Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I had people prepare a courtyard for Gu Qinghan.

Xie Yunye followed me over. In front of a courtyard full of servants, he suddenly took my hand.

“Rong Yu, this past year, thanks to you managing the household, I was able to fight at the border without worry.”

I lowered my eyes to the fingers wrapped around mine and quietly pulled my hand free.

“My lord has had a long journey. Please rest first, then go see Mother.”

“She has missed you day and night and copied countless sutras, all to pray for your safety.”

Xie Yunye’s gaze fell on his empty hand, and his brows drew together slightly.

But he soon smiled, as if he had not noticed my distance. He stepped closer again. “Rong Yu, are you acting unfamiliar with me now? I was only away at war for a year. How did you become so proper?”

“Mother taught me well.”

He stared at me for a moment, then suddenly bent close to my ear. “I still prefer the lively, mischievous Rong Yu. Wait for me tonight.”

With that, he brushed a kiss over my earlobe.

Gu Qinghan was standing beneath the corridor, watching the scene without blinking. A trace of loneliness crossed her eyes.

I turned my head away and stepped back.

Xie Yunye seemed very pleased with my reaction. He probably thought I was thin-skinned and shy.

Smiling, he turned and left.

Gu Qinghan came forward and looked me over from head to toe.

“So you are Brother Xie’s wife?”

I did not answer.

“Miss Gu, the recognition banquet still needs Old Madam’s approval. Until then, I must ask you to stay temporarily in Youlan Pavilion.”

She paused, then the corners of her mouth lifted slightly. “It does not matter where I stay, as long as I am closer to Brother Xie.”

Behind me, Qiushuang frowned and had just opened her mouth when I raised a hand to stop her.

“Youlan Pavilion is the courtyard closest to my lord.”

Satisfaction flashed through Gu Qinghan’s eyes. She nodded and followed the servants away.

Once she had gone, Qiushuang finally could not hold back. “Madam, why did you arrange for her to stay in Youlan Pavilion? That is the courtyard right beside the marquis’s study! She is an outsider woman. If she lives so close, what will people say?”

“It is fine.”

Qiushuang grew anxious. “If Madam is afraid Old Madam will blame you, this servant can go explain on your behalf…”

“Qiushuang.”

“Do you think I am someone who is afraid of trouble?”

She fell silent, though her face was still full of confusion.

Of course I was not afraid of trouble.