Who would put a green hat on themselves? - Chapter 13

The boat, filled to capacity, was deep in the water and swayed easily. Gu Cheng and Yun Yue sat at one end of the boat, while Gu Cheng’s servants, Zhu Mo and Yu Miao, each held a paddle to row.

The boat proceeded slowly across the lake towards the end of Bibo Pavilion’s Bi Shui Lake, where there was a stone arch bridge.

On both sides of the bridge, numerous weeping willows were planted, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of “two banks of flowers and another village.”

Turning right would lead to the main canal of the capital city. After a while, one could see the bustling life of the city’s residents, with pedestrians flowing in and out, many of whom were common folk wearing coarse cloth and carrying goods, shouting loudly to attract customers. It was a lively scene.

Yun Yue’s gaze fell on the small figures on the street, her eyes reflecting a fleeting longing like a shooting star.

After half an hour, the boat arrived at the dock. Gu Cheng stepped off first and extended his hand to Yun Yue. She took out a embroidered handkerchief and placed it on his arm, steadied herself, and climbed onto the step with his assistance.

After being on the river for a while, Yun Yue felt a bit unsteady as she disembarked, and her steps wobbled.

“Be careful!” Gu Cheng, alarmed, quickly reached out to support her, forgetting about propriety.

Their eyes met, and the sincere emotions between the young man and woman flowed, making Yun Yue feel as if she had been burned.

Yun Yue straightened herself and averted her gaze, “Thank you.” Her eyes were evasive, carrying a sense of detachment.

Gu Cheng didn’t understand romantic feelings but sensed her change. He felt that even though they were close, it was like a flower in a mirror or the moon in the water—something unreachable and unattainable. Everyone yearns for such beauty but can only look up at it.

“Miss San need not thank me,” Gu Cheng said, not understanding why Yun Yue’s attitude was so distant, merely looking at her with a sense of lost expectation. Yun Yue pretended not to notice his disappointment and walked a few steps forward to the horse rental stand. Yu Miao quickly followed, renting two horses and a mule.

The horses were for the main riders, while the mule was for the servants.

Yun Yue rented the strongest horses. Renting horses in the Eastern City was usually something only wealthy families did. Without a proper background, the vendors would be reluctant to rent them out. Yun Yue, being a familiar face, had the vendor grinning broadly, as her generous tipping made a significant impact.

The horses were brought out from the stable, and Yun Yue nimbly mounted one, patiently waiting for Gu Cheng.

Throughout the journey, she did not look at him, even avoiding his gaze. She felt that she had lost the right to look at him. The moment of closeness when he supported her had made her acutely aware of the chasm between them, making it impossible to bridge the distance.

All feelings of excitement must be smothered in the cradle.

She had lost her innocence long ago. Her heart was already filled with shadows and contradictions, and now that her body had been sullied, she was no longer worthy of such a good match, no longer deserving of this flawless, pure-hearted young man.

Gu Cheng was unaware of Yun Yue’s inner turmoil. His heart was purely joyful at the prospect of enjoying the company of the woman he admired.

Although Gu Cheng was on a civil servant path, he had studied the Six Arts of a gentleman since childhood. He was not unfamiliar with horseback riding, but his every movement carried a scholarly air, making him seem somewhat out of place.

The two rode through the crowd, and once they reached Zhuque Road, they finally separated from the throng of pedestrians, making their journey smoother.

On the second floor of Xieyu Pavilion, the ornate carved window was half-open. Yun Qing stood by the window, his expression grim and filled with hostility, as if he wanted to go down and tear Gu Cheng apart.

Liar, liar!

This girl spoke nothing but lies. Just moments ago, she promised not to get close to these young masters, yet she was now mingling closely with his most feared Gu Liulang!

A woman’s words in bed are truly unbearable. Memories of the night flashed in his mind, recalling her submission under him, trembling, clim-axing, moa-ning, and crying out, “Husband, husband…”

How long has it been? Now she could put on a smiling face and sail and stroll with other men. What a ruthless heart she must have!

A heart as hard as iron.

Gu Cheng…

Younger brother of Gu Shu.

Other frivolous young men were not to be feared, but Gu Liulang was flawless in both family background and character, and being the younger brother of his friend made him even more threatening.

Yun Qing’s eyes were dark with unresolved hostility, causing even those who usually served him to break out in cold sweat.

“Have I spoiled her too much? Have I made her so unruly?” Yun Qing questioned himself.

He had warned her from the beginning not to think of escaping from him, otherwise, she would bear the consequences. Had his overly gentle treatment made her disregard his words?

He remembered his exact words: “If Manman tries to run away, I’ll make her hole so loose that it will never close again, and make her legs wobble when she walks. Then she’ll never be able to escape again. Isn’t that right?”

Thinking of this, a cruel satisfaction, even a kind of anticipation, arose in his heart.