Chapter 31

Chao Jianan must have been very busy lately.

Busy with receiving titles, opening his own residence, and receiving endless visiting cards from all sides.

That is how officialdom in the Capital works.

Now, he is the new favorite of the Imperial Court, Colonel Chao, a minister cherished by the Son of Heaven.

If I want to see him, there is always a chance.

A month later, he attended a banquet at the Censor’s Mansion.

Aunt said, “It’s truly strange. He’s received countless invitations, yet he chose to come to the Censor’s Mansion first.”

I said I wanted to go out for a walk, but Aunt refused, only letting me sunbathe in the courtyard for a while before locking me back in my room.

After Wei Donghe died, she seemed even more anxious, listening closely to Zhang Yunhuai’s instructions and watching over me strictly.

She said that in another month, I would become the concubine of the Second Young Master.

She even wiped her tears and said, “If there were any other way, I would never want you to become someone’s concubine. We come from a good family, why should we be concubines? Even if it’s the Second Young Master, I still feel wronged in my heart.”

“Fortunately, the Second Young Master truly cares for you. Though you are to be a concubine, all the proper rituals are being observed. Your wedding dress is being custom-made at Jinxiu Workshop, the best silk shop in the Capital.”

I wanted her to let me out, so I told her, “I want to see Chao Jianan, the very Colonel Chao personally appointed by the Emperor. Aunt, do you know who he is? He is my Brother-in-law.”

“Nonsense again. Can’t you behave for once?”

“It’s true, believe me. He can protect me better than Zhang Yunhuai.”

“…Just stay put. I’ll bring you your meal later.”

There was a banquet at the Censor’s Mansion, and Chao Jianan was among the guests.

I managed to sneak out with the help of Du Xuliu, the niece of Aunt Du.

She took Aunt’s key while she wasn’t looking.

It wasn’t out of kindness-she is also struggling to survive in the Censor’s Mansion.

First Young Master Zhang Yanli has taken a liking to her and has teased her several times.

Although Aunt Du is favored by the Second Master, she is still a concubine and cannot afford to offend the First Young Master, so she can only swallow her anger.

Du Xuliu is a sensitive and proud girl, and she is very afraid that one day she will really fall into Zhang Yanli’s hands.

Knowing that the Second Young Master was to take me as his concubine, she was both angry and upset, unable to understand how she lost to me.

In terms of talent and looks, she clearly surpasses me.

Her affection is steadfast as iron, and she firmly believes that as long as I leave the Censor’s Mansion and never return, she will still have a chance to catch the Second Young Master’s eye.

This muddle-headed Miss Du still harbors hope for Zhang Yunhuai.

Everyone has their own ambitions, and I have no time to awaken her.

I changed into a maid’s outfit, mingled among them, and with my head lowered, carried a tray to the banquet.

There were many people, with music and dance, and cups clinking.

Zhang Censor and several young masters were present, and Chao Jianan was there too, seated at the main seat opposite.

A Dancer was performing at the banquet. As I tried to approach, someone grabbed my wrist.

It was that damned Zhang Yunhuai.

His brows were furrowed in impatience, his gaze cold as he stared at me, the warning clear on his face.

Oh right, he had threatened me before. To protect me, he had taken on too much risk. If I misbehaved again, he would kill my Aunt.

I stood behind him, lowering my head obediently.

At that moment, the music ended and the Dancer withdrew.

Not far away, Chao Jianan’s gaze fell upon me.

With just that one glance, I raised my head, our eyes met, and I walked toward him again.

Before Zhang Yunhuai could stop me, I had already stepped forward. Under everyone’s gaze, I stood before him, bowed, and said softly:

“Brother-in-law.”

There was a brief moment of silence around us. I didn’t know what expression Zhang Yunhuai had behind me; I only saw Chao Jianan curl his lips, give a soft “Mm,” and his sharp gaze swept across the hall.

I obediently stood by his side.

First Young Master Zhang Yanli seemed unable to believe his ears: “Xiao Chun, what did you just call Lord Chao? Brother-in-law?”

I didn’t answer. Across from me, Zhang Yunhuai frowned, simply watching me to see what I would do next.

Zhang Censor, however, reacted quickly and smiled, “Miss Xiao Chun is a relative who has sought refuge with our family. I never expected her to have such a connection with Colonel Chao. This must be fate-Colonel Chao is family.”

“That’s not right. When did Lord Chao get married? I’ve never heard of it.”

First Young Master looked suspicious. Chao Jianan smiled at him, lips curling as he played nonchalantly with his wine cup: “Married in Kaizhou. I forgot to inform you, First Young Master. My apologies.”

At these words, Zhang Yanli looked embarrassed and awkward to the extreme.

Zhang Censor shot him a glare, then smiled and was about to say something to smooth things over, when he saw Chao Jianan’s gaze sweep over, sharp as a blade, and the wine cup in his hand was crushed.

“Sun Yunchun is indeed my wife’s younger sister. After my Father-in-law passed away, I personally escorted her to your esteemed mansion. I am deeply grateful for your protection. However, Lord Zhang, I hear that the Second Young Master of your mansion intends to take my wife’s younger sister as a concubine?”

Chao Jianan leaned back slightly, his posture relaxed, fingers tapping the table idly, yet he maintained a gentle demeanor, smiling warmly.

For a moment, I seemed to see him as he was when I was twelve, when I accused him at the yamen, sitting carelessly in the adviser’s chair.

Back then, he wore a faint, elusive smile, every gesture exuding casual indifference.

The overlapping memories made me pause in a daze.

The Second Young Master stood up unhurriedly, his expression calm and unruffled, and bowed to Chao Jianan: “It seems there has been a misunderstanding, Lord Chao. I am not taking a concubine, but a wife.”

“A wife?”

“A principal wife.”

“When is the wedding?”

“The eighth day of next month.”

“That’s too rushed. The date is inauspicious.”

“When does Lord Chao think would be an auspicious day?”

“The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month next year, with three matchmakers and six betrothal gifts, and a grand sedan chair.”

Chao Jianan stared at Zhang Yunhuai, his voice deep, his dark eyes swirling with unfathomable light.

The atmosphere grew tense, and everyone sensed something was wrong, except for Zhang Yunhuai, who simply smiled, maintaining his calm and gentlemanly demeanor.

“The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month next year. I hope Lord Chao will await the betrothal gifts to arrive at your residence.”

When the banquet ended and Chao Jianan was leaving, I tugged at his sleeve: “Wait a moment, let me go say goodbye to my Aunt.”

He called out to me, “Xiao Chun.”

I turned to look at him. His eyes were calm, yet he couldn’t help but smile: “Stay.”