This chapter marks the end of Volume 1. The setting changes completely from Jinzhou to the capital.
After returning from Tianmen Temple to the governor’s fu, everyone got off the carriage at the second gate.
The servants had already received the news and brought over a sedan chair. A maid helped Gu Yue into the sedan chair.
Xie shi instructed, “Take good care of san guniang. If she needs anything, send someone to inform me in the main hall.”
“Yes, taitai,” the young maids responded, bowing respectfully. They stayed by Gu Yue’s side as they returned to her quarters.
Xie shi turned to look at Gu Jiu and the others.
“You all should go back and rest as well. There are only a few days left before we leave for the capital. Make sure to pack everything properly. Don’t wait until the last moment and end up in a mess.”
“Yes!”
The group dispersed.
With a sombre expression, Xie shi returned to her quarters.
She was uneasy. Although Ping mama had denied everything, Xie shi still didn’t feel at ease.
Fortunately, they would soon be leaving for the capital. As long as they put enough distance between themselves and the northwest, the thing she feared most would hopefully never happen.
That evening, Gu daren came to the main hall for dinner.
“I heard that at Tianmen Temple today, Yue’er fell, and it was Pei dalang who carried her back?”
Xie shi nodded. “I was just about to discuss this with you. Yue’er slipped while descending the steps and accidentally fell. Pei gongzi happened to be nearby. Seeing that she had injured her ankle and couldn’t walk, he took the initiative to carry her back to her room.”
Gu daren’s expression remained neutral. “Is her injury serious?”
“She will recover in two days,” Xie shi replied.
Gu daren nodded.
Xie shi sat beside him and said, “Laoye, qieshen was thinking of how we should thank Pei gongzi for his kindness. Please decide on the matter.”
Gu daren’s expression grew stern. “You don’t need to concern yourself with this. I will handle it. Just remember—do not have any further dealings with the Lu hou fu.”
Xie shi’s heart skipped a beat. “Is there something wrong with the Lu hou fu?”
Gu daren fixed her with a sharp gaze. He had not forgotten how, at a previous banquet, Xie shi had attempted to scheme against the Lu hou’s daughter.
Under his scrutiny, Xie shi, who had not initially felt guilty, suddenly did. Cautiously, she asked, “Laoye, is there something you wish to say?”
Gu daren gave a solemn warning. “As for what happened to Yue’er, treat it as an accident and never mention it again.”
Xie shi nodded repeatedly. “That is exactly what qieshen intended. At Tianmen Temple, qieshen already ordered the servants to keep silent about the matter.”
Satisfied, Gu daren nodded. “That was the right decision.”
After a pause, he continued, “Lu hou fu may appear prosperous, but in reality, it is like oil boiling over a fierce fire. Families like ours should avoid them as much as possible, let alone actively seek connections. The political situation in the capital is uncertain right now. At a time like this, it’s best to stay out of trouble. Does furen understand my meaning?”
Xie shi nodded. “Qieshen understand. Rest assured, laoye, qieshen will not initiate any contact with them, nor will qieshen entertain any unrealistic notions.”
Gu daren studied her expression and could tell she was sincere. She genuinely did not want to get entangled with the Lu hou fu.
He nodded inwardly, relieved. Unrest in the fu would only hinder his career. It was good that Xie shi was aligned with him on this matter.
Gu daren then informed her, “The departure date is set. We leave on the sixteenth of this month, an auspicious day. We will travel to the capital alongside the officials of the Ministry of War.”
Xie shi’s face lit up with joy. “There are still more than ten days left until the sixteenth. Don’t worry, laoye. That is plenty of time to ensure all the luggage is ready.”
Gu daren said, “I will leave the packing to you. Bring only what is necessary. Anything else can stay behind in the northwest.”
“Rest assured, laoye. Qieshen understand.”
Xie shi, now in high spirits, felt her last trace of unease fade away.
With the departure date confirmed, the provincial governor’s fu became even busier.
Servants bustled about, packing belongings. The larger items had already been sent ahead to the capital.
In Zhilan Yuan, numerous chests and boxes were neatly arranged on the ground.
Before long, the old pozi would come to carry them away, transporting them to the capital in batches.
Qing Mei was still sorting through the luggage.
“The weather is getting colder. I must pack extra winter clothes for you, guniang. I’ve heard that winters in the capital are freezing.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “No matter how cold the capital is, it won’t be as frigid as the northwest. Qing Mei, don’t worry about me getting cold. Just pack three to five sets of clothes for the journey. The rest can be sent ahead with the main luggage.”
Qing Mei shook her head. “That won’t do. What if guniang gets cold on the way?”
Determined, she packed ten outfits for Gu Jiu to wear on the journey.
