustice, saying that Zhao Wang Mansion oppressing the daughter of a martyr. When the time comes, let's see who the people's hearts will side to."

"You..." Zhao Wangfei was so angry as she pointed at Lin Wei Xi with her fingers and gritted her teeth with hatred. "Do you think with this kind of origin this Wangfei unable to do something to you?"

"Don't dare, I learned from Wangfei. Wangfei can use the reason of being killed in the battle to run against Yan Wang, and I can run against you with my own identity. Zhao Wangfei is an orphan and a widow, and I am also a martyr lone daughter. Wangfei want to show miserableness to sell pity right? What a coincidence, so am I."

Zhao Wangfei looked at Lin Wei Xi while gritting her teeth, almost crushing a pair of silver teeth, and finally gave Lin Wei Xi a fierce look, brushed her sleeves and walked away. Lin Wei Xi watched Zhao Wangfei went away with that evil boy who relied on his young age. She sneered without trying to hide and said directly to the backs of the people of the Zhao Wang Mansion: "Yan Wang disciplined little Zhao Wang for his own good, if Wangfei really loves your son, you should bring him to the Shen family and Yan Wang to apologize, afterward strictly discipline, and not help evildoer doing evil. If not, these evil creature retribution sooner or later will return to you."

Zhao Wangfei could not listen to other people talk bad about her son. She stopped and turned around. From a long distance people could feel the poison in her eyes. At this time, Gu Mingda walked to Lin Wei Xi's side and respectfully leaned over: "Miss Lin, it's windy outside. It's time to go back."

This was Yan Wang silent statement and it could not be challenged. If you want to use dead man to make a fuss, that's alright, but if you want to move against Lin Wei Xi, then don't blame her for being merciless.

Zhao Wangfei understood Gu Hui Yan's silent deterrence, she could only stomp her feet with anger and left bitterly.

Lin Wei Xi won a big victory. She sighed into the green water pool and snorted: "Sure enough, come outside to breathe, and the tightness on the chest immediately improved. This kind of people just lack scolding, let's go, let's return to the house."

Lin Wei Xi turned around. Across the twisty water corridor, she saw Gu Hui Yan standing upright with some people. Lin Wei Xi was embarrassed, but still pretended that nothing happened, and walked back the secluded corridor with a calm expression.

Although the place where Lin Wei Xi and Zhao Wangfei talked was far away from the water pavilion, thanks to the quiet surroundings, even if it was not clear, the conversations could still be heard. Gu Hui Yan watched Lin Wei Xi went through the corridor, her eyes lowered slightly, her movements were so cute, completely did not show her baring fangs and brandish claws manner.

Shen Ming Da was now full of a sense of disillusionment, if it weren't for Yan Wang standing here, he almost thought he had hallucinations. He saw that Lin Wei Xi was lovable and charming. Originally thought this was a weak Liu Fufeng1 kind of beauty, but what did he hear just now? Gu Hui Yan smiled slightly, unaware whether he was talking to himself or saying to the person next to him: "If the person being targeted is not one's own, listening to her scolding it's quite enjoyable."

If Zhou Mao Cheng was here he must felt the same way. Gu Cheng Yao thought about it, silently nodding.

The conversation between Zhao Wangfei and Lin Wei Xi could be vaguely heard even inside the waterside pavilion. Liu Su Niang looked shocked and felt admiration. Gao Ran at the side was very unhappy in her heart.

She was the daughter-in-law of the mansion. Yan Wang was pestered by that shrew, and it was not her who chased her out, but an outsider.

Gao Ran twisted the handkerchief in her hand hard, if it could be done all over again, she would definitely not leave it to Lin Wei Xi.

Things were so troubled, Liu Su Niang was in no mood to go watch the dragon boat. The eunuch on the emperor's side had come to urge Gu Hui Yan several times, and he could not refuse any more, so he had to return back. Gao Ran also took this opportunity to retreat and returned to the womenfolk place to continue socializing as Yan Wang Mansion people. Lin Wei Xi, this idler, had nothing to do, so she stayed with Liu Su Niang.

The two of them sat for a while, Shen Ming Da had gone to the front to take a leave of absence, and then came to pick Liu Su Niang home. Liu Su Niang reluctantly bid farewell to Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi watched Shen Ming Da carefully holding Liu Su Niang away, and the infinite warmth could be seen from the back of the two of them. She was the only one left in the water pavilion, and Lin Wei Xi continued to sit, sighing into the silent air.

After a while, it started to rain. Wan Xing looked anxious: "Miss, we didn't bring umbrella, what should we do?"

Lin Wei Xi looked outside the window to the line of raindrops, indifferently said, "What can be done, just wait. Yan Wang unlikely to leave me here."

As soon as the voice fell, there was sound of footsteps from the corner, the umbrella' surface gradually raised, and the face of the incoming person gradually appeared before Lin Wei Xi's eyes along with the patter of rain.

It's Gu Cheng Yao.

TN: The title is referring to LWX because she's so spicy.

Chapter 23 Part 1: Evil Mind

Lin Wei Xi saw the face of the person who just came, she didn't even realize it that her eyes gradually getting cold.

Who did she think it would be?

"Miss Lin." Gu Cheng Yao did not enter the house, but said to Lin Wei Xi through the window, "Father asked me to come and pick you up."

Lin Wei Xi turned to look at the curtain of pattering rain. The rain was coming rapidly, Xiyuan also was all water pool, the gray sky seems to be connected with the lake, as far as eyes could see there was the gray water mist.

"Miss Lin?"

"The rain outside is too heavy, even if you bring an umbrella, I will inevitably get wet after going out. Why not wait here for a while, the rain in May won't last long."

Gu Cheng Yao naturally frowned when he heard this suggestion, they were a man and a woman together, it was inappropriate to stay in the same room. Lin Wei Xi gave Gu Cheng Yao a cold glance, and her tone was not polite: "Of course, I say this for my own sake. My body is weak. A little blow of wind and I will have a headache. If I get caught in the rain again, afraid I will not be able to go back today. If you don't want to wait then hurry up go out. Anyway, Shizi is in good health and doesn't need to care about a little wind and rain."

Gu Cheng Yao wouldn't have find trouble for himself. It's raining outside. If you have a choice, why would you go outside to get in the rain? Anyway, Lin Wei Xi could not leave, so it's not a bad idea for him to wait in the water pavilion for a while.

Gu Cheng Yao asked people to put away the rain gear, but he stood near the window under the eaves, and did not enter the room with Lin Wei Xi. If it changed to an ordinary woman, Gu Cheng Yao's actions at the moment should be very gentlemanly, but for Lin Wei Xi... she only had coldness and boredom in her heart.

