Chapter One

By mid to late March, the weather had warmed, and spring’s light set the stage for a chorus of life—a scene brimming with renewal.

In the outskirts of the capital, within a polo field, a group of young men and women were engrossed in their play, their boisterous laughter spilling beyond the boundaries of the grounds.

“Pass it here! Pass it here!”

“No, pass it to me!”

The noise was so loud it was impossible to discern who was calling out.

Polo had always been a pastime reserved for the wealthy; ordinary folk could scarcely afford horses, and only high-ranking officials and nobles had any contact with the sport. Naturally, polo fields became exclusive playgrounds for the aristocracy.

Today, it was unclear which dignitary had reserved the venue, and the guests mingling there were a blur of indistinguishable acquaintances.

On the field, a young woman dressed in a striking red outfit drew particular attention. Her hair was tied high, a thick black ponytail fluttering in the breeze. Her features were gentle and lacked sharpness, yet her attire lent her an air of subtle fierceness.

Her porcelain skin shone brilliantly under the sunlight, and even the wind-swept ponytail seemed to take on shape.

“She’s quite a beauty, this Jiang Jingchun,” a noblewoman in the stands remarked, eyeing the splash of color in the crowd.

Among those on the field, she stood out attractively, naturally drawing gazes.

As the noblewoman’s voice trailed off, someone nearby scoffed, “Ha, so what if she’s pretty? If looks were enough to win favor, wouldn’t Young Marquis Gu have already fallen for her?”

The ‘Young Marquis Gu’ in question was Gu Huaisheng, the eldest legitimate son of the Gu family, who held the title of Marquis of Heyang.

Most in the capital knew that Jiang Jingchun harbored feelings for Gu Huaisheng.

Jiang Jingchun’s father was the Minister of Personnel, a high official of the second rank. The Jiang family’s ancestors had earned merit, and though they had faced difficulties in past years, they had since restored their reputation and were regarded as a genuine noble household. Among the fathers of these young players, many would lower their heads upon meeting Minister Jiang.

In fact, Gu Huaisheng’s mother was Minister Jiang’s sister, making Gu Huaisheng and Jiang Jingchun cousins by blood.

Jiang Jingchun was the minister’s legitimate daughter, indulged by her mother and spoiled rotten. After setting her sights on her cousin, she used their ‘complicated’ familial relationship as an excuse to lavish attention on Gu Huaisheng.

Unfortunately, Gu Huaisheng barely spared her a glance.

“She’s been pampered all her life, shameless to the core. Not long ago, I heard she went to the Gu residence and caused a scene because there was a beautiful maid near Young Marquis Gu. She insisted on having the maid removed,” another voice whispered.

Someone else doubted such a scandal. “Are you sure? No matter how rude Jiang Jingchun is, she wouldn’t cause a fuss at the Marquis’s residence, would she?”

“Of course it’s true. I heard it from someone else, everyone’s talking about it behind their backs. Maybe you just haven’t heard.”

“She’s got a pretty face but a wicked heart—a terrible combination.”

On the polo field, Jiang Jingchun urged her horse on, oblivious to the rumors swirling around her. Suddenly, the polo ball struck her back sharply. She hadn’t noticed in time and took the hit squarely.

Her beautifully arched brows knitted slightly as she wondered silently, Was that intentional? To hit me just like that?

Before she could look around, the ball struck her again.

That settled it—it was deliberate.

She looked back and saw a girl her age holding a long mallet, smirking faintly at her.

Jiang Jingchun studied her for a moment before recognizing the girl: Lou Yanyan, the second daughter of the Honglu Temple’s official family.

Since they all gathered to play, they generally knew each other’s identities.

Behind Lou Yanyan stood a few young ladies, apparently her usual companions.

“Can’t play? Then get off the field. Why hit so dirty?” Jiang Jingchun said, her voice sharp as she looked at the deliberately provocative Lou Yanyan.

Lou Yanyan rolled her eyes and replied coldly, “What’s wrong? Can’t take a little bump? Polo’s a rough game. Miss Jiang is so delicate—two accidental hits and you’re already complaining? Fine, we won’t play. We wouldn’t dare touch your precious self.”

With that, she led her group away.

Clearly, Lou Yanyan had started it, but her veiled tone made Jiang Jingchun seem the petty one.

Jiang Jingchun wasn’t sure when she had offended Lou Yanyan, but since the game started, the latter had repeatedly targeted her.

Some nearby stepped in to smooth things over, reminding everyone that their fathers were officials in the same court—no need to make a scene.

“Alright, alright, Miss Lou probably didn’t mean it. Let’s not dwell on this and continue our game.”

Jiang Jingchun’s close friend, holding a handkerchief, shot back at the peacemaker, “Small matter? The first hit was accidental, but the second? Who are you trying to fool?”

Before she finished, Jiang Jingchun leaped off her horse, picked up the polo ball at her feet, and hurled it at Lou Yanyan’s back, who had not gone far.

