Chapter 13: Utter Chaos

Dantai Jing never imagined that she would be confessed to by Wang Ziyu—right there, at the school’s entrance.

Though the customs of Dali were relatively progressive, she was, after all, a young lady from a noble family, bound by the dictates of parental arrangements and matchmakers’ words. For a girl from an ordinary household, such a scene might be seen as childhood sweethearts or a perfect match, but for her, if this were to spread, it would surely sully her reputation, branding her as fickle and untrustworthy.

Yet Wang Ziyu was visibly agitated. Anyone who suddenly lost what they considered theirs to another would be ruffled, especially a fifteen-year-old boy like him, still too young to keep his composure.

He had once believed Dantai Jing belonged to him alone. At school, he played the part of a devoted admirer, letting all the boys know of his affection for her, occasionally exchanging teasing glances and sparking a little commotion, asking about lessons with a flushed face and beating heart. He delighted in this game, seeing the prize almost within reach—until she suddenly turned away. How could he stay calm?

Wang Ziyu’s voice rang out loudly, as if he wished everyone could hear. Soon, a crowd gathered, drawn by the commotion.

In both her past and present lives, Dantai Jing had never encountered such a scene. With Wang Ziyu’s outburst and the gossip stirred by Ye Shi, it seemed she was doomed to marry no one but Wang Ziyu.

Seeing the onlookers whisper and point, Dantai Jing’s anger swelled. Her expression darkened; without hesitation, she slapped Wang Ziyu across the face.

The sharp "smack" startled even the birds perched on the great willow tree by the school gate into flight.

Silence fell. Wang Ziyu turned his face, mouth agape, utterly shocked that his confession had been met with a slap. In Zecheng, he was considered a notable figure—a prodigy who passed the provincial exam at fifteen. He only courted Dantai Jing in front of others to maintain appearances; other noble ladies vied for his attention. He was a prized catch.

Yet Dantai Jing dared to strike him!

Dantai Xuan, standing nearby, thought the same and, like a ruffled hen, let out a sharp cry as she hurriedly pulled Wang Ziyu aside, anxiously asking, “Brother Ziyu, are you alright? Are you alright?”

Looking closer, she saw five distinct red handprints on his cheek, evidence of the force behind her third sister’s slap.

Her heart ached, tears welling. She pushed Dantai Jing away and scolded, “You little wretch, how dare you lay hands on Brother Ziyu!”

Dantai Jing stumbled, but Suxin caught her just in time.

Wang Ziyu, shaken by Dantai Xuan’s fuss, finally grasped the foolishness of his actions. But now, there was no turning back. If he didn’t win over Dantai Jing today, he feared he might never marry her.

Ignoring the burning pain on his face, he bowed deeply to Dantai Jing and said, “It was my rashness, Third Miss. Your slap was justified. I only spoke out of genuine concern for you.”

Raising his head, his gaze intense and full of affection, he continued, “Third Miss, your beauty is unparalleled, your talent remarkable, your wisdom and decisiveness like a celestial being. How could I let you, mute as you are, become a mere concubine to another? I am but a humble scholar, but if you so much as give me a word—just a single word—I would risk my life to plead your case with the Prefect.”

Dantai Xuan froze. Brother Ziyu had come this far in his plea. What was he hoping to hear from Third Sister?

Fifth Miss Dantai Xuan felt a surge of panic. She feared that if Third Miss spoke, uttering even a few words, Brother Ziyu would no longer be hers.

Fortunately, Third Miss was mute. As long as she seized the opportunity, Brother Ziyu would be hers!

Yes! Dantai Jing could not speak now—no matter how much she wanted to explain, she could not. Whatever was said about her would be decided by others!

With this thought, Dantai Xuan said aloud, “Brother Ziyu, why defend Third Sister here? Don’t blame her for striking you! She truly admires another. Though mute, Third Sister aims to make a name for herself in the capital. Father is the Prefect. Even if she marries there as a concubine, she will be a noble one—a status not easily matched!”

“My Third Sister will enjoy a life of luxury in the capital. If you recklessly declare your feelings here, people will think there is something between you two. You ruin her reputation! How could she not strike you?” Dantai Xuan’s voice rose high, eager that everyone understand Third Sister’s ambition to marry into a higher status rather than degrade herself as a mere concubine.

But Wang Ziyu heard a different truth beneath her words. If he and Dantai Jing continued their entanglement, rumors would spread, and her chance to rise in the capital would vanish.

He fixed his gaze on Dantai Jing and said solemnly, “Third Miss, I only need one word from you. If you so much as hesitate, I will kneel before the Dantai mansion for ten days and nights until your father changes his mind.”

At this, Dantai Jing was so furious she could hardly stand. She had said nothing, yet these people took advantage of her silence to torment her. Because she could not speak, they believed they could humiliate her with impunity?

Memories of her past life flooded back—the humiliation, the endurance, the pain—like venomous snakes striking at her relentlessly.

She refused to endure it any longer or live in such disgrace.

Lifting her head, she glared fiercely at Wang Ziyu and slapped him again. If the first slap was instinctive, this one was with full force. Her hand even went numb from the impact.

Dantai Xuan could no longer restrain herself. The jealousy and resentment she had long suppressed bloomed suddenly like a towering tree. Tears fell as she cried, “Brother Ziyu, if Third Sister treats you this way, why waste your affections? She is the Prefect’s legitimate daughter, and so am I. Why can’t you direct your feelings toward me instead?”

Her words shocked everyone. Men confessing to women might be romantic gossip, but a noble lady confessing to a humble scholar? A Prefect’s daughter openly declaring her feelings to a poor student—if this spread, it would become the talk of the town.

Suddenly inspired, Dantai Jing, barely thinking, turned toward Dantai Xuan and dealt her a sharp slap as well, the sound crisp and clear.