Chapter 38: This Scoundrel!
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Suddenly, Yu Zhi Yi’s expression shifted as she turned her head. “Why are you here?”
She had been so engrossed in her sharp words earlier that she hadn’t noticed Du Zi Heng’s arrival. The realization that he might have overheard her utter the term “husband” made her stomach churn.
She had only said it to act a part and provoke these women, nothing more. Protecting Du Zi Heng’s dignity was simply a way of maintaining the respectability of herself and the Chancellor’s family. She had no intention of becoming fodder for gossip wherever she went.
These women might appear sympathetic, but how many truly empathized with others? Most were only eager to find a new joke to laugh at.
Besides…
After today, if Du Zi Heng had even an ounce of pride, he would no longer dare to act recklessly in public.
He would have to either end things with You Bing Yue or formally bring her into the mansion as a concubine. Whatever he chose, Yu Zhi Yi was happy to watch it play out.
The other noblewomen, catching sight of Du Zi Heng after Yu Zhi Yi’s remark, were taken aback. “Young Master Du?”
Du Zi Heng suppressed the mess of emotions within him and approached Yu Zhi Yi. “I heard you were here, so I came.”
The Splendid Embroidery Pavilion’s showcase banquet was ostensibly open to all the elite circles, both men and women. However, most men found such gatherings unappealing, with only a few devoted husbands or filial sons accompanying their wives or mothers.
Seats were left empty for appearances, but they were seldom occupied.
Du Zi Heng seated himself across from Yu Zhi Yi. Feeling guilty, he attempted to offer some form of restitution. “If you see any clothing you like, feel free to buy it.”
Yu Zhi Yi was momentarily stunned. Had the sun risen in the west today?
It took only a moment for her to guess that guilt had driven his offer.
Since this generous fool had delivered himself to her door, she wasn’t going to refuse. Besides, half of the money would eventually end up in her own pockets.
“Are you sure, Young Master?” She knew he wasn’t the type to retract gifts, but it was better to clarify. After all, she didn’t want him throwing a tantrum if the South Wind Bookstore began to struggle and he regretted his decision.
“Of course.”
“And no matter what happens in the future, you won’t take it back?” Yu Zhi Yi pressed further.
Du Zi Heng was momentarily speechless. After a while, he sighed helplessly. “Do you really think I’m that kind of person?”
Yu Zhi Yi didn’t deny it outright. “Maybe you aren’t inherently that type, but who knows if you’d change your mind after someone whispers in your ear?”
Du Zi Heng fell silent.
Reflecting on the recent days, he couldn’t bring himself to argue. Instead, he solemnly promised, “Rest assured, I won’t ever try to reclaim the dresses or money.”
“Good.”
Only then did Yu Zhi Yi curve her lips into a pleased smile.
Their conversation wasn’t loud, and the hall was filled with noise, making it difficult for others to catch their words. All they could see was Yu Zhi Yi’s radiant smile and Du Zi Heng’s seemingly indulgent one, tinged with helplessness.
The noblewomen present were speechless.
If this wasn’t love, what was it?
Yu Jiao Jiao clenched her fists so tightly that her nails nearly dug into her palms. Was Du Zi Heng blind?
She was the true daughter of the Yu family, a proper young lady with the Minister’s noble bloodline! Yet he had always treated her coldly. Now, he was lavishing such tenderness on that impostor?
And what of his supposed love for You Bing Yue?
Yu Zhi Yi ignored the piercing gaze aimed at her. With Du Zi Heng’s guarantee, she was in high spirits and had no interest in petty squabbles.
After all, today’s events would greatly boost Red Luan’s reputation, solidifying its position within the Splendid Embroidery Pavilion.
This was her way of proving her own abilities.
Surely, her long-cherished wish would soon be realized.
Before long, the showcase began.
The Pavilion’s steward took to the stage first, delivering a speech filled with formalities before introducing a geisha who performed a piece on the pipa. The melodious tune lifted the atmosphere in the banquet hall.
Next came the highlight of the event—the clothing exhibition.
Only designs crafted by the Pavilion’s Gold-Ranked Embroideresses qualified for the showcase. Each banquet featured creations from five such masters, displayed in rotation.
The first to present her work was the most senior embroideress. Her three outfits featured floral motifs with daring color choices, each an eye-catching display of bold vibrancy.
After the first round, a storyteller took the stage, recounting a tale of love between a wealthy maiden and a poor scholar. Their romance was a sweeping saga, culminating in the maiden abandoning everything to be with him. The scholar, proving his worth, ultimately achieved the top rank in the imperial exams and made her the Top Scholar’s Wife.
The young ladies in attendance listened with rapt attention, their hearts stirred by the tale. Many began fantasizing about their own suitors striving tirelessly to earn them prestigious titles.
The storyteller, satisfied with the crowd’s reaction, couldn’t help but smile.
He prided himself on being the city’s most renowned narrator. Even the most ordinary story became unforgettable in his hands.
Just then, a derisive chuckle broke the spell.
The sound was faint, almost like a laugh, but it carried no joy—only scorn.
The storyteller glanced in the direction of the sound and spotted a stunningly beautiful young woman in a floral gown. Her beauty was so striking that it elicited reverence rather than inappropriate thoughts.
Startled, he quickly averted his gaze, pretending not to hear the scoff.
Over the years, he had told this story countless times. Yet, as his fame and wealth grew, the tale increasingly left a sour taste in his mouth.
He, too, was a wealthy man with a daughter. The thought of her eloping with a penniless youth, even one who later attained success, was unbearable. The mere notion robbed him of sleep.
Though he chose to let the incident pass, Yu Jiao Jiao exclaimed in shock, “Sister, were you displeased just now?”
With feigned innocence, she added, “But why, Sister? Do you think this gentleman’s storytelling is lacking?”
All eyes turned to Yu Zhi Yi, their gazes a mixture of disdain, contempt, schadenfreude, and indifference.
Du Zi Heng frowned. At first, he too found Yu Zhi Yi’s behavior improper, but recalling recent events, he couldn’t help but wonder if she had discovered something.
Was there a problem with the storyteller?
“Yi’er isn’t one to act rudely without reason. There must be an explanation.”
His statement caused a stir in the small hall.
Young Master Du was this protective of the fake daughter?
Despite the obvious situation, he chose to turn a blind eye?
Yu Jiao Jiao dug her nails into her palms so hard that they drew blood.
This scoundrel!
This despicable man!
Yu Zhi Yi was taken aback, her gaze at Du Zi Heng filled with confusion.
Moments later, a wariness crept over her.
Could it be that he wanted her to plead on You Bing Yue’s behalf?
Not a chance!