Chapter 50: C50. Bridge Too Far.

Chapter 50

Yunzhu spent the night at her parents’ place, leaving Cao Xun to return to his own home solo. But she wasn’t the only one burning with curiosity about whether Li Yao and Gu Min’s marriage had been... consummated. Sun Yurong's young, unmarried daughter wasn’t the only one wondering. Yunzhu, her sister-in-law, had the same exact question. And it only made sense for her to stick around and witness that traditional tea-serving ceremony for the bride.

The next morning, Yunzhu strolled into her parents’ main courtyard, where Li Yong and Meng were chatting quietly, looking like a couple at ease. Not long after, their son Li Xian joined in, the trio forming a perfect picture of family unity.

Meng watched her daughter, and Yunzhu’s eyes slid over her mother, both women feeling that familiar knot of concern for Gu Min. But neither voiced it just yet—too many eyes, too many expectations.

Then came the announcement. The heir and his lady had arrived, and suddenly all attention snapped to the door. As the bride and groom appeared in the doorway, Gu Min flushed under the weight of her mother-in-law and sister-in-law’s gazes. But it was expected. A little blush, a little shyness—that was part of the game.

Meng shi took in the sight of her daughter-in-law, composed and unharmed, and a slow sigh of relief escaped her. She’d had her worries, but they seemed to evaporate as she watched Gu Min calmly handle the situation.

When Meng shi had given birth to her son, she couldn’t have imagined how strong he’d grow. Who could’ve foreseen that he’d turn out to be the kind of man who could send a ripple of worry through the household, right from the start?

But after some careful thought, Meng had drawn up a set of guidelines for him, to make sure he’d remember them, to help his bride adjust to the new life she was stepping into.

It was Gu Min’s turn to serve the tea now. She handed it to Li Yong, his expression soft, and Meng shi, her warmth wrapping around the young bride like a safety net. No pressure.

Finally, Yunzhu and Li Xian approached, and Gu Min’s pulse quickened. Yunzhu, with her open, engaging smile, made her blush again. It wasn’t just the tea she was serving—it was a moment, one she’d never forget.

After dinner, while her brother was busy with their folks, Yunzhu dragged her delicate sister-in-law to her room.

Sitting on the bed, Yunzhu purred, “So, how’s the big bad wolf treating my petite sister-in-law? Is he being gentle?”

Gu Min blushed and mumbled something, her eyes darting away.

Yunzhu scoffed, “Are you serious? When he’s hungry, he eats meat with his bare hands. A man’s desires are stronger than hunger. How could he possibly hold back?”

Gu Min’s voice was barely a whisper. “He might not be gentle, but at least he listens. I remembered what you said and didn’t just take it lying down.”

Yunzhu had told her to speak up and not let Li Yao walk all over her.

Gu Min started crying, and whenever she did, Li Yao would stop, glaring at her like a caged beast. He wanted to scold her but couldn’t bring himself to, which almost made her laugh.

In the end, they’d only have quick, heated encounters. It was only later, when Gu Min complained to Yunzhu, that she realized he’d held back half of himself.

Gu Min was too embarrassed to say more.

Yunzhu didn’t push. Her brother had a good heart. As long as Gu Min was confident and bold with him, she’d be fine. Their relationship would improve with time.

After the lively gathering at her place wrapped up, Yunzhu made her way back to the Duke's mansion.

Pan shi, despite living in the west courtyard, could feel the unmistakable glow of Yunzhu’s joy radiating through the air. It was a feeling that stirred something sharp inside her—envy, resentment, a bitter ache in her chest.

Li Yao, that reckless fool, was already taken, and not just by anyone. He had tied the knot with the granddaughter of the chief minister. The very same woman Pan shi had imagined her own son being paired with—a man who was both refined and strong, but still stubbornly unmarried.

Not long ago, her son had captured attention at the Nanyuan Hunting Competition, putting his past missteps behind him and momentarily basking in the spotlight. But just as the taste of his victory was settling in, Emperor Yuan Qing had gone and arranged for Xie Wenying to marry Prince An the moment they returned to Beijing. And, of course, the public’s memory was quick to recall her son’s rejection by the Xie family, questioning his refusal to marry. Now, those two women who had once eyed him as a match for their daughters? They’d already pulled back, dropping their plans with barely a second thought.

