Chapter 122: The Young Couple Is Getting Along Quite Well! (Second Update)

Wu Tan had kept the incident at the Vermilion Tower, where she and Lin Yanyao were set up, a secret from the Old Madame to avoid alarming her.

Although the Old Madame was on good terms with the Old Madame Zhou and had watched Zhou Changyin grow up, people’s connections often depend on fate. Zhou Changyin had never quite caught her eye; the girl had been arrogant since childhood, with a haughty, detached demeanor that felt particularly insincere. While the Old Madame didn't exactly dislike her, she wasn't fond of her either.

Nearby, Wu Qingqiong noticed Zhou Changyin bringing up Wu Tan’s name so casually and shot a look of displeasure toward them.

The Old Madame had been busy receiving guests all morning and had completely forgotten about Wu Tan. Reminded by Zhou Changyin, she turned to ask Mother Zhou, "That’s right, where is Tan’er? I don't believe I’ve seen her all morning."

The Old Madame had been preoccupied with preparations for Wu Qingyu’s wedding and hadn't been keeping a close watch on Wu Tan. Mother Zhou, however, knew the truth—the Second Miss had been somewhat listless lately, appearing to be in low spirits. Not wanting to speak of it in front of outsiders, she maintained her composure and replied with a smile, "She is likely helping to receive guests at the entrance. Would you like me to call the Second Miss over, Old Madame?"

"I thought she was just being lazy!" the Old Madame said with a chuckle. "Let her be."

With Wu Qinglin back, the Old Madame felt at ease. As for that girl Wu Tan, as long as she didn't cause trouble, no one expected much else from her.

Among the elderly ladies present, one or two had been told the inside story by their sons—that the Wu family’s second daughter seemed to have caught the eye of the Prince of Sheng, who had just returned to the capital. Since the Emperor and the Prince had personally instructed that this be kept quiet, they had to keep it to themselves, though they were all naturally curious to see her now.

One of them chimed in with a smile, "Come to think of it, it’s been a while since we’ve seen Tan’er. She must be growing more beautiful by the day, right? Old Madame Wu, why not call her over for a chat?"

Another agreed, "Yes, indeed. Whenever we came before, we always looked forward to that girl’s lively company. It feels quite strange not to see her today."

With that, the conversation among the ladies shifted to Wu Tan. Wu Qingqiong, watching this unfold, wore an increasingly sour expression.

Wu Tan was sweet-tongued and skilled at pleasing her elders. The Old Madame, not thinking much of it and finding it hard to refuse, said to Mother Zhou, "Go and see where that girl is and ask her to come over."

"Yes, Old Madame!" Mother Zhou replied with a smile.

Wu Tan had been in low spirits for the past few days, so she hadn't been involved in receiving guests and was still lingering in Jingchun Studio. When Mother Zhou arrived, she found several maids gathered around, helping her pin a flower in her hair in front of the mirror.

"Oh, my dear young ancestor, how can you be so leisurely on a day like this?" Mother Zhou entered the room, lifting her skirts, and couldn't help but chide her with a glare. "The Old Madame is calling for you!"

Wu Tan looked back at her. "Why does Grandmother want me?"

She had been dragging her feet because she knew that Xiao Yue had shamelessly requested an invitation to today’s wedding banquet from Wu Qingyu. She had been present when Wu Qingyu, unsure of how to handle the request, had gone to consult the Old Madame. If he wanted to come, who dared to deny him? Wu Tan was intentionally trying to avoid him, which was why she didn't want to go to the Old Madame’s quarters today.

Mother Zhou, unaware of her inner turmoil, just smiled and said, "The Old Madames of the Chen and Qu families want to see you. Your grandmother has asked you to come and pay your respects. Hurry now, let’s not be rude on such an occasion."

It was indeed difficult to refuse when the elders were asking. Though conflicted, Wu Tan gritted her teeth and followed. She kept trying to convince herself: *I’ll just stay for a moment; surely I won't be so unlucky as to run into that scoundrel!*

As she and Mother Zhou headed toward the Old Madame’s quarters, Xiao Yue’s carriage arrived at the main gate. He had brought only one attendant, Lei Ming, who followed him carrying two gift boxes.

Wu Qinglin spotted him the moment he stepped out of the carriage. After a moment’s hesitation, he stepped forward to greet him. "Greetings, Your Highness, Prince of Sheng. Your presence brings great honor to our humble residence. On behalf of my younger brother, I thank you for coming to grace us with your presence."

Xiao Yue’s lips curled slightly. He looked him up and down with keen interest and suddenly remarked, "I heard the Heir has been injured. Should you not be resting? Overworking yourself is not a good idea."

Wu Qinglin’s expression stiffened for a fleeting moment, but he quickly regained his composure before anyone else could notice. Very few people knew he had been ambushed and injured, and having only returned to the capital yesterday, he hadn't yet reported the details to the Emperor. How did Xiao Yue receive the news so quickly?

