Chapter 7 — Better to Lean on Mountains Than a Faithless Heart

General Van is a favorite of His Majesty, so his wedding celebrations naturally cannot be handled with anything less than grand formality. As we shall soon be living in the same capital city, interaction is inevitable. Truth be told, my grandmother’s cousin was a close confidante of his grandmother; in a sense, our families have shared a bond for generations. I hear the entire family is overjoyed that the young General Van has secured such a virtuous wife. In my opinion, instead of presenting a gift to the General himself, it would be far more meaningful to offer it to his lady.

As our eyes met, her smile stiffened, and her expression immediately chilled. What a coincidence, she remarked, to run into you here while I am picking out gifts with my cousin. But the moment her gaze fell upon the jade mandarin ducks in my hands, her eyes lit up, and she cried out, Cousin, the quality of this jade is exquisite! And since they are a pair of mandarin ducks, they are perfectly suited for a wedding. Choose these!

Before the words had even faded, she reached out to snatch them. I hugged the jade to my chest and leaned aside, nuzzling out of her reach. Jiang Nanxi’s hand hung awkwardly in mid-air, her voice filled with sharp indignation, Everything you do is about competing with me. You are a mere physician, do you even have enough money to afford this? Look at the price tag!

I looked at her, my face icy and my heart weary. I ordered this piece three months ago; even if I lacked the funds, it was already mine.

Shen Dian sat there, staring intently at the jade ducks for a long time. He had grown noticeably thinner since leaving the capital, his complexion pallid and marked with an unnatural, feverish flush. When he saw me looking at him, he curved his lips and took a step forward. Is this meant for someone else?

Yes.

Is this person very important?

They are.

His smile deepened. Jiang Nanxi wedged herself between us, mocking, You are an unmarried maiden, yet you not only dress like a matron but also choose gifts so overtly bold. Are you afraid the world will not know your hidden intentions? Without a family to school you in propriety, you truly are devoid of shame.

I retorted immediately, For someone to say such things, Jiang, have you forgotten that you were also orphaned early and grew up without a proper upbringing? As for talking about shame, you are not yet married, yet you cling to your cousin day and night. Is there anyone in the capital who does not know of this?

You… Jiang Nanxi’s eyes turned red. She immediately grabbed Shen Dian’s sleeve, tears welling up as she complained, Grandmother charged you with protecting me. Are you just going to let her bully me like this every time we meet?

Shen Dian’s gaze never left my face. Are you still dwelling on the matter of the scent sachet? I told you, a sachet is far inferior to the elegance of jade. But even if you gave this jade to me, I could not wear it openly. If you show sincere repentance, I will forgive you. Give it to Nanxi, and tomorrow I shall bring you back to the manor. She does this for the sake of the Marquisate; the gift for General Van cannot be too meager. I will compensate you with something else later.

Who told you I wanted to give anyone a gift?

Van Jingting approached like a sudden gale, cutting off Shen Dian’s words. Without breaking his stride, he ignored the sycophantic greetings of Shen Dian and Jiang Nanxi and walked slowly to my side. He held out a paper parcel of pastries that was still steaming, his usual arrogance softened by a trace of tenderness. The line was quite long, my lady. Eat while it is still warm.

My lady?

Boom! It was as if a silent thunderclap had exploded in Shen Dian’s ears. His face turned deathly white, his entire body trembling. He calls you… his lady? You… you have already married him?

Van Jingting turned slowly, his eyes sweeping over Shen Dian with utter contempt. You were unaware? Ah, I suppose I didn’t send an invitation. Not every stray cur is worthy of witnessing my wedding. His brow was sharp as a blade, his presence overwhelming. His words were merciless, crushing Shen Dian’s pride into dust.

The corners of Shen Dian’s eyes turned red, and he shouted at me in disbelief, Xie Suiyi! How dare you? We were betrothed; in this life, you can only be my wife! You moved out of the manor to force me to concede, you were clearly trying to… He suddenly seemed to realize something, looking at me with shock. So… that precious sword, you chose it for him? You dared to use my status to curry favor with him? You… you betrayed me long ago, conspiring with him in secret. You are truly… despicable.

Thud! Van Jingting threw a punch without hesitation, blood trickling from the corner of Shen Dian’s mouth. He brushed off his sleeves with calm indifference and said in a cold, pressing tone, You are the one who vacillated, dragging out the wedding with Suiyi while keeping an ambiguous relationship with your cousin. By what right do you slander her? It was I who petitioned His Majesty for this marriage, letter after letter. It was I who traded the service of the entire Van family to secure her. If you have any grievances, come to me. If I hear you soil her name with your foul mouth again, I will have the sign of the Marquisate taken down entirely.

The murderous, cold gaze of Van Jingting left Shen Dian paralyzed. I took hold of Jingting’s clenched fist and gently stroked his knuckles. Does it hurt?

The murderous aura vanished from his face in an instant, and his lips curled into a dazzling, beautiful smile. It hurts, it hurts quite a lot. When we return to the manor, will you rub it for me?

Let’s go home.

Before we left, I thought of the Marquis and glanced back at Shen Dian one last time. The imperial physicians are incompetent. You can only use poison to counter poison if you wish to suppress the toxins in your body. My piece is spoken; believe it or not, that is up to you.

I did not wait for his reply and walked away. Clutching the jade ducks to my chest, I handed one to Van Jingting. One for you, one for me. This one looks fierce and unapproachable—it suits you perfectly.

Everything you give me, I treasure like a precious jewel, he replied.

Shen Dian stood watching as our shadows receded, hands linked, frozen like a wooden statue, unable to recover his senses for a long time.