Chapter 7: Three Conditions Before Marriage

The night was deep and still, with silence reigning over all.

Jiang Nian moved quietly through the Jiang estate, carrying a warm, orange-hued lantern. An hour ago, just as she was preparing for bed, a servant from the back gate reported that the steward from her country villa had arrived and was requesting an audience.

It was highly irregular; the steward, Manager Liu, had already visited earlier that day. Had it truly been him, he would have presented himself openly at the main gate. An uninvited guest? Jiang Nian harbored a vague suspicion, so she made her way to the back gate.

The sleepy-eyed servant pointed outside. "Miss, he is waiting just beyond the door."

Jiang Nian nodded, gave a signal to the gatekeeper, and the man retreated to the side. Pushing open the back door, she found a man dressed in white, holding a small lantern—it was Pei Jiuru.

"You were looking for me?" She actually wanted to ask if he had come to regret his earlier decision.

Pei Jiuru offered an apology first. "It was presumptuous of me to use the steward’s name to request an audience with you, Miss Jiang." He then fixed his gaze on her. "I have something I wish to discuss."

"What is it?" As she spoke, Jiang Nian raised her lantern. She had intended to look into his eyes, but instead, she was struck by his pale complexion and the faint sheen of sweat on his forehead. She was surprised. "You... you walked here from the villa?"

"Yes. Manager Liu told me you were unwilling to see me and would not lend me a carriage, so I inquired about the address of the Jiang estate and found my way here."

"How long did it take?"

"Less than three hours."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nian lowered her eyes. She had declined to visit the villa that afternoon, yet he had traveled this long distance despite his injuries. She was loath to admit it, but her heart had softened. Although Pei Jiuru had rejected her proposal, it was not his fault; Lu La was right—any man of standing would have declined such a proposition. Yet, on second thought, perhaps he was simply a sincere man, or perhaps this was a calculated play for sympathy.

A breeze blew, clearing her head. "Why must we discuss this tonight? Are you here to offer a reward for my previous kindness?"

"Miss Jiang, I accept your proposal." Pei Jiuru looked at her, but he could not discern a single trace of emotion on her face.

Jiang Nian merely blinked. After hearing Manager Liu’s words earlier in the day, she had already guessed this outcome, so she was not surprised. It was true that she desperately needed a marriage to shake off the unwanted attentions of the protagonist group, and it was also true that she held Pei Jiuru’s character in high regard, but that did not mean she was the one being granted a favor.

"It is a transaction where both sides get what they need," Jiang Nian said softly. "Fair and square."

"Indeed. I solve your urgent problem, and you provide me with a peaceful residence so that I may study in tranquility."

"You rejected me after due consideration, but I did not drive you out of the villa, nor did I seek other ways to exploit your vulnerability. Is that not so?"

"It is. Miss Jiang has been more than honorable toward me."

The two looked at each other, studying one another intently. Each had their own motives, and neither intended to hide them.

Jiang Nian gathered her robes and sat on the threshold. "Then you must understand that since you have suddenly changed your mind, our relationship is no longer as equal as it was at the beginning." She had no intention of refusing Pei Jiuru, but she was not about to agree easily either.

Pei Jiuru hesitated for a moment, then followed her lead and sat on the threshold as well. He understood; though her tone was soft, her words were indisputable. Because he had been indecisive, she now demanded conditions, or else the deal would be off. Yet, he was the one who needed this arrangement more urgently. Since she was being so direct, he would not beat around the bush. "Miss Jiang, I will do my utmost to meet your requirements."

"Before we marry, we shall set three rules, but only you shall be bound by them."

"Please, speak, Miss Jiang."

"Though this is a business arrangement, I cannot have my parents feeling saddened or distressed. Therefore, the first rule is that we must live our lives together in earnest. If we are to divorce, it must be at least three years from now."

"Agreed."

"Second, for as long as we remain husband and wife, you shall not have relations with other women, nor shall you take concubines or keep mistresses."

"Agreed."

"Third, even if you discover that I have strange habits or behaviors, you shall not interfere with my affairs at home unless I choose to tell you myself."

"Agreed."

Seeing the man accept the terms so readily, Jiang Nian grew suspicious. She turned to look at him sidelong. "You changed your mind because you went out today, didn't you?"

"Yes. Rest assured, Miss Jiang, I have simply gained clarity on a few matters. Nothing worse has occurred." Pei Jiuru felt that Jiang Nian seemed deeply afraid of being entangled in external affairs.

"That is good."

Two small lanterns sat at their feet, casting a warm glow on either side.

"Regarding the formal marriage proposal..." Pei Jiuru wanted to settle the matter as soon as possible.

"Just wait at the villa. I will arrange for someone to go to you; you need not worry about it."

"Very well." Pei Jiuru breathed a sigh of relief. Whether Jiang Nian was too calculating or too self-interested, one only had to look at how well she managed her estate to know she was a woman of competence. Moreover, Jiang Nian was adept at reading the situation; she was no fool. With this settled, he could finally set his mind at ease and focus on his studies for the examinations. Only by rising in the world and gaining power could he protect his foster parents' legacy and find their biological daughter. Otherwise, everything would fall apart, and he would become a man of neither loyalty nor righteousness.

"Miss Jiang, I shall return to the villa now."

Jiang Nian picked up her lantern. "Wait a moment, Pei Gongzi. I will have someone take you back. If your injuries do not heal, not only will the marriage be called off, but the spring examinations will be lost to you as well."

"My thanks."

Jiang Nian took the lantern and returned to her bedroom, where she asked Lu La, who had been posing as her to keep watch, to fetch the coachman. She lay quietly in bed, exhaling a long sigh. She could not help but think that if she were powerful and influential, she would not have to endure the pressure from Bo Yijin and Xiao Ru. Fortunately, with the marriage now in sight, the anxiety in her heart finally dissipated.

Jiang Nian slept soundly, only to be awakened the next morning by Lu La’s voice.

"Miss, Miss! The Marquis of Yongning’s estate has sent another invitation!"

"What?" Jiang Nian was slow to react.

"Xiao Ru is inviting you to the Marquis's estate again!"

Jiang Nian was fully awake now. Relentless pressure was Xiao Ru’s signature style. "Lu La, go and send word back to her. Tell her that the maid who followed me yesterday must have found out nothing... tell her this young lady is going to see a matchmaker today and has no time for the Marquis's estate!"

"Are you sure I should answer like that?"

"Yes, refuse her just like that—be firm for once! Besides, I am not lying; I truly am going to see a matchmaker today."

Jiang Nian did not dare delay; she hurriedly finished her breakfast and headed to the matchmaker's guild. To her surprise, no sooner had she arrived than Xiao Ru appeared behind her.

Xiao Ru still wore a veil over her face. "Miss Jiang, what a coincidence." She smiled, but Jiang Nian saw no warmth in her eyes. It was truly no injustice that Xiao Ru was known as the most detestable female antagonist in the original story.

Jiang Nian smiled back. "A coincidence? Since when has stalking become a coincidence?"