Chapter 6: Jiang Mubai Is Refused When Asking for His Belongings

"Oh, in that case, Princess, do be sure to entertain our guests well today. You are, after all, the mistress of this manor now."

Lu Heng’s voice sounded light and airy, yet it carried a subtle, underlying pressure, a reminder for Gu Nanshu to maintain their performance at all times—devoted in public, and strangers in private.

A dignified smile touched Gu Nanshu’s face. "Your Highness, please rest assured. This is my duty, and I shall certainly not disappoint you."

"Hmm."

Seeing she was holding her composure well, Lu Heng gave a slight nod. He said nothing more and turned his gaze away with indifference.

Gu Nanshu was already in a foul mood and had no desire for further conversation. The smile on her face faded into nothingness. She poured herself a cup of wine and drank it down in bitter frustration. With a sharp "clink," she slammed the cup back onto the table, her eyes involuntarily drifting toward Jiang Mubai once more, her expression eerily calm.

Lu Heng noticed the force with which she had set down her cup. His gaze followed hers, landing on Jiang Mubai and Feng Yuxi, who were whispering intimately to one another.

He pulled his gaze back, looking at Gu Nanshu with suspicion. What was wrong with her? Was she incapable of standing the sight of others showing affection?

Suddenly, someone from the lower tables stood up to offer a toast to Gu Nanshu. The man laughed, "Your nephew, Lu Zihao, the eldest son of the Prince of Xiangyang. As the eldest among all the cousins, I shall lead the way in offering a toast to my Imperial Aunt, wishing both my Imperial Uncle and Aunt a harmonious union and an early blessing of heirs."

With that, he prepared to drain his cup in one go.

Unexpectedly, a young man in green brocade robes interjected loudly, "Hey! Now, Brother Zihao, that doesn't seem right! If we're talking about the eldest of the cousins, that shouldn't be you—it should be Brother Feng Zhinian. He should be the one to toast the Imperial Aunt first. You can’t just go around changing the order of seniority!"

"And what of it? Feng Zhinian is only half an hour older than I am, and he carries the surname Feng, not Lu. As the eldest heir of the Lu family, it is only fitting that I offer this toast."

Lu Zihao spoke without fear of offending the Grand Princess, causing the guests to shake their heads.

Furthermore, it was known throughout the city that Gu Nanshu had originally been intended for Feng Zhinian. Who could have foreseen the twists of fate that led her to marry his Imperial Uncle instead, turning her into Feng Zhinian’s aunt by marriage? This complex, conflicting dynamic was truly lamentable and cursed; it was terribly awkward for them to have to face each other so often.

Poor Feng Zhinian—he had been dragged out as a scapegoat.

Suddenly, someone kicked the youth in the green robes hard. Feng Zhinian’s cold, sharp gaze also pierced through the air as he commanded, "Lu Chuanchuan, shut your mouth!"

Caught in the crossfire, Lu Chuanchuan realized his blunder. He slapped his own face and muttered, "Stupid mouth! Isn't this just slapping the Imperial Uncle in the face? This is so awkward."

The scene fell into an instant silence. Lu Zihao felt the awkwardness too, unsure whether to proceed with the toast or not.

Lu Heng twirled his wine cup, his eyes fixed on the dishes on the table, lost in thought.

Gu Nanshu frowned, her eyes unexpectedly meeting those of Feng Zhinian. She saw that his gaze was deep and fervent—it was unmistakably the look of a man gazing at his beloved. She quickly averted her eyes, shielding her forehead with her hand, her expression one of utter helplessness.

However, she quickly regained her composure, picked up her cup, and smiled at Lu Zihao. "The Heir of An Marquis is very kind. I shall drink this cup first; please, do as you wish."

She drained the cup in one go, her demeanor bold and unpretentious.

Following this, several others came forward to offer toasts. Halfway through the round, Gu Nanshu’s face was flushed, clearly feeling the effects of the wine, yet her eyes remained clear and her mind sharp.

Over there, Feng Zhinian continued to stare at Gu Nanshu, his longing gaze seemingly tethered to her.

Lu Heng noticed this, his brows furrowing slightly. He let out a disgruntled scoff, thinking to himself, "That little brat!"

Receiving his Imperial Uncle’s warning glare, Feng Zhinian hastily lowered his head in embarrassment. Yet, he felt a deep, gnawing resentment—the woman who was almost his had ended up marrying his uncle.

