As such, when her gaze swept across Jiang Yin, who was equally drenched, her eyes were clear and aloof, without the slightest joy or ripple.
She stared fixedly at Shou Fei, thinking of her frontier guard father in her previous life. The corners of her mouth tilted up slightly as she declared loudly and clearly,
"Gu Ying is willing to swear on her father's frontier military achievements that if she has the slightest romantic feelings toward Young Master Jiang, may the second branch of the Earl of Dongping's manor be ruined and never rise again!"
Her words fell, and everyone was shocked.
Jiang Yin, amidst fragrant robes and beautiful hair ornaments, was also stunned.
Gu Ying's oath was too vicious.
Eastern Li placed little value on martial skills, and the frontiers had been stable for many years.
But in the last two years, the peace at the borders collapsed. Tribes and nomads from the grasslands allied to harass the frontiers and even began occupying Eastern Li's national territory. His Majesty was afraid, and most civil officials at court were useless on the martial front.
Only the army of the second branch of the Earl of Dongping, led by Gu Boqing, was invincible at the frontier, forcefully driving the enemy troops back to their dens.
Gu Ying’s oath not only staked her father’s career and glory, but also the entire future and reputation of the second branch of the Earl of Dongping’s manor.
It was clear she truly did not like Jiang Yin.
The noble young ladies watched Gu Jia like she was a joke, whispering that there was a girl from the Earl's manor shamelessly pursuing the new top scholar, but it didn't seem to be the second young lady after all.
Gu Jia had not expected Gu Ying to suddenly change personalities and give up on Jiang Yin. She felt extremely awkward and had lost tremendous face.
But with Shou Fei present, she could not speak up against her younger sister from the main branch!
"Younger sister, your words make it difficult for Young Master Jiang..." She weakly spoke up, trying to shift attention back to Gu Ying and Jiang Yin's private affair.
But Gu Ying did not give her the chance. She remembered in her previous life how Gu Jia designed a scheme to tie her to Jiang Yin for life. At that moment, she exclaimed in surprise, "Ah, what is that on Young Master Jiang?"
Jiang Yin's brows furrowed tightly as a silk handkerchief embroidered with mandarin ducks fell from his sleeve in his fluster.
Gu Ying sneered inwardly. She did not care for feminine handicrafts. The handkerchief was originally given by Gu Jia for her to curry favor with Jiang Yin. But now, it was the perfect opportunity for her to turn the tables!
The noble ladies’ eyes shifted, immediately erupting into astonished chatter. Heavens, this was an indecent token of private affection!
Shou Fei's originally relaxed brows furrowed again. "Young Master Jiang, what is the meaning of this?"
Jiang Yin’s features were elegant and refined, and his thin lips pressed together lightly. "This subject does not know. Perhaps it was—"
He raised his eyes to look at Gu Ying, who was bold and unruffled in the cold wind without a hint of shyness. For some reason, his heart stirred.
But Gu Ying would certainly not let him say the handkerchief was his own.
She smiled vibrantly and turned her head toward Gu Jia, her pure and innocent face looking at her intently as she murmured, "Isn't this the handkerchief that Eldest Sister said she embroidered for her future brother-in-law last month? Uncle even said Eldest Sister is of marriageable age and would have joyous news soon."
"That's right, the old madam and the Earl were just about to arrange Eldest Young Lady's betrothal!" Yanzhi added fuel to the fire.
Gu Ying's smile deepened. Well done, Yanzhi.
"Back then I was still guessing which young master Eldest Sister's fated one could be. To think the ideal husband Uncle spoke of turned out to be Young Master Jiang."
Jiang Yin clenched his fists, also not understanding why.
Gu Ying's bright, open smile made him feel somewhat uncomfortable. She clearly liked him and pestered him for a considerable time...
Why did she change her usual manner today and instead try to match him with her eldest sister?
Gu Jia was mortified with anger, unable to imagine that Gu Ying, who normally could not put together a coherent sentence, was so eloquent today.
"Gu Ying, you are spewing nonsense! This handkerchief clearly belongs to you!"
Gu Ying said innocently, "All of Bianjing knows that I, the second young lady of the Earl of Dongping, am the daughter of a military officer and have no interest in feminine crafts or poetry. How could I embroider such an exquisite mandarin duck handkerchief? Empress Dowager has seen my needlework before. Please look closely, Empress Dowager. The needlework clearly did not come from my hand."
She understood Shou Fei. In her previous life, Shou Fei was someone who hated trouble.
The Empress and Shou Fei struggled against each other in the palace for five years. Shou Fei obstructed her at every turn, and would never blow this matter up to displease His Majesty. At most, just like in the previous life, she would definitively announce the marriage alliance between the Earl’s manor and the Jiang family before all the noble ladies present today.
Sure enough, Shou Fei had the handkerchief brought to her and meaningfully glanced between Gu Ying and Gu Jia.
She had enjoyed favor in the rear palace for many years, and could see through this petty scheme to frame someone.
Making a fuss at her own banquet would bring endless trouble if the Empress caught wind of it.
She gestured for Gu Ying to rise, coldly glancing at Gu Jia. "It seems today's matter was merely the future brother-in-law kindly saving the manor's younger sister. With joyous news nearing for the Earl's manor, We have nothing more to celebrate. Let this jade bracelet be an engagement gift for Eldest Young Lady."
With Shou Fei’s words, everyone smiled knowingly and offered congratulations.
Gu Jia's face grew paler and paler. Even the dazed Jiang Yin gave the smiling Gu Ying a puzzled look.
"It grows late. Let us go."
Shou Fei felt weary and did not want to linger in the imperial garden.
The noble young ladies were eager to go listen to operas in the Rain and Smoke Pavilion. After all, the young princes and lords were there.
The elegant and refined young Marquis of Yong’an would be there, as well as the mysterious Crown Prince Zhao Changdu of Zhenguo Duke Manor who had rarely made public appearances.
As the crowd gradually dispersed, only the main family and servants of the Earl of Dongping remained.
Gu Jia was so frightened her whole body trembled. She glared resentfully at Gu Ying. "Younger sister caused great trouble in the palace today! When we return, I will see how you explain yourself to Grandmother and Father!"
Gu Ying coldly laughed. "Empress Dowager kindly acted as matchmaker for Eldest Sister and Young Master Jiang. How is that causing trouble? I was merely helping my elder sister's good fortune."
"You--!" Gu Jia was furious but could not flare up in front of Jiang Yin. "Doukou! We're leaving!"
Disregarding etiquette, Gu Jia fled in panic with her maid, leaving only Jiang Yin standing tall and straight like jade.
He stared fixedly at Gu Ying, suddenly stepping forward and stretching out his large hand as if to grab her slender wrist.
Gu Ying quickly retreated several steps. Recalling his torment of her in her previous life, she shivered reflexively. Glaring at him harshly, she demanded, "Young Master Jiang, what are you doing?!"