Nous avions convenu de ne pas sortir ensemble à l'université

Chapitre 1

Chapter 1 Proposing Marriage

In the depths of winter, just as the red plum blossoms were in full bloom, after a night of heavy snowfall, the weather cleared up, and the bright sunlight shone down, creating a magnificent scene of shimmering red plum blossoms, as radiant as rosy clouds. The ten thousand red plum trees of the Yue State Duke's Mansion were famous throughout the capital, and on this day, a banquet was held, and an opera troupe was arranged to invite everyone to appreciate the plum blossoms and listen to the opera.

Beside the plum grove, towering pavilions and exquisite warm chambers, the aroma of incense wafting from the black gold Boshan censer, and the charcoal brazier filling the room with a warm fragrance.

The room was filled with ladies from noble families, adorned in silks, brocades, pearls, and gold. Beneath their opulent attire, however, their words were sharp and cutting.

"Is Wei Youtong coming? We've been waiting for ages," someone asked.

"After such a disgraceful incident, how dare she show her face here?"

Someone covered their mouth and laughed, "If it were me, and I did something like threatening to drown myself, even if I were saved, I would be so ashamed."

"She's shameless. I heard she even went to Jin Guang Temple yesterday to burn incense for the Bodhisattva and ask the Buddha for guidance." The sour mockery was laced with sarcasm. "If you ask me, even if the Buddha is the most compassionate, he wouldn't save someone as shameless as her. It's obvious that His Highness Prince Rui doesn't like her, yet he still clings to her relentlessly."

"After all, it was the high branch she dreamed of climbing, and now it's been given to someone else, tsk!" A gloating laugh.

Inside, the room was filled with chatter, mostly in a disdainful and contemptuous tone, occasionally broken by a calm voice, "It's because she's so infatuated, so deeply in love..."

However, this was immediately interrupted by a rebuttal—

"What kind of infatuation is this? His Highness Prince Rui is marrying Sister Xu. The imperial decree has been issued. Who in the capital doesn't know that? For her to go and cry and make a scene to force him is called clinging and pestering. It's wishful thinking!"

"..."

One voice after another entered my ears. Although it sounded lively, it was just five or six people taking turns laughing.

Separated by thick curtains, You Tong stood outside the warm pavilion, a hint of irritation flashing between her brows.

Chuncao, the maidservant who accompanied the young lady, couldn't stand it any longer and complained bitterly, "That voice belongs to Xu Miao. She's definitely trying to ruin the young lady's reputation. The young lady finally got through it, and she's trying to force the young lady to..."

“I know.” You Tong interrupted her, bowing her head and brushing her sleeves.

She knew, of course, what the Xu family was planning, and she also knew the reason for today's discussions.

...

Many people in the capital had heard of Wei Youtong's name.

Her grandfather was a study companion of Emperor Wenchang and had a close relationship with the royal family, often accompanying the emperor. Her name was also given by Emperor Wenchang—"Harmony and Prosperity, with Ten Thousand Blessings Shared," which also contains the meaning of "Phoenix Perching on the Wutong Tree."

The intention to favor someone is obvious from this naming choice.

When Wei Youtong was young, he was often brought into the palace to play and was greatly favored by the emperor.

Emperor Wenchang's most beloved grandson was Xu Chaozong, who later became Prince Rui. Xu was three years older than Wei Youtong, and the emperor often summoned both of them to his side. It is said that the emperor even proposed marriage to Wei's grandfather, waiting for the two children to grow up and become a couple. Whether this news was true or not, no one knew or mentioned it after the old man passed away.

However, the two were childhood sweethearts, and even after Emperor Wenchang passed away, their affection remained strong and never faded.

Royal children are naturally of exceptional talent and beauty, and You Tong is especially beautiful at a young age, with a natural and stunning appearance that is unmatched in the capital.

When they reached the age of first love, the young man and woman fell in love. Xu Chaozong promised to marry no one but her, and Wei Youtong also devoted herself to him with all her heart, showing him great care and consideration, and even risking her life to save him from danger several times.

