The crowd outside the city gates grew thicker by the minute. The moment Xue Wu stepped down from his carriage, his gaze landed on Huo Jue standing nearby.
The tall young man stood like a snow-laden pine in winter, his jade crown glinting against the falling snowflakes. Their eyes met briefly before sliding apart. Xue Wu called out to a nearby Imperial Guard with an easy smile, "Sun Yi, inform Madam Su at Yujing Tower to reserve the Wenying Pavilion for tonight's drinks."
Sun Yi bowed in acknowledgment before disappearing into the city gates.
After dismissing Sun Yi, Xue Wu personally oversaw Huo Jue's party's entry through the gates. As the commander of the Imperial Guards, the esteemed heir of the Duke of Dingguo, and a favored confidant of the Emperor, the guards dared not question him. They waved them through without even inspecting their travel documents.
Jiang Li hadn’t expected such smooth entry. Many carriages ahead of them—some belonging to prominent noble families—were still stuck outside. Glancing out, she had seen several luxurious carriages among them, likely belonging to high-ranking officials in the capital.
Yet while those influential families waited obediently, their party had been granted priority entry. It spoke volumes about Xue Wu’s standing in the capital.
Unable to contain her curiosity, she turned to Tao Zhu. "Is the Duke’s heir... very powerful in the capital?"
Tao Zhu gave her a surprised look. Of course her master was powerful—back in Suzhou, he had been nicknamed the "God of Slaughter" for his military prowess. Then, for reasons unknown, he had abruptly left Suzhou and joined the Imperial Guards in the capital, rising to the rank of commander in less than six years.
In all of the capital, aside from the Emperor himself, there was no one Xue Wu feared.
Nodding, Tao Zhu recounted some of his exploits, intending to impress upon Jiang Li the might of the Duke’s household. Instead, Jiang Li’s expression grew troubled.
"A man like him must have many noblewomen vying for his hand. Is he betrothed? Surely his future wife will be from an equally prestigious family?"
Her sister was Xue Wu’s concubine. While his influence meant he could protect Wei Huan, it also meant his future wife would be formidable. The thought of Wei Huan suffering pained Jiang Li.
Tao Zhu knew little about such matters. Despite his easygoing demeanor, Xue Wu ruled his household with an iron fist. Servants dared not gossip about their masters’ private affairs.
But seeing Jiang Li’s furrowed brow, Tao Zhu softened. "Don’t worry, Madam. The Duke treats Madam Wei very well. He would never allow his future wife to mistreat her."
Jiang Li lowered her eyes.
A concubine’s life was one of submission—serving both her lord and his wife. How could it ever be comfortable?
To Jiang Li, Wei Huan was like the moon—serene and untouchable. Such a woman shouldn’t be forced to endure indignities.
If Huo Jue could place highly in the imperial exams—perhaps even as the top scholar—Wei Huan might gain some standing in the Duke’s household. And if she ever wished to leave, she would have a distinguished brother to rely on.
With this thought, Jiang Li clenched her fists in determination. Starting tomorrow, she would urge Huo Jue to study harder. He must secure the top honors.
---
Once inside the city, their carriage wound slowly through the streets. Half an hour later, it halted before a spacious courtyard residence on Yongfu Street.
Stepping down, Jiang Li saw Huo Jue standing at the gate, staring silently at the plaque bearing the words "Huo Residence." His expression was as unreadable as ever, yet something about it tugged at her heart.
She approached and took his hand, offering a bright smile. "This will be our home in the capital from now on."
Huo Jue blinked, then after a pause, squeezed her hand gently. "I’ll buy you a bigger house someday."
Jiang Li shook her head. "This one is perfect. Property in the capital is expensive—I’m more than happy with this."
The courtyard was far grander than their home in Tong’an. Acquiring such a residence in the capital must have cost a fortune.
Not wanting Huo Jue to worry about finances, she added, "If you really want a bigger house, we’ll save up together after I start earning."
Huo Jue looked down at her, amused, and was about to agree when an irate voice erupted from inside.
"What is the meaning of this, Duke’s household? Luring me to the capital only to imprison me here—is there no law left? Should I report this to the magistrate? Don’t think your rank makes you untouchable! This old man would sooner die than submit to such tyranny!"
Startled, Jiang Li turned to Huo Jue, only to find him raising a brow before giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. He led her through the inner gate into the courtyard.
An elderly man with a youthful complexion stood in the corridor, berating a guard. Spotting newcomers, he redirected his tirade—only to freeze mid-rant upon seeing Huo Jue’s face. His raised arm slowly lowered.
When Wei Huan entered moments later, her veil removed, the old man’s anger melted into emotion.
