Chapter 3 – Part 1: Didn’t you say you’d jump into the lake if you had to marry me? I’ve already proposed, so jump now

Gu Jiusi’s perception of Ye Shi’an was primarily shaped by the words of his father, Gu Langhua. Despite being a merchant, Gu Langhua held a deep love for poetry and hoped his son would pursue scholarly studies to attain an official title.

Alas, Jiusi never found joy in academics, preferring playful pursuits from a tender age. To inspire him, Gu Langhua frequently praised Ye Shi’an as a model of diligence, inadvertently fueling Gu Jiusi’s intense dislike for the young scholar.

When Gu Jiusi learned that Ye Shi’an was to marry Liu Yuru, a scheming woman of unremarkable beauty, he couldn’t suppress a sense of spiteful amusement.

A smirk curled his lips. After a moment’s consideration, he nudged Chen Xun with his fan. “Find someone to keep an eye on Liu Yuru for me.”

“What for?” Chen Xun was momentarily taken aback, his eyes widening. “Jiusi, don’t tell me you’ve fallen for her?”

“What nonsense are you talking about!” Gu Jiusi retorted, rapping Chen Xun’s head with his fan in a fit of anger. “Do you think my taste is that poor? Let me tell you, even if every single woman in the world disappeared, I still wouldn’t marry her!”

Yang Wenchang, ever watchful and suspicious of Gu Jiusi’s unpredictable nature, interjected, “Then why have Chen Xun keep tabs on a young lady?”

Gu Juisi arched an eyebrow and proclaimed, “After the way she dealt with me today, should I just let it go? Should you? She is now betrothed to Ye Shi’an. He has been oppressing us, and now she’s also slapping us in the face. If we don’t retaliate, how can we call ourselves men?”

Yang Wenchang and Chen Xun found some truth in Jiusi’s words. 

Ye Shi’an was the most disliked person among all the young masters in Yangzhou City. He relied on his excellent academic performance to bully them. Now, his fiancée had also bullied them. They simply can’t tolerate it; they had to fight back!

The trio swiftly reached a consensus. Chen Xun wasted no time in dispatching his street urchins to maintain a close watch over Liu Yuru’s residence, ensuring that no development would escape their notice.

As the three plotted their revenge against Liu Yuru, the young woman quickly ushered Liyu Siyu back to her courtyard. Liu Yuru patiently explained the situation, offering words of comfort and reassurance before taking her leave.

While riding in the carriage, Liu Yuru felt a headache coming on. 

Clearly, Liyu Siyu wouldn’t be marrying Gu Jiusi now. Given his temper, Gu Jiusi certainly wouldn’t agree to the match either. As long as he objected, his doting family wouldn’t force him. However, a grudge now existed between them.

Liu Yuru had always been a cautious person, but for the first time, she had acted recklessly and provoked someone as troublesome as Gu Jiusi. Fortunately, she was about to get married…

The thought brought a sigh of relief. Once she became Ye Shi’an’s wife, Gu Jiusi would have to show the Ye family respect, even if he held a grudge against her.

The Gu family might disdain the merchant Liu family, but they couldn’t dismiss the scholarly Ye family so easily. Besides, she was just a young lady, Liu Yuru didn’t believe a grown man like Gu Jiusi would stoop so low as to cause her trouble.

Still, a lingering unease made Liu Yuru wish for Ye Shi’an’s swift return to finalize their engagement. 

In the days that followed, she eagerly awaited Ye Shi’an’s arrival and often inquired about his whereabouts. She also instructed someone to keep a close watch on the Gu family’s movements.

A couple of days later, Yin Hong entered the room with a smile and intriguing news. “Miss, have you heard? Yesterday, Master Gu was so furious that he chased Young Master Gu into the street and beat him!”

Liu Yuru’s hand trembled slightly at the mention of Gu Jiusi’s name. Lowering her head to feign focus on her embroidery, she asked casually, “Oh? What happened?”

“I heard it was about the marriage,” Yin Hong replied as she tidied the table. “Young Master Gu was shouting that he would decide his own marriage and wouldn’t agree to any match his parents proposed. Master Gu was so angry that he grabbed a stick and chased his son, beating him.”

Laughter filled the room, and even Liu Yuru couldn’t resist a chuckle. She then thought back to her dream.

Gu Jiusi wasn’t truly a bad person. A bit frivolous, yes, and a frequent target of Yangzhou City’s gossip, but ultimately harmless. He was somewhat annoying, but to meet the fate from the dream would be a cruel twist.

Liu Yuru sighed. She didn’t know if the events in the dream were true or false. If they were true, what could she do?

She pondered this for a long time, lost in thought, barely noticing Yin Hong complete the flower arrangement.

Seeing her mistress’ pensive state, Yin Hong smiled and suggested, “Miss, are you bored? Why don’t we go out and buy some rouge?”

Liu Yuru blinked, returning to the present. She’d been out of rouge for a while now, and her mother could use a fresh supply as well. “Yes,” she decided, standing. “Let’s go for a stroll.”

Now that she had grown up, her days to remain by her mother’s side were dwindling. Liu Yuru wanted to be nicer and to shower her with gifts while she still could. It was the least she could do as her filial piety.

After informing Concubine Yue, she left for the market.

Liu Yuru had barely set foot outside when the little beggar, arranged by Chen Xun, scurried off to report the news. 

Gu Jiusi, Chen Xun, and Yang Wenchang, who had been gambling in the casino, immediately abandoned their game upon hearing that Liu Yuru had ventured out. With a huff, Gu Jiusi dragged his buddies along, determined to find Liu Yuru.

They were resolved to treat her in the same manner she had treated Jiusi. Liu Yuru had instructed Liyu Siyu to imitate the behaviors Gu Jiusi despised the most, so Jiusi planned to mimic the behavior Liu Yuru loathed in return!

But what did Liu Yuru hate the most?

Gu Jiusi pondered for a moment. While he might not know everything about her, one thing was certain: Liu Yuru truly disliked him. After all, she had said it herself: “If I were to marry him, I would rather jump into this lake.”

Since she disliked him so much, he was going to annoy her without delay!

The three young masters’ thought process was very simple. They headed straight for Liu Yuru’s location. When they arrived, they found her selecting rouge in the cosmetics shop.

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Translator’s Note:

Oh no, Yuru, you’ve just planted a flag.