She truly loved and cherished Xu Chaozong as her beloved.

The entire capital believed that Xu Chaozong would marry Wei Youtong, and everyone treated this future daughter-in-law of the royal family with exceptional courtesy. Wei Youtong also considered herself special and devoted all her attention to Xu Chaozong. Having been flattered for so long, she became arrogant and sometimes treated people with disdain, thus earning a reputation for being proud and haughty.

These girls in the capital city, though they seemed friendly, secretly gossiped a lot, but they dared not speak out because of Xu Chaozong.

Two months ago, Xu Chaozong, who had just turned seventeen, prepared gifts to propose marriage. While everyone was eagerly watching the Wei family, the person who proposed marriage went to the Xu family, the Grand Tutor whom the current emperor valued most, and proposed the Grand Tutor's granddaughter, Xu Shu.

The news came as a bolt from the blue, striking Wei Youtong's heart like a bolt from the blue.

Xu Shu was her closest confidante, and they were always inseparable when they went out. She never dreamed that Xu Chaozong would marry someone else. And that person was her best friend.

Before You Tong could recover, gossip from the capital swept in like a tidal wave. Overnight, the envy turned into scorn and mockery, ridiculing her shattered dreams. You Tong went to find Xu Chaozong, wanting to get to the bottom of things, but he avoided her. Only after she came to his door in tears for the third time did he finally show up, saying that their fate was too shallow and they could not be together in this life, and he only hoped that she could find another suitable partner.

But how can a relationship of more than ten years, a relationship built on burning passion and genuine affection, be severed with just a simple "we were not meant to be"?

When her beloved turned against her and her most trusted friend stole her away, Wei Youtong was heartbroken and refused to believe it. Ignoring her family's advice, she visited Prince Rui's mansion time and time again, hoping that Xu Chaozong could explain himself and change his mind.

However, Xu Chaozong seemed determined and consistently avoided meeting her. Meanwhile, rumors spread in the shadows, embellishing her visit with all sorts of nasty gossip, even claiming that she had seduced him, threatened suicide, and cursed Xu Chaozong and Xu Shu to a terrible death out of love turned to hate. The stories were all quite detailed and convincing.

Over the years, Wei Youtong has walked among the brocade and embroidered flowers, bearing a reputation for arrogance and haughtiness, which has already attracted much jealousy.

Amidst these rumors, those who initially sympathized with her changed their tune, condemning her as shameless and accusing the Wei family of failing to properly raise their daughter.

Wei Youtong has lived a life of luxury for fourteen years, and has never been subjected to such gossip.

Rumors and slander pierced her like sharp arrows, leaving her riddled with wounds and utterly devastated. Xu Chaozong's evasive attitude was like a scimitar ripped from her heart, causing Wei Youtong's warm heart to bleed dry. She hid in her mansion, weeping day and night, afraid to go out and see anyone. Finally, in the dead of winter, in the bitterly cold night, heartbroken and desperate, she left her residence and leaped into the icy lake.

When she woke up again, she had a different soul and became the You Tong she is today.

...

Despite her body being frozen solid in the ice hole, You Tong spent a lot of effort to sort out the original owner's memories.

Scenes from the past vividly surfaced: childhood play and innocent companionship, youthful excursions and the beauty of spring and autumn. Although she felt no emotion when recalling them, she knew the original owner's joys, anxieties, and longings at that time.

Looking back, You Tong was certain that the original owner of this body deeply loved Xu Chaozong.

Many times, when fierce bears broke through the fence in the animal park, when the stones at the foot of the mountain suddenly loosened, when Xu Chaozong was ambushed and assassinated... Wei Youtong always stepped in front of him without hesitation, risking his life to save him, even if it left him with scars, almost disfigured or killed, he never hesitated for a moment.

However, all this sincerity received in return was a "we were not meant to be" statement and a deluge of rumors.