The crowd gasped, falling silent instantly.

Lou Yanyan screamed in pain.

After a long moment, she regained composure.

How dare Jiang Jingchun throw a ball at her so openly? What audacity!

She turned with a fierce expression, but before she could speak, Jiang Jingchun said lightly, “Oh, it was an accident. Miss Lou, you’re not seriously upset over this, are you? That’s a bit petty.”

With that, Jiang Jingchun left the field, ignoring the infuriated Lou Yanyan.

Those in the stands had noticed the commotion but, being far away, only grasped that there had been a dispute between Jiang Jingchun and Lou Yanyan’s group.

“She really is a troublemaker, causing scenes wherever she goes. Lou Yanyan’s gutsy too, daring to quarrel with such a noble. If she cries to her mother later, it’ll be a disaster,” someone remarked.

Another disagreed, “That’s nonsense. Lou Yanyan only rules over the Jiang household because of her status. Outside, no one is obliged to give her special treatment.”

They fell silent, knowing a spectacle was about to unfold.

*

After the incident, Jiang Jingchun lost all interest in continuing the game. She took her personal maid, Hua Yun, to the quiet room to change.

The sun was strong, and spring’s warmth carried a hint of heat. After two rounds of polo, sweat clung to her thin outfit, making her uncomfortable.

Jiang Jingchun shed her outerwear and then her inner garment. Hua Yun handed her fresh clothes but noticed two large bruises on her back.

The red, swollen marks stood out starkly against her pale skin.

Hua Yun fretted, “How could Miss Lou be so careless! Your back is all red!”

It did hurt.

But Jiang Jingchun brushed it off. “Don’t worry. I hit back too. I’ll just apply some ointment at home. It’s nothing serious.”

Hua Yun was unconvinced. “If Madam sees this, she’ll worry again.”

Jiang Jingchun smiled. “Silly Hua Yun, I’m not going to strip in front of her. It’s nothing.”

Once changed, Jiang Jingchun stepped out. Just as she opened the door, someone tried to enter, nearly colliding with her.

Startled, she looked up to see Lou Yanyan.

Jiang Jingchun ignored the bull-like girl and tried to leave.

But before she could get far, Lou Yanyan’s voice called from behind.

“You really have no shame.”

Jiang Jingchun stopped and turned to face her.

Repeating the accusation, she asked, “No shame, am I?”

Now dressed in a soft yellow gown, her earlier sharpness softened. She wore no makeup, cheeks flushed naturally.

Perhaps this gentler look made her seem more vulnerable.

Lou Yanyan, however, showed no sign of backing down. She squared her shoulders and shot back, “Did I lie? You pester other men all the time. Saying you’re shameless isn’t wrong!”

Jiang Jingchun finally understood the root of the trouble. “You like my cousin too?”

No wonder she came looking for trouble today.

Lou Yanyan snapped, “Don’t feed me lies!”

Jiang Jingchun pondered for a moment, recalling that Lou Yanyan did have a beloved.

Many knew this fact.

She didn’t like Gu Huaisheng?

“Then your sister must,” Jiang Jingchun said, not as a question but a statement.

Indeed, Lou Yanyan’s sister was infatuated with Gu Huaisheng.

In the capital, no woman failed to admire Gu Huaisheng.

He was the scion of the Marquis of Heyang.

His family’s ancestors had earned their titles alongside the dynasty’s founders, enjoying noble status and vast estates. Generations later, the family remained prominent and secure.

Gu Huaisheng himself was a proper young marquis, with a noble status beyond question. Before turning twenty, he had already achieved the rank of third place in the imperial examinations. After three years at the Hanlin Academy and less than two years at the Censorate, he ascended to the fourth-rank position of Left Vice Censor-in-Chief.

At just twenty-one, his accomplishments were unparalleled.

To ordinary families, such a man was unreachable.

Gu Huaisheng was the ideal among the younger generation, a shining star—beautiful and aloof, admired but unattainable.

Everyone wanted him.

But he did not have to like everyone in return.

Knowing his temperament, it seemed unlikely he would.

Jiang Jingchun’s words must have struck a nerve with Lou Yanyan.

The latter burst out, “My sister has remained unmarried because of him! You’re so detestable, always hanging around him!”

Jiang Jingchun was baffled by Lou Yanyan’s attitude. She almost laughed at her anger.

If Gu Huaisheng were truly with her, Jiang Jingchun might have reasoned with Lou Yanyan. But since he barely acknowledged her, why should she care about others?

Lou Yanyan was foolish to blame her.

“What does it have to do with me? I didn’t tell him not to like your sister. If you have a problem, take it up with him.”

Seeing Lou Yanyan’s furious and snarling face, Jiang Jingchun suddenly remembered something else.

Not long ago, she had visited the Gu residence and accidentally witnessed something she shouldn’t have.

A maid had tried to seduce Gu Huaisheng but was dismissed by the Marchioness.

