Chapter 42: C42. The Unexpected Blush.

Chapter 42

After leaving the Gu family estate, Cao Xun, Li Yao, and a retinue of loyal courtiers escorted Emperor Yuan Qing to safety, while Yunzhu slipped away to the adjacent courtyard, eager to reunite with her mother.

Meng Shi had already caught wind of the commotion in the front yard: the Gu patriarch, Gu Shoufu, had suffered heatstroke and had been carried back by his eldest son. Yet, she remained in the dark about the finer details.

As expected, Meng Shi’s curiosity was palpable, and Yunzhu wasted no time spilling the entire juicy story.

When Meng Shi heard that her son had heroically carried Gu Shoufu on his back, prompted by Gu Min’s own initiative, a spark of excitement lit up her face—visions of a daughter-in-law danced in her head.

But that gleam didn’t last long.

As soon as Yunzhu mentioned her brother’s infuriating reaction—chuckling not once, not twice, but three times after Gu Min’s embarrassing fall—the light in her eyes extinguished. Her poised, composed self returned in an instant.

Yunzhu could relate. She, too, had ridden this rollercoaster of hope and disappointment thanks to her brother’s antics.

It was almost laughable—like a gift from the heavens had landed right at her brother’s feet, and instead of picking it up, he stomped on it in a moment of thoughtless folly. His carelessness had left everyone around him bewildered and annoyed.

"Gu Min is probably crying her heart out right now," Yunzhu remarked dryly, "and meanwhile, my dear brother is busy scolding everyone for not trusting him enough."

Meng Shi shook her head knowingly. "Poor girl, how could she not be terrified? The first time I ever mounted a horse, I was trembling. Sitting that high up, I felt like I might fall off on either side at any moment! And I had your father holding onto me from behind. Imagine Gu Min—alone, scared out of her wits, riding all the way back from the lake. That poor child must’ve been absolutely petrified."

Yunzhu, still seething, added, "And let’s not forget—Mr. Gu was suffering from heatstroke! If it had only been a twisted ankle, I bet he’d have grabbed a fishing rod and knocked some sense into my brother the moment he forced Gu Min onto that horse."

Meng Shi sighed in agreement. "He wasn’t helping anyone. He was outright offensive! No, this won’t do—I’ll go and apologize in person."

True to her word, within fifteen minutes, Meng Shi had changed into more appropriate attire and was ready to set off, with Yunzhu tagging along for support.

By the time they arrived at the Gu residence, Gu Shoufu had just drifted off to sleep after his medicine. His wife led the mother-daughter duo straight to Gu Min’s courtyard.

Inside, Gu Min had been quietly chatting with her grandmother, her cheeks faintly flushed from their conversation. But the moment she saw Li Yao’s mother, a mixture of embarrassment and discomfort washed over her.

Meng Shi wasted no time delivering a sharp reprimand, clearly unimpressed by Li Yao’s reckless behavior. But as Gu Min grew visibly uneasy, she suddenly lowered her gaze and, in a timid voice, spoke up in his defense.

"Madam, you’re mistaken. The heir is… a commendable hero. His actions may be unconventional, but his intentions are noble. I’m unharmed—how could I possibly hold a grudge against him?"

Meng Shi raised an eyebrow, then turned to glance at Yunzhu, who was struggling to suppress her shock.

Gu Min just called her brother a ‘hero’!

This day was full of surprises, and none of them came gently.

The First Assistant’s wife had been sharp-eyed, catching every fleeting glance exchanged between mother and daughter.

Let’s not mince words: the Ningguo Mansion stood as the crown jewel of noble families in the capital. Sure, her husband might be the First Assistant now, but one day, he’d step down. When that day came, the next chief assistant would rise, her husband’s sway would wane, and the Gu family’s former prestige would lose its shine.

The Duke of Ningguo was a man of unyielding power and lineage. Unless the Li family’s son somehow found himself entangled in treason, their title would remain secure for generations.

