Chapter 4: A Warning—The Prince Does Not Wish to Enter the Bridal Chamber-Depois de ser morta pelo meu marido canalha, casei-me com o tio do imperador atual.(Estrelas cintilam como meu coração.)

Regarding Gu Nanshu’s runaway marriage, Gu Lianxu issued a strict order: anyone who spread rumors outside would face death without exception.

Therefore, apart from a few key members of the Gu family, no one else could have leaked the news.

How did the King of Beichen find out about this? Could he have been secretly investigating her?

If he knew Gu Nanshu had fled her wedding to Feng Zhinian, wouldn’t that utterly disgrace the King of Beichen?

If she remained silent now and gave no explanation, the Gu family might be implicated, even risking their lives. She had no desire to die again.

Moreover, Feng Zhinian happened to be Feng Yuxi’s elder brother. For Gu Nanshu to fancy him—what a tangled web of fate!

Originally tense, Gu Nanshu’s mind grew even more troubled as she pondered the complicated layers involved.

She slid her legs off the edge of the bed and knelt on the floor, anxiously explaining, “Your Highness, you must be joking. These are all rumors. You are a paragon among men, a noble prince of royal blood. It is a blessing beyond measure for a humble woman like me to marry you. How could I possibly flee my marriage? I hope Your Highness will see the truth and not be swayed by others’ gossip.”

Lu Heng fixed his gaze on the woman kneeling before him, her bridal veil still unlifted. His eyes narrowed slightly. He was well aware that Gu Nanshu’s heart belonged to Feng Zhinian, and that her runaway marriage was to meet him. He knew that she had been forced into this union with him today under duress.

This woman clearly did not want to marry him, yet insisted on putting on a show in front of him. She was cunning indeed. But her words were pleasant enough, with a certain charm.

That said, he had no intention of marrying Gu Nanshu, so he did not plan to pursue the matter. Still, some things needed to be made clear to avoid future trouble.

The young emperor had arranged this marriage, choosing the daughter of the Chief Secretary—not a fortunate match. The Chief Secretary held no power or influence at court. As a royal consort’s maternal clan, the Gu family would bring him no benefit or support; instead, they would weaken his standing in the court.

The emperor’s decision was motivated by fear: Lu Heng, as imperial uncle, had gained too much power, and the emperor worried he might one day seize the throne. Thus, this marriage was a political move to suppress him.

Yet Lu Heng never coveted the throne. Even if the emperor sought to reclaim the seventy thousand troops under his command, he would gladly hand them over.

He wished not to embarrass the emperor and had reluctantly accepted this arranged marriage.

Lu Heng sipped his tea, contemplating the situation, then set down his cup. Without warning, he reached out and lifted the red bridal veil from Gu Nanshu’s head.

This forceful and domineering act startled her. The golden scale’s counterweight pressed against her chin, tilting her head upward.

She looked up into Lu Heng’s face and eyes. At first glance, she was struck by the King of Beichen’s striking features.

She had thought Jiang Mubai was the most handsome man she’d seen, but this King of Beichen’s good looks far surpassed him.

Had the real Gu Nanshu seen his true face, she surely would have fallen for him. Alas, she was no longer here.

Lu Heng studied Gu Nanshu for a long moment, then curled his lips into a sly smile and said, “With a face like a jade lotus smiling sweetly, and eyes like shimmering stars and clear water, I have indeed married a beautiful lady!”

He was complimenting her appearance.

Gu Nanshu forced a faint smile and replied, “Your Highness’s praise is too kind, but I am glad you like it.”

She had often relied on quick wit and flattery when selling tofu before—knowing what to say in any situation to amuse her customers and sell more. She didn’t know if the King of Beichen would fall for her act, but to save her life, she had to at least try and gauge his temperament. It might help them get along as “husband and wife” later.

“You sure know how to talk,” Lu Heng snorted coldly, casually tossing the golden scale back onto the table. Then he lifted his hands to fiddle with the jade finger board on his right thumb and said coldly, “Gu Nanshu, I know the man you fancy is Feng Zhinian. So from now on, spare me the flattery.”

Gu Nanshu’s smile froze. He knew again? How much did he know about her?

But his tone was not angry; perhaps he didn’t mind her having a “beloved.” That gave her some comfort. Summoning courage, she said cautiously, “That was all in the past. It’s not worth mentioning.”

“Though I do not mind your affection for another, I must remind you that you are now the Princess of Beichen. Keep your thoughts in check and fulfill your duties. Do not cause me any trouble.”

His meaning was clear: she must not get involved with other men. This was a warning.

Gu Nanshu took a shallow breath and smiled, “Your Highness, rest assured, I will remember your words today and will not trouble you in the future.”

Seeing her obedient demeanor, Lu Heng frowned slightly but finally said, “Since you do not care for me, and I have no affection for you, I will not touch you—not even tonight in the bridal chamber. But this marriage was arranged by the emperor. In name, you remain my legitimate wife, and I will not restrict your activities within the mansion. However, I warn you: do not approach my bedchamber or study. Otherwise...” His eyes darkened with menace. “Do not blame me for being unforgiving.”

With that, he turned and left without hesitation or intention to stay.

Gu Nanshu knelt there in a daze. When the door closed behind him, she finally came to her senses.

Before, she had considered countless ways to handle the intimate matters with the King of Beichen, but unexpectedly, he was even less willing than she was. This suited her just fine.

In her view, the King of Beichen was better than she imagined. They could maintain mutual respect and keep their distance.

Just then, Huan Tao hurried in from outside the hall. Seeing her mistress kneeling, she wanted to help but dared not. Anxiously, she asked, “Miss! Why did the prince leave so suddenly? Did you offend him? He looked angry! Is that why he punished you to kneel here?”

Gu Nanshu rose gracefully, smoothing her gown, and replied calmly, “I would never offend the prince. He left of his own accord. He said he would not touch me anymore and told me not to provoke him.”

“What!” Huan Tao panicked again. “That can’t be! If the prince never touches you again and you don’t bear him an heir, what will happen if he takes another concubine? How will you secure your position in the mansion then?”

Mention of children instantly darkened Gu Nanshu’s expression.

She had been married to Jiang Mubai for six years without conceiving. Reflecting now, could he have tampered with her food?

After all, he had personally prepared medicinal decoctions, claiming they were nourishing. She suspected those tonics contained contraceptives.

She must investigate this thoroughly.

Seeing her lost in thought, Huan Tao stomped her foot in frustration, “Miss, are you even listening? You must find a way to win the prince’s favor and bear him an heir. Also…”

Huan Tao’s chatter was interrupted by Gu Nanshu’s sharp rebuke, “Enough! I’m tired of hearing it.”

Huan Tao quickly fell silent, scratching her head as she watched her mistress’s cold and distant demeanor. She wondered if this drastic change in temperament was a consequence of heartbreak.

That night, Gu Nanshu lay awake, haunted by visions of Jiang Mubai and Feng Yuxi plotting her death.

Agitated and restless, she got up, took pen and paper, and began outlining her plan for revenge.