The two of them fell silent in such a strange way, and Lin Wei Xi, a person who could talk so well on weekdays, was surprisingly silent at this moment. Gu Cheng Yao was quiet for a while, and suddenly said, "Thank you for today."

Lin Wei Xi was taken aback for a moment before realizing that Gu Cheng Yao was talking to her. Ordinarily, people sitting opposite each other without talking, at least they would have eye contact, but the two of them was not. Gu Cheng Yao was still looking at the vast rain curtain outside the house, Lin Wei Xi only rolled her eyes, and said unhappily: "No. I just can't stand people blaming Yan Wang, not for the sake of Yan Wang Mansion and certainly not for you. Why on earth you say thank you for?"

Gu Cheng Yao smiled lightly, and finally turned to look at Lin Wei Xi: "You seem to really hate me. Since the first meeting, you deliberately kept your distance, and your attitude is not friendly. We never met before, and I shouldn't have offend you yet, should I?"

"Shizi, you are the proud son of heaven since you were a child. I'm afraid you used to getting whatever you want and have never seen the real world outside. I'll show you today how arrogant and savage women are. For liking someone, I don't know, but for hating someone, do you need a reason?"

Lin Wei Xi thought Gu Cheng Yao would be angry, but he didn't. He just shook his head and smiled: "Your prejudice against me is really deep-rooted."

Gu Cheng Yao was not angry, still politely talked to this weak woman whose identity and status were far inferior to him. Lin Wei Xi's heart became more and more sad, he could be such a gentleman to a strange woman, but to his former wife, he couldn't even listen to her complete sentence.

Perhaps the atmosphere was too quiet now, or perhaps the pattering rain outside the house gave people some sort an illusion. Lin Wei Xi suddenly mentioned her past when she was still Gao Xi. These words, she thought she would never say for the rest of her life: "Shizi, I am so unreasonable to you, but you still maintain your demeanor and listen to me in a good mood. According to reason you are the standard for family noble son, and there is no blame for your education. But why with someone close to you, you seems to be completely different person?"

"Someone close?" Gu Cheng Yao was very puzzled, "I respect my father, always keep my duty as a son, and never order people by pointing the chin (bossy) in the mansion. With Shizi Consort..."

Gu Cheng Yao paused, his eyes became cold, and he did not hide the scrutiny in his eyes: "What do you mean? How do you know?"

"It doesn't mean anything, heard the servants at the mansion gossiping, just listen randomly." Lin Wei Xi was sitting on a dark brown sandalwood chair. The water pavilion was dark on a rainy day, and her skin was crystal clear, her face was exquisite, she almost glowing in the dark. She looked at Gu Cheng Yao, her features were delicate like those in a picture, there was seldom to be seen concentration in her eyes: "Shizi should be a noble character, but you are very indifferent to your first wife. I want to know why?"

TN: Short chapter both part release today.

Chapter 23 Part 2: Evil Mind

Gu Cheng Yao looked straight into Lin Wei Xi's eyes. Did not know why he suddenly turned his gaze and refused to continue looking: "No reason. She deceived me and deliberately destroyed my destined marriage. Why should I continue with the pretense?"

"This Reason, I heard it when you refuse to go to Princess Shou Kang's Mansion." Lin Wei Xi's gaze moved across Gu Cheng Yao and looked at the vast rain line behind him, her lips did not why was smiling: "Remember when Yan Wang scold you? This is what I want to say to you now. You always take it for granted. When you made this decision, did you talk to her frankly? Do you really understand the truth? Sooner or later, you will pay the price for your idealization."

Gu Cheng Yao did not expect to hear such words: "You..."

Lin Wei Xi sighed very self-deprecatingly without waiting for him to finish, "I wish I can see that day."

Gu Cheng Yao looked at Lin Wei Xi's face, a smile filled up his heart, as if there was no need to explain about what happened just now. He laughed and said to Lin Wei Xi: "Then I wish Miss Lin all the best?"

Lin Wei Xi snorted softly, and she didn't even bother to answer. After this incident, Gu Cheng Yao felt that the distance between him and Lin Wei Xi was much closer, so he also followed what he want to say in his heart: "Miss Lin, when you first come I didn't like you very much, but now, I find that my imagination may not necessarily correct. I thought I would not like a woman with your personality, but after getting along for a long time, I found that although your personality is simple and straightforward, but also not a tiny bit adorable." If Lin Wei Xi did not target him like this, she would be much more adorable.

Lin Wei Xi heard this and was maddened: "Who need your like? I am famous for my looks, with great personal wealth, young and beautiful. If I want it, there will be plenty of men fighting to marry me. Even though simple and straightforward, and not adorable, I don't need you to tell me! You just go to your adorable Shizi Consort."

Gu Cheng Yao didn't expect Lin Wei Xi to react so much. He chuckled helplessly, "You're too hostile to Gao Ran."

"Oh, do you think she doesn't have it for me? What she told you about me privately, do I need to help you remember it?"

Gu Cheng Yao clenched his fist and coughed when he heard this, "You are a girl who has not out of the boudoir yet, how can you say these things?"

Lin Wei Xi was stunned for a moment when she heard this, and then she reacted furiously: "You yourself thought indiscriminately, and still blame me."

...

This conversation ended with Lin Wei Xi's unilateral chicken flying and dog jumping1, as the rain stopped. Gu Cheng Yao looked at Lin Wei Xi helplessly, and said, "Now the rain has stopped, we will not to get drenched by the rain, can we go now?"

Lin Wei Xi unhappily snorted, and rushed forward to walk by herself. Gu Cheng Yao was left behind in the back, he could only sigh, and quickly followed.

Gao Ran received a message from Yan Wang asking if she had seen Gu Cheng Yao, but Gao Ran didn't know. So, when she inquired again, she knew that Gu Cheng Yao had gone to pick up Lin Wei Xi, and he hadn't come back yet.

Gao Ran gave a chuckle in her heart, and when the rain subsided a little, she hurriedly went to the water pavilion.

She was only halfway there when she saw Lin Wei Xi and Gu Cheng Yao coming from around the corner. Gu Cheng Yao was handsome and tall, and Lin Wei Xi was very beautiful. The two people walked with the dense water vapor around, it was more beautiful than the idol drama of the previous life.

Gao Ran was keenly aware that something had changed between the two of them. The atmosphere was unpredictable, but in Gao Ran's intuition, the relationship between these two people has become much closer.

