Chapter 5: Repaying the Favor

He refused to listen. In his desperation, he declared he cared nothing for the heirship—he only wanted Yongjia. 

But then came the crushing words: “Who do you think Yongjia is? Why would she ever want someone as worthless as you?” 

The moment these words left his lips, Xie Yunzhao froze as if struck. Then, like a soul severed from its body, he stumbled out of the study. 

“And now you resort to such underhanded methods to steal her away?” His gaze burned with hatred as it landed on Xie Yunzhao. 

Xie Yunzhao seemed to read his thoughts, meeting his eyes squarely. “Don’t look at me like that. I would never stoop to such tactics.” Especially not with her. 

How could he bear to let her fall into the water? How could he endure seeing her driven to despair? How could he tolerate her being subjected to scorn? 

Seeing his denial, Xie Yunzheng averted his eyes. What was done was done—what point was there in further contention? 

But Yongjia shouldn’t remain in the dark. At the first opportunity, he would tell her the truth. 

Only he had ever truly cherished her. 

Meanwhile, Qiu Tong Courtyard had finally settled into quiet. Shen Shurong remained with the Commandery Princess Consort, while the Grand Princess—exhausted from the day’s events—retired to rest. 

As Shen Shurong’s eyes traced the characters of Xie Yunzhao’s name on the imperial marriage decree, the weight in her chest finally lifted. 

Though born of the same womb, the brothers were as different as night and day. Xie Yunzhao and Xie Yunzheng had grown into polar opposites—one the subject of universal praise, the other of relentless censure. 

She wanted to exchange praise for censure, but neither the Grand Princess’ Estate nor the Commandery Prince’s Residence would permit it. Only when her life was at stake would they compromise. 

He had suffered today—but she would make it up to him. 

“Where’s Jinzhi?” 

“She was crying, saying her heart aches for you—that star-crossed lovers cannot be united.” Yinzhi carefully wiped her hands before applying peach blossom ointment. How could the Junzhu’s jade-like hands have touched broken porcelain? 

The Commandery Princess Consort nodded approvingly. These maids had grown up with her daughter and truly had her best interests at heart. 

Shen Shurong smiled faintly. “How thoughtful of her.” 

Jin Xiaoniang^[1]historically referred to a concubine or a secondary wife, especially in traditional Chinese households. —Xie Yunzheng’s only concubine in their past life. Was this her way of mourning her own doomed affection? 

Raised in privilege and coddled since childhood, Shen Shurong had never paid attention to others—not even discerning the thoughts of those closest to her. 

“And why haven’t you cried?” 

The Commandery Princess Consort glared. If everyone wept, who would attend to you? 

Yinzhi kept her head bowed. “This servant only wishes you well. Whoever you marry, I’ll protect you faithfully.” 

“You don’t think Xie Yunzhao is beneath me?” 

“In this servant’s eyes, no one is worthy of the Junzhu. Though Young Master Xie Yunzhao may lack accomplishments, he’s known you since childhood. You understand his temperament, and he knows your preciousness—at least it’s not a blind marriage.” 

“In this servant’s opinion, he’ll never surpass the Junzhu in status, so he’ll surely obey your every word. See—the imperial decree even specifies he won’t take concubines, a promise Heir Xie never made.” 

The Commandery Princess Consort suddenly found the maid’s reasoning persuasive: “Take good care of the Junzhu. Given today’s circumstances, I’ll be lenient—just one month’s wages deducted.” 

“Many thanks, Commandery Princess Consort.” Yinzhi immediately bowed in gratitude. 

Shen Shurong smiled. “Let Jinzhi rest until tomorrow noon. There’s nothing pressing here—no need for constant attendance.” 

She had no desire to see that maid now. She only hoped Jinzhi would prove ambitious enough to stir up some chaos in Xie Yunzheng’s rear courtyard. 

“As you wish.” Yinzhi’s hands paused briefly, her application of ointment slowing. Jinzhi had truly overstepped—how could she neglect her duties when the Junzhu had just suffered such an ordeal? 

“Junzhu, the gifts from Heir Xie have all been sorted.” 

This came from Suihan, another maid who’d been falsely reported dead and sent to the palace in their past life, always attending her faithfully. Now still a second-tier maid. 

“Good. Have the steward return them to the Duke of Lu’s mansion—and retrieve everything I ever gave him.” 

“Understood.” Suihan departed to execute the order. 

