Chapter 03: Malicious Thoughts

At the age of twelve, Xie Teng was stationed at the border with his father, where he killed countless enemies and achieved numerous military accomplishments. By the beginning of this year, the Great Wei Dynasty and the Jin Dynasty, after ten years of war, had made peace and signed a treaty, allowing Xie Teng to return to the capital. When he arrived in the capital, it was just before spring turned to summer, and the emperor personally welcomed him outside the palace, bestowing upon Xie Teng the title of Fierce General. This autumn, Xie Teng turned eighteen, and according to the edict issued by the court, he was required to marry and have children. Such a person attracted the attention of all the noble ladies in the capital, and even the princesses and county princesses were secretly competing for his favor. This autumn, Xie Teng turned eighteen, and according to the edict issued by the court, he was required to marry and have children. Such a person attracted the attention of all the noble ladies in the capital, and even the princesses and county princesses were secretly competing for his favor

It is no wonder that Old Madam Fan and Madam Fan favor Fan Qing, as both of them come from the Fan family; how could they not support Fan Qing? Unfortunately, Gu Dongjin's thoughts differ from theirs, as he has other plans and only wishes he could rid himself of Fan Qing. He had originally invited Fan Qing out to enjoy the moonlight with ill intentions, but unexpectedly saw Fan Qing entangled with Gu Dongyu, which brought him secret delight. How could he let this opportunity slip away? He immediately said, "Sister Qing, since you like Third Brother, I shall help you with that!" He had originally invited Fan Qing out to enjoy the moonlight with ill intentions, but unexpectedly saw Fan Qing entangled with Gu Dongyu, which brought him secret delight. How could he let this opportunity slip away? He immediately said, "Sister Qing, since you like Third Brother, I shall help you with that!"

Yao Mi, fearing that Fan Qing might truly be unable to cope, discreetly approached her, pulling her to sit beside herself, and said fiercely: "If I were a man, I would marry both of you, and there would be no more issues."

What? Yao Mi and Fan Qing stared at Shi Xiu'er in astonishment, somewhat unable to believe their ears

Shi Xiuer bit her lip, feeling an immense discomfort in her heart

The tears in Fan Qing's eyes had long since dried, and she had already proposed: "We cannot say we are trying to seduce General Xie, but rather that we are trying to seduce Xie Teng and others. Otherwise, our mother will definitely not agree."

Shi Xiuer pouted and said: "General Xie is older, but precisely because he is old, he is easier to serve. In the future, when he passes away, as his wife, I will be the elder of the Xie family’s sons, and no one would dare to offend me easily. Isn't that better than marrying Gu Dongyu?"

Shi Xiuer pressed her lips together and said: "I am not referring to his two cousins."

Shi Xiuer also moved to sit beside Yao Mi, and the three of them sat side by side, sharing their sorrows and filled with melancholy

It has come to this point, and there is no need for Yao Mi to deceive herself. Shi Xiu'er sighed in relief and then苦笑道: "Indeed, even if one were to use an aphrodisiac, is it necessary to give it to Gu Dongyu?"

Yao Mi stood for a while, then sat down and murmured: "Have the three of us been abandoned?"

"Come, let us discuss this properly." Yao Mi pulled the hands of Shi Xiu'er and Fan Qing, bringing the three heads together to engage in a confidential conversation

Fan Qing also sensed the situation and whispered, "Indeed, one person's plan is short, two people's plan is long, and with three people, we can match Zhuge Liang. One person cannot handle General Xie, but three should be able to. Moreover, Sister Yao resembles Xie Yun, which gives us even more confidence." With their beauty and intelligence, how could they not compete for a young man like Xie Teng, yet still be unable to vie for an elder like General Xie?

Although Yao Mi is bold, she always feels timid when it comes to seducing General Xie on behalf of the adults. However, the moment she thinks of having Shi Xiu'er and Fan Qing by her side, her courage immediately swells.

The Great Wei Dynasty previously prioritized civil over military affairs, with civil officials taking office and military generals having little opportunity to speak in the court. During ten years of turmoil and ten years of war, military generals gradually overshadowed civil officials; those with strong fists were favored, and those who could repel enemies were revered. However, Xie Teng was both cultured and martial, possessing an exceptionally handsome appearance. When he returned to the capital, riding his horse into the city, all the women in the capital were captivated by him. At that time, Yao Mi and others were also at the window of a tavern, lifting the window curtains to watch Xie Teng ride past along the street.