Gu Cheng Yao saw Gao Ran walked towards him with a smile. Lin Wei Xi asked the people behind, "When will be going to leave the palace?" After getting the affirmative answer, Lin Wei Xi just nodded, and walked out without looking back. There was not even a slightest hesitation. Gu Cheng Yao found Gao Ran's eyes looking straight at Lin Wei Xi's back. He bowed his head strangely and asked Gao Ran: "What's wrong with you, why do you seem to be a little confused?"

"It's okay." Gao Ran barely calmed herself down, she walked outside the palace with numerous attendants, and now when they looked up, they could see Lin Wei Xi's figure. Although Lin Wei Xi had a slim body, but her womanly figure was not a straight line, but had a thin waist, slender shoulders and neck. People could see the infinite romance from the back. Looking at this, Gao Ran thoughts became clearer.

Lin Wei Xi could not continue to stay, in any case, she could not be allowed to continue living in Yan Wang Mansion.

Gao Ran suddenly remembered that today the Qian family faintly made a discreet inquiry. Empress Dowager Qian finally made it to become Empress Dowager. The Qian family also had a change of fortunes. Now they were the most honorable relative in the capital. The son of the Qian family fell in love with Lin Wei Xi at first sight, no matter from what point of view, it was Lin Wei Xi's blessing. Even if this second son of Qian family had been a little licentious, only know about sleeping flower borrowing willow2.

There was no reason to refuse, even if Lin Wei Xi tried to moved Grand Princess Shou Kang, but Princess Shou Kang this sunset at the west mountain old women, would she dare confronting Empress Dowager's family?

Gao Ran told herself that she was doing this for Lin Wei Xi's own good. To be able to marry Empress Dowager's nephew, as primary wife no less, Lin Wei Xi as an orphan who had nothing, this was a good marriage ah!

1 Frighten the chicken to fly and frighten the dog to jump around, it means panic and chaotic.↩

2 Sleeping flower borrowing willow, means playing around with prostitutes.↩

Chapter 24 Part 1: Wife

It was raining during the Dragon Boat Festival. Since the rain at the Palace Banquet, the capital had been shrouded with gray downpour for several days.

"Miss Lin." The visitor ran across the courtyard quickly and put away the rain gear that she wore at the side corridor. She patted the water off her body and smiled at Lin Wei Xi, "Miss Lin, Shizi Consort has something to find you."

Wan Xing looked at the rain outside, and looked at the messenger questioningly: "It's still raining, why Shizi Consort call our miss at this time?"

"This slave also doesn't know, maybe there is something important to say to Miss Lin."

Lin Wei Xi stood up from the narrow couch when she heard this, said, "Since there is something important, let's go."

Wan Xing hurriedly went inside to get Lin Wei Xi's cloak, while she tidied Lin Wei Xi's clothes, on one side mumble to herself: "Our miss has a little bit cold when she came back from the palace, and she has to go out to blow the cold wind today, what if our miss fell miserably ill."

"Wan Xing."

Wan Yue secretly pinched Wan Xing, then hurriedly pulled her away. Lin Wei Xi indifferently glanced, tightened her cloak, and walked out.

The rain slid down from the eaves, from afar looked like continuous strip of silver strings, Lin Wei Xi walked on the side corridor. Even though the eaves above covered her from the rain, the corners of her clothes were still wet.

In the hall, Gao Ran was talking to a well-dressed old servant woman. When she saw Lin Wei Xi coming in, she waved to the inside: "Miss Lin is here, please go inside first and sit down. I still have some things to do. Miss Lin, please wait a moment."

Lin Wei Xi glanced at the woman in the hall, and went straight inside without saying anything.

Seeing Lin Wei Xi walked to the back room without saying a word, she flicked her eyes towards Lin Wei Xi's back, lowered her voice, and said to Gao Ran with a frown, "Shizi Consort, this one really! Wangye remember the old favor gives her face to some degree, yet she push the nose to the face1! In front of Wangye she can speak well to make a trick, but once passed people's back, she dared to shake her face to Shizi Consort."

"Sun family mother, don't say it." Gao Ran increased her voice slightly, and said, "She is the only daughter of a hero, and her father died to save Wangye. It is inevitable that she will be a bit withdrawn. These words you can say it to me, but when you are outside, you are not allowed to mention it again."

"Shizi Consort you are too kind." Granny Sun looked at her wrists, muttered something again. Then she rubbed her hands and brought up another matter. "Shizi Consort, the errands to take care kitchen purchasing..."

Lin Wei Xi sat on the soft cushion, separated by the wooden grid, vaguely heard Gao Ran and granny Sun muttering something, soon after they talked about the kitchen purchasing matters. Even if she didn't hear the previous content clearly, Lin Wei Xi could guess that it was definitely not a good thing. Granny Sun played with her tongue to flatter for personal gain, she had already seen it before.

Speaking of business affairs, Gao Ran deliberately didn't lower her voice anymore, as Lin Wei Xi sat inside, intermittently also listened to the general idea. Granny Sun complained, how life was not easy, how exhausting work in the kitchen was, and finally pulled Shen Wangfei's name. When granny Sun's opened her mouth she really could speak, from her mouth it seems that she was a really loyal old servant, conscientious and hardworking for the mansion, but unfortunately offended the former Shizi Consort, the former Shizi Consort was eager to place her own person, right away removed granny Sun whole family from the purchasing position. Although granny Sun still stayed in the kitchen, however it was not an important job, she couldn't even attend the stove, their whole family just went through the motions.

After Granny Sun said that she finally burst into tears and cried, and the maids around listened to this also felt distressed. Gao Ran sighed and said: "I understand your loyalty. You have been an old servant for many years. Since grandmother and mother was still alive, you have been a servant that was in charge at Yan Wang Mansion. There is no doubt about your loyalty. Even if you don't talk about your hard work over the years, just by the kindness of grandmother and mother, I will not treat your family badly."

Granny sun listened tearfully clapped her hands: "Able to get this words from Shizi Consort, this old slave is willing to die immediately!"

"Don't talk like that without rhyme or reason, it is unlucky to say about these deaths and lives, for no reason provoking ominous stuffs." Gao Ran rebuked, she flipped through the roster, and said, "Since it was just a misunderstanding before, then when you were sent to the edge by Sister Xi you are really wronged. In my opinion, your whole family had better come back to take care of the kitchen purchasing. You all are familiar with the vendors at the market and I can rest assured handing over the purchasing to you."

Granny Sun was overjoyed, and immediately knelt down and kowtow: "Thanking Shizi Consort."

Lin Wei Xi held the tea and blew slowly. When she heard this, she shook her head and smiled. Granny Sun really had a good mouth. Afraid that Gu Cheng Yao was tricked by such rhetoric before.

