Sudden Marriage
Martin Wu felt a bit odd. She didn’t know why she couldn’t mention it, but since Princess Jade Hayes said not to, Martin Wu listened without question.
So while Princess Jade Hayes waited at the magistrate’s office—taking the chance to inspect the Grand Academician’s work—Martin Wu buried her head in writing the proposal for her medical academy.
About half an hour later, Princess Jade Hayes’s people returned—but Lola wasn’t with them.
“Where’s Professor Lola?” Princess Jade Hayes frowned, staring at her subordinate.
The subordinate cupped his fists and replied, “Reporting to Chancellor Hayes, I just heard that Professor Lola is currently at Neil Zhao’s manor. Everyone there is busy hanging red silk ribbons—they say Neil Zhao is marrying Professor Lola today, and the wedding is happening right now.”
“Getting married today?!” Princess Jade Hayes was startled, her brows furrowing. “Nonsense! He only proposed this morning, and even if Peony agreed, by normal custom, there’s no reason to rush the wedding to today!”
Martin Wu was shocked too. “Th-this is way too sudden! How can they just get married out of nowhere? That’s not how things are done!”
This whole thing was ridiculously suspicious. Peony had miscarried and fainted right after Lola left, and now Lola was suddenly marrying Neil Zhao? Princess Jade Hayes sensed something was off and immediately declared, “No way, I need to go to Neil Zhao’s place and see what Lola and Neil Zhao are up to!”
“I’m coming too!” Martin Wu put aside her work. She and Lola were close friends—even if Lola was always a bit aloof, they’d worked together for years and shared a deep bond.
Lola was suddenly getting married, and hadn’t told any friends or family. If that’s not suspicious, what is? Martin Wu felt she had to check on her good friend.
"Alright, let’s go together," Princess Jade Hayes nodded, bringing Martin Wu, Lola’s good friend, along. Another person meant another bit of strength.
Princess Jade Hayes and Martin Wu immediately set out, hopping into a carriage with their guards and heading straight for Neil Zhao’s manor.
Neil Zhao’s house was a fair distance from the Royal Palace. On the way, Martin Wu kept chattering nonstop, and Princess Jade Hayes learned all about Lola and Neil Zhao’s story from her.
Back when Lola and Martin Wu were preparing to build a school, they needed to find suitable people to train as teachers. But neither of them knew Chang’an City well—it was hard to get things done in unfamiliar territory. Just then, Neil Zhao came to pledge allegiance to Alexander Hayes. After hearing of their dilemma, Neil Zhao helped Martin Wu and Lola find the right teacher candidates, and over time, he and Lola became acquainted.
Lola was always a bit aloof and had no real family, while Neil Zhao’s life was even more tragic. The two, kindred spirits, gradually sparked a connection as time went on.
This was Martin Wu’s retelling of Lola and Neil Zhao’s history. She didn’t know the details—Lola wasn’t the type to chat about her love life.
"I’ve always felt Neil Zhao is a little strange," Martin Wu finally blurted out to Princess Jade Hayes.
"Oh? Strange how?" Princess Jade Hayes raised an eyebrow at Martin Wu.
Martin Wu sighed. "Well, I always thought Neil Zhao was too cunning, too good at hiding his feelings. No matter how others insulted or humiliated him, he never got angry—he even smiled. I know his life’s been tragic, but I can’t help wondering if bottling up all that hatred for so many years has made him a bit twisted inside. But that’s just my impression. When Lola and Neil Zhao were close, I didn’t dare say anything—it was probably just me overthinking. But now, seeing Neil Zhao ignore all the rules to marry Lola, I really don’t feel good about it."