Fan Qing, upon hearing this, became anxious and rushed to the edge of the lotus pond, intending to jump in. Shi Xiu'er, standing beside her, was quick-witted and managed to grab her, hastily advising, "Sister Qing, just clarify the matter; there is no need to act this way"

Gu Dongyu saw the commotion and, fearing it would disturb the master of the residence, could only say: "Let us speak in the pavilion; be careful not to alarm anyone."

Shi Xiu'er suddenly blushed and shyly uttered a name

Gu Dongjin saw Gu Dongyu about to leave, and he did not wish to keep her. He stood up and said, "Regardless of what you are planning, I do not intend to get engaged in these two years." As he spoke, he cast a glance at Shi Xiuer and Yao Mi, then followed Gu Dongyu out.

After a great battle, the Xie family lost two sons, one daughter, and one daughter-in-law. Because of this, the emperor felt a sense of regret towards the Xie family and rewarded them repeatedly. Currently, the royal family has also intervened in the marriage matters of Xie Teng and his two cousins, Xie Sheng and Xie Lan. People in the capital speculate that one of the Xie family members may marry a princess, while the other two may wed noble ladies

Gu Dongyu felt uncomfortable for a moment, but soon regained her composure and helped Fan Qing explain a few things, stating that it was because she had fallen and had asked her to lend a hand, and that there was no struggle between them. Gu Dongjin had finally found an opportunity to free herself from Fan Qing, so she was unwilling to listen to Gu Dongyu's explanation, simply saying: "No matter how you explain, I saw you two struggling with my own eyes. You may not want me to report this to Grandmother, but I will not agree to the engagement." With that, she turned to leave.

Shi Xiuer was the first to regain her senses, glaring at Yao Mi with all her might, and suddenly said: "If you want to marry General Xie, we have not the slightest hope. However, in the General's residence, he is not the only one without a wife."

Fan Qing could not help but cry with laughter, resting her head on Yao Mi's shoulder, and softly said: "It is a pity that you are not a man"

When a person is driven to the brink, what they think of are often wicked schemes. Yao Mi quickly assessed the feasibility of this matter and resolutely decided: "Then let it be. After all, General Xie is sixty-eight years old; even if he is still vigorous, it..." Hmm, we must not let emotions interfere. The three of us will marry him together, like taking shelter under a large tree, which does not cost us anything. In a few years, when he is gone, we can still enjoy the benefits provided by the General's residence, and we can learn from the noblewomen of the capital, keeping a young lover or something, living a carefree middle-aged life. We must not let emotions interfere. The three of us will marry him together, like taking shelter under a large tree, which does not cost us anything. In a few years, when he is gone, we can still enjoy the benefits provided by the General's residence, and we can learn from the noblewomen of the capital, keeping a young lover or something, living a carefree middle-aged life.

Yao Mi shook her head and said: "No."

Yao Mi's eyelids twitched for a moment before she said, "Even so, what reason does General Xie have to take a liking to you?" Although he is old, if he desires a beautiful concubine, he can easily summon one at will

In that year, the enemy launched an attack, and the border was in urgent danger. General Xie led his two sons and grandson Xie Teng to fight against the enemy. Soon, news arrived of the death of Uncle Xie Teng in battle, while the fates of Xie Teng and others remained unknown. In their anxiety, Xie Teng's mother and his sixteen-year-old aunt, Xie Yun, disguised themselves as men and joined the reinforcements to the border. Not long after, the enemy retreated, but Xie Teng's parents and aunt were all lost, while Xie Teng was severely injured and his grandfather, General Xie, sustained minor injuries

Upon hearing this, Fan Qing hurriedly explained the situation and asked Shi Xiu'er to testify. However, Shi Xiu'er was unwilling to speak the truth and responded ambiguously. Gu Dongjin waved his hand and said, "Sister Qing, there is no need for you to argue. I will go to Grandmother and speak on your behalf. Grandmother and the others will certainly not break up a couple."

As Gu Dongyu and Gu Dongjin's figures disappeared outside the pavilion, Fan Qing stopped her cries, yet her tears fell down like beads from a broken string, one by one.

Who is that? Yao Mi is confused

Fan Qing, while wiping her tears, said: "Before going to the capital, my mother told me that this trip to the capital would either end in marriage in the city or death in the city, and I am not allowed to return home in disgrace." As she spoke, she fiercely rubbed her eyes, pushed open the window, and gazed out with a sorrowful expression.

