Chapter 4

Chapter 4

After hearing these words, Marquis Jing’an finally looked at me with genuine focus.

He raised an eyebrow. “The Dowager Marchioness said you were kind and sensible, but I see you are also quite clever. Or perhaps you are just playing the fool?”

I shook my head. “If I were truly clever, you wouldn’t have chosen me, Marquis. I only hope we can make things clear beforehand to avoid difficulties in the future.”

This was the greatest benefit I could secure for myself.

Marquis Jing’an nodded. “Fine. From now on, you shall manage all affairs of the Marquis’ Mansion as the mistress, and you will be responsible for all social interactions and relatives. You need not trouble yourself with Concubine Bai’s courtyard or my study.”

The study was the most important place in the house.

As expected, he did not trust me.

Still, this was good enough.

I lowered my gaze, maintaining a respectful posture. “Thank you, Marquis.”

Before we parted, I said softly:

“You are a man who does great things, Marquis. You should know that what a family fears most is a lack of unity; such discord leaves endless trouble for future generations.”

Marquis Jing’an replied coldly, “I don’t need you to lecture me.”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

I stepped back, clearing a path for him.

And so, two months later, I married Wu Zhiyu, Marquis Jing’an.

My grandmother, pained by my situation, gave me a substantial dowry.

My parents, fearing the Marquis’ Mansion would look down on me, emptied their coffers for my sake.

I tried to make my mother take some of it back, saying, “We don’t know what the future holds for our family. My brother is still young; keep more for his studies and his future marriage.”

My younger brother, Gao Yaotian, was only ten years old. He would have many expenses in the years to come.

My mother wept until her face was a mask of tears. “My good child, the family has failed you…”

My siblings were loath to see me go.

I resolutely let go of my family’s hands and left the Gao Family home, my vision blurred with tears.

From now on, no matter what happened, I would have to face it alone.

Fortunately, on our wedding night, Wu Zhiyu still came to the main quarters.

He shared the ceremonial cup of wine with me and consummated the marriage.

Though he was not gentle and acted with mere perfunctory effort, he at least gave me a modicum of dignity in front of the household.

By the second day, however, he went to stay in Concubine Bai’s courtyard.

Ruomei, feeling indignant on my behalf, said angrily:

“How can the main quarters be empty on the second night of a marriage? This Concubine Bai is far too inconsiderate.”

I sighed. “Don’t blame Concubine Bai. The Marquis may go wherever he pleases. You must understand the situation-to the Marquis and Concubine Bai, we are the outsiders.”

I followed my grandmother’s advice: do not fight, do not grab, and simply perform my duties well.

If I expected too much from Wu Zhiyu and the Marquis’ Mansion, I would be the only one who ended up hurt.