Chapter Twenty-Eight: A Visit

“Don’t talk nonsense! You clearly fell into the water yourself—what does it have to do with me?”
“If you truly didn’t care, why come here to argue with me?”
“What a joke! Why would I waste words with you? Go ahead, tell everyone what happened. Let’s see who they believe—you or me.”
“Heaven sees all, and one day the truth must be told before the King of the Underworld.”
Zhang Zhongheng’s face turned purple in an instant. “So what if I did it? You’re nothing but a pawn in the Xu family’s quest for power. You’re to marry a man who will cost you your life—aren’t you afraid? If I were you, I’d rather die than agree to such a marriage.”
“If I’m a pawn, isn’t Young Master Zhang one as well?”
Xu Ruojin’s words slowed, her tone cool. “If you weren’t a pawn, why would your family force you into a match you’ve never cared for? If you weren’t a pawn, why resort to tricks in secret, never daring to protest before your family’s elders? In this world, everyone’s a piece on the board—at best, yours is gilded, your days more comfortable. But in the end, we’re all pawns, not much better than the rest!”
“You…”
Zhang Zhongheng was pierced to the heart. He’d never expected this girl to be so sharp-tongued.
The last time he saw her, wasn’t she meek and timid? She seemed a completely different person today.
But back then, he’d only been at odds with Liang Xiao, paying her no mind. He never imagined the Xu family’s girl would be so difficult.
She hadn’t told her family the truth, which unsettled Zhang Zhongheng further.
He didn’t know Xu Ruojin’s limits or desires, and her unpredictability drove him mad.
“Try spreading this around and see what happens!”
Zhang Zhongheng’s threat was met with derisive laughter from Xu Ruojin.
“The famously courteous Young Master Zhang is afraid, after all? Hypocrite, shameless, disgusting!”
“Watch your words. Don’t think I fear you.”
“Of course you don’t fear me. What you fear, you know best in your heart.”
Before Zhang Zhongheng could retort, a servant hurried over and whispered in Qiulan’s ear.
Qiulan’s expression changed at once. She stepped forward. “Young Master, they’ve found Master Liang.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s just returned to the Liang residence.”
“At last, he’s been found. I’ll go at once!”
With nowhere to vent his anger, Zhang Zhongheng cast several cold glances at Xu Ruojin, then turned and strode away with his entourage.

Madam Huang and Chun Cao stood far off, watching as their mistresses’ expressions grew colder, and now Young Master Zhang had stormed away. They hastened to Xu Ruojin’s side.
“Why has Young Master Zhang left? Second Miss, why didn’t you stop him?”
Madam Huang’s reproach was met with Xu Ruojin’s cold gaze. “Stop him? How could I? Should I ask him to stay for a meal, or offer him a bed? Didn’t you see a servant came with news, prompting his hurried departure?”
“Oh dear, the mistress planned to settle everything today…” Madam Huang accidentally revealed Madam Yang’s intentions.
Xu Ruojin’s heart grew colder, her face equally bleak. “I fear Mother will be disappointed. Madam Huang, you’d best go inform her, so she doesn’t wait in vain.”
“Very well, I’ll go at once.” With that, Madam Huang rushed off to the main hall to find Madam Yang.
As the others withdrew, Chun Cao lingered with her mistress. “Second Miss, what should we do?”
“Take the food back to the courtyard. There’s no point letting it go to waste; at least it didn’t end up in a dog’s belly. That’s a comfort, somehow.” Xu Ruojin vented with a few harsh words, then led Chun Cao away.
All along, her mind was occupied with Zhang Zhongheng.
He seemed intent on learning whether she remembered that day’s events—otherwise, he wouldn’t have insisted on a private conversation.
The news just now was about Master Liang—the cold-faced man.
Zhang Zhongheng’s furious departure must be linked to some grievance with him. Was it because the cold-faced man saved her?
Xu Ruojin felt something was amiss, but there was no use in pondering it further; she lacked too much knowledge for speculation.
Thinking of the cold-faced man stirred a mix of emotions—she couldn’t say if it was gratitude or resentment. If she had caused him trouble, she was ashamed. Should they meet again, she owed him thanks.
But who knew when that would be…
As for Zhang Zhongheng, it would be best if he made a scene with his family and refused the marriage; otherwise, their argument had been for nothing.
Xu Ruojin dared confront him privately so he’d realize the difficulties and retreat.
He already looked down on the Xu family—why would he want a scheming woman at his side? Surely that would unsettle him.
With these hopes in her heart, Xu Ruojin returned to her room and shed her ornate attire.
Though she looked striking in it, women dress to please those they cherish. For that scoundrel, she’d rather dress as a ghost.
Madam Huang reported Zhang Zhongheng’s abrupt departure to Madam Yang, who was immediately alarmed. “What happened? I just sent the master to the county office, and now there’s trouble. Hurry and bring him back!”
“It seems a servant from the Zhang family brought news, prompting Young Master Zhang’s rush to leave.”
Madam Huang’s explanation eased Madam Yang’s worry somewhat. “What were he and that girl doing?”
“They spoke privately in the pavilion. I didn’t overhear anything.”
Madam Huang spread her hands helplessly. “Young Master Zhang ordered everyone away—even his own maidservants. I didn’t dare disobey.”
Madam Yang bit her lip, considering whether to summon Xu Ruojin for questioning.
But after a moment, she realized: what would be the use? What mattered most now was settling the marriage with the Zhang family.
“Prepare the carriage. I’m going to the Zhang residence to see Madam Zhang.” Madam Yang resolved firmly. “Today, this must be settled. Both children have spoken in private—there’s no room for further delay!”

Madam Zhang was listening to Qiulan’s report of the day’s events at the Xu household.
“You say the Xu family girl argued with Zhongheng? And even treated you with open hostility?”
Madam Zhang frowned. “Aren’t the Xu family always eager to please? How did they produce someone like her?”
“If I speak a single false word, I’ll accept punishment,” Qiulan knelt, “though I didn’t hear what they argued about. Young Master and Miss Ruojin spoke privately in the pavilion, dismissing everyone else.”
“Regardless of fault, such conduct is outrageous.” Madam Zhang looked at Qiulan. “He was also quite rude—leaving without a word. Where are his manners? If the old master hears of this, there will be consequences.”
“I was wrong, madam. It was Young Master who suddenly learned of Master Liang’s whereabouts.”
“This child—he can quarrel with anyone, but insists on entangling with Liang Xiao. Even if General Wei Yuan has been demoted to Zhonglin County, there’s no need to antagonize him. Liang Xiao is still wounded; otherwise, Young Master would face trouble.”
Madam Zhang’s words made Qiulan shrink back. “Young Master suggested… since Master Liang rescued Miss Ruojin from the lake, and they have shared such intimacy, perhaps she should…”
“Silence!” Madam Zhang’s face changed at once. “Anyone who dares utter such nonsense again, I’ll cut out their tongue.”
“I was wrong, madam.”
“You have served Zhongheng since childhood—keep an eye on her for me. Do not let your status make you arrogant. When the proper wife enters, you’ll be made a concubine, to reward your years of loyal service. If I discover you harbor selfish motives, I won’t forgive you.”
Qiulan kowtowed repeatedly.
Outside, a matron approached. “Madam, Madam Xu has arrived, claiming urgent business. Shall I admit her?”
Madam Zhang’s expression was full of disdain. “Let her in. This matter needs to reach its conclusion!”