How infuriating!

*

On March 12th, the palace exam wrapped up, and tradition called for the top scholar and the second-place finisher to be paraded through the capital. After the event, Sun Yurong was practically bursting with excitement and dragged Yunzhu to Zuixianju. She was eager to witness the grand spectacle of the number one scholar’s parade, and frankly, she wasn’t about to miss a single moment.

Yunzhu, not as easily impressed, covered her face with a round fan to avoid being seen by the trio of esteemed men on horseback. Her attention was hardly on Sun Yurong as she tugged at her arm, urging her to enjoy the parade.

Dressed in dark blue Jinshi uniforms, the top scholar, Chen Ding, led the procession, with Xu Guan, the second-ranked scholar, and Lin Zhao following close behind. Of course, Sun Yurong wasn’t about to let Yunzhu be in the dark about these prestigious individuals.

Sun Yurong eyed the approaching trio and, with a knowing smirk, said, "Lin Zhao, that handsome devil, is twenty-three this year. He comes from the rich Lin family in Huizhou, and trust me, he’s a sight for sore eyes. But don’t get your hopes up too high—he’s already promised to someone. They’re marrying once the exams end."

Yunzhu, taking a good look at Lin Zhao, couldn’t help but comment, "His lips are a little too thick for my taste, and he’s not exactly mind-blowing in the looks department."

Sun Yurong shot her a sharp look, snapping back, "Don’t compare him to your brothers. Not everyone can be perfect. He’s more than enough, trust me."

Yunzhu shrugged. "I’m just trying to make you feel better. If you’re hung up on his lips, you’ll end up regretting it."

With a dismissive snort, Sun Yurong turned her focus to the next man in the parade, Chen Dingzhi, the champion scholar. She sighed, "Now, Chen Zhuangyuan, he’s a different story. Twenty-four this year, talented, humble, and all-around a decent man. But here’s the kicker—he came from a poor family. His mother worked her fingers to the bone, stitching clothes to support him. Yet, somehow, he made it. He’s everything you could want—except he’s got the whole of society’s officials chasing after him. Mr. Hu, the Minister of War himself, has shown interest."

Yunzhu, always skeptical, raised an eyebrow. "Does Mr. Hu have a suitable girl in his family?"

Sun Yurong didn’t skip a beat. "His granddaughter’s just ten, but his concubine’s granddaughter, Miss Hu, she’s fifteen now."

Yunzhu corrected her, "It’s Miss Hu, not girl Hu."

But Sun Yurong wasn’t about to be corrected. "I’ll call her whatever I want. Who gave her permission to snatch my potential husband?"

Yunzhu let out a soft sigh, wondering if the Duke of Qi would ever be a real contender for someone from outside the capital. But against someone like the Minister of War, who held real power? Sun Yurong’s confidence was starting to crack.

Sun Yurong’s eyes shifted to Xu Guan, the second-ranked scholar. She lazily pointed him out to Yunzhu, asking, "So what about him? What’s his background?"

Sun Yurong eyed Xu Guan with some disdain. "He’s got the looks of a man who never quite hit the mark. His father’s just a seventh-rank magistrate in some backwater county—nothing to write home about. They’re comfortable, but not wealthy. And at twenty-five, the poor guy still hasn’t found a wife. I guess the local women aren’t too eager to marry him, considering how plain he is."

------

[  ] The top scorer in the imperial examinations was called 状元 (zhuàng yuán), meaning "the first place winner.

[  ] The second-highest scorer was called 榜眼 (bǎng yǎn), meaning "the runner-up."

[  ] 探花郎 (tàn huā láng) refers to the third-highest scorer in the imperial examinations.

[  ] Together, these three individuals were known as the "Sanjia" (三甲), meaning "the top three."

------

Yunzhu couldn’t help but despise Xu Bangyan the moment she laid eyes on him. Sun Yurong, sharing the same sentiment, didn’t bother to offer him a single compliment.

