Chapter 33
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In the sunlight, a tall and imposing young man strode forward with long, confident steps. His sun-kissed skin complemented his defined, handsome features, and his purple robe embroidered with clouds and cranes exuded elegance. The silver threads in the embroidery gleamed under the morning light, emphasizing his noble demeanor.
Every step he took radiated the dignified presence of a royal wang, making it impossible for anyone to treat him lightly.
Gu Yun Rong lowered her gaze slightly, her crystalline face dimming as though a shadow had been cast over it.
The rumors swirling in the capital about the Empress Dowager’s plans to select a consort for Kang Wang had inevitably reached her ears. She believed in Kang Wang’s feelings for her, yet she could not be certain whether his resolve would withstand the Empress Dowager’s influence.
Biting her lower lip, her pearly white teeth pressed into the soft flesh, Gu Yun Rong struggled to maintain her composure, using every ounce of her strength to keep herself from losing her poise.
As he approached, the gathered crowd respectfully greeted him, but Kang Wang ignored them all, his focus entirely fixed on Gu Yun Rong. It was as though, in his eyes, no one else existed but her.
Kang Wang’s gaze grew sharper, and flames of anger flickered in his eyes, growing brighter and more intense with each passing moment.
The moment he stepped onto the polo field, his attention was drawn to Gu Yun Rong. She was standing with Fang Ming Feng, their conversation seemingly warm and filled with lighthearted laughter. They exchanged knowing looks and shared smiles that Kang Wang couldn’t ignore.
Even though he couldn’t hear their conversation from a distance, it was clear enough to him that they were enjoying each other’s company. And he was certain of one thing—Fang Ming Feng still harbored feelings for Gu Yun Rong.
Fang Ming Feng, noticing Kang Wang’s glare, raised his chin slightly, meeting his gaze head-on with no intention of backing down. The two men locked eyes, their stares clashing fiercely in mid-air, sparks flying as neither yielded.
“Seventh Uncle, why didn’t you let us know you were coming? I could have sent Third Brother to greet you,” the Princess of Changqing interjected with a bright smile, breaking the tense silence.
Kang Wang shifted his attention to the Princess, his tone calm and distant. “It was a last-minute decision.”
The Princess personally escorted Kang Wang to the central bamboo pavilion and invited him to take a seat. Gu Yun Rong, still standing near the field, did not turn back. Instead, she called out briskly, “The game’s about to start. Let’s get on the field first and talk later.”
Fang Ming Feng, emboldened by Gu Yun Rong’s presence, mounted his horse and rode alongside her, positioning himself protectively at her side. The others followed suit, gradually making their way onto the polo field.
A loud gong echoed across the field as a servant hurled a white polo ball high into the air with all his might. On a small table beside the gong stood a delicate, three-legged celadon incense burner. At the sound of the gong, a stick of incense as thick as a finger was lit, sending a thin thread of blue-gray smoke curling upward.
The thunderous sound of galloping hooves filled the field, reverberating like a storm. The players, with narrow headbands tied around their foreheads, raced forward with breakneck speed, their figures a blur of motion. Their mallets glinted in the sun as they pursued the ball with fierce determination, their movements reminiscent of stars orbiting a single, luminous moon.
It didn’t take long for Fang Ming Feng to make his mark. With an unstoppable charge, he struck the ball cleanly, driving it straight into the goal. The red team took the lead, earning an eruption of cheers and thunderous applause from the spectators. Not to be outdone, the blue team quickly retaliated, scoring their first goal in a seamless counterattack.
Around the field, the crowd erupted in cheers and encouragement, their enthusiasm echoing across the pavilion. The excitement on and off the field grew more and more intense, the atmosphere electric with energy. As the incense stick burned out, the first half of the match concluded with another resounding gong. A break of about two cups of tea’s time was announced for intermission.
The score stood at 5-3, with the red team leading by two goals. Cheers erupted from both the bamboo pavilion and the waterside pavilion, echoing through the air.
As Gu Yun Rong exited the polo field, Gu Yun Zhen quickly stood, her expression heavy with worry. The image of Gu Yun Rong and Fang Ming Feng chatting and laughing intimately lingered in her mind. Throughout the match, she had barely paid attention, her thoughts preoccupied with confronting her third sister as soon as the first half ended. Gu Yun Zhen lowered her gaze slightly, her brows furrowed. Just then, she felt a gentle tug on her sleeve. Startled, she instinctively looked down and met a pair of clear, bright black eyes.
“Big Sister, it’s stifling here. Let’s go to the garden for a walk,” Gu Yan Fei said, her tone filled with expectation. Her doe-like gaze was so earnest that it was impossible to refuse.
Gu Yun Zhen hesitated for a moment, but Gu Yan Fei had already taken her hand and was leading her out of the pavilion. As they walked, Gu Yan Fei spoke cheerfully, “I heard that the garden in Jing Wang Manor was designed by Lord Huang Changhe, the former Vice Minister of Works. The pavilions, terraces, trees, and ponds are arranged in a wonderfully intricate way. It’s said to be quite ingenious!”
