But who doesn’t like a good student!

Since then, Gu Fuju kept him by his side and personally taught him.

Years passed, Gu Fuju continued watching him, now his son-in-law, with an unreadable expression in his eyes.

A father would naturally pay attention to Yu Tingwan’s affairs.

But as long as the young lady didn’t go out, he couldn’t find anything out, as the Wei Family was as impenetrable as a net, already fortified by Wei Zhao into the safest haven.

Yet he could hear that Wei Zhao was frequently active in private. It wasn’t that Gu Fuju intentionally sought out this information; it just inexplicably came to him.

One could say Wei Zhao had no intention of hiding it from him at all.

The fifth prince’s adviser wasn’t named Jia, but Ying; just that alone made his intentions quite evident.

Isn’t it coincidental, Gu Fuju also bore a grudge against the emperor because of Yu Tingwan.

Of course, it wasn’t all because of Yu Tingwan.

Over the years, Emperor Ying had been very dissatisfied with him as well; if it weren’t for him and Jiasan having no sons, he would probably have been the second Wei Fengxing.

Gu Fuju: "I have extensive contacts in Shangjing, having laid plans for years to establish a foothold, and I have many capable people at my disposal. If there’s anything you need me to do..."

He hadn’t finished speaking.

Wei Zhao: "There is."

Having been at the border for many years, it’s true that he couldn’t compete with Gu Fuju here in Shangjing.

Wei Zhao bent down slightly in a cunning manner, drew a booklet from a hidden compartment within the carriage that wasn’t readily noticeable.

"These are the people I want to use."

Gu Fuju: ...

You really aren’t holding back, are you?

Wei Zhao, with a sigh, said, "I’ve been waiting quite a while for you to speak up, sir."

Gu Fuju flipped through it at lightning speed, finding all his talented subordinates recorded.

Oh, and a few who weren’t, but it’s quite clear, they are pedantic civil servants he needs to win over.

Gu Fuju: ...

It’s his impatience to blame for not letting Wei Zhao mention it first.

He was about to chuckle with exasperation.

Wei Zhao slowly added, "Recently, a Daoist at the foot of Changdu Temple has been good at divination and fortune-telling and also feng shui. Lord Yuan from the Ministry of Communication believes in these things fervently; even with a cold he consults the Astronomical Bureau to check if his home’s fortune has been disrupted. Why not lend a hand in networking?"

Gu Fuju: ...

Lord Yuan isn’t one of my people.

But Lord Yuan’s elder brother is my person.

Lord Yuan’s wife is also very close to Mrs. Yang from the Minister’s Mansion.

There’s no way there isn’t any connection there, I don’t believe it.

But Gu Fuju didn’t ask, he just looked coldly at Wei Zhao: "You seem to know my affairs quite well."

Wei Zhao: "You know mine too, don’t you, sir?"

No, Gu Fuju doesn’t want to know.

If it were in the past, he would think Gui Zhi had a good head; now... heh.

"Lord Yuan had a recent argument with the Astronomical Bureau. Well, it’s time for some fresh blood there too."

Wei Zhao: ...

I asked you for an introduction, and you’re already considering having the head of the Astronomical Bureau step down?

But that’s exactly what Wei Zhao hoped for.

Gu Fuju was about to get off the carriage, but his hand hadn’t yet lifted the curtain when he spoke up.

"Your health, it’ll recover, won’t it?"

Wei Zhao: "Yes."

"Thank you for your concern, sir."

Who cares about you, it’s just that he didn’t want Yaoyao to actually become a widow!

————

After Yu Tingwan returned to the mansion, she followed behind Ning Suxuan.

Ning Suxuan was arranging flowers.

She volunteered, "Let me do it!"

Then she did a terrible job.

Ning Suxuan furrowed her brow tightly, about to scold, but turned her head to see Yu Tingwan looking disbelievingly at her own hands, then at the flowers in the vase.

Forget it, this Yu girl has also had her fair share of setbacks.

Ning Suxuan: ...

"Actually..."

Even she, after thinking for quite a while, found some insincere words to praise.

"It’s quite unique, there will surely be people who appreciate it."

Ning Suxuan went on to play the zither, Yu Tingwan sat beside her, listening till the end, and then clapped enthusiastically.

