Chapter 203 – The Reckless Wu Ma Jun
“Though I didn’t see Liu Lanting, who was praised by Feng Jin today, Liu Heng also left a great impression on Han Yu.”
“Hey, isn’t Si Langjun back?” Feng Jin and Han Yu were on their way back in a carriage. As they lifted the curtain, they spotted a carriage in front of them—the very one Wu Ma Jun had used during the day. “What a coincidence, Wenbin and Jin are getting off together.”
Clearly, Wu Ma Jun had noticed too. Seeing Feng Jin step down from the sedan, with another person in the carriage, unease bubbled up inside him.
Wu Ma Jun disdained Feng Jin’s background, believing someone who wasn’t of royal blood had no right to live with more dignity than him. What qualifications did he have to be more talented? Despite his superficial courtesy toward Feng Jin, respect was far from his heart.
However, when Han Yu stepped down from the sedan, his outstanding demeanor paired with his handsomely unmatched face made Wu Ma Jun’s irritation vanish like smoke. A faint smile appeared on his face, as if all previous disdain and annoyance had never existed.
Sadly, neither Feng Jin nor Han Yu were the types to be easily underestimated.
To put it bluntly, of the three present, aside from Wu Ma Jun’s lacking talent for acting, the other two were future movie stars.
Before Wu Ma Jun could say anything, Feng Jin greeted him and then took the initiative to introduce Han Yu.
“This is Jin’s friend, surnamed Han. His name is Yu, and he is a top student under Mr. Yuanjing,” Feng Jin emphasized ‘top student,’ hinting that Wu Ma Jun shouldn’t embarrass himself just because he met a pretty face.
Fortunately, Wu Ma Jun wasn’t hopeless; he quickly retracted his eager gaze and adopted a more reserved approach.
“A strategic retreat grants advancement,” he thought. It was better to build a connection first.
Yes, in this era dominated by men, even they weren’t entirely safe.
Han Yu sensed the eagerness in Wu Ma Jun’s eyes, creating a chill down his spine and raising the hairs on his arms—goosebumps erupted.
He suddenly regretted agreeing to Feng Jin’s invitation; it was clear Wu Ma Jun’s tastes did not discriminate by gender. He hoped he wouldn’t get caught up in something he couldn’t escape from.
With that thought, Han Yu conjured an idea and slowly revealed a cold smile. In Wu Ma Jun’s eyes, it became a sign of “absolute beauty” being pleased with him… it was a significant misunderstanding that made Han Yu feel slightly nauseous.
Wu Ma Jun looked down on Feng Jin, but also disliked being out of control of the situation, casually asking about their travel plans.
Feng Jin smiled faintly, answering flawlessly and leaving Wu Ma Jun unable to find any fault.
“Speaking of Si Langjun, any progress in your visit to Liu Residence today?” Feng Jin noticed Wu Ma Jun’s attempts to mask his light-heartedness. If not for a hint of sense, he would have been floating in the clouds, clearly something good had happened.
Wu Ma Jun had already concluded that Feng Jin was implying he wished to ally with him. He opened up a bit, mentioning that Liu Zhi had hinted he was willing to offer his daughter in marriage… Although she was just a concubine’s daughter, her father had wealth and power!
As he thought of the whole Hujun, Wu Ma Jun’s heart surged with excitement, envisioning Liu Zhi passionately aiding him in ascending the throne.
Feng Jin nearly spilled the tea he was holding upon hearing that.
Wu Ma Jun and Han Yu were astonished; it was normal for others to lose their composure, but Feng Jin, the meticulous one, was actually off balance?
Incredible!
Han Yu chuckled, narrowing his eyes to hide his swirling speculations.
Could it be that Liu Residence’s daughter had some unspeakable feelings for Feng Jin?
Otherwise, there was no way someone as composed as Feng Jin would show such a blatant slip.
Wu Ma Jun hadn’t considered that angle, and Feng Jin, the one involved, felt aggrieved.
He simply hadn’t reacted in time, thinking Liu Zhi had agreed to marry off Liu Xi.
Just imagine! That unbearable Jiang Pengji would actually plan to marry her daughter to Wu Ma Jun—he couldn’t dare to dream; that sight was too beautiful… It made him panic, hence his brief moment of loss.
He quickly realized that Wu Ma Jun was referring to the nearly invisible concubine’s daughter from Liu Residence.
“In that case, congratulations to Si Langjun for getting what you desire and securing the beautiful maiden,” Feng Jin said, smiling openly without a trace of displeasure, which once again confused Han Yu, who was observing him closely. “However, I’ve heard that the Liu Residence’s daughter is not yet nine. When the time comes to arrange a marriage, haha… Si Langjun might have to wait a while.”
Wu Ma Jun knew her age but thought, did it really matter?
Even if she was only nine, or even nine months, he was going to be okay with this marriage.
He had nothing to offer Liu Zhi; that old fox was too crafty. He had been toyed with for days without progress.
If he were to become a son-in-law of Liu Zhi, it would create a natural alliance, meaning, even if Liu Zhi didn’t support him, he certainly wouldn’t support anyone else.
Moreover, being the only daughter, there was no reason for Liu Zhi not to cherish her.
Common princes wouldn’t need to lower themselves like Wu Ma Jun did.
But here he was, awkwardly positioned.
If he didn’t find a way to vie for it, he would never rise again.
“What does it matter? As long as I marry her, she can respect me.”
Indeed, to Wu Ma Jun, that was all that mattered. He wanted the title of “Liu Zhi’s daughter,” not necessarily the person herself.
Once married, he could treat her like a shrine, as if she could stop him from being unfaithful, not to mention she hadn’t even entered the door yet.
Seeing his attitude, Feng Jin chuckled internally, secretly praising Jiang Pengji for spotting Wu Ma Jun’s true nature so early on.
What family would feel at ease marrying their daughter to him?
Just after reaching an agreement with Liu Zhi to be the “son-in-law,” he turns back to eye Wenbin’s charm—truly shameless!
Wu Ma Jun wanted to discuss matters with Han Yu late at night, but alas, Han Yu’s intelligence and literary skill completely overshadowed him, leaving no room for negotiation.
“I find it odd that such a lustful Wu Ma Jun hasn’t shown any particular interest toward you after having Huai Yu by his side for so long,” Han Yu remarked. While there was nothing to chat about with Wu Ma Jun, he could banter endlessly with his good friend Feng Jin, so they could share a seat.
Feng Jin sighed helplessly, “With Jin’s beauty resembling jade on a platter, how could it shine compared to Wenbin’s radiant moon?”
Han Yu: “…”
This kind of backhanded compliment style was certainly not what he knew Feng Jin to be!
Clearly praising someone while secretly ridiculing another—who taught him such tactics?
Jiang Pengji remarked that Feng Jin’s tongue must be sharp; shouldn’t she be blamed?
Han Yu wouldn’t concede an inch, teasingly replied, “By the way, when Wu Ma Jun mentioned wanting to propose to the Liu Residence’s daughter, why did you seem so flustered?”
Feng Jin maintained a calm demeanor, “When did that happen?”
