Chapter 56: You’ve Changed
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Although Yu Zhi Yi managed to divine You Bing Yue’s otherworldly soul identity using her birthdate and eight characters, the truth remained shrouded, obscured by the veils of fate. Much like flowers beneath water or the moon’s reflection in a well, the details were impossible to discern.
Her contemplation lasted but a fleeting moment before she dismissed the matter entirely.
“When the time comes, all will be revealed.”
After sending off Duke Courage, Yu Zhi Yi informed Chancellor Du and Madam Du that she would be going into seclusion and would not emerge until the following month.
For most families, if a daughter-in-law claimed she needed isolation to cultivate, the in-laws might dismiss her as eccentric, even calling for a physician to examine her mental state.
But because it was Yu Zhi Yi, the elderly couple only smiled and readily agreed.
Not only did they thoughtfully inquire if she needed anything during her retreat, but they also forbade anyone from disturbing her.
Thus, Yu Zhi Yi leisurely nestled into Breeze Pavilion, completely embracing idleness.
Her days were a cycle of eating, drinking, and sleeping to her heart’s content. The life of ease brought her a peculiar sense of delight.
When she thought back to her previous life, waking early and scheming daily for Zhang Tian Shun, she couldn’t help but feel like she had been the ultimate fool.
While Yu Zhi Yi luxuriated in her slothful indulgence, You Bing Yue found herself in a foul mood.
The other day, Duke Courage had been furious upon learning of Prince Carefree’s involvement with her. She had managed to temporarily quell his rage by dangling the whereabouts of his missing sister as bait.
Her plan was simple: she would redeem herself by rescuing his sister. This achievement would cement her status as an esteemed guest at Duke Courage’s Mansion, showcasing her unique abilities, far superior to the average woman of this era.
In doing so, she hoped to legitimize her interactions with Prince Carefree, steering public perception away from scandalous conjectures. Moreover, a solid alliance with Duke Courage’s Mansion would allow her to face Chancellor Du and Madam Du with pride, proving that her relationship with Du Zi Heng was a partnership of equals. Unlike some incompetent wife who married into the Du family solely due to the Yu family’s influence.
But reality struck her plan a harsh blow.
Her clues turned out to be wrong. Worse, her attempt to locate the human trafficker involved backfired. Overestimating herself, she fell into a trap and narrowly avoided being sold like helpless women and children.
Though her blunder didn’t cause significant damage—apart from losing face in front of Prince Carefree—it left her seething.
Prince Carefree, thankfully, hadn’t scorned her. She shouldn’t have cared; after all, even in the modern world, she had experienced failure, ultimately dying because of a betrayed trust.
But comparison is the thief of joy.
Her flawed lead earned her a public scolding from Duke Courage, who demanded Prince Carefree choose between her and his fiancée. Foolishly, the prince chose her—despite her lack of romantic interest in him.
But that wasn’t the crux of her fury.
What truly enraged her was Yu Zhi Yi.
A few days later, Yu Zhi Yi somehow provided accurate intelligence, enabling Duke Courage to rescue his sister. Now, the capital buzzed with praise for Yu Zhi Yi, extolling her remarkable skills in divination.
What stung most was how Duke Courage spun Yu Zhi Yi’s earlier misinformation as an act of wisdom, claiming she had deliberately misled him to protect the trafficked women.
“Lies! Sheer deceit!” You Bing Yue ground her teeth, cursing this absurd narrative.
How could a backcourt woman possess such foresight?
“Bing Yue…” Du Zi Heng appeared the day before his imperial exams, having used “a walk” as a pretext to escape the house. His mother, keenly aware of his preoccupied state, chose not to intervene.
His gaze softened as he looked at her, his expression brimming with affection. “It feels like an eternity since we last met.”
You Bing Yue sneered, “Oh, what a rare guest.”
He sighed, guilt etched on his face. “Bing Yue, I never meant to neglect you. You know some things are still beyond my control. But rest assured, I’m confident in my exam performance. Once I secure a top position, my parents will no longer interfere, and I will bring you home openly and honorably.”
His sincerity tugged at her heart, but a shadow of doubt lingered.
In the original storyline, he had indeed achieved the top scholar title and moved out.
But one thing gnawed at her. “Why did you help that woman?”
“What?” He frowned in confusion.
“Why did you help her locate Duke Courage’s sister and spread her fame?” she asked, her tone sharp with resentment.
The capital’s endless talk of Yu Zhi Yi being “kind and virtuous” made her stomach churn.
Du Zi Heng sighed. “Bing Yue, I didn’t help her. She deduced everything on her own.”
“That woman is cunning. Only someone as naive as you would believe her!” she snapped.
“Why won’t you believe she has a good heart?” he asked, perplexed.
“Good heart?” Her anger boiled over. “Du Zi Heng, admit it. You’ve changed!”
“I haven’t—”
“You have!” Her eyes burned with unshed tears. “You defend her at every turn. You argue with me for her sake! That’s proof enough!”
His gaze dimmed, seeing a side of her he no longer recognized.
“Should I blindly shield you, even when you’re wrong? If you ever commit a grave mistake, should I indulge it without question?”
Why did Bing Yue see Yu Zhi Yi as an enemy when she had done nothing to provoke her? Was it merely the title of first wife that incited such animosity?
Bing Yue’s voice grew icy. “You’re saying I’m in the wrong? Do you think so little of me?”
“No…” he murmured, weary.
“Yes, you do! You’ve been deceived by her, like everyone else in your family! But mark my words, Du Zi Heng—you’ll all see the truth soon enough. My abilities far surpass hers!”
That day, Yu Zhi Yi was admiring a lovely dress gifted by Red Luan when Zi Yuan stormed in, her face clouded with displeasure.
“Who upset my little Zi Yuan?” Yu Zhi Yi teased, amused.