Gu Jiu chuckled and let her be.
“Qing Mei, don’t forget my books. The journey will be tedious, so I’ll need plenty to read.”
Qing Mei reassured her, “Don’t worry, guniang. Nubi has packed an entire chest of books for you.”
Gu Jiu nodded. “That’s good.”
Just then, Xiao Cui entered. “Qing Mei, the pozi are here. They’re asking which chests to take.”
“All of them in the courtyard,” Qing Mei replied. Then she added, “Forget it, I’ll speak to them personally. If we don’t keep an eye on these pozi, they’ll ruin everything inside the chests.”
With that, she hurried out.
Gu Jiu sat by the window, listening to Qing Mei’s voice from outside.
She smiled. Lately, Qing Mei had truly been overwhelmed—sewing winter clothes, packing up the entire courtyard.
The younger maids in Zhilan Yuan could handle simple tasks, but none were as capable as Qing Mei. Because of that, Qing Mei had taken on even more responsibilities.
One by one, the chests were carried away and loaded onto carts bound for the capital.
Qing Mei personally followed to ensure they were properly secured before returning.
Qing Zhu entered and encountered Qing Mei on the way. “Is everything packed?” she asked.
Qing Mei nodded. “Yes, the luggage has been taken away. The remaining items will travel with guniang.”
The two of them entered the yard.
Qing Zhu reported, “Guniang, nubi delivered your message to Gui mama. She said that Erya has learned the necessary etiquette and asked when you want her to start serving you. Also, Gui mama hopes that Er Zhuang can accompany you to the capital. She asked for your opinion.”
Gu Jiu put down her book and said, “Erya will need a signed indenture contract before she can serve me. As for Er Zhuang… does Gui mama really want to part with him?”
Qing Zhu nodded. “She repeatedly emphasised that nubi must ask you. It’s clear that she truly hopes Er Zhuang can go.”
Gu Jiu thought for a moment. “Very well. Let Er Zhuang come with me to the capital. Once the business in the northwest is stable, I will arrange for Gui mama to move to the capital and retire in comfort.”
Qing Zhu smiled. “If Gui mama hears this, she will be overjoyed.”
The moving process continued swiftly.
By the sixteenth, the governor’s fu was nearly empty.
The luggage had all been loaded onto carriages.
Standing in the now-vacant Zhilan Yuan, Gu Jiu felt an unexpected sense of reluctance.
Every tree, every flower here was familiar. But after today, she might never return again. Soon, new residents would take over this place.
Qing Mei stood beside her. “Guniang, it’s time to go.”
Gu Jiu nodded. “Let’s go.”
She was headed for the capital—to begin a new life.
At the second gate, she boarded the carriage.
Qing Mei, Qing Zhu, and Xiao Cui accompanied her inside.
The area around the second gate was bustling with noise. Moving was a massive undertaking, and even on the day of departure, there were still many matters left unsettled.
Xie shi wore a stern expression, clearly displeased.
Her face darkened even more when she saw Bai yiniang gracefully approaching, supported by a maid. Her expression was so cold it seemed as if it could drip water.
Bai yiniang stepped forward and greeted her, “Nubi greets taitai. Taitai has worked hard.”
Xie shi’s gaze remained impassive as she fixed her eyes on Bai yiniang’s belly.
Bai yiniang was already three to four months pregnant, and her stomach had begun to show slightly.
Xie shi spoke coldly, “Get in the carriage. You are with child, so you must be careful on the journey. If you feel unwell, make sure to speak up. You may not matter much, but the child is of utmost importance. Laoye has been eagerly waiting for you to bear him an heir.”
Bai yiniang maintained her delicate and demure demeanour. “Nubi will remember taitai’s instructions and would not dare be careless in the slightest.”
Xie shi let out a nonchalant “hmm” from her nose.
With the help of a maid, Bai yiniang climbed into the carriage.
Gu Lin sat close to her and asked in a low voice, “Yiniang, are you all right?”
Bai yiniang smiled and reassured her, “Don’t worry about me. Just remember what I told you—on the way to the capital, speak less and observe more. Don’t stand out in any situation. We ask for nothing else, only to reach the capital safely.”
Gu Lin nodded solemnly. “Yiniang, don’t worry. I will remember everything you said.”
“Good child.”
Hu yiniang also arrived at the second gate.
Xie shi glanced at her.
Hu yiniang lowered her head slightly and bowed respectfully to Xie shi.
Xie shi pulled her up and said, “Meimei, you are the one I trust the most. You won’t disappoint me, will you?”
Hu yiniang understood immediately—Xie shi was reminding her that the journey back to the capital was the perfect opportunity to act.