Granny Sun was indeed an old servant for many years, but who says that old servants were loyal servants? The more complicated the relationship between the servants, the more likely they were to do some dirty things. Lin Wei Xi checked the accounts last year and found that the kitchen area had a lot of deficiencies, and they were all in the hands of this wicked slave. This woman relied on Lin Wei Xi as a new bride didn't understand the account books, tampered the account books to fool her, when Lin Wei Xi uncovered it she ruthlessly scold her. At that time, granny Sun also used family loyalty and implicated Shen Wangfei. Granny Sun had served on Shen Wangfei's side before. This was also what gave her confident to go rampant and corrupt in the mansion. Lin Wei Xi didn't look at it at that time, directly throw their family out of the kitchen. If it weren't for the face of her mother-in-law, Shen Wangfei, how could granny Sun still kept an idle job in the kitchen.

In the end not long after Gao Xi died of illness, granny Sun looked at the vacant position and came running as a witch selling tragic story. Gao Ran's mind was also confused, she actually believed it and restored her to her original post.

Gao Ran actually did not necessarily believe in granny Sun's words, but granny Sun looks simple and honest. Even if a person with such a face had her own selfish intentions, she would not be a very wicked person. Granny Sun was sent off by Gao Xi because of the discrepancy between purchasing stuffs and the money. Gao Ran flipped through the account books, deeply feeling that Gao Xi made a fuss over minor issue.

Being a madam in charge of the household was like being the executives in her previous lives before transmigrating. There will be no fish when the water is clear. Could people in purchasing department really not greedy at all? Impossible, so when Gao Ran saw that there was no major problem in the account book, she revoked Gao Xi's punishment. Gao Ran sighed over Gao Xi in her heart. Gao Xi looked like a noble lady from prestigious family and claimed to be raised by the princess herself, but why didn't she even have this much emotional intelligence? Only knew how to criticized people, and asked her subordinates not to make any mistakes. No wonder Gao Xi later was mixed up like that, to die in the mansion and no one said she was good. Who could blame if she didn't have enough EQ?

Gao Ran was in a good mood, as if all the regrets from her previous life had been made up in this life. She was now also a noble lady from prestigious family, Miss Perfect that stepped on all living beings, as she "graduated" from her maiden family she directly became an "executive". Gao Ran firmly believes with her emotional intelligence she would be like a fish in the water. In this way, she was delayed by her own class before transmigrating, otherwise she was not inferior to the Miss Perfect that have big family enterprises.

Gao Ran walked briskly into the room, she hadn't forgotten that she still had a trouble sitting there. Gao Ran smiled and sat opposite Lin Wei Xi, and repeatedly apologized: "The mansion have endless trivial matters every day, and I will worry if I don't personally deal with it. It is really rude to keep Miss Lin waiting for a long time."

Lin Wei Xi ignored Gao Ran's insincere apology, Lin Wei Xi knew that Gao Xi is dead, and Yan Wang Mansion had nothing to do with her since then, but Lin Wei Xi felt regret that the hard work of the past were ruined, and couldn't help but reminded this successor: "Shizi Consort only rely on their side of the story and handed over the important matters of the kitchen purchasing to them, that's rather biased."

Oh! Even wanted to point fingers at her management's authority, she looked at Lin Wei Xi with a smile, "This is my Yan Wang Mansion family affair, Miss Lin doesn't need to worry right?"

Lin Wei Xi snorted lightly, her eyes drifting, she was too lazy to look at Gao Ran to warn her again.

Gao Ran thought that she had won, her mood got better, her speech also raised up, "Miss Lin, you already full sixteen years old this year. You were born in big monh, should be regard as seventeen years old2 then."

Lin Wei Xi raised his eyebrows: "What do you mean by that?"

"What can I mean, only thinking about it for Miss Lin." Gao Ran smiled and said, "Now that your father's filial piety has been over, you can't justify dragging not to marry. You are seventeen and still not settle the marriage yet. After the six ceremonies3, when you enter your husband's family you will be eighteen years old. To tell the truth, that age somewhat already old. You need to hurry up, if too old afraid can delay the matter of giving birth."

Lin Wei Xi did not expect this kind of words came from Gao Ran. If she guessed right, wasn't the world before Gao Ran transmigrated was very tolerant of women's marriage age? Lin Wei Xi really did not expect that a person who had traveled to ancient times would be more enthusiastic about marrying and having children than her an ancient clansmen woman. What's wrong with being 17-year-old? Even if she did not marry for a lifetime, so what?

Lin Wei Xi was disgusted by these words, her face was impatient, and she said coldly: "You called me over on a rainy day just for this? If there is nothing else, then I will go first."

Gao Ran stopped Lin Wei Xi's action, still smiling, stared at Lin Wei Xi motionlessly, "Miss Lin doesn't want to marry, do you really want to pray for your father, or do you have any thoughts about Yan Wang Mansion?"

Lin Wei Xi's face had completely cooled down, there was no smile on her face. Her black eyes gleaming, for a moment it seems like heated pearls that was immersed in ice water, both icy and blazing: "Shizi Consort, pay attention to your words."

"Is Miss Lin angry?" Gao Ran smiled and took a sip of tea, covered her lips, "It's me who is wrong. I shouldn't say this kind of girl's thoughts. After all, which girl doesn't have spring, Miss Lin's color is just right, and it makes sense to fall in love with a young and handsome man at first sight. It just, Miss Lin, the Shizi already married."

Lin Wei Xi sneered, and looked at Gao Ran with a faint smile: "I know, and it's a second marriage."

Gao Ran's speech were halted, and then she quickly adjusted her expression to cover up her loss of composure: "… even if I am a second wife, but nevertheless I am the officially wed consort, also the primary wife. However to have shady relationship with a married man while the legal wife is still alive, this is called matchless adultery4 , a Third Party trying to squeeze in."

"You said it like you only met Gu Cheng Yao after your sister died, so leave this talk to yourself." Lin Wei Xi noticed Gao Ran's gaze and met it without hiding, even raising her eyebrows lightly, "What? Am I wrong? Then why is it not even a month since the previous Shizi Consort died, you already marry your older sister husband?"

TN: Another cliff! But trust me the next one will be worth the wait.