As a transmigrator who has witnessed countless gossips and scandals, You Tong certainly knows how terrifying such one-sided rumors can be.

But even amidst a hail of arrows, she could not back down or hide. Otherwise, she would be playing right into the hands of the Xu family—

From initially mocking Wei Youtong for being delusional and persistent, to later making a big fuss about his suicide by drowning, the Xu family went to great lengths to slander and defame him, using public opinion to coerce everyone into condemning the Wei family. All the Xu family hoped for was that Wei Youtong would be unable to withstand the blow and die a clean death.

She wasn't the one who stole his lover, so why should she die?

The Xu family hoped she would become despondent, but she insisted on going out and living a good life!

Standing in front of the Red Plum Pavilion of the Duke's Mansion, amidst the mocking voices, You Tong unconsciously straightened her back, hid her hands in her cloak and pulled them to her chest, and turned her head to say, "Chuncao, look at my makeup, is there anything wrong with it?"

"The girl is beautiful; even without makeup, she can outshine those sullen-eyed bastards!"

You Tong smiled upon hearing this, cleared her throat, and walked towards the door, looking elegant, calm, and unhurried.

The thick curtain was lifted, revealing a beautiful gauze screen with a sandalwood base. Inside, laughter and conversation filled the room, and a sweet fragrance permeated the air.

You Tong walked around the gauze screen, casually glanced around, and then headed towards the empty seat at the back. She had come in a hurry for the play to start, and the room was full of people, all with the attitude of watching a play. As soon as she entered, all eyes turned to her.

It has to be said that You Tong's face is really eye-catching.

Her long, black hair was as smooth as ink satin, her temples as dark as raven's wings, and her face was exceptionally fair and delicate, like fine porcelain, without a single flaw. Her complexion was also good, with a light touch of rouge on her cheeks, soft and radiant. Her eyes were the most beautiful, almond-shaped beneath her dark eyebrows, as if painted by a master artist, lively and graceful, naturally possessing a touch of gentle charm, yet her gaze was perfectly restrained.

"Demon!" Xu Miao cursed inwardly, glancing at the expression on the other end, and couldn't help but feel disappointed.

I thought that after what happened, Wei Youtong must have been devastated, and even if she forced herself to come to the banquet, she would be depressed and disappointed. But to my surprise, although the person in front of me had lost a lot of weight, she was still radiant. Her eyes were bright and lively, and she was even more beautiful than before.

Not to mention the pearl hairpins and brocade decorations, her face set against the white fox fur of Zhaojun, as beautiful as a delicate calyx in the snow.

No matter how much her sister dresses up, she can't compare to her looks.

But so what? In the end, it was her sister who was able to marry into the royal family, while Wei Youtong was left with only this empty shell and a reputation that was condemned by the whole city.

Thinking of this, Xu Miao felt a little better, her mood brightening, and she regained her cheerful demeanor, her voice carrying a half-smile, "Miss Wei, you've finally arrived. Are you feeling better?"

"I'm much better, thank you for your concern." You Tong turned around and handed the cloak to Chuncao, the red beads by her ears swaying gently, as if she didn't notice the gazes around her.

Xu Miao raised an eyebrow, seemingly disbelieving.

A girl who was on good terms with her chimed in, laughing, "I thought she'd been chilled by the cold of the frozen lake and wouldn't be able to see anyone for months. Miss Wei, please don't do such foolish things again. Not only will you bring shame to the household, but you'll also ruin your reputation as a young lady. You'll never be able to face anyone again."

“Really… really stupid.” You Tong seemed oblivious to the sarcasm and ridicule, drawing out the last syllable as her gaze slowly swept over the crowd.

Most of them were laughing at her, while others showed sympathy and concern. However, due to the rumors, they all hesitated and remained skeptical, refusing to make eye contact with her.

She smiled and fixed her gaze on Xu Miao's face.