The Commandery Princess Consort waved Yinzhi away, then took her daughter’s hand to examine the faint scar. “I’ve had every bracelet from the treasury brought for you—wear them in rotation.” 

“Thank you, Mother.” This red coral one would do nicely. 

“Ah, if even the heir doesn’t mind, why must you?” The Commandery Princess Consort sighed, poking her daughter’s cheek. “By relinquishing him, you’ll become the laughingstock of noble households. They’ll seize their chance.” 

“Mother, Brother Zheng deserves better.” Shen Shurong couldn’t care less—she’d happily add to the trousseau of whoever married him. 

Seeing further persuasion futile, the Commandery Princess Consort dropped the matter. If her daughter changed moods again, the blame would fall on her. “From now on, you must get along well with Xie Yunzhao.” 

“Mother.” 

“Yes, what is it?” 

“Give me a more generous dowry.” 

The Commandery Princess Consort nearly laughed—now that her daughter had stopped crying, she was getting shrewd. “Understood. You’ll have the most lavish one.” 

…… 

At the Duke of Lu’s mansion, Xie Yunzheng felt as if a boulder had lodged in his chest when he saw all his gifts returned intact. 

The Grand Princess’ steward bowed. “Heir Xie, might you gather the gifts the Junzhu previously gave you? This old servant will take them back.” 

Xie Yunzheng’s breath hitched, sending him into a coughing fit. Waving weakly, he ordered servants to collect the items. 

Meanwhile, Lu Ziqian slipped into Xie Yunzhao’s Linfeng Residence and clapped a hand on the grinning man’s shoulder. “What are you daydreaming about? Didn’t even notice me entering!” 

Xie Yunzhao shot him a glare. “Why are you here?” 

“Worried about you! How was it resolved in the end?” 

Xie Yunzhao bit his lip, refusing to speak. He didn’t want to appear joyful—it felt despicable—yet he couldn’t suppress the elation bubbling in his chest. 

Unlocking a chest, he handed over the imperial decree. “See for yourself.” 

Lu Ziqian nearly knelt in shock, face paling. “You involved His Majesty?!” 

Lu Ziqian took the scroll and unrolled it, his eyes widening in shock. “You—you’re marrying the Junzhu?” He looked up, his expression turbulent. “Did the Heir agree to this?” 

Xie Yunzhao clasped his hands behind his back. “This is an imperial decree. What can Xie Yunzheng do about it?” 

Lu Ziqian patted his chest, still reeling from the revelation. “What a monumental turn of events!” He handed the decree back. “You could’ve just told me instead of scaring me half to death with this.” 

Once the decree was safely returned, Lu Ziqian finally stood up straight. “Now I understand why I saw the Grand Princess’ steward delivering something when I arrived.” 

“Delivering what?” Xie Yunzhao turned to look at him sharply. 

“How should I know? But I heard it was for the Heir.” 

“Qingzhu, go and find out,” Xie Yunzhao ordered, then added to the guard at the door, “Be respectful about it.” 

“At once, Master.” Qingzhu knew exactly who deserved respect—and it certainly wasn’t anyone from Zhaohui Courtyard. 

“So you’re telling me you weren’t out securing your future today?” Lu Ziqian teased, giving him a playful kick. 

Xie Yunzhao glared again. How could he ever resort to such methods? “Even you suspect me of this?” 

Lu Ziqian dropped the joking tone. “Of course not. I’m just happy for you.” 

“But…” 

“But what? Spit it out.” This hesitation was infuriating. 

“The Junzhu… she had feelings for your elder brother…” 

Xie Yunzhao lowered his gaze, the earlier joy vanishing completely. “I owe her for this. I’ll compensate her with everything I have.” 

Lu Ziqian leaned in, poking his chest with narrowed eyes. “And this? Doesn’t it bother you here?” 

Bother him? About her heart? 

If she would stop seeking death and agree to marry him, he’d give his life for it. 

Lu Ziqian couldn’t decipher his thoughts when he remained silent, finding the conversation dull, and sat down to drink tea instead. 

Qingzhu returned swiftly. “Second Master, the Junzhu has returned all the gifts she previously received.” 

Xie Yunzhao’s eyes brightened. “See our guest out.” 

Lu Ziqian: See who out? 

“Third Young Master Lu, this way please.” Qingzhu was already ushering him out. 

Xie Yunzhao had no time to entertain him now. Rongrong was his betrothed—she could reject Xie Yunzheng’s gifts, but she would keep his.