Later that evening, Cao Xun decided to stir the pot, asking casually, “Did you go with Miss Sun to see the No. 1 Scholar Parade?”

Yunzhu nodded, her voice tinged with regret, “The most handsome one is already taken.”

Cao Xun’s curiosity peaked. “Lin Zhao? You think he’s handsome?”

She shot him a sharp look. “He’s the best of the three, but in the capital? He doesn’t stand out. And you’re actually paying attention to the imperial exam this year?”

Cao Xun shrugged. “I’ve heard you mention it a few times. So, which one does Miss Sun like?”

Yunzhu leaned back, her eyes glittering. “Obviously, the number one scholar. She’s told me that Hu Shangshu wants his granddaughter to marry him. I doubt Yurong’s got much hope.”

Cao Xun smirked, leaning in. “What about the second-place scholar?”

Yunzhu wrinkled her nose. “He’s just not appealing.”

Cao Xun chuckled. “I’d say he’s not bad. Not handsome, but not ugly either. If I were the Duke of Qi, I’d pick Xu Guan as my son-in-law.”

Yunzhu raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Why’s that?”

Cao Xun leaned back in his chair, his gaze calculating. “Chen Dingzhi and Lin Zhao are already big names in the capital, but Xu Guan is still flying under the radar. He ranked mid-twenties in the general exam but blew everyone away in the palace exam, catching the Emperor’s eye and taking second place. He’s got a quiet confidence, doesn’t rush into things, and knows how to seize the right moment. If no surprises come his way, he’s bound for success.”

Yunzhu’s mind churned, the pieces clicking together.

Cao Xun’s voice broke her thoughts. “When you talk to Miss Sun, just say it was your own conclusion. Don’t mention me.”

Yunzhu suddenly caught on to his game.

If Sun Yurong learned that Cao Xun had a soft spot for Xu Guan, she'd be likely to start considering him as a potential husband. And knowing Yurong, she’d waste no time using Cao Xun’s words to sway the Duke of Qi and his wife. Once that gossip spread through the Duke’s residence, the entire capital’s upper echelons would connect Xu Guan with Cao Xun the same way they now linked the champion with Lord Hu, the Minister of War, after he became his grandson-in-law.

Yunzhu eyed the man across from her with a faint smirk.

Cao Xun paused, noticing her silence. “What’s on your mind?”

Yunzhu leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. “Are you just trying to help Yurong, or are you hoping to subtly claim Xu Guan through me and Yurong’s connection?”

Cao Xun smiled, unruffled. “He’s not important enough for me to go out of my way for, at least not yet.”

Yunzhu stayed quiet.

It was bold, but then again, it was true.

*

Regardless of the true game Cao Xun might have been playing behind the scenes, Yunzhu wasn't swayed. She had already summoned Sun Yurong. Beneath the blooming peach tree in the garden, as though admiring the delicate flowers, she laid out her thoughts on Xu Guan.

The maids, ever so obedient, kept their distance, leaving the two women alone, their presence almost electric, as they stood side by side.

Sun Yurong lazily twirled a peach branch in her fingers, letting the moment drag on for just a second before speaking. "Hmm, it makes sense. He's certainly the second best. His talent and knowledge are undeniable. He’s calm, composed—never one to stir trouble in official circles. Though, I will admit, a little more handsomeness wouldn't hurt. After all, I've already lowered my standards for marriage; why not at least marry someone who pleases the eyes?"

Yunzhu smirked, her voice smooth and sharp. "Handsome is nice, but don’t forget why you're choosing a Jinshi in the first place. If you just wanted someone pretty, you could have picked any handsome face off the street! But you want to secure a future as the wife of a prominent official. That’s the whole point, isn't it?"

Sun Yurong's slight hesitation melted away, her fingers tightening around the peach branch. "Alright, alright, you’ve convinced me. We'll go with him. Tomorrow’s their parade. I'll meet him myself."