1 Given an inch want a mile.↩

2 In traditional Chinese culture ages start at one not zero when a baby was born. So LWX is 17 but her 'international' age is 16. ↩

3 Six ceremonies of marriage ceremony refers to six etiquettes from negotiation to the completion of the marriage. ↩

4 Matchless adultery refers to the 'three teas and six rituals' of marriage without a matchmaker. In the olden days to get married you need a matchmaker as mediator between two families.↩

Chapter 24 Part 2: Wife

Gao Ran being called out her heart felt ached, she took a deep breath and found that she really couldn't argue with Lin Wei Xi, or else she would be totally infuriated by her! Gao Ran immediately changed the subject and said, "Whatever Miss Lin said, you have a clever tongue, honest people like us can't speak like you. But Miss Lin is already old and at the end of marriageable age, this Miss Lin cannot deny right? According to reason you are a Lin, our surname is Gu, and it's not our turn to worry about your marriage. But after all, you live in Yan Wang Mansion and you have no status. If after coming out of filial piety you still not married, then I am afraid that outsiders will talk about our Yan Wang Mansion."

Lin Wei Xi looked at Gao Ran coldly: "You shut up. Who gave you the courage to insult my reputation?"

"Insult? If Miss Lin really has no idea about Shizi, how could you dragging yourself in Yan Wang Mansion and refuse the matchmaker?" Gao Ran's expression also became cold, "You want to stare at someone else's husband, but I don't want to be schemed by you. I have reached an agreement with Old Madam Qian. The second son of Qian family is just right, he hasn't married, normally this kind of good marriage would not fall to an outsider, but who let Qian second young master take a fancy to Miss Lin's beauty? It's a good story of talented man and beautiful woman (ideal couple). Old Madam Qian also not picky about your family background and status. After reporting to the Empress Dowager, the Qian family will send someone to exchange eight character card."

Lin Wei Xi's eyes widened when she heard this: "What did you say? Second Qian?"

Second Qian was a famous hedonist in the capital, sleep around with prostitutes, without learning or skills, he could be described as a trash dandy. What Lin Wei Xi looked down the most was this kind of dissolute child who relied on his parents for good fortune and power. No matter before or after rebirth, she could not stand this kind of person, but now Gao Ran actually behind her back agreed to Qian family's proposal?

"Yes, the nephew of Empress Dowager, the emperor's maternal relatives Qian family main branch di son. This marriage is actually really unexpected. Speaking of it you are still climb high. Qian second young master doesn't care about family status, willing to marry a poor girl like you, it's a great blessing." After finished speaking, she glanced at Lin Wei Xi's face, the meaning was self-evident. Relying on her body and beauty, still able to become the main house of Empress Dowager's nephew, just be content!

Lin Wei Xi was extremely angry that she actually calmed down. She asked, "You said that the Qian family would come to exchange eight character card after reporting to the empress dowager. You have given them the words?"

"Yes, what a good marriage. If you are being pretentious and let this opportunity slips away, then you will cry."

"Oh, you're hollowing out your brain to climb to high gate, thought everyone the same. When did you agree? What did you say to the Qian family?"

"That is Qian family son, just be content." Gao Ran sighed, very impatient, "If you want to go to the Princess Shou Kang Mansion to ask for help, then I advise you not to waste your efforts. Princess Shou Kang doesn't have sons, she can't even protect herself, so how dare she slap the face of Empress Dowager's family. You listen to my advice, for you to be able to marry the Qian's family, more so as primary wife, this is already a good fortune to cross the classes."

Lin Wei Xi's eyes were burning bright, like fire and ice: "Gao Ran, you are indeed naturally shameless. Who do you think you are, dare to decide my marriage? You use crooked door and evil ways (dishonest way) to marry your brother-in-law. Now still use the noble tone of primary wife to advise others to climb a man. Truly lose the face of Duke Yingguo Mansion."

Gao Ran was poked at her sore point by this sentence, immediately looked displeased: "Don't push your nose up. For my father's sake I gave you some face, do you really think I'm afraid of you? I am a lady from Duke Yingguo Mansion, Yan Wang Shizi Consort, you are just a commoner woman, I and you are the same generation, talk to you just try to educate you, but you actually shout and yell at me, really don't have any decorum."

"You know who Second Qian is, and you still dare to agree in private. If you do this kind devoid of conscience things, are you not afraid people talking about you behind your back?"

Gao Ran disdainfully sneered: "Are you planning to complain to Yan Wang again? Then go ahead, so that everyone can see whether this marriage is a good match, whether I am doing it for your own good. Lin Wei Xi, your heart is higher that the sky, your life is thinner than paper. If you want to compare yourself with me, it's not interesting. I am Yan Wang Shizi Consort and I will become Yan Wangfei in the future. My son will be the future Qinwang when he is born. The other di son also will receive the title Junwang1. My children and grandchildren will become royal nobles and enjoy the worship of many people. First Assistant will have replacements, but royal nobility will not. As long as they do not commit the crime of rebellion, they will be nobles for a lifetime. And you, what do you have? A nominal title Marquis with an empty face, even if you use your face to marry, the husband is just a son of an official, and the promotion depends on the emperor's grace and fate. Learn arts and martial arts, sell to the emperor's family2, I am the imperial family, and you are the selling artist. Not only you, but your children and grandchildren destined to be no better than my bloodline in the future."

Lin Wei Xi stared motionlessly at Gao Ran, her eyes almost bursting fires, Gao Ran even looked back with a smile. Yes, what could Lin Wei Xi do even if she was angry? Gao Ran was already the Shizi Consort of Yan Wang. Few people in the capital were nobler than her. What could Lin Wei Xi this weak woman do?

Lin Wei Xi watched her, without saying a word, stood up and lifted the curtain forcefully and left. The bead curtain made a crisp clashing sound. Seeing this, Ning Fu frowned and stepped forward and said: "Shizi Consort..."

"It's all right." Gao Ran hold out her hand to stop Ning Fu's movements, smiled and shook her head, "She can also take advantage of this now to get angry, don't care about her rudeness, go on and do your thing."

Ning Fu responded and withdrew quietly. Gao Ran looked at the rain curtain outside the window and murmured: "The rain is so heavy..."

Lin Wei Xi walked quickly into the rain without looking back. When the rain fell on the ground, white water mist appeared, covering the entire corridor. Lin Wei Xi walked on the edge of the corridor, her steps were so fast that in a short while her clothes were half wet. Wan Yue hurriedly chased after her, trying to put a cloak on Lin Wei Xi: "Miss, your body is weak and can't get caught in the rain."

Lin Wei Xi was upset and said coldly, "Don't follow me, I want to be alone for a while."

"Miss!" Wan Yue was not frightened by Lin Wei Xi's coldness, she rushed to Lin Wei Xi in spite of the rain, forcibly stopped her and put a cloak on her: "Miss, even if you feel unhappy in your heart, you can't make trouble to your body! You have a little bit of cold when you go out. If you get caught in the rain again and blown by the cold wind, don't know how much you will suffer when you return."