While surprised, Wu Qinglin understood the hidden meaning behind the words. He smiled and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. However, we have many guests today. Once I am done with my duties, I will invite you for tea. Please, come inside first!"

"Very well." Xiao Yue didn't press the matter and nodded, signaling to Lei Ming.

Lei Ming handed over the top gift box. Xiao Yue said, "For the Second Young Master’s wedding, a pair of Ruyi scepters for good fortune. It is but a small gesture from me."

"Many thanks, Your Highness!" Wu Qinglin accepted the gift without refusal and handed it to Mu Song to be registered at the gatehouse. He then looked at the other box still in Lei Ming’s hands.

Xiao Yue said, "This one is for the Old Madame. You are busy, Heir Wu; I shall find my way there myself."

Wu Qinglin had returned only yesterday. When he visited the Old Madame, she had explained the situation with Lin Yanyao and then complained about the Prince of Sheng’s previous visit—how he had sent lavish gifts like Ganoderma and ginseng, leaving her feeling deeply unsettled. Wu Qinglin didn't want Xiao Yue to frighten her again, but since he had come to deliver gifts as a polite guest, he could not refuse.

"Your Highness, there is really no need for such courtesy," Wu Qinglin hinted vaguely.

Xiao Yue smiled, though it was unclear whether he understood or not. He nodded slightly and walked into the estate.

The auspicious time for the wedding ceremony was mid-morning, with the banquet scheduled for after noon. Wu Qingyu had not yet returned from the bride’s home, and guests were still arriving. With Wu Xun away, even though two distant uncles were helping, the distinguished guests only recognized Wu Qinglin. He was indeed stretched too thin to keep an eye on Xiao Yue.

Xiao Yue walked toward the back courtyard with Lei Ming, his pace leisurely as if he were strolling through his own garden. He encountered several familiar officials and acknowledged their bows, but once he entered the back courtyard, he happened to cross paths with Wu Tan, who was turning in from a side path.

She was dressed in a soft pink gown. With spring clothes being light and the fabric flowing, she looked like a butterfly flitting through flowers and leaves, carefree and graceful. Yet, her small face was etched with clear annoyance, and she seemed to be in low spirits.

Xiao Yue stopped at the intersection to wait for her.

Wu Tan, lost in thought and looking around aimlessly, didn't notice him until Mother Zhou did. The smile vanished from Mother Zhou’s face, and her pace involuntarily slowed. Wu Tan, caught off guard, nearly bumped into her. Looking up, she saw Xiao Yue waiting for her not far ahead, looking perfectly composed.

Her first instinct was to turn and run, but Xiao Yue, having sensed her temperament, called out before she could act: "Wu Tan!"

Wu Tan felt her entire body stiffen; she was at a total loss. She really didn't want to see this man. Although ten days had passed since their last encounter, the memory still felt like a nightmare. She had pondered it over and over and couldn't believe Xiao Yue was genuinely interested in her.

*Why her?* There were countless noble daughters in the capital with higher status, greater beauty, and better reputations. If he had no ulterior motives, why would he be so fixated on her? And besides—standing together, were they even a match? It wasn't that Xiao Yue was particularly old, but she wasn't looking to be a second wife. In a few years, it might look less awkward, but right now, everything felt off.

She concluded that either Xiao Yue had some ulterior motive or he had some bizarre obsession. Either way, the thought made her skin crawl.

"This old servant greets the Prince of Sheng!" After a brief moment of shock, Mother Zhou curtsied. She had intended to move forward, but noticing the Second Miss had stopped, she turned back to see Wu Tan nervously kicking at the pebbles on the path with her head bowed. "Second Miss?" Mother Zhou reminded her.

With no other choice, Wu Tan braced herself and walked toward him.

"Greetings, Your Highness," she said, keeping her head low and bowing stiffly.

Xiao Yue knew he had been too forward last time and that it was natural for her to be frightened. His attitude today was surprisingly good; he didn't give her a hard time and simply said to Mother Zhou, "I am on my way to see the Old Madame Wu."

Mother Zhou was bewildered. Although she was always on edge whenever Xiao Yue visited, she couldn't contradict him. "Yes! This servant happens to be accompanying the Second Miss there. Please, Your Highness!"

Mother Zhou led the way. Wu Tan, not wanting to walk alongside Xiao Yue, stood there, dragging her feet. She was wearing her hair in a high, elegant bun, which left her neck exposed to the sunlight.

Xiao Yue suddenly seemed displeased. He turned his gaze away coldly. "You haven't even had your coming-of-age ceremony yet; why are you tying your hair up like that?"

Hearing him meddle in her affairs with such a harsh tone, Wu Tan immediately wanted to retreat. But before she could turn to run, Xiao Yue grabbed her wrist and, without looking at her, began walking forward with long strides.