"How foolish," she sighed again. "I was so naive before, thinking that most people in the world were good, and that what others said was from the bottom of their hearts, and I believed it so easily. Unfortunately, you can know a person's face but not their heart; people's hearts are ultimately hidden behind their skin."

Everyone present assumed she was about to complain about Xu Chaozong's infidelity and was waiting to hear her vent. However, You Tong abruptly changed the subject, saying, "Miss Xu, your sister and I have known each other for a while. I even saved her back in Shanglin Garden. I haven't seen her lately; she must be busy preparing for her wedding and doing well. Go back and tell her to be more careful in the future, especially around those who are overly friendly. Don't be like me, getting taken advantage of without even realizing it, and still handing them a chair."

These words were like a bucket of boiling water poured over Xu Miao's head, making him blush with embarrassment.

Xu Shu had initially pursued Wei Youtong as her close friend precisely because of Xu Chaozong, a fact known to everyone in the Xu family. Now, having her insecurities exposed in public, she was instantly enraged and embarrassed.

Her face flushed red, and she stood up abruptly, pointing at You Tong and saying, "You..."

"I'm speaking from experience, and I'm giving you this advice kindly. What's the rush?" You Tong slowly got up. "The show's about to start, right? Have some tea to calm down."

She arrived at the perfect time, intending to quit while she was ahead and avoid unnecessary complications.

Just then, the young mistress of the Duke's mansion walked in with a smile and invited the young ladies to listen to the opera and admire the plum blossoms.

Xu Miao was, after all, a guest. She could only gossip when the host was away, and she dared not cause a scene here, so she had to suppress her anger. Afterwards, they all took their seats, and occasionally whispered among themselves amidst the music. You Tong pretended not to see them and sat quietly to watch the show. The chef of the Duke of Yue's mansion had worked in the palace and was extremely skilled in pastry making. The mandarin duck rolls and golden milk pastries in front of her were sweet and soft, and very much to her liking.

You Tong savored the performance slowly. After the two acts were finished, she saw Jin Zhu, the head maidservant beside her mother, hurrying over.

"Madam said there's an urgent matter and wants you to go back to the manor with her right away," Jinzhu said, as she helped her get her cloak.

You Tong asked in surprise, "What's the rush?"

“I heard…” Jinzhu hesitated for a moment, biting her lip, and whispered in her ear, “Someone has come to propose marriage.”

Someone proposed marriage? Amidst all the gossip and rumors, at a time when she was being condemned and vilified, someone actually came to propose marriage?

You Tong was stunned.

Author's Note: New story started!!

A sweet romance story about falling in love after marriage. Please add it to your favorites and leave a comment! I'll randomly send out little red envelopes, mwah! =w=

Chapter 2 Waiting to Marry

The Wei family was a scholarly family, having produced several princes' tutors. However, despite their literary talent, they were not particularly adept at officialdom. Over several generations, although they had received imperial favor, they were subject to the changing of the guard under each new emperor, and once the throne changed hands, they returned to their original state.

Nowadays, the men are scattered across the six ministries, wielding some power but without establishing a deep foundation.

Previously, out of consideration for Xu Chaozong, the Wei family had shown some respect to others. However, once the position of Princess Rui was awarded to another family, the Xu family launched a massive attack on them, leaving the Wei family powerless to retaliate and ridiculed. This truly infuriated the old lady.

When the incident first came to light, the elders scolded Wei Youtong quite a bit, saying that her arrogant behavior had lost Prince Rui's favor, and that she had also caused a scene by attempting suicide, making the matter known to everyone and truly disgracing the household. It was only because Madam Wei cared for her daughter and was afraid that she would be bored at home that she took her out when she heard that she wanted to attend a banquet.

Since there was an urgent matter, the mother and daughter took a carriage back and went straight to Qinghua Hall, where the old lady lived, after entering the mansion.

Many pine and cypress trees are planted outside Qinghua Hall, remaining lush and green even in winter, with patches of snow still remaining.

The maid lifted the curtain, and You Tong walked in, immediately smelling a strong sandalwood scent.