Wan Yue forcibly held her back, Lin Wei Xi wanted to shake her off but failed. She struggled hard a few times, and with this movement, her mind gradually calmed down.

It was simply the most stupid thing to punish her own body because other people's mistake. Lin Wei Xi stopped struggling and let Wan Yue use the cloak to cover her up.

Seeing Lin Wei Xi finally calmed down, Wan Yue also relieved. After adjusting Lin Wei Xi's collar, she stepped back and stood quietly behind Lin Wei Xi, listening to the pattering rain outside the corridor with her.

Gao Ran was right. She was indeed really vicious, but what could Lin Wei Xi do to her? Lin Wei Xi was not worried about the marriage with the Qian family. It was difficult to form a marriage, but it was too simple to destroy it. As long as she insists on not marrying or use scissors to twists her hair (become a nun), could the Qian family still marry her forcibly? But if this happened, Lin Wei Xi for half her lifetime would be Ancient Buddha with Blue Lantern, suffering and loneliness were inevitable.

What Lin Wei Xi really cared about was what Gao Ran said next, three generations of Dukes and Marquis could be beheaded, but Wang title would not change for generations. Qinwang's eldest di son was born as Shizi. In the future, he would inherit the Qinwang title. All the other di sons would be appointed as Junwang. The son of the son would be named General of the state. All title of Wang would only increase not decrease. As long as a Qinwang could be born, Qinwang and Junwang would be passed on from generation to generation. So Gao Ran was right. Yan Wang had reached the pinnacle of power, and even the emperor had to rely on Yan Wang. In the future, Yan Wang Mansion would only be glorified from generation to generation, and the descendants would be endless.

Gao Ran dared to do this, wasn't it because others could not do anything to her? Even if Lin Wei Xi resolved her temporary difficulties, could she put up this tone and let Gao Ran maliciously schemed her?

But even if she couldn't stand it, what could she do to Gao Ran!

Lin Wei Xi stood in the corridor for a long time, the bottom of her skirt were all wet by the rain. Wan Yue looked anxious: "Miss, it's raining and windy, let's go back first!"

"Go back and do what?" Lin Wei Xi moved suddenly, she smiled softly at the rain curtain, her face was snow white, her lips bright red, but the expressions in her eyes were indifferent and terrifying, in the gray rain curtain it was simply thrilling.

Wan Yue watched with shock and horror, her heart beating fast, she heard Lin Wei Xi ask in a calm tone, as if nothing had happened, "What time is it?"

"The end of shenshi (3-5pm)."

When Lin Wei Xi heard this she smiled, turned around and left without even saying where she was going. Wan Yue instinctively felt a little scared, but worried that Lin Wei Xi was alone, so she could only quickly follow.

The guard outside the study stared at the front intently, and did not relax because of the rain. Suddenly his eyes condensed, and he looked at the visitor with some surprise: "Miss Lin?"

Lin Wei Xi sprinted all the way, now the bottoms of her skirt were all wet, her hair even slightly wetted by the rain. There were several locks of unruly hair stuck to her forehead, made her skin looked even more snow white, astonishingly beautiful.

"Is Yan Wang inside?"

"Wangye is here." The guard looked at Lin Wei Xi with hesitation. Lin Wei Xi raised his eyebrows: "I can't enter?"

"Of course not! It's just that, Miss Lin, you are soaked in the rain, do you need someone to come and wait for you to tidy up your appearance?"

"No." Lin Wei Xi saw that the guard had no objection, so she walked straight inside. Gu Hui Yan's study was located at a separate inner courtyard, which became quieter because of the rain.

Gu Mingda was also shocked when he saw Lin Wei Xi: "Miss Lin? Why are you soaked like this? Miss please wait a minute, I will go and find the servant girl..."

A clear voice came from the inside, perhaps because it hadn't been use for a long time, his voice was a little deep: "What's wrong?"

Lin Wei Xi's eyes were sour for some reason, and she quickly went towards the direction of the voice: "Your Highness Yan Wang."

Gu Hui Yan came out of the study and saw Lin Wei Xi. He was surprised at first, and then lowered his eyes: "What's the matter? Who is the person that supposed to serve? Why letting her get caught in the rain?"

Wan Yue kept her head down, and immediately knelt when she heard this. Lin Wei Xi stopped Wan Yue, her dark eyes staring at Yan Wang intently and stubbornly: "It's not her fault. Yan Wang, I have something to tell you."

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi, the expression in her eyes rather like she would not give up if her purpose was not reached. Gu Hui Yan sighed and said, "You go out."

Gu Mingda stepped back and closed the door without saying a word. Lin Wei Xi stood there and saw Gu Hui Yan turned around and walked inside. She somewhat hesitated. There were many classified stuffs in Yan Wang's study, and she was unsure whether she could enter. Before she finish thinking about it, she saw Gu Hui Yan coming out from the inside with a piece of white silk in his hand: "The hot water is outside, you wipe your hair first. You know your own body, and it's not too late to say what you want to say, but if you toss your body till you got sick, you are the one that will suffer."

Lin Wei Xi took the white silk, thinking that she was also a beautiful young girl at the prime of her youth, wiping her hair indecently in front a man, what is that? Seeing her motionless, Gu Hui Yan asked calmly: "Why, not willing?"

"Silk cloth cannot absorb water. Even if you want me to wipe my hair, you should took out cotton cloth instead."

Gu Hui Yan was really helpless: "Okay. I will prepare it for you next time."

But thanks to this interruption, Lin Wei Xi's excitement calmed down, and after thinking about it carefully, her mind became clearer: "Yan Wang, I have something to say to you."

"I still remember." Gu Hui Yan didn't take this matter to heart. He sat back behind his desk, held up his sleeve while holding a writing brush, moistened the tip of the brush, and said casually, "Say it."

"You promised me before. If I have any wishes, you will satisfy me as long as I don't overdo it?"

Gu Hui Yan replied as he wrote, "Hmm."

Lin Wei Xi breathed lightly: "Your Highness, aren't you lack a wife?"

The ink on the brush flicked out. The letter he wrote for Zhang Xiao Lian was immediately destroyed.

Gu Hui Yan raised his head and looked at her deeply, "What did you say?"

TN: Wait is this another cliff?! But this one is the author's fault not mine. Anyway, it's a really long chapter, twice the length of normal chapters, almost three times the previous chapter.

PS: I made a ko-fi account for whoever want to support me. Please buy me a coffee! But I'm sorry I won't release more chapter for every donation because well I already updates everyday. It's just for appreciation only, and it's not mandatory. Cheers!