The Old Madame’s courtyard was busy; maids were constantly coming and going with tea and refreshments. Even for a properly married couple, such public displays of affection would be considered improper. Wu Tan was terrified and tried to shake his arm off, but she couldn't break his grip. Seeing two maids approaching, she desperately grabbed his sleeve with her free hand and pulled it down, hoping the wide sleeves of his robe would cover their joined hands.

"Greetings, Your Highness!" The two maids were from the Old Madame’s quarters. This was Xiao Yue’s third visit, so they recognized him, but given the massive disparity in their status, they didn't dare meet his eyes and knelt by the side of the path.

Xiao Yue dragged Wu Tan past them, ignoring everyone. The maids glanced up, unable to see their faces, only catching a glimpse of their Second Miss frantically pulling at the Prince’s sleeve as she tried to keep up with his pace. *What is going on?*

Mother Zhou, leading the way, hadn't noticed the drama behind her. As for Wu Tan’s own maids, they had been so stunned to see their mistress being dragged away by the Prince of Sheng in broad daylight that they had dropped their jaws and were still standing in the garden, having forgotten to follow.

By the time Mother Zhou led them to the main courtyard, Wu Tan was drenched in a cold sweat.

"Old Madame, the Prince of Sheng has arrived!" Mother Zhou said, pulling back the curtain for him.

Wu Tan couldn't shake Xiao Yue’s hand free. Fearing she would be humiliated if he dragged her into the room like this, yet unable to scold him, she kicked him in a moment of desperation. Mother Zhou turned just in time to witness this and felt her legs go weak with terror.

Xiao Yue remained completely unmoved, still pulling Wu Tan into the room. Mother Zhou held the curtain, trembling.

The Old Madame and the others had been chatting, but at the announcement, everyone fell silent and turned toward the door. Wu Tan was on the verge of tears, wanting nothing more than to sink into the ground. With no other options, she resorted to the futile attempt of using his sleeve to hide her face.

Unexpectedly, as Xiao Yue stepped over the threshold, he suddenly let go.

A dozen pairs of eyes were fixed on them, and everyone saw the same thing—the Wu family’s second daughter clutching the Prince’s sleeve, pulling and tugging…

The two elderly ladies who knew the inside story exchanged a look, silently acknowledging, *The young couple seems to be getting along quite well!*

The Old Madame’s expression went blank. "Cough..."

Wu Tan looked up, only to realize that the room was filled with astonished gazes focused—uh—on her hands? She looked down, following their line of sight, and realized she had been played by Xiao Yue. With a start, she let go as if burned and quickly stepped aside, explaining, "Grandmother, I met the Prince of Sheng on my way here, and he said he wanted to see you!"

This only made matters worse. Xiao Yue immediately beckoned for Lei Ming to hand the gift box to Mother Zhou. "I have come to bother you again, Old Madame. How has your health been lately?"

*If you didn't come, I would be much healthier,* the Old Madame thought, though she managed a stiff smile. "I wouldn't dare trouble you with such concerns, Your Highness. I am quite well..." She shot Wu Tan a look of reproach. *What is wrong with this child? Holding hands in public? Her reputation will be ruined!*

It was truly bizarre. While she didn't know the full story, the last few times her granddaughter had lost her composure, it had coincidentally occurred whenever this Prince was visiting. It was one humiliation after another.

The others in the room rose to greet Xiao Yue. He responded casually, "I was just in the neighborhood and felt I should pay my respects to the Old Madame. Since you have guests, I will not disturb you further. I shall wander elsewhere."

Mother Zhou hurried to hand the gift box to a maid and turned to lead him out. But Xiao Yue stood still, staring openly at Wu Tan, signaling to her. It wasn't even a subtle glance; he made no attempt to hide his intentions, and everyone understood perfectly: *Come with me!*

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Wu Tan’s face turned bright red. She was so embarrassed and angry she wanted to sit on the floor and cry. Xiao Yue, not wanting her to cause a scene, said bluntly, "I am not familiar with the estate. Wu Tan, as the hostess, won't you show me the way?"

Wu Tan turned to the Old Madame for help, but the Old Madame felt too humiliated to intervene. *In this situation, how could she possibly help?*

Meanwhile, Zhou Changyin and Wu Qingiong looked even more agitated. Wu Qingqiong had heard that Xiao Yue had visited twice, but she had been confined by her mother and hadn't even caught a glimpse of him. *How did Wu Tan manage this? In just a few visits, she had already become entangled with a Prince whose status was higher than the Crown Prince himself? It was simply—simply shameless!*

She stood up immediately. "Does Your Highness wish to tour our garden? I shall show you the way." *She must not let Wu Tan climb this high branch!*

Zhou Changyin, having crumpled her handkerchief into a hole, could no longer hold back and stood up as well. "I was just thinking of going for a stroll myself. I shall join you!" *She had to do something today to kick Wu Tan out of the picture once and for all, or she would surely go mad!*