This brief moment was thick with the scent of gunpowder. Everyone knew the truth, yet no one dared to speak of it.

Soon after, Feng Yuxi whispered something into Jiang Mubai’s ear. Jiang Mubai nodded, stood up, and raised his cup to toast Gu Nanshu.

He smiled with feigned sincerity. "I am Jiang Mubai, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice. I pay my respects to the Imperial Aunt. I have heard that you have a fondness for calligraphy and the zither. I happen to know you possess the original work 'Sea of Hidden Books' by Master Li Zhenyang. I have the audacity to ask: would it be possible for you to allow me to witness its beauty?"

Seeing him suddenly offer pleasantries only to demand to see the painting, the calm in Gu Nanshu’s eyes turned to ice.

From the day she met Jiang Mubai, she knew he had always collected Li Zhenyang’s originals, especially the "Sea of Hidden Books," which was his lifelong dream.

He had once said that if he could see that piece just once, he would die without regrets. He had also claimed he would love her alone for the rest of his life, just as he cherished that painting.

What a wonderful "rest of his life"!

The memories flooded back. Gu Nanshu’s chest heaved slightly, and she grew agitated, her hands gripping the edge of the table as she struggled to suppress the hatred and rage within.

The fire burned in her heart, threatening to consume her. She restrained herself, finally forcing a laugh. "Assistant Minister Jiang is well-informed, to know that the 'Sea of Hidden Books' is in my possession."

"I only just found out; it is all thanks to Yu’er."

Feng Yuxi also stood up, acting coyly as she smiled at Gu Nanshu. "Imperial Aunt, Brother Jiang truly loves this painting. Won’t you let him take a look?"

What a sweet "Brother Jiang," what a loving "young couple." It was truly an eyesore. Gu Nanshu gritted her teeth and said with a smile, "Very well, let Assistant Minister Jiang see it. Huantao, go fetch the painting."

"Yes, Your Highness."

From beginning to end, every move Gu Nanshu made was seen by Lu Heng. He was not only suspicious but also speculating; Gu Nanshu seemed to harbor deep hatred for Jiang Mubai and dislike for Feng Yuxi. Why?

Lu Heng sipped his wine and asked, "Princess, you seem quite dissatisfied with Assistant Minister Jiang and Yu’er. May I ask why?"

The sudden, unexpected question made Gu Nanshu straighten her back. She quickly looked at Lu Heng and smiled. "How could that be? Your Highness, you are overthinking it."

Lu Heng remained silent, looking skeptical, and returned to his wine.

Before long, Huantao returned with the scroll. Jiang Mubai stared at it, his eyes filled with yearning and awe.

Feng Yuxi suddenly spoke up, "Imperial Aunt, Brother Jiang and I are to be married in a month. Could we ask you to bestow this painting upon us now as a wedding gift for Brother Jiang?"

Bestow?

Gu Nanshu almost laughed.

Feng Yuxi, oh Feng Yuxi—in my previous life, you stole my man and cruelly murdered me. Now that I have been reborn, you want to take my prized painting too? Why on earth would I give you a wedding gift?

Gu Nanshu’s hands were clenched tight, her eyes revealing her unwillingness. However, with Lu Heng sitting beside her, she could not afford to slip up and lash out. She smiled, "I am afraid that is not possible. This painting was a wedding gift from my father to me. It would not be an auspicious gesture to give it away."

Jiang Mubai paused. He put the painting down, took out an aged, high-quality antique zither, and said, "This zither is called 'Xiaofeng.' It was crafted by Master Mu a century ago as a wedding gift for his daughter. I am willing to exchange this zither for your 'Sea of Hidden Books.' What does the Princess think?"

"It is indeed a fine instrument, but I have no desire to trade with you." Gu Nanshu’s refusal was absolute; she would not allow herself to be wronged.

"This..." Rebuffed in front of everyone, Jiang Mubai’s expression darkened.

Feng Yuxi, eager to protect her man, changed her tone entirely. She glared at Lu Heng and demanded, "Imperial Aunt, how can you be so stingy! Imperial Uncle, do something about her!"

"Clink."

Feng Zhinian suddenly slammed his wine cup onto the table. "Assistant Minister Jiang," he said, "you are not yet a son-in-law of the Feng family. Demanding things from the Imperial Aunt like this—that hardly seems appropriate."