1 Junwang: county prince or prince of the second rank.↩

2 Whether you learned literary talent or martial arts, the ultimate goal is to contribute to the emperor and the court.↩

Chapter 25 Part 1: Pique

Lin Wei Xi regretted it as soon as the words were spoken, but what could Lin Wei Xi do? She could only bite the bullet and pretend to be calm: "Your Wangfei, that is, Gu Cheng Yao's mother's surname is Shen. She passed away in the seventh year of Jianzhao, ten years ago. You are different from Gu Cheng Yao, you kept mourning period for your wife for three years. Even though with your status no one dares to insist, you still did it. Now it has been ten years since Shen Wangfei passed away, and the Shizi has also married and established a family. Although there are no children yet, but obviously there will be in a few years."

"What do you want to say?"

Lin Wei Xi blushed, but her voice did not weaken: "The Wangfei has passed away for many years, and the Shizi has grown up. There is no need to worry about heirs, and there is no need to worry about the new bride treating the predecessors' children harshly. If there is no worries about the future, you should marry a new Wangfei."

Gu Hui Yan put down his brush, did not care about the destroyed letter for First Assistant, rather looked at Lin Wei Xi, his eyes calm, unperturbed: "Go on."

Lin Wei Xi subconsciously want to bow her head, too frightening, it was more terrifying than the old-fashioned master who taught her to read when she was a child. But once the arrow shot there's no getting it back. Lin Wei Xi in any case couldn't say to Yan Wang 'sorry, you heard it wrong. Just now it's only sleep talking', right?

Lin Wei Xi's blush almost dripping blood. Using voice that was resolute and loud in her heart, but in actually as thin as a mosquito and fly, she said softly: "You see, how about me?"

Gu Hui Yan still had a light expression, could not be distinguished between angry or happy. But he himself knew, that was not the case.

Gu Hui Yan's fingers were lightly placed on the table, under his fingertips was a reply for First Assistant Zhang, which was just destroyed by a drop of ink. But under this letter, there was another exquisite palace note.

The letter was written by Grand Princess Shou Kang. In the letter, Princess Shou Kang said that she and Lin Wei Xi were very close to each other. She was an old woman who lived in the princess mansion by herself and always felt lonely. It happened that Lin Wei Xi also mentioned this matter, so Princess Shou Kang want to take Lin Wei Xi to the princess mansion to live.

This was actually a proposal that could satisfied both sides. Even if no one dared to gossip about Yan Wang Mansion, Lin Wei Xi was an unmarried girl after all, she didn't have blood relation with Yan Wang Mansion, and there wasn't female elders in the mansion. If she lives here, in the end her reputation would be damaged.

It was a reasonable proposal, but Gu Hui Yan stared at the letter for a long time, he couldn't write a good reply after a while. Probably rainy days could make people more irritable. Gu Hui Yan felt offended for no reason. When he noticed this, he was surprised. How could it be? Gu Hui Yan's face was still the usual, but in his heart there was tsunami and landslide. Instead of replying to Princess Shou Kang's letter, he took another piece of paper, laid it out, and wrote a letter to Zhang Xiao Lian. When Gu Hui Yan wrote the letter, his thoughts were always unconsciously drifting towards another matter. At this moment, Lin Wei Xi opened the door and entered.

Gu Hui Yan couldn't tell for a moment whether this was accidental or the inevitable combination of several coincidences.

He only turned to those thoughts in a flash. In reality, Lin Wei Xi had just recommended herself, and she was too embarrassed to lift her head.

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi's hair whorl. She was so cute with her head hanging down like this. Her neck was like a swan, made people suspected it would break with a snap. Gu Hui Yan didn't know how long he watched it, maybe it was a cup of tea or maybe it was just for a flash, he quickly returned to his soul and retracted his eyes: "You have a fever, go back and recuperate. I just pretend that I haven't heard these words. Afterwards you still live in Yan Wang Mansion with ease. If you need something say it to Gu Mingda."

"I don't!" Lin Wei Xi was originally ashamed, but when she heard Gu Hui Yan's reply, she was surprisingly angry, "Yan Wang, what do you mean? I said this to you, you just think that I have a fever, as if nothing happened, just let me go back to rest, and treat me the same way in the future. What the hell am I in your heart? An object without thoughts and emotions, or an amusing pet that come when you call and go with your wave?"

Gu Hui Yan's eyes moved slightly, finally revealing his true emotions: "Do you know what you're talking about?"

"I know!" Lin Wei Xi thought to herself this matter already came this far anyway, she simply shouted out without hesitation, "I admire Yan Wang's heroic appearance, and want to marry you as the second wife. My father asks you to take care of me, and you have always want to find me a good marriage, so that I will have a husband that I can depend on in the future. But what should I do if I'm mistaken about the person? What if he only want to get your influence or only coveting my dowry? You can support me once, but can you protect me for the rest of my life? So, let me stay in the Yan Wang Mansion, wouldn't it be the best care..."

Lin Wei Xi's voice became weaker and weaker under Gu Hui Yan's eyes, well, she also knew that this was a fallacy. However, the words didn't sound good, but the reason was true. Lin Wei Xi had been in a kind of contradiction from the beginning of her journey to the capital. On one hand, she felt that her previous life was over. She was unwilling to pay the past mistake at the cost of her reborn. She should start a new life. On the other hand, she looked at the previous life's people, and the previous life's matters, she was not reconciled. She was dead, and these people were still alive, and looked at it they probably would live better in the future. She couldn't pass this hurdle in her heart, really couldn't.

Lin Wei Xi thought like this, her eyes filled with water. Gu Hui Yan sighed with a headache. Such rebellious thing, he didn't even say a word, but the initiator was aggrieved till crying. Gu Hui Yan could only say: "When you get wet in the rain it's easy to catch a cold. Go back first and take a good rest."

This was another kind of rhetoric. Why these higher-up people always liked to say ambiguous things, could he actually say yes or no first?

Lin Wei Xi opened her mouth slightly, and wanted to say something, but Gu Hui Yan's gaze swept over in the next second. The courage that Lin Wei Xi had accumulated with great difficulty collapsed thousands of miles away, she lowered her head, gave Gu Hui Yan a salute in silence, and turned away dully.

Lin Wei Xi's retreating action carried some anger element, but at this moment, no one would care about it. As soon as Lin Wei Xi went out, she saw Gu Cheng Yao standing under the eaves and unwinding his umbrella. Gu Mingda dutifully guarded the door. Seeing Lin Wei Xi's face was not good, Gu Cheng Yao wondered: "Why are you here?"

