Chapter 100 - What To Do if You’re the Villain and the Heroine Likes You

After discovering the book had been taken, He Yunxiao immediately suspected Jieyao Gu Niang (Antidote Girl). Most people who steal books just grab them and run, leaving no trace. Those who are more meticulous might take the book along with a handkerchief, then bury the hole again, disguising the fact that it has been disturbed. But for someone to dig up the soil, take the book, and place the handkerchief back clearly indicates a message – "I took the book and I don't want the handkerchief, what can you do about it?" It must be her! Jieyao Gu Niang is so sly and cunning! How can she hold a grudge against me for so long? It's just because I kept one of her handkerchiefs. With these thoughts, He Yunxiao suddenly felt uneasy. Considering Jieyao Gu Niang's personality, there's no reason for her not to take these few books and demand her handkerchief back from me, so why didn't she mention it? He Yunxiao carefully put the handkerchief away, then dug through several layers of soil without finding anything else. After some thought, He Yunxiao went to another tree. At the time, when Jieyao Gu Niang played a trick and prevented "the falling fruit to return to its roots," she buried the bad fruit that hit her head here. He Yunxiao began to dig through the soil and, after only lifting one layer, he unexpectedly saw an envelope. Opening it, the first sentence read, "He Yunxiao, you have some nerve! How dare you peep at this lady!" He Yunxiao: ... She found out. He did indeed hide and watch Li Qingmeng, Jieyao Gu Niang, shaking the fruits. He not only saw her being hit by the fruit, but also witnessed her mischief of burying the fruit and getting the fruit pit stuck. At that time, He Yunxiao didn't want to show up and meet her, but he ended up being forced to reveal himself when Li Qingmeng got stuck eating the fruit. Seeing the first line of the letter, He Yunxiao shook his head with a bitter smile. He had almost forgotten about the situation at that time, but to think that she not only hadn't forgotten but also had guessed the circumstances, and even planned to lure him out to admit to peeping. This is too much! Is her heart capable of nurturing such schemes? I saved her life, and yet she still wants to hold this against me! Subsequently, the letter continued: "I have taken your books. If you want them back, bring the handkerchief to me at the Xian Academy in the west of the city." "Considering that you saved my life, for now, I won't hold you accountable for peeping at me." Ha, look for you? Exchange books for a handkerchief? Only three volumes of popular martial arts novels. How can they compare to Jieyao Gu Niang's unique signature limited edition handkerchief? He Yunxiao was clear on what weighed more heavily. Seeing Jieyao Gu Niang go to such lengths for the handkerchief, it was evident that it held great significance to her, so he definitely couldn't give it to her easily. He Yunxiao folded the letter back into the envelope and carefully buried it back as if he had never touched the spot. One must use craftiness to defeat craftiness! Hmph, I'll visit the Xian Academy in the west of the city, but I won't mention the martial arts novels. I won't give her the handkerchief and will always remind her that it's in my possession. Ah, this is just playing! ... The study in the He mansion. He Yuanhao and Zhang Jingxian sat side by side, studying a large red document. This document was quite exquisite, even more elegant than the ones used by officials when presenting to the emperor. Red silk paper, a mahogany frame, and paintings of lotus ponds, intertwining lotus flowers, and playing mandarin ducks drawn in gold ink. In the customs of the Qi kingdom, when a marriage was being arranged, one party would have the matchmaker propose the idea. If both families agreed, they would meet, and if everything went well, they would decide on a suitable date for the wedding. After the agreement, the man's family would visit the woman's family to present gifts. If the woman's family accepted these gifts, the marriage would be almost finalized, following which they would wait for an auspicious date for the bride's arrival. For most newlyweds, they wouldn't have seen each other before the wedding night. Some bold ones might sneak a peek. If the family was wealthy, they might commission a painting and send it to the other party. When it came to the emperor and nobles, the process became more complex. Leaving aside everything else, just the betrothal gift the He family presented to the empress dowager was not just any random thing. Marrying a princess had its own set of requirements regarding families, priority among siblings, and seniority. Even if the He family was wealthy, it wasn't possible for them to offer a very extravagant gift. He Yuanhao and Zhang Jingxian deliberated for a long time and finally decided on the betrothal gifts required to marry the eldest princess. Land, servants, livestock, residences, calligraphy and paintings, farms, gold items, and cash were all included in the elaborate document. He Yuanhao said, "This afternoon, I will personally present this list to the empress dowager to ensure there are no mistakes. If it's all right, I will then discuss with her about the betrothal gifts and the selection of an auspicious date." Zhang Jingxian cautioned, "You must control your temper. This greatly affects Yunxiao's future." He Yuanhao smiled, "Do you think I am the type to act rashly?." Zhang Jingxian complained, "Who was it that came to my Zhang family with a sword seeking to marry my sister back then?" He Yuanhao lifted a teacup to his lips and said, "It was all a misunderstanding." "Because of your actions, every time my sister comes home, she is scolded by father." He Yuanhao awkwardly smiled and didn't dare to argue. After a moment of silence, the conversation turned back to He Yunxiao. "Lord, will marrying Nan Zhu affect your status with the prime minister?" asked Zhang Jingxian. "Our status isn't built on flattery. How can such a trivial matter affect it? Besides, Han Wenxin himself is even considering sending his daughter to the palace to become the empress." "Hahaha, boasting." "Can't manage it? In the past, your ancestor, Zhang Xian, stood alone against eight thousand riders. If he had not considered you, would the Meng family have any say in the Qi kingdom?" "Are you suggesting that by marrying me and my sister is like marrying two princesses?" "Haha, more or less." Zhang Jingxian got up, straightened her dress, and brushed away non-existent dust. "I've made chicken soup today. Seeing you so lively, it seems you don't need nourishment. Yunxiao is growing, so I will have the kitchen send it directly to his room later. You should eat something light and change your taste." Seeing the situation was not right, He Yuanhao hastily tried to stop her, but Zhang Jingxian didn't turn back and just walked out. "Ah, Jingxian, that's not what I meant..." The old lord shook his head helplessly. "Sisters truly have the same temper." Today, He Yunxiao was in a good mood. As soon as he got home, he went straight to the study. Not for anything else, just to see if there were any good finds left. As soon as he entered the study and saw He Yuanhao, he was taken aback, "Father, why are you in the study today?" He Yuanhao was irritated upon seeing He Yunxiao. "Which foot did you use to step into the study just now?" He Yunxiao: ??? "The left foot?" "The study can only be entered with the right foot!" He Yunxiao: Damn! This is clearly bullying the honest people! "Father, when was this rule established?" "Just now." "I didn't know about it just now." "You are not satisfied?" "Not at all. Father, we can talk. First, put down the stick. It must be tiring to carrying it all around."