FBC – Chapter 4 This Is What Men Fall For

“Chief Steward, are you looking for something? May I be of assistance?”

Gu Wanru stepped forward with a sweet smile, politely nodding at Zhou Chunyu.

The household affairs of the Duke’s estate were still under this steward’s management, so Gu Wanru was naturally all smiles and respectful toward him.

Zhou Chunyu quickly returned the greeting but didn’t answer her question. “Young Madam is here to greet the Lord Duke, I presume? What a coincidence—His Grace had planned to go out this morning but had to cancel due to an unexpected matter.”

The clever young servant beside Zhou Chunyu had already run inside to make the announcement.

Gu Hua was puzzled.

In her previous life, Gu Wanru had never met the Duke Yong. What changed this time around to keep him here?

Could it be because of her?

Gu Hua became increasingly cautious, following behind Gu Wanru with quiet, submissive steps.

Zhou Chunyu glanced at Gu Hua. A faint flicker passed through his eyes as he subtly sniffed the air.

He maintained a neutral expression as he accompanied Gu Wanru forward.

“Last night, His Majesty held a banquet to welcome the Lord Duke. I imagine he’ll be busy with social affairs from now on, and likely won’t have much time to stay in the manor.”

Gu Wanru chuckled. “Exactly. My husband and I have wanted to express our filial respect, but we haven’t even had the chance. Last night, he told me Father had returned, and specifically instructed me to come greet him early. But really, he didn’t need to say anything—it’s only proper for a daughter-in-law to pay her respects.”

Zhou Chunyu plastered on a smile. “The Gu family is a respected and refined household. Before marriage, Young Madam was famed as a talented lady. You’ve always been proper in etiquette—there’s no fault to be found. It’s just that His Grace is rarely at home. Who could blame you?”

“I must be truly blessed,” Gu Wanru said with apparent cheer. “No need for daily greetings or filial duties, and the household is all handled by Steward Zhou. I can afford to slack off.”

Zhou Chunyu offered a faint smile.

True or false filial piety—everyone in the estate knew the truth.

She talked a good game, but since Gu Wanru had entered the household, she’d visited the old Madam, who suffered from dementia, fewer times than one hand could count.

Every time, she didn’t even step inside the door—just stood outside, exchanged a few token words with the head maid, and left behind some store-bought pastries.

That’s what she called “filial piety”?

The Lord Duke neither had the time nor the interest to bother with it.

As the three walked past the Duke’s study, Gu Hua’s heart began to pound uncontrollably.

The study lay on the path to Lord Yong’s bedroom.

Last night, Gu Hua had waited for him there with a palace lantern in hand.

It was late autumn and the night was bone-chilling.

She had deliberately worn thin robes, shivering in the breeze, her heart full of dread.

Duke Yong—Mu Junyan—held high office and military command. He exuded power and cold authority. Even without anger, he could make one tremble.

Moreover, all of the capital knew he was “cursed” for his wives.

He had deeply loved his late wife. Ever since her death, he had distanced himself from women altogether.

Every servant in Wenhan Pavilion was male.

Not even a female mosquito was allowed near him.

And yet, noble ladies in the capital still schemed relentlessly to marry him. When the proper way failed, they tried honey traps, drugged his food, and even snuck into his bed—all in vain.

Even a few clueless maids in the manor had attempted to climb into his bed, only to be beaten and sold off by slave traders.

Gradually, the ladies of the capital and the maids of the estate all gave up.

Last night, Gu Hua had grown more and more terrified. Her limbs were going weak, and she nearly fled.

But just as she was about to retreat, she saw the Duke walking toward her—alone.

To bolster her courage, Gu Hua had drunk a cup or two of aged nu’er hong, and was tipsy by the time he arrived.

To survive, she shoved down her fear and shame, hardened her resolve, lowered her head, lifted her lantern, and walked straight toward him.

Mu Junyan was extremely alert. The moment she took a step, he demanded to know who she was.

How could she dare to speak?

She believed that if he realized she was a woman, he’d immediately throw her out.

Grinding her teeth, Gu Hua charged straight at him. Surprisingly, he didn’t move—just stood there staring.

One phrase floated through her mind: a moth flying into the flame.

The sky was overcast. No moonlight to soften the night.

Under the cover of darkness, Gu Hua let out a dainty yelp and pretended to twist her ankle, falling straight into his arms.

It was a clumsy trick—but direct.

If she was going to die, better to die clean than be humiliated first.

Her delicate face hit his stone-hard chest, making her wince in pain.

But she didn’t dare linger. She opened her icy arms and fumbled clumsily, pressing her fragrant body against his, all while feigning panic and trying to rise.