As mistress of the Duke’s estate, Meng Shi treated her daughter like a prized gem, polished and protected. Her charm and warmth didn’t go unnoticed either—especially by the First Assistant’s wife. After all, when it comes to marriage, it’s not just about the man’s merits.

The family he comes from matters just as much—particularly the temperament of the mother-in-law. No woman, no matter how brilliant or beautiful, should have to endure someone as domineering and capricious as Pan Shi, who thought herself untouchable simply because her daughter was an Empress.

A man’s worth plummets if his family can’t respect a bride.

Smiling with practiced grace, the First Assistant’s wife turned to Meng Shi, her tone honeyed but firm. “Madam, let’s not downplay this. Your heir saved our elder’s life today. He’s a great benefactor to the Gu family, and when we return to the capital, we’ll be at your door with gifts to properly show our gratitude.”

Meng Shi brushed it off quickly. “Oh, Li Yao simply carried Mr. Gu back. It was a small act, hardly worth mentioning. There’s no need to overthink it.”

The First Assistant’s wife wouldn’t have it. “A kindness like this can’t go unanswered. A small favor? Maybe. But gratitude must be as deep as the spring it comes from. Anything less would be dishonorable.”

Meng Shi’s eyes glimmered as she glanced at Gu Min, her words laced with meaning. “You have a treasure I’ve been longing for, but I doubt you’d let me have it, even if I asked.”

The implications were razor-sharp, leaving no room for doubt. If Meng Shi wanted this, she had to make her intentions crystal clear.

Gu Min, caught off guard, felt her cheeks ignite with a blush. She longed for the ground to swallow her whole. Meanwhile, behind her, Yunzhu watched the scene unfold with a coy smile, savoring the drama.

The First Assistant’s wife didn’t answer Meng Shi immediately, instead deflecting with a poised response. “Thank you for your affection, madam. But this treasure of mine doesn’t belong solely to me. Decisions like this require the whole family.”

Meng Shi’s face lit up with a delighted smile. “Oh, I adore this treasure of yours so much that I’d dare to ask. But let me be clear—we ask for nothing in return for the kindness. If you decline, so be it. I’ll cherish the thought and hold no grudge. But I can’t help myself from hoping.”

The First Assistant’s wife, ever the composed matriarch, smiled back and nodded, her mind already racing.

*

Half an hour later, Cao Xun and Li Yao strolled back from Emperor Yuan Qing’s residence, their path winding past the modest courtyard where the Li family resided.

Cao Xun paused, his gaze slipping toward the small compound. The young man standing guard outside the Li family home grinned knowingly. “Your wife is inside, chatting with Madam,” he said with a teasing tone.

Following Li Yao inside, the sound of movement stirred from within. The vibrant energy of the house spilled forth as a radiant mother and daughter emerged from a side room. Their faces were lit with a glow that wasn’t there earlier, and their eyes sparkled with an unsettling excitement as they fixated on Li Yao.

Startled by this sudden warmth, Li Yao raised an eyebrow, his unease bubbling to the surface. “What’s with the looks?” he asked bluntly, eyeing them both suspiciously.

Meng Shi, ever the matronly orchestrator, gestured for Cao Xun to settle comfortably before fixing her son with a conspiratorial grin.

“Today, you saved a damsel in distress, my boy,” she began, her voice brimming with purpose. “It’s about time you secured yourself a good match.”

Li Yao blinked, baffled. “Wait, Miss Gu? No, no, I saved Mr. Gu. How does that count as saving a damsel in distress?”

Before he could finish, Yunzhu, his sharp-tongued sister, cut in with a sly smirk. “Saved, schooled, who cares? Mother’s already planted the idea of marriage with their family. Now we wait for them to return to Beijing for their answer. In the meantime, if you bump into Mr. Gu or Gu Min’s parents, do us all a favor and act the gentleman.”

Li Yao’s jaw nearly hit the floor. “You’re matchmaking now?!” His voice carried disbelief laced with irritation. “What is this—some twisted way of repaying a favor? Since when does the Li family stoop to such scheming?!”

