Chapter Forty-Five: Testing the Waters

Staring at the two full pounds of nu'er hong wine, Gou Ye couldn't help but smack his lips in confusion. What exactly was Wanxiang up to? Feeling utterly helpless, he had no choice but to take his seat at the table.

True to her word, Wanxiang poured herself a single cup of wine, but didn't serve any to Gou Ye. As the hour of Shen arrived, Gou Ye, gazing at the sumptuous spread before him, began to feel hungry. Ignoring Wanxiang, he simply helped himself to the dishes.

Between bites, Gou Ye asked casually, "Miss Wanxiang, you are so clever—how are your cooking skills? I've heard that beautiful women are usually excellent cooks."

Wanxiang's eyes sparkled. She curled her lips and replied, "Well, you guessed wrong. I neither know how to cook nor do laundry or chores."

"Oh? Then you fall short compared to my Yun Niang at home. Not only is she a great cook, but she manages all the household affairs with perfect order." Gou Ye spoke without a second thought, not realizing his words would anger Wanxiang. Her face darkened as she turned away, then grabbed the wine jar and poured wine into a bowl. She slammed it down in front of Gou Ye and said, with a trace of anger, "Apologize! Make amends!"

Gou Ye waved a dismissive hand. "Apologize? For what? I haven't said anything wrong."

"I don't care. I just know I'm unhappy with what you said. You must apologize." Gou Ye was amused. Could it be that all women in the world were so unreasonable? Seeing Wanxiang's puffed-up, indignant expression, he picked up the bowl and said, "Very well. Miss Wanxiang, you are graceful, wise, blessed with beauty and talent. Is that enough?" With that, he drained the wine in one go.

Only then did Wanxiang's demeanor return to normal. Without waiting for Gou Ye's agreement, she poured him another bowl of wine, then sat down with a radiant smile and said softly, "This bowl is at your leisure, Young Master Gou. As we've discussed, you've already made a mistake, and what's done cannot be undone. If you wish to mend the relationship, you should send gifts to Magistrate Qin and Madam Zhu. Choose gifts Madam Zhu will like, as she is a woman and has more varied tastes. Win her over, and future dealings will be much smoother. Then, ask Gu Shen for help—let his father, Duke Jing, speak well of you to the magistrate. Later, host a banquet at Drunken Immortal Pavilion for the couple and promise them that you will be at their service whenever needed. This will certainly ease the tension between you, and who knows, you might even become close friends."

When Wanxiang finished, Gou Ye immediately put down his chopsticks, slapped the table, and said sternly, "To hell with that! Close friends? Befriend those two petty people? Wouldn't that make me one as well? Giving them gifts is fine—one must bow when the time comes—but to ask Gu Shen and have the duke intervene for me? That I cannot accept. The duke despises sycophants and cowards. If I act like that, he'll look down on me. Let the soldiers come when the enemy attacks, let the earth block the flood. I would rather die than do such a thing."

Wanxiang nodded, laughing softly. "I knew you would never agree."

Gou Ye straightened up and said, "Of course I wouldn't agree! What kind of person do you take me for? I can't abandon my dignity and reputation just to avoid making enemies. How would others see me in the future? I can't do it. But tell me, Wanxiang, you are so wise—how did you come up with such a plan today? And why suggest it when you knew I would refuse?" He looked at her with a faint hint of reproach.

Wanxiang raised her cup and drained it, then said, "Very well, it's a rotten idea, I'll admit it. I apologize. But what I say next, I hope you'll consider carefully."

Clearly, all her previous words were just a prelude. Gou Ye composed himself as Wanxiang continued, "Since you've offended that couple, nothing you do can change their minds. Petty people remain petty people; no amount of flattery will alter their nature. Zhu Ling bought your business simply so her merchant clan could gain the support of a political faction. You said it yourself—the court has two main factions. Since the Zhu clan are royal kin, they're likely aligned with the imperial clan faction. Why not, through Duke Jing, make contact with their rivals among the merchant clans? I doubt your only business is frozen treats. Your clothing business does very well, and you know how many noble youths are willing to spend fortunes on fine attire. Entrust this business to the opposing merchant faction, and you'll win their support. This would also tie you to the gentry's political faction. You have neither power nor influence, and Duke Jing, your only patron, is powerless. Better to reach further and find a true backer. With the gentry's protection, even if Magistrate Qin and his wife resent you, they won't dare move against you lightly. Then, whether it's your business, your reputation, or your future, the road ahead will be much smoother."

Gou Ye was stunned. He couldn't understand how a woman could possess such insight and far-reaching vision. He couldn't help but clap his hands to show his admiration. "Miss Wanxiang, today you've amazed me yet again. Fortunately, you are only a woman. Otherwise, I can't imagine how many people you'd manipulate if you entered the court. You truly see far ahead. Thank you, Wanxiang. I will give your words serious thought."

This was the first time Gou Ye called her by her name directly, and Wanxiang blushed, her heart inexplicably filled with joy. They continued their lively conversation, with Gou Ye recounting the recent events in the village. Wanxiang, indignant yet full of sympathy, even burst into tears for Gou Ye, whom he comforted for a long time before she smiled again. They talked late into the night, and at some point, a second jar of wine had appeared on the floor.

Wanxiang's cheeks were rosy, her eyes dreamy. She slowly walked over to Gou Ye and, without hesitation, embraced him. Instantly, Gou Ye felt the softness of her delicate figure and the intoxicating fragrance that wafted from her, his body growing feverish.

"Help me to the bed," Wanxiang whispered softly in his ear, her breath audible, her voice warm.

Wanxiang's light blue robe was already thin. As Gou Ye held her, he inadvertently felt the contours of her body. Finally, he managed to lay her on the bed, but accidentally caught a glimpse of her exposed shoulder—smooth, pale, and tender—making him almost lose control. Wanxiang, her eyes hazy with intoxication, murmured his name, her lips slightly parted as if inviting him closer. Gou Ye was tormented; such beauty was right before him, the signals unmistakable—could he really let this chance slip by?

Suddenly, through the haze in his mind, a moment of clarity emerged. He adjusted her clothes to cover her shoulder, pulled the blanket over her, then swayed unsteadily out of Wanxiang's private chamber.

Some time passed before Wanxiang opened her eyes, a smile lifting the corners of her lips. She called softly for her maid, "Has he gone?"

"He's long gone, miss. That fellow really doesn't know how to appreciate a woman's favor. After all you did for him, he just left—can he even call himself a man?"

Wanxiang replied, "You don't understand. If tonight he had tried to take advantage of me, I would have resisted, and from then on, I would look down on him and never see him again. But since, even in his drunken state, he could hold to his principles and respect my boundaries, it proves he is a man of true feeling and character. I was right about him all along."