The fact that Sun Yurong was the daughter of the Duke of Qi gave her confidence—confidence enough to believe she could catch the eye of someone like Xu Guan, second-best in rank, but ripe for conquest. She liked to tease about her beauty, but when it came to those like Yunzhu, Gu Min, and Xie Wenying, she always knew she was the fairest of them all—at least in their little world. In that town Xu Guan called home, Sun Yurong had no doubt she would be the most captivating woman in his eyes.

The next day, after Xu Guan had seen off Chen Dingzhi and Lin Zhao, riding his horse back to his official residence, he turned down a familiar alley, where he spotted a carriage waiting—its presence deliberate. Standing by the carriage, a maid greeted him politely, her tone formal yet warm. "Please wait, Xu Bangyan. My mistress wishes to speak with you."

Xu Guan recognized the emblem of the Duke of Qi. This was it—the prestigious family that had been eyeing him since the results of the examination, and the only one where the lady herself had come to call.

Dismounting, he approached the carriage, his curiosity piqued. The curtain was pulled back, revealing a delicate hand—soft, spoiled-looking, with an air of privilege. And behind it, a girl adorned in fine gold hairpins. Her presence spoke volumes, and Xu Guan could sense the game was about to begin.

Xu Guan took a quick glance at her, his eyes dropping just as fast as he cupped his hands and said, "I’m Xu Guan. What do you want from me?"

Sun Yurong studied his face carefully, noting how, up close, it became less striking and more ordinary, but she found herself oddly comforted by the clarity of his voice.

After sizing him up, she didn’t waste time. "Truth be told," she said, her voice sharp and to the point, "I'm looking to marry a Jinshi. I’ll pick the one who fits me best. If you’re willing, arrange for a matchmaker to approach the Duke of Qi right away. If not, then just forget this ever happened."

Xu Guan’s gaze swept over the woman sitting confidently in the carriage.

Without flinching, Sun Yurong held his stare.

A sly smile curled on Xu Guan’s lips as he replied, "Such an important matter… I wonder if the Duke and Duchess approve?"

Sun Yurong leaned in, her tone silky and unbothered. "Don’t worry. They’ll support my choice and won’t let you waste time with a matchmaker."

"Then I’ll wait for good news," Xu Guan said, a satisfied look crossing his face.

*

Xu Guan didn’t waste any time, quickly throwing out a marriage proposal, and of course, the Duke of Qi’s household was more than eager to say yes. Now, it’s no secret that the Duke and his wife couldn’t stand Xu Guan, but there was one person who didn’t mind him at all—Sun Yurong. After all, second place isn’t something to scoff at, and Xu Guan certainly had some worth to him.

Sun Yurong, in her usual swift manner, sent a young maid to deliver the good news to Yunzhu at Duke Dingguo’s residence.

Yunzhu, sitting quietly, found herself lost in thought about Xu Guan and what the future might hold with him. She figured, knowing his calm and collected nature, that even if he climbed to the top, he wouldn’t let his wife suffer or drown her in jealousy over a pretty concubine. No, at least he’d make sure his wife had a proper place by his side. So, Sun Yurong’s married life wouldn’t be as hard as some might imagine.

But then, Yunzhu’s mind drifted to Cao Xun. Coming from such a prestigious family, with a grandfather and father both known for their integrity and honor, Cao Xun was unlikely to play the political game. He wouldn’t cozy up to officials or indulge in the dirty tricks of scheming.

Yet, as a military attache, Cao Xun was not at all like his forebears. He paid attention to the details, keeping a sharp eye on Xu Guan and his impressive second-place ranking.

Then, there was Cao Shao, who seemed like nothing more than a simple-minded youth in comparison.

———TN:

"Just a little reminder, readers: take a moment to actually read the novel's description before diving in. Our female lead isn't your typical, goody-two-shoes character. She's the number one beauty in the capital—confident, unapologetically arrogant, and a bit promiscuous. She’s far from your average, two-dimensional girl. If you’re not convinced she’s perfect as the lead, then maybe it’s time for a second read of the description. Trust me, she’s exactly what this story needs."

I've wrapped up re-translating five chapters today. Catch you tomorrow!