Meng Shi’s expression hardened. “Do you take me for some shameless matchmaker?!” she snapped. “Listen here, my son. You’ve somehow managed to catch that girl’s eye. I’m simply ensuring we don’t let an opportunity like this slip through our fingers. Would you rather I ignore her feelings and embarrass her further?”

Li Yao’s mind reeled, replaying the earlier scene. Gu Min, flushed and flustered, had looked utterly rattled when he fetched her. She seemed more terrified of some unseen threat than thankful.

“She likes me?” he asked, voice dripping with doubt. His mother must’ve misunderstood the poor girl’s reactions—or worse, decided to fabricate this whole scenario in her relentless pursuit of a daughter-in-law.

Yunzhu leaned against the doorframe, her smile sharp enough to cut. “Oh, she likes you,” she quipped. “Every time I mention you, her cheeks turn crimson. What more proof do you need? Want her to write it out?”

Across the room, Cao Xun sat quietly, sipping his tea with amused detachment. His eyes flicked toward Yunzhu—his wife—who clearly wasn’t about to let him escape this drama, though her attention was fully on orchestrating her brother’s romantic entanglements.

It was a spectacle, no doubt, but Cao Xun, familiar with Gu Qinghe’s discretion, was content to stay on the sidelines.

For now.

Meng Shi turned to her son with a knowing look and asked, "So, tell me—don’t you feel anything for A Min?"

Li Yao scratched his chin, his voice rough yet deliberate. "Feelings? Hell if I know. She’s easy on the eyes, I’ll give her that. Sure, she’s a little shy, but that’s nothing I can’t handle. She’s got a knack for looking after her family, and that counts for something. As long as they don’t think I’m unworthy, the rest is on you."

Marriage—one word, yet such a massive turning point. Li Yao wasn’t just weighing his options; he was taking a load off his mother’s shoulders. With one decision, he could fulfill her expectations and free her from worrying about his future.

Yunzhu, standing nearby, couldn’t hold back her own opinion. A soft murmur escaped her lips as she glanced toward him. "This is ridiculous. If you weren’t my brother, I’d be the first to tell A Min to run for the hills."

Li Yao shot her a sharp glare, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "And who do you think you’re talking about? Don’t forget—cows prefer grazing on grass. Peonies might be beautiful, but they’re not exactly appetizing to them."

Unable to counter his remark, Yunzhu rolled her eyes and stood up. "Mother, let’s go. You’ve got your work cut out for you—go find him a wife already."

Meng Shi could only shake her head in frustration, her patience wearing thin.

Meanwhile, Cao Xun, ever the gentleman, said goodbye to his mother-in-law and followed his lively young wife.

Yunzhu, her spirits high, couldn’t stop smiling as they entered the room. With a curious tilt of her head, she asked, "The Emperor summoned you—what was that all about?"

Cao Xun leaned back casually, his tone easy but purposeful. "Mostly about your brother’s little... encounter with Mr. Gu."

Yunzhu arched an eyebrow. "Well, Mr. Gu’s no small fish. The Emperor’s got every reason to keep tabs on him."

Cao Xun smirked. "True, but I think what caught the Emperor’s eye was your brother helping A Min onto that horse. People notice things like that."

Yunzhu shot him a skeptical glance, her curiosity clearly piqued.

Cao Xun shrugged and leaned in closer. "It’s the way of the world, isn’t it? When people come of age, marriage becomes everyone’s business. Tongues will wag."

Yunzhu, drawn by his calm demeanor, whispered, "Do you think the Emperor would actually bless a marriage between our families?"

Cao Xun reached out, his touch gentle as he ran his fingers through her hair. His voice dropped, soft yet steady. "Trust is a fickle thing with the Emperor. Those who trust him don’t need proof, and those who doubt him won’t find comfort. That’s just who he is."

In the grand theater of power and privilege that is the capital, marriage isn’t just a union—it’s a calculated move on the chessboard of elite families. These high-ranking clans have exacting standards for who gets to enter their inner circle, whether as a son-in-law or a daughter-in-law. And make no mistake: bloodlines, status, and influence rule the day. Rarely do these families gamble on unions with those beneath their rank, lest they provoke the Emperor’s ever-watchful envy.