Somehow, rumors spread that Jiang Jingchun was jealous of the pretty maid and had driven her away.

Foolishly, many outside believed it.

She had wondered who could be spreading such slander to ruin her reputation.

Now, the culprit stood right before her.

Taking a bold step forward, Jiang Jingchun grabbed Lou Yanyan by the collar.

“Hey, was it you who spread those rumors recently?”

Lou Yanyan struggled, uncomfortable under the grip, and shoved her hard.

“So what if it was me? You’re a despicable person! Am I wrong?”

Their raised voices drew attention.

Lou Yanyan, brimming with newfound bravado, pushed Jiang Jingchun off balance. Hua Yun barely caught her.

Jiang Jingchun would not endure such insults quietly. Having been slandered and now provoked, she pushed back fiercely.

“Are you some kind of lunatic, snooping into others’ affairs?”

She wanted to curse more but saw Lou Yanyan stagger several steps back, right toward a flight of steps.

Jiang Jingchun watched as Lou Yanyan hesitated at the edge, then suddenly smiled at her before toppling backward down the stairs.

The madwoman had fallen on her own.

Jiang Jingchun’s mind went blank, then screams erupted around her.

From above, she looked down at Lou Yanyan, who lay crying and shouting below. Though Lou Yanyan had fallen, Jiang Jingchun’s headache worsened.

This was trouble.

Some had already noticed the quarrel and now gathered around Lou Yanyan, whispering and pointing fingers at Jiang Jingchun, accusing her of pushing.

Everyone saw Jiang Jingchun’s hand move, but though she had noticed Lou Yanyan’s malicious smile and hesitation before the fall, to onlookers, it looked like Jiang Jingchun had caused the accident.

No amount of explanation would change their minds.

The noisy crowd overwhelmed Jiang Jingchun, leaving her unusually unsettled.

Soon a doctor arrived. Fortunately, Lou Yanyan had no broken bones or head injuries—only scrapes.

Yet her wails sounded heart-wrenching, as if deeply wronged.

Some spectators comforted Lou Yanyan, while others mocked Jiang Jingchun.

“Miss Jiang is so rude. It was just a quarrel, but you act like she’s trying to kill someone.”

“Exactly. Even if she hit her, it shouldn’t be this bad. We’re all young ladies. What if she got disfigured from the fall?”

The accusations gave Jiang Jingchun a headache. She retorted, “She pushed me first. Why can’t I push back?”

Lou Yanyan cried, “I never hurt you!”

Jiang Jingchun knew she had been cleverly trapped. Her anger caught in her throat, her face paling as she stood aside.

“You should apologize properly and nicely before I consider forgiving you.”

“Dream on.” Jiang Jingchun looked away disdainfully.

She had been slandered and schemed against, yet Lou Yanyan expected an apology.

Jiang Jingchun’s close friend, Chen Muqing, soon arrived, having heard about the incident on the way.

Pushing through the crowd, Chen Muqing approached Lou Yanyan, forcibly rolling up her sleeve to inspect the injury.

Coming from a military family and skilled with weapons, Chen Muqing was stronger than most girls, and Lou Yanyan could not break free.

Chen Muqing examined the wound and said, “This is just a scratch. You’re making a fuss from miles away.”

She mocked her lightly, prompting Lou Yanyan to shout, “Not everyone is as tough as you! It’s still an injury!”

Others chimed in.

Chen Muqing was merely fond of wielding swords and spears, but to her, a delicate young lady was ‘thick-skinned.’

Seeing her friend besieged, Jiang Jingchun joined in, hands on hips, and scolded alongside Chen Muqing. Their voices rose, nearly drowning out all others, the crowd descending into chaos.

At that moment, someone in the crowd suddenly whispered, “Gu... Young Marquis Gu.”

Instantly, the place fell silent.

Jiang Jingchun, caught up in the shouting, hadn’t noticed the shift until Chen Muqing pulled at her sleeve frantically. She looked around and realized the crowd had quieted.

Two men approached, their presence commanding attention.

The crowd instinctively parted.

Jiang Jingchun, hands still on her hips, looked up like a scolding shrew, only to see her elder brother and Gu Huaisheng walking toward them.

The man in white embroidered robes was striking, capturing her full gaze.

Her breath caught, and silence enveloped her.

Her cousin was here?

He approached from a distance, dressed in a white brocade robe with gold threads, a sash cinching his waist, emphasizing his upright posture. His face was flawless, brows clear and refined. The sunlight bathed him in a golden glow, and his expression, though calm and detached, added an aura of aloofness, making him seem untouchable.

From the moment Gu Huaisheng appeared, all eyes turned to him.

Those who had been arguing moments before fell silent.

Jiang Jingchun had no idea when they had arrived or why Gu Huaisheng was with her brother, but the weight of the moment overwhelmed her.

Her cousin had never cared much for her. Now that he had witnessed her striking someone, she feared he would despise her even more.