At this point, Shi Xiuer finally asked Yao Mi: "Gu Dongyu said that you gave him and - Tu - Shu an aphrodisiac, is that true?" When Gu Dongyu fell to the ground, he indeed looked as if he had been affected by an aphrodisiac, but just now he appeared to be fine, not showing any signs of embarrassment or awkwardness, which did not seem much like the behavior of someone under the influence of an aphrodisiac

At this moment, Fan Qing interjected, "Although General Xie has two unmarried cousins, they are still being closely watched, and it is still not our turn."

At the mention of Xie Teng, the three women couldn't help but brighten their eyes, only to dim again shortly after. That is what a man should be; he is the one whom women wish to marry. However, no matter how they try, he is simply not meant for them.

When Yao Mi arrived, she happened to see Gu Dongyu and Gu Dongjin with serious expressions, while Fan Qing was shouting that she wanted to die. Shi Xiuer was busy trying to persuade one person after another, completely caught up in the chaos

What do they mean? Shi Xiuer and Yao Mi were taken aback for a moment, but then quickly realized that Gu Dongyu meant that he did not want any of the three of them. Gu Dongjin's implication was that he was aware they all wanted to marry him, and thus he had set up Fan Qing. However, whether it was Fan Qing or the two of them, he did not think highly of any of them, so they should not waste their efforts.

Although Gu Dongyu enjoyed causing trouble, upon seeing Fan Qing in despair, he immediately lost his appetite and wished to leave at once. Knowing that Yao Mi and Fan Qing were close, he thought that Yao Mi could persuade Fan Qing to calm down. As soon as he saw Yao Mi arrive, he stood up and said: "Cousin Yao, this matter was instigated by you, so you should take responsibility. You are all good friends, but unfortunately, I cannot afford to get involved. Let's meet less in the future! I am leaving"

"It is merely a statement made in anger! My mother also said that if I do not get married, not only will I die in the capital, but she will also die in the capital." Shi Xiuer understood how eager her family was for her to marry, and as she spoke, her eyes turned red.

The night breeze brushed by, and Yao Mi's words lingered in the air. Shi Xiu'er raised her eyes to glance at her, then looked at the tearful Fan Qing, and said sadly: "Yes, it is indeed these two irresponsible men who still look down on us. In another month and a half, I will turn fifteen, and by then..." She forced a bitter smile and stopped speaking.

Fan Qing is not foolish; upon hearing Gu Dongjin's words, she understood the situation. It was not that she could not explain clearly, but rather that Gu Dongjin never intended to become engaged to her, using this as an excuse to rid himself of her

Yao Mi remarked: "Gu Dongyu thought he was General Xie Teng? Just because she is a woman, she must be given an aphrodisiac."

Seeing that Yao Mi still did not understand, Shi Xiu'er stamped her foot and said: "Isn't the Xie family currently recruiting cooks and embroiderers? We have all learned excellent needlework, so we might as well disguise ourselves as daughters of commoners and enter the Xie residence as cooks and seamstresses. Then we can find a way to attract the attention of the old general Xie, and marry him together. With him around, we will not be bullied. Even if he is gone, the sons of the Xie family will still protect us."

Shi Xiuer corrected Yao Mi, saying: "It is not that you are interested in me, but rather that you are interested in yourself. Five years ago, my mother and I went to the capital and happened to see General Xie’s daughter, Xie Yunfei, leaving the city. Your appearance bears some resemblance to Xie Yun. If you were to appear at the Xie residence, you would certainly attract the attention of General Xie.

A group of people arrived at the pavilion, and Gu Dongyu's earlier restlessness had subsided. He was secretly astonished, wondering, "Oh, this aphrodisiac from cousin Yao is quite peculiar; it doesn't require any euphoric substances, and yet it seems to have worn off after just a while."

Among the Gu family brothers, Gu Dongjin is the most favored grandson of Old Master Gu, as he is diligent in his studies and strives for progress. Old Master Gu has even stated that there is no need to arrange a marriage so early; it would be better to discuss it after achieving success in the civil service examination. Everyone knows that discussing marriage after achieving success allows one to aspire to truly noble and distinguished ladies. Gu Dongjin also has his own thoughts on this matter, which is why he only has two concubines in his household, unlike Gu Dongyu, who has a maid on either side. However, he did not expect that once Fan Qing arrived, both Old Madam Fan and Madam Fan would change their stance, believing that he should first get engaged to Fan Qing, without waiting to achieve success in his career.