Yet, a marriage between two powerful families doesn’t guarantee loyalty or shared fortune. When disaster strikes—like execution or confiscation of property—the bonds between in-laws quickly unravel. A married daughter is whisked back to her natal family, and a son-in-law or divorced daughter-in-law is cast out without much ado. For the elite, the game is survival, not sentimentality.

Even the Emperor, surrounded by a harem of concubines, has never shown favoritism to an in-law.

Why? Because the throne is not so easily swayed.

Emperor Yuanqing places his trust in his closest ministers, not in matrimonial alliances, no matter how grand. The prospect of two families uniting to threaten his reign is little more than an idle tale to him. Yunzhu, too, is convinced that Yuanqing is far too shrewd—and far too preoccupied—to lose sleep over the marital machinations of the capital’s aristocracy.

When it came to the matter at hand, Yunzhu’s confidence shone through. “Do you think Mr. Gu and the others will agree?” she asked, her tone tinged with mischief.

Cao Xun, ever practical, replied, “Mr. Gu and Qinghe both think highly of A Min. If A Min truly likes your brother, they won’t stand in the way.”

Yunzhu’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Oh, they’ll agree, no question about it.”

Cao Xun pulled her close, his voice low and teasing. “You seem so sure. Is it your brother you’re betting on?”

She laughed softly, her voice like silk. “If I left it to my brother, I’d die without ever having a sister-in-law. No, my confidence lies in A Min’s blush.”

His fingers brushed her cheek, his tone daring. “So, a girl blushing means she’s fallen for someone, does it?”

Yunzhu’s gaze was steady, her voice smooth as honey. “Of course. Why else would she blush?”

Her mind wandered to countless young ladies who had flushed and stammered in front of Cao Shao, rendered utterly speechless by his presence. Those memories amused her, but they were fleeting.

Cao Xun’s voice pulled her back. “And what about you? Ever blushed for someone?”

For a moment, she toyed with the sleeve of his robe, her confidence flickering as memories bubbled to the surface. She couldn’t recall ever blushing for a young man, though she’d seen plenty of them grow red-faced and flustered in her presence. But as her eyes met Cao Xun’s calm, piercing gaze, she felt warmth bloom within her.

“Maybe,” she thought, a soft smile ghosting her lips. “Just once.”

Cao Xun raised an eyebrow, urging her silently to continue, but Yunzhu only let the silence stretch, savoring the moment, her secret tucked away in the quiet between them.

Yunzhu shot him another glance, tilted her head slightly, and hummed with a teasing edge, "The day you came back to Beijing, I spotted a rather striking general. Distinguished. Handsome."

Cao Xun’s brow arched with intrigue. "Oh? Who might that have been?"

Her lips curled into a sly smile, her tone light but laced with mischief. "I can't quite recall," she said, deliberately vague. "All I remember is that he wasn’t exactly young, still unmarried, so I thought I might... help him find a match."

Cao Xun chuckled, his eyes narrowing in amusement. "You didn’t so much as bat an eye when you openly flirted with him right there in front of your brothers. But tell me, how flustered were you the very first time you laid eyes on him?"

Yunzhu’s eyes narrowed, a sharp glare cutting through his words. "Believe what you want," she shot back, her voice firm, refusing to cower under his playful provocation.

But he didn’t believe her.

How could he, when he still remembered that day so vividly?

While other women hid behind delicate fans, giggling and stealing glances, Yunzhu stood bare-handed, her gaze unapologetically fixed on the returning generals. Her chin was tipped up, her demeanor cool and calculating, as though she were assessing them—testing their worth.

Even when her eyes met theirs, she didn’t waver. There was no blush, no faltering, no coyness. She regarded them as if they were a spectacle created solely for her amusement.

At that moment, Cao Xun hadn’t a clue who this daring girl with the razor-sharp confidence was.

But it didn’t take long before he saw her again, this time clinging to her brother’s arm, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she teased him, her boldness as captivating as it was disarming.