4. I don’t want you to forget me, but now I must forget myself.

That evening at the Yang residence—

The newly crowned top scholar, Yang Wentai, who had been warmly celebrated at the banquet, staggered into the mansion he had called home for two years. Seeing him drunk and unsteady, someone quickly came to support him, whispering in his ear, “Look at you, drink less, it’s bad for your health!” The speaker was a young woman, dressed like a young married lady. Was she Yang Wentai’s wife?

Yang Wentai’s gaze was hazy as he looked at the girl before him, instinctively calling out, “Qiqi!” At this moment, all his vigilance was gone. Two years of training had been undone by a few drinks. If his master found out, he would be furious.

The girl softly reminded him, “Husband, don’t say nonsense. If the Imperial Uncle hears, I’ll be punished again!” Over the past two years, she had transformed from a naive girl into a composed young wife. What hardships had she endured to change so much?

Not daring to disturb the servants of the Yang household, she could only support the taller Yang Wentai herself. It was a struggle—her shoulders nearly breaking under the weight—as she dragged him toward their room. But the more she tried to avoid it, the more unavoidable it became. Just as they were about to leave the main hall, they suddenly collided with a solid wall, and both fell to the ground. Yang Wentai, still groggy, muttered, “Who’s there? Who dares bump into the top scholar? Wait till I get a look at you!”

His tolerance for alcohol was not low, but how could he withstand the endless toasts from the civil and military officials? Getting drunk was only natural.

Old Master Yang lowered his voice, saying, “Congratulations, Top Scholar. You carry yourself with quite the arrogance!” There was a hint of mockery in his tone.

The girl clearly feared Old Master Yang. She cautiously lifted her head to look at him, defending Yang Wentai, “Imperial Uncle, my husband must have been toasted by too many people. Please understand!” It was obvious she was terrified as if one wrong word would bring severe punishment.

By then, Yang Wentai was unconscious, mumbling, “I don’t want you to forget me, but now I must forget myself!” The wine wasn’t the cause of his intoxication; it was the words from a certain person that pained and broke his heart, finally leaving him drunk.

Old Master Yang understood immediately. Sighing, he instructed the girl to take Yang Wentai back to his room. Watching their retreating figures, he whispered softly, “It seems no one can escape the bonds of love.” Surely, everyone could guess who Yang Wentai truly was.

Two years earlier, in the Imperial Palace—

Old Master Yang saw several men dressed in black heading toward the Cultivation Garden and followed them. Under his watchful eyes, they set fire to the garden. After they left, Old Master Yang fought them off, knocking them all unconscious. He noticed two of them bore a striking resemblance to Yue’er and Qiqi. Thus, he devised a swap plan. He intended to use Yue’er to fulfill the unfinished wishes of Princess Feng. He rescued Hui Yue’er and Qiqi.

In this way, Yue’er agreed to become Yang Wentai out of gratitude for saving her life. After serving as the top scholar for two years, she could return to being herself. Adding the two years of preparation made four years—a reasonable time to repay a life debt. Qiqi willingly stayed behind to serve as Yue’er’s cover.

But Old Master Yang’s demands were harsh. He sealed Yue’er’s martial skills, rendering her powerless. She had to obey him completely. If Yue’er showed even the slightest sign of femininity, both she and Qiqi would be punished with a day or more without food or drink; once, they were punished for two days. No wonder Qiqi was so afraid of Old Master Yang.