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The next day, Gu Jiao once again woke up late.

By the time she sat before the dressing table with Yu Ya’er pressing her down to comb her hair, Xiao Heng had already been busy for over an hour, preparing all the gifts for the return visit.

He had also sent greetings to Princess Xinyang and Marquis Xuanping.

His father and mother teased him, saying that Yiyi would soon have a little nephew.

Xiao Heng only smiled without speaking. He did not tell his parents that the two of them had taken precautions, except for that very first time, which had not been a pleasant experience.

But even that first time was unlikely to result in pregnancy; the chance was far too slim.

Breakfast consisted of red bean and coix seed porridge, carrot and mutton buns, scallion rolls, crab roe pastries, and several delicate and delicious side dishes.

Both of them had a good appetite and tasted a little of everything.

Gu Jiao still went to visit Princess Xinyang, where Marquis Xuanping happened to be as well.

In truth, Marquis Xuanping usually did not come by in the mornings. Ever since the tea ceremony, however, he had made one appearance, and from that day on, Little Yiyi realized that her handsome father could indeed show up in the morning as well. So from then, every time she opened her eyes, she would start looking for her father.

“Are you settling in well?” Princess Xinyang asked Gu Jiao.

Gu Jiao replied, “Yes, I am very comfortable here, everything is wonderful.”

The furnishings of Lanting Courtyard had been arranged according to Gu Jiao’s preferences, and even details that Gu Jiao herself had not noticed had been carefully observed by Princess Xinyang back when she lived in Bishui Alley.

Just like Grandaunt, Princess Xinyang never expressed affection in words, but hid it instead in the smallest of details.

“Actually, Mother doesn’t have to keep living here.” Gu Jiao said, referring to the Princess Mansion.

Princess Xinyang understood her meaning and said, “It doesn’t matter. I moved away from here before because of Ah Heng’s death and living in the Princess Mansion only reminded me of him. But now that Ah Heng has returned safely, and Qing’er has come back as well, here… aside from…”

Aside from being too close to a certain someone, there was no other drawback.

She glanced sideways at Marquis Xuanping without any change in expression.

Forget it. That man did not seem too insufferable lately.

Marquis Xuanping was lounging under the veranda with his daughter in his arms, cooling off in the shade. By chance, he turned his head, and his gaze met that of Princess Xinyang.

His brows arched as he called out, “Qin Fengwen, you’re stealing glances at this Marquis again!”

Princess Xinyang clenched her fingers tightly. She took back what she had just thought.

This man was as insufferable as ever!

Not wanting to look at him any longer, Princess Xinyang said coldly, “Don’t you have court to attend?”

Marquis Xuanping chuckled. “This Marquis is on leave.”

Princess Xinyang gave a cold laugh. “What leave could you possibly be on? It was Ah Heng’s wedding, not yours!”

Looking at the little girl in his arms, Marquis Xuanping shamelessly replied, “Paternity leave!”

Princess Xinyang: “…!!”

……

Gu Jiao and Xiao Heng left the Princess Mansion and boarded the carriage heading for the Duke Estate.

Today was also Gu Jinyu’s return visit to her maiden home.

Unlike Gu Jiao, who could be willful and rise whenever she pleased, Gu Jinyu had risen before dawn to establish the rules with her mother-in-law, served her breakfast, and only then returned to her own courtyard to check the gifts for the return visit.

Everything was neatly prepared by the time Young Master Quan finally rose.

By now, they had already finished paying respects to Old Madame Gu and Marquis Gu, and were preparing to head back.

Just as their carriage had gone only a few steps forward, Gu Jinyu heard the sound of horses approaching from the opposite direction.

Strangely enough, though she was not particularly close with Gu Jiao, she could always recognize her horses.

Those were the Black Wind Cavalry horses that had fought on the battlefield, carrying with them an aura of killing intent. Even from far away, they managed to spook the horses of the Marquis Changping Estate.

Gu Jinyu lifted the curtain to take a look, and just happened to see a carriage stop before the gates of the Duke Estate.

Xiao Heng, clad in a moon-white brocade robe, was helping Gu Jiao, who wore a simple blue robe, down from the carriage.

Gu Jinyu let out a mocking laugh.

That girl knew martial arts, how could she possibly need someone’s support?

So cautious and attentive, was he treating her like some priceless treasure?

“Stop the carriage!” Gu Jinyu ordered.

Third Young Master Quan, who had been resting with his eyes closed, immediately opened them and asked in puzzlement, “What is it?”