Lin Wei Xi didn't want to say a word, with cold face she brushed past Gu Cheng Yao. Gu Mingda heard the dispute in the room just now, and they as close guards, quite understand about proper behavior, and would not pry into the master's conversation. However Gu Mingda, as Yan Wang's right hand subordinate, was amazed in his heart. Someone actually dared to argue with Yan Wang? Maybe it should be said, someone actually can argue with Yan Wang?

So when Lin Wei Xi came out and her face was not so good, Gu Mingda was not surprised, but Gu Cheng Yao, after seeing Lin Wei Xi walked into the rain without looking back, frowned silently: "How could she get wet by the rain so much?"

Chapter 25 Part 2: Pique

After Lin Wei Xi returned to Jingdan Garden, she had a headache as soon as she entered the house, and started to burn that night, her illness came so fiercely. Previously she suffered a cold after returning from the palace, today it was add with walking in the rain for so long, and as soon as she came back she had a high fever. Lin Wei Xi's illness alarmed many people. Yan Wang Mansion that very night invited the imperial physician into the mansion, and half of the mansion's lights were on all night. Until noon the next day, Lin Wei Xi's fever with great difficulty retreated a little, she opened her eyes in a daze, and saw a dragon imperial robe standing outside the bed curtain. The clothes were majestic and serious black, coiled dragon embroidered on it with gold threads. Standing in the exquisite and warm young girl's room, it became increasingly majestic and solemn.

People would not think about another person when they saw this clothes in the mansion.

Somewhat heard the movement from the Babu bed, the conversation outside stopped. After a while, three or four layers of bed curtain were opened one by one. Gu Hui Yan stood outside the partition, looking at Lin Wei Xi's gaze and sighed helplessly: "Are you better?"

At the moment Lin Wei Xi's bones aches all over, as if this fever was burning her bones. Lin Wei Xi pursed her lips, and with a great effort said, "It's all right."

Her hoarse voice made Lin Wei Xi startled. Gu Hui Yan sighed, how could he believed that she was really "all right". Gu Hui Yan motioned to Wan Xing and Wan Yue to put down the bed curtain: "She doesn't appear to have the cold now, properly take care of her."

Wan Yue obeyed and carefully put down the innermost heavy red curtain. Gu Hui Yan was still squeezing a lot of things outside, and there really was no time to delay any longer. His figure moved, and as soon as he turned and took two steps, he heard Lin Wei Xi's voice coming from behind, her voice was hoarse and tired: "Your Highness, what I said yesterday is not just nonsense."

Gu Hui Yan's figure stopped, he turned halfway, and saw Lin Wei Xi half propped up on the bed under the thin layer of gauze. Even if he couldn't see her eyes, he could still imagine it. Her eyes were burning now, even though she was uncomfortably ill, she insisted on asking for an answer.

Wan Yue was setting up the tent when she suddenly saw Miss Lin prop up her body to talk to Yan Wang despite her illness, and Yan Wang stopped silently. Wan Yue was unaware, so what they were talking about yesterday? Although she accompanied Lin Wei Xi to the study, she did not know the specific details.

Wan Yue was holding a delicate curtain in her hand. She didn't know what to do for a while, so she could only stand by the bed and waited quietly without disturbing Miss Lin and Yan Wang.

Gu Hui Yan sank and said, "If you are worried about Second Qian's matter, you can rest assured, I have handled this matter."

The matter of yesterday afternoon, Gu Hui Yan already handled it now. Lin Wei Xi felt emotional for a while, the itching in her throat could not be restrained, and she couldn't help but leaning her head to cough. After finally controlling it, she said in a hoarse voice, "It's not because of him."

She knew she looked silly and impulsive now, but she really wanted to be clear.

Gu Hui Yan's eyes darkened, and the temperature in the room condensed inch by inch: "Do you know what you're talking about?"

"I know." Lin Wei Xi tried to look Gu Hui Yan's eyes directly and said as best she could.

Gu Hui Yan was separated by a heavy gauze curtain, at that moment he was extremely sure, she didn't know. She was just acted in a fit of pique.

And who made her pique, it's obvious at a glance.

Gu Hui Yan paused in place for only a moment, and then continued to walk outside: "You set your mind to recuperate."

Gu Hui Yan had just walked out of the house, and sure enough, he heard the sound of tantrums inside. Gu Hui Yan secretly said in his heart that with this little strength, still learned from others to throw things down to vent out anger.

Gu Mingda was waiting in the yard. When he saw Gu Hui Yan coming out, he immediately walked behind Gu Hui Yan and bowed his head slightly: "Wangye."

Gu Hui Yan brought people walking the heap of gold and pile up jade (extremely wealthy) winding corridors of the inner mansion. When the servants in the garden saw him, they all lowered their hands and moved out of the way, lowered their head down and waited for him to pass first, not even daring to raise their eyes. When Gu Hui Yan passed through a courtyard, he suddenly stopped. Outside the Ruyi carved fence, the wisteria tree hanging above the eaves were gently swaying.

When Gu Mingda saw Gu Hui Yan had stop, he looked at the front, stepped forward and said in a low voice: "Wangye, maybe the wind is blowing it."

The gardener who looked after the courtyard was almost on his knees in fright. Wangye was not satisfied with the wisteria tree? Was he dislike it because it's too dense?

Fortunately, Gu Hui Yan just stopped to take a look, said nothing, and continued to walk forward. He was silent all the way, and everywhere he passed by was solemn.

Maybe it was not the wind.

After Gu Hui Yan returned to the study, he calmly handled the important official duties that had accumulated since yesterday. After a few brief instructions to his aids, he asked Gu Mingda to prepare his horse to go visit Princess Shou Kang Mansion.

The whole princess mansion was startled by Yan Wang sudden visit. You know, with his rank, wherever he went he should notify at least three days in advance. Grand Princess Shou Kang sat in the main hall and asked Gu Hui Yan with some doubts: "Why do you want to come to me today? If you send someone to say in advance, I'll be prepared."

"How dare I trouble my aunt?" Gu Hui Yan smiled and nodded, and said neither too fast not too slow, "I am hastily visiting today because I want to ask aunt for something."

"Oh?" Princess Shou Kang also became curious, what else does Gu Hui Yan need to ask from others? She smiled and said: "You are being modest again, what else under the sky that Yan Wang can't make it come forward?"

Gu Hui Yan smiled, not this time. He said: "I want to ask my aunt to come forward as matchmaker for me and Lin Wei Xi."

TN: GHY is proposing… to his aunt!