In two lifetimes, this was her first time actively seducing a man.

She was terrified.

She had to put every ounce of strength into cheering herself on.

With her body weak from wine and nerves, shame and dread battling inside her, she truly couldn’t stand back up.

For over a decade, no woman had dared throw herself at him. Mu Junyan hadn’t expected this little girl to be so bold—she really dared crash into him like that.

Perhaps it was the wine. The two of them fell to the ground, entangled.

From the shadows, someone shifted slightly—then stood still.

The moon peeked through the clouds. Cold blue light spilled across them.

Mu Junyan narrowed his eyes, looking at the delicate face before him—moist eyes gazing earnestly, tousled hair framing her cheeks, a single strand falling onto her lashes and trembling softly. She looked heartbreakingly tender.

He couldn’t help but laugh at himself.

He’d actually let this girl succeed.

So he casually wrapped an arm around her soft, boneless waist and asked, “Who are you?”

That stunning face turned helpless, flustered, full of embarrassment and fright.

Her voice trembled with an authentic quiver: “Who are you? Let me go! Men and women should not touch—it’s improper if someone sees us.”

Still pretending, Gu Hua never dared look him in the face.

A cold snort came from above. “You little thing—daring to seduce me? Got nerves of steel, huh?”

Compared to being defiled by her brother-in-law and half-sister, Mu Junyan wasn’t so terrifying.

She thought, he’s still just a man, right?

Gu Hua groped about, trying to stand, but his hand clamped her waist tightly—she couldn’t move.

In the struggle, her thin robe slipped, revealing her fragrant shoulder and part of her chest.

Drunk, trembling, and feigning fear, her delicate form became even more seductive.

After some feeble resistance, she was thrown over his shoulder and carried into the study.

From the desk to the couch, she had fought with all her strength, only to end up limp, at his mercy.

Looking back now, it was enough to make her cheeks burn and her heart race.

While lost in thought, they had already passed the study and reached Guanshan Tower, where Mu Junyan usually read and relaxed.

The servant who had gone to announce them stood by the door. Seeing them approach, he stepped forward to bow.

“Young Madam, the Lord Duke invites you in.”

Gu Hua didn’t dare raise her head. She kept her eyes glued to Gu Wanru’s heels, following her like a shadow.

She didn’t see the piercing gaze that had locked onto her figure.

After Gu Wanru finished her bow, she heard the Duke’s cold, indifferent voice say, “You may rise.” She lifted her eyes slightly—only to find that her father-in-law was staring intently… past her.

Turning her head, she saw the top of Gu Hua’s head.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She subtly shifted her position, blocking his view.

Father-in-law must not fall for that little tramp. Husband wouldn’t like it.

Gu Wanru smiled demurely. “Father, since it’s rare for you to return home, I had prepared a feast to welcome you back. But I didn’t expect His Majesty to summon you to the palace first. I hope you won’t blame me for failing in my filial duties.”

Mu Junyan gave her a cursory glance. “It’s fine.”

He was deeply disappointed in Gu Wanru.

He remembered how kind and gentle she had been as a five-year-old girl. When she came of age, he’d married her to his son with great fanfare, hoping she would manage the household and support her husband.

But she’d grown up into this.

Not only could she not manage the Duke’s estate, she couldn’t even keep her husband’s rear courtyard in order. Of course he didn’t dare entrust her with stewardship of the estate.

But the deed was done—there was nothing more to be said.

Gu Wanru eagerly offered, “Shall we host a family banquet tonight to celebrate Father’s triumphant return?”

She wanted to impress him, earn his favor, and secure her position as mistress of the house.

“No need for empty formalities,” Mu Junyan replied flatly.

Gu Hua listened with her head bowed, ears burning.

Last night, this same man had whispered sweet nothings in her ear while breathing heavily. His tone now was completely different.

She tried recalling his face, but all she could remember were those penetrating, fearsome eyes.

Ugh, she’d been scared out of her mind while trying to act—it’s no wonder she hadn’t dared look directly at him.

“If there’s nothing else, you may go.”

Gu Hua’s heart sank.

He’s letting us go?

What do I do?

Could she just blurt out that she was the one who’d climbed into his bed last night?

Absolutely not!

A tipsy maid who accidentally stumbled into Wenhan Pavilion and lost control of herself, only to flee afterward… and now dares show up shamelessly?

That would clearly mark her as scheming after the Duke!

A man can be seduced—but never manipulated.

Especially a man like Mu Junyan, with unmatched power and a ruthless reputation.

But tonight…

Her brother-in-law would force himself on her.