Gu Jinyu smiled gently and said, “I just saw my elder sister and brother-in-law. I want to go over and greet them.”

“Little Marquis Xiao?” Third Young Master Quan asked.

Marquis Changping Estate was in the eastern territory and had some contact with the Xiao Family. Because their weddings happened to fall on the same day, they had not attended each other’s ceremonies, but according to the family, they had exchanged congratulatory gifts.

Third Young Master Quan said, “Very well.”

The two stepped down from the carriage.

Third Young Master Quan got down first, and once he did, he walked away directly, not sparing Gu Jinyu a thought.

There was no sting like that of comparison.

When coming to the Marquis Estate before, she had not felt anything was wrong with this. But now, seeing how Xiao Heng treated Gu Jiao, Gu Jinyu’s heart immediately became unbalanced.

She bit her lip and glanced at Gu Jiao. Today, Gu Jiao wore a veil, which covered most of her face, leaving only her smooth forehead and a pair of delicate brows and eyes visible.

“Elder sister, brother-in-law, what a coincidence.” She said, taking hold of Third Young Master Quan’s hand and walking toward the pair.

Third Young Master Quan’s brows furrowed, and he pulled his hand back.

Awkwardness prickled in Gu Jinyu’s heart, yet her expression did not falter. She smiled still and said, “Is elder sister also returning home today? Why so late? Could it be you slept until the sun was high? Elder Sister still thinks she is an unmarried maiden?”

Third Young Master Quan’s eyes shone with eagerness as he greeted Xiao Heng. “Little Marquis.”

Xiao Heng gave a slight nod.

The two families were not close, but neither had there been enmity.

Yet the words of Gu Jinyu grated on his ears.

Gu Jiao asked in return, “So marrying means one must rise earlier than the roosters?”

Gu Jinyu was struck speechless.

Gu Jiao leaned closer to Xiao Heng and whispered, “So… is it improper for me to wake up so late after all?”

Xiao Heng fondly brushed her hair at the crown of her head. “How could it be improper? My mother does not need you to uphold rules for her. She instructed me not to wake you, to let you sleep longer.”

Within those words were two revelations: first, that Princess Xinyang cherished Gu Jiao, and second, that Xiao Heng rose earlier than Gu Jiao.

What. She was not required to serve her mother-in-law and husband?

Gu Jinyu could hardly believe it was true!

Even Yao shi, who had once been so favored by Marquis Gu, still had to endure Old Madame Gu’s authority in the household!

Xiao Heng said coolly to Third Young Master Quan, “If there is nothing further, we will be going in first. Young Master Quan, until next time.”

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Description:

In the suspenseful supernatural novel “Records of Mortals,” Jiang Baiyan, once a solitary and impoverished youth, finds refuge in the Shi family of Chang’an due to his extraordinary bloodline. With his clear and captivating peach blossom eyes, this seemingly innocent young man conceals a fanatical and malevolent lunatic within. Destined to succumb to darkness amidst hardship and degradation, he becomes a harbinger of chaos.

When Shi Dai suddenly transmigrates, she takes on the role of the Shi family’s young lady, the one who subjects him to countless trials, eventually leading to her demise.

The twist? She never got to finish reading the novel.

From what she knew of the plot, Jiang Baiyan was just a silent, timid, and often bullied pitiable character.

***

Jiang Baiyan had never encountered someone like Shi Dai.

After he had slaughtered all the evil creatures in the garden, the blood-stained young man, exuding a murderous aura, approached her step by step, his lips curling into a malicious smile, "Scared?"

Shi Dai responded, “You’re really amazing! I applaud you until I spin like a spiral and fly around the moon three hundred times! And also——you have dimples when you smile!"

Jiang Baiyan: ...?

—

After seeing her at a lantern festival with another man, Jiang Baiyan lowered his eyes, his fingers twirling her hair. He said in a mocking and sinister tone, "The mansion in the western suburbs...if I hide you there, no one will find you, right?"

Shi Dai replied, "Does it come with meals and lodging? Can I sleep in everyday? Oh, and your cooking is the best!"

Jiang Baiyan: ...?

—

Jiang Baiyan was supposed to dislike her, even hate her, but as their separation drew near, his eyes turned red and he grabbed her sleeve, pleading, "Don't abandon me, alri—”

Shi Dai responded, "Alright, alright, I’ll only have you. Mwah."

Jiang Baiyan: ...?

He hasn't finished his lines yet though…

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