"Wonderful!"

Ning Suxuan: ...

Ning Suxuan went on to copy Buddhist scriptures, while Yu Tingwan ground the ink for her.

For this reason, Ning Suxuan set down her pen, looking serious: "What exactly is going on?"

"If you have any request, just say it directly."

This was quite frightening, being so unlike herself.

"You’re not like those daughters-in-law outside who humble themselves serving their mothers-in-law."

Yu Tingwan held the inkstick, maintaining her posture without moving, quietly gazing at Ning Suxuan.

And then softly spoke.

"Such hurtful words. The rare moment I’m thoughtful and mother-in-law doesn’t appreciate it?"

Ning Suxuan: ... already flattered beyond words.

It must be known that she used to nap while Ning Suxuan arranged flowers.

When she played the zither, Yu Tingwan would sleep even more soundly.

Yu Tingwan spoke softly: "Mother-in-law likes the kind of daughter-in-law who helps serve meals, lest she needs to be fed, and serves tea and water in ordinary times?"

"That’s what the servants do, why forgo your status as the Young Madam to take their job?"

Listening to these words, and thinking about Ning Suxuan’s imposing aura from earlier at the teahouse.

Yu Tingwan was touched.

No wonder she was groomed to be an empress.

She prided herself on having a strong presence as well, but in the presence of Jiasan and Ning Suxuan today, it really was nothing to speak of.

No wonder...

All the visions of her past life pointed to her drowning as the cause of death. Yet Yu Tingwan didn’t believe herself to be someone who would take her own life.

She considered that perhaps after being murdered her body was discarded into the river, but she had sensed the pain of choking on water and struggling in her dreams.

No matter how you looked at it, someone wanted her dead.

Even putting aside everything else, her mere identity was a reason for her destined demise.

—How could the biological daughter of the Gu Family be with Wei Zhao of the Duke Shun Mansion?

At this moment, Ning Suxuan glared at her sideways.

You can’t do it, so why ask?

Yu Tingwan gathered her thoughts: "Understood."

She rested her chin on her hand: "Mother-in-law likes me."

Ning Suxuan’s hand trembled: "Yu girl!"

Yu Tingwan left with that pot of ugly flowers, complaining as she walked: "Thought I was in trouble, and rushed out anxiously, wasn’t that affection for me. Struck a chord but now acting all ruffled."

Leaving the main courtyard, she returned to her own and realized it was time for a nap.

She thought of something.

Without pausing her stride, she looked at Tan Jiang on the side.

"How are things with Rong Di? If you’re planning to settle, why not consult Bao Pu to pick an auspicious date? I’ll contribute to your dowry."

Tan Jiang was dispirited: "But he hasn’t hit me recently."

Yu Tingwan felt comforted: "He’s learned to cherish you."

"But that’s not what I wanted."

Yu Tingwan was puzzled: ...

You really....

She hesitated to speak, finally settling on an expression of exasperation.

Finally...

"Go make a trip to the Ministry of the Imperial Household, tell Shen Zhiyi, if she’s planning a visit to her aunt in the palace, I will also..."

Yu Tingwan: "If it’s not an imposition, I would also like to pay my respects."

"Yes."

After entering the room, she was taking off her outer garment, when someone pushed in the door.

Yu Tingwan thought it was Tan Jiang, she turned her head to see it was Wei Zhao.

She continued undressing.

Wei Zhao saw her holding a waistband, hair down, dressed only in a thin inner garment, and raised an eyebrow.

"Is this... an invitation for me?"

Yu Tingwan wasn’t at her senses, and awkwardly said: "Hmm?"

Wei Zhao took a step forward, placing his palm at her waist, their shadows overlapping.

"Although I feared you would get tired while teaching swimming those few days, and worried about Granny Ma next door overhearing, I’ve restrained myself, not doing anything."

"But I have been wanting to."

He lowered his gaze: "But why do you seem more eager than me?"

Yu Tingwan: ???

She swatted away his hand.

She was about to ask him to appreciate that pot of ugly flowers on the table, hoping Wei Zhao was someone capable of appreciation.

Wei Zhao squinted his eyes, his tone uncertain: "Want to do it leaning on the table?"

Yu Tingwan ??? 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Seriously, did I just unlock a new position for you?