Jiang Li watched his reaction, realizing he must be someone connected to Huo Jue and Wei Huan.
Sure enough, Wei Huan smiled and greeted him with a bow. "Master Fang, it’s been a long time."
---
Night fell, and the snow thickened.
Inside the courtyard, Nanny Tong bustled about, directing maids and servants to unpack, clean, and prepare meals. Despite the flurry of activity, everything proceeded smoothly.
The residence had four side chambers and a main hall. Jiang Li had intended to offer the main quarters to Wei Huan, but Nanny Tong insisted she and Huo Jue, as the household’s masters, should occupy them.
Unable to refuse, Jiang Li had their belongings moved in.
By the time everything was settled, exhaustion weighed heavily on her. After dinner and a bath, she curled up on a daybed with a book of poetry, intending to wait for Huo Jue. But weariness soon pulled her into sleep.
Huo Jue entered to find her dozing. Lifting her gently, he carried her to bed and tucked her in.
As he straightened, her fingers caught his sleeve.
Her eyelids fluttered open slightly. "Did Master Fang stop threatening to leave?"
"He’s calmed down."
"Good." Her grip loosened as her eyes drifted shut. "Come to bed soon. I’m too tired to wait."
Her drowsy murmur tugged at his heart. He kissed her cheek. "Rest. I have business to attend to tonight."
Too sleepy to question him, she mumbled an acknowledgment and sank back into slumber.
After ensuring she slept soundly, Huo Jue left for Yujing Tower.
---
Yujing Tower was one of the capital’s most renowned pleasure houses. Its madam, Su Yuniang, had once been the empire’s most celebrated courtesan, counting numerous high-ranking officials among her patrons.
Though past her prime, her charm remained, and her managerial skills had only sharpened with time. Running such an establishment in the capital—especially on its busiest street—required powerful backing.
Many assumed the tower’s patron was the Vice Premier Zhu Yucheng, who had long admired Su Yuniang. But Huo Jue knew the truth: Yujing Tower answered to the Duke of Dingguo in Suzhou.
Its courtesans—particularly the most famous ones—all served the Duke’s household. The same was true for the capital’s top gambling dens, restaurants, and theaters.
His adoptive father, the eunuch Zhao Baoying, had once told him, "Fools think the Duke holds no influence in the capital just because he’s stationed in Suzhou. Little do they know his eyes and ears are everywhere. If not for his loyalty, the Emperor’s throne would never have been so secure."
It was only after entering the palace that Huo Jue learned the Duke’s household had secretly warned Qingzhou before the Wei and Huo families’ downfall—allowing him to escape.
Recalling the Duke’s sigh of regret upon meeting him in the palace, Huo Jue climbed the steps of Yujing Tower.
---
Inside, Xue Wu idly twirled a folding fan, half-listening to the distant strains of a zither. Though his expression was pleasant, those who knew him recognized his foul mood.
Su Yuniang poured him wine. "I heard the lady from Wushuang Courtyard has returned. Why the long face?"
Xue Wu snapped his fan shut. "What does it matter if she’s back? She hasn’t returned to Wushuang Courtyard."
Su Yuniang smiled. "If you wish it, you could bring her back anytime."
He drained his cup. "She dislikes noise. Once the household quiets down after the New Year, I’ll fetch her. That temper of hers—if provoked, I’ll pay for it dearly."
His reluctance stemmed partly from concern that Lady Wang’s presence would upset Wei Huan, but more so from knowing she wouldn’t leave her brother so soon after their reunion. Letting her stay at Yongfu Street for now was the wiser choice.
Su Yuniang knew of the "cousin" recently installed in the Duke’s residence—handpicked by the Duchess as Xue Wu’s future bride. Though no betrothal had been formalized, the Duchess seemed determined to force the match.
The "noise" Xue Wu referred to was undoubtedly this unwelcome guest.
Their relationship allowed for candor. Refilling his cup, Su Yuniang teased, "If you were less handsome, you might have fewer troubles."
Between his status and his looks, he had no shortage of admirers. Rumor had it his "cousin" had been infatuated with him since childhood—hardly someone who would leave willingly.
Before Xue Wu could retort, a maid knocked. "Madam, the Duke’s guest has arrived."
Su Yuniang’s demeanor shifted. Rising gracefully, she said, "I’ll fetch more wine."
As she stepped into the corridor, a tall, slender figure ascended the stairs. When the lamplight fell upon his face, her breath caught.
Moments ago, she had jested about Xue Wu’s devastating looks. This newcomer was every bit as striking—his refined features and noble bearing making him stand out even among the capital’s most handsome men.
He couldn’t be older than twenty. Was he married?
If not, and if any of the imperial princesses caught sight of him, they’d surely fight to claim him as their consort.
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