“Indeed,” Gu Yun Zhen nodded. She wasn’t one to refuse others easily, so she smiled and agreed, “Since we’re here at the manor, it would be nice to take a stroll.” Gu Yan Fei beamed brightly, linking her arm with Gu Yun Zhen’s as they left the Zhuoxin Pavilion.
Before leaving entirely, Gu Yun Zhen cast a glance back toward the polo field. Gu Yun Rong was nowhere to be seen—only her mount stood by the bamboo pavilion, lazily swishing its long tail. With a quiet sigh, she withdrew her gaze, and the two sisters strolled leisurely toward the garden on the far side of the lake.
The area around the pavilion and polo field was bustling with activity, filled with the clamor of people and the sight of horses weaving through the crowds like swimming dragons. In contrast, the garden was tranquil and elegant, like stepping from a lively marketplace into a serene forest. Its winding paths invited exploration, lending a sense of mystery and discovery.
In the golden autumn season, the garden was filled with the refreshing scent of blooming flowers. Osmanthus, hibiscus, chrysanthemums, and more adorned the branches, competing in beauty and fragrance, creating a feast for the senses. Sunlight filtered through the dense layers of leaves, casting a patchwork of dappled light and shadow across the ground, further enhancing the garden’s charm.
“This garden truly is extraordinary!” Gu Yun Zhen inhaled deeply, taking in the floral aroma, and sighed with admiration. “No wonder there’s an old saying in the capital: ‘Li Wang Manor has the best houses, Jing Wang Manor the best gardens, and Yu Wang Manor the best walls.’” Her tone carried both wonder and respect as her gaze wandered over the intricate layout of the garden, marveling at the skill of its designer.
Gu Yun Zhen, taking the opportunity, began chatting about the grandeur of Li Wang Manor’s houses and the height of Yu Wang Manor’s walls, her tone light and filled with admiration. Along the way, they occasionally passed other guests enjoying the garden. Some were feeding fish by the water, others were in pavilions engaging in cricket fights, and still others strolled leisurely among the flowers. The atmosphere was utterly tranquil and delightful.
As they talked, the sisters passed by a charming three-story building with an intricate design. Its pointed roof and upturned eaves were covered in glazed tiles that glimmered brilliantly under the sunlight. The signboard above the entrance bore three large characters: Moonlight Tower.
Gu Yan Fei casually glanced around and momentarily paused when her eyes landed on a nearby octagonal pavilion. After a brief hesitation, she suggested with a soft smile, “Big Sister, let’s go up there for a rest. We can enjoy the breeze and take in the view.”
At Gu Yan Fei’s suggestion, the two entered Moonlight Tower and climbed the narrow staircase to the second floor. The building was empty, its four wide-open windows allowing the autumn breeze to flow freely, filling the air with a crisp and refreshing scent. The ambiance was tranquil and bright, the perfect retreat from the bustling grounds below.
Gu Yun Zhen felt instantly invigorated. Choosing a seat by the window, she relaxed, letting the serene atmosphere wash over her. From the elevated vantage point, the entire garden lay spread out beneath them. The layout was clear and orderly, offering a complete view—from the polo field to the small lake and the intricately designed garden paths. It was a breathtaking scene, all visible at a single glance.
“This spot has such a wonderful view; it would be perfect for painting,” Gu Yun Zhen remarked, using a handkerchief to gently dab the sweat from her temples, a soft smile gracing her lips.
Suddenly, her gaze froze, her pupils contracting slightly. In the octagonal pavilion to the northwest of the tower, she spotted two familiar figures—one slender and graceful, the other tall and lean. It was none other than Gu Yun Rong and Fang Ming Feng.
Gu Yan Fei let out a quiet “Hmm?” with a hint of amusement, her arched brows lifting in interest.
In her past life, she had been like a bird trapped in a cage, confined within the walls of the Hou Residence, with little knowledge of the happenings outside. Only after the imperial edict of marriage arrived at the Hou Residence—granting Gu Yun Rong a marriage to Kang Wang—did she begin to hear fragments of what had transpired at Jing Wang Manor. Rumor had it that Jing Wang Manor’s Moon Pavilion had fallen into disrepair, its wooden pillars hollowed out by termites. On that day, the pavilion had suddenly collapsed, and Gu Yun Rong had thrown herself forward to save Kang Wang, earning his gratitude and admiration.
This tale, in everyone’s mind, firmly tied Gu Yun Rong to Kang Wang. Yet now, it was not Kang Wang in that pavilion but Fang Ming Feng. How strange. How utterly bizarre.
Gu Yan Fei’s thoughts swirled as she leaned slightly closer to the window, her expression calm but her mind keenly observing this unexpected turn of events.
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