Under no circumstances could Bai yiniang return to the capital still carrying her child.
Lowering her head to avoid Xie shi’s piercing gaze, Hu yiniang said, “Taitai, rest assured. Biqie1 understands.”
Xie shi smiled in satisfaction. “That’s good. I always knew you were reliable.”
Hu yiniang bowed and took her leave, stepping into the carriage.
Gu Zhen curiously asked, “Yiniang, what did taitai mean by those words?”
Hu yiniang’s expression remained calm. “It’s just small matters. No need to concern yourself.”
But Gu Zhen clung to her. “Yiniang, tell me.”
Hu yiniang chuckled and said, “Taitai is worried that once we return to the capital, people will start sending concubines to laoye. She specifically reminded me to keep an eye on any new additions to the fu.”
Gu Zhen was intrigued. “Will people really send women to Father?”
She felt embarrassed saying the words “send women,” finding them shameful.
Hu yiniang nodded. “Once your father returns to the capital, he will assume the position of Jingcheng’s magistrate. The capital is a place of wealth and power—people will undoubtedly send concubines to the fu. Some can be refused, but others cannot. The rear-court will soon have new members.”
Hu yiniang sighed, her feelings complicated.
Gu Zhen said, “No matter how many women Father has, yiniang, you have me and si ge. As long as we are here, those women won’t be able to run wild in the house.”
Hu yiniang smiled and patted Gu Zhen’s hand. “You’re very thoughtful. The journey to the capital will take at least ten to twenty days. It will be exhausting, so rest and conserve your energy.”
Gu Zhen nodded. “I’ll listen to yiniang.”
No matter how chaotic the departure was or how many unexpected situations arose, the time to set off finally arrived.
The grand convoy departed from the provincial governor’s fu.
Many people gathered on both sides of the road, watching and whispering among themselves.
Gu daren led the way and stopped at the Wuli Pavilion outside the city to bid farewell to his colleagues.
Gu Jiu lifted the curtain of the carriage and looked outside.
“The wind is picking up.”
Qing Mei said, “The weather is getting colder. Fortunately, all of guniang’s winter clothes are ready.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “You’ve all worked hard these past few days.”
“What is guniang saying? This is what we maids are supposed to do.”
After bidding farewell to his colleagues, Gu daren resumed the journey.
As the convoy moved forward, Jinzhou City became more and more distant until it finally disappeared from sight.
Gu Jiu lowered the curtain and took out a book to read.
The long journey ahead—only books could alleviate the loneliness. They travelled at sunrise and rested at sunset. The road was arduous, and the capital drew closer with each passing day.
Along the way, they encountered heavy rain and had to stop at a post station for seven or eight days.
Xie shi repeatedly hinted and reminded Hu yiniang to act quickly.
However, during their stay at the post station, Bai yiniang remained locked in her room. Even for meals, she had maids deliver food to her.
From the day they arrived at the post station to the day they left, Bai yiniang did not step outside even once. Everything was handled within her room.
Even though Hu yiniang wanted to act, she found no opportunity.
In front of Xie shi, Hu yiniang spoke honestly.
“Taitai, Bai yiniang seems to be on guard. She refuses to leave her room, and biqie hasn’t found a chance.”
Xie shi frowned. “That Bai yiniang is quite cautious. If she won’t step out, we’ll have to find another way.”
Hu yiniang hesitated for a moment. “Taitai, biqie believe the best time to act is when Bai yiniang gives birth.”
Xie shi stared at her. “You mean…?”
Hu yiniang nodded. “Childbirth is unpredictable—any accident can happen. If the child doesn’t survive, no one will suspect a thing. Acting now, on the other hand, may leave traces and arouse laoye’s displeasure and suspicion.”
Xie shi nodded in agreement. “You make a valid point.”
If they were to act when Bai yiniang gave birth, then preparations had to start now.
From her diet to prenatal care to selecting the physician—everything had to be planned step by step.
They would ensure that Bai yiniang experienced a difficult labour.
At that time, there would be no need for extra measures—their goal would be achieved naturally.
Xie shi smiled. “The journey is tiring, and Bai yiniang is carrying laoye’s child. We must instruct the kitchen to prepare more nourishing food for her. The more she eats, the stronger the child will grow.”
Hu yiniang stole a glance at Xie shi—clearly, taitai had made up her mind.
She secretly breathed a sigh of relief—at least she wouldn’t have to personally dirty her hands.
The seven or eight days at the post station passed peacefully.
Apart from Gu Yue and Gu Gong making a fuss out of boredom, everything else went smoothly.
Once the weather cleared and the roads dried up, the Gu family resumed their journey toward the capital.
They were now only a few dozