The golden morning light filtered through the grand windows of the Gu residence, casting long shadows over the extravagant dining table. Yuxi, dressed in a simple yet elegant dress, stepped into the dining hall, her posture straight despite the heavy atmosphere weighing down on her. Today was the first day of her new life as "Mrs. Gu," and she knew it wouldn't be an easy one.
Seated at the head of the table was Madam Gu, her gaze sharp as a blade as she regarded Yuxi with a mixture of disapproval and forced politeness. Gu Zeyan, as always, remained unreadable, quietly sipping his tea. The air was thick with unspoken words, the tension crackling like a silent storm.
"You're finally awake," Madam Gu said, setting down her teacup with a soft clink. "A wife should wake early to serve her husband, yet here you are, arriving late for breakfast."
Yuxi bit the inside of her cheek. She wasn't late. In fact, she had arrived just in time, but it was clear that no matter what she did, Madam Gu would find fault with her.
"I apologize," she said, her voice calm. "It won't happen again."
Madam Gu gave a small, insincere smile before gesturing for the servants to begin serving.
Just as Yuxi picked up her chopsticks, a familiar voice filled the room.
"Sister, I heard about your marriage and just had to come to congratulate you," Jiang Roulan said, stepping into the dining hall with a falsely sweet smile.
Yuxi's grip tightened around her chopsticks. Of course. It wasn't enough for Madam Gu to scrutinize her—she had to invite Jiang Roulan into the house, too.
Jiang Roulan took a seat as if she belonged there, her smile never wavering. "I was so shocked when I heard you married Zeyan. You never mentioned anything about it to me."
"I didn't realize I had to report my personal life to you," Yuxi replied coolly.
"Oh, don't be like that," Jiang Roulan pouted. "I'm just looking out for you. After all, high society can be... unforgiving to those who don't belong."
Madam Gu smirked behind her teacup. "Roulan is right. A woman of low birth must work twice as hard to gain acceptance."
Yuxi met Madam Gu's gaze steadily. "Then I suppose I'll just have to work harder."
Gu Zeyan remained silent throughout the exchange, merely observing. His lack of intervention was infuriating, but Yuxi refused to let it rattle her.
As breakfast continued, the conversation was laced with veiled insults, but Yuxi stood her ground, responding with quiet composure. She wouldn't let them see her falter.
As breakfast concluded, Madam Gu dabbed at her lips with a silk napkin before turning to Yuxi.
"The Gu family has an image to uphold," she began smoothly. "And as Zeyan's wife, you must do your part. There is a tea party tomorrow hosted by the most influential women in our circle. You will attend."
Yuxi straightened. "Of course."
Madam Gu's lips curled into a thin smile. "Do not embarrass us, Jiang Yuxi. Your every action will be judged. A single misstep will not be tolerated."
It was a test. A cruel, calculated move to set her up for failure.
But Yuxi refused to be intimidated.
"I understand," she said simply, meeting Madam Gu's gaze with unwavering determination.
Later that morning, just as Yuxi was preparing to retreat to her room, a servant approached her.
"Madam, a guest is here to see you," he announced hesitantly.
A guest? Yuxi frowned. Who would come to see her so soon after her wedding?
As she stepped into the main hall, her answer came in the form of a familiar figure—Lin Cheng.
Her eyes widened slightly. "Lin Cheng?"
He smiled, but there was concern in his gaze. "I had business nearby and thought I'd check in on you."
Before Yuxi could respond, a presence behind her sent a chill down her spine.
Gu Zeyan stood at the top of the stairs, his expression unreadable, but his eyes held a dangerous glint.
"You seem awfully interested in another man's wife," he said, his voice deceptively calm as he descended the steps.
Lin Cheng's smile didn't waver. "Yuxi is an old friend. There's no harm in checking on her well-being."
Gu Zeyan's gaze darkened. "She doesn't need your concern."
Yuxi exhaled, stepping between the two men. "Lin Cheng, thank you for stopping by, but I'm fine."
Lin Cheng hesitated, then nodded. "If you ever need anything, you know where to find me."
As he left, Gu Zeyan's gaze remained locked on Yuxi, his expression unreadable.
"Stay away from him," he ordered.
Yuxi lifted a brow. "Are you jealous?"
Gu Zeyan scoffed. "Hardly. I simply don't appreciate outsiders meddling in my affairs."
She crossed her arms. "Funny. I don't recall ever belonging to you."
His jaw clenched, but instead of arguing, he turned and walked away.
The next morning, Yuxi stood before a mirror as a team of maids fussed around her, adjusting the dress that had been sent by Madam Gu.
The whispers started almost immediately.
"She may wear expensive clothes, but she'll never fit in with high society."
"She's nothing but a commoner playing dress-up."
Yuxi met their reflections in the mirror, her expression unreadable.
"Is my appearance unsatisfactory?" she asked lightly.
The maids stiffened, quickly shaking their heads. "N-No, Madam."
"Good," she said, standing. "Then I expect you to do your job without unnecessary gossip."
The room fell silent as she walked out, head held high.
As she reached the door, she paused, inhaling deeply.
This tea party was meant to be a test—a way for them to break her.
But they had underestimated her.
She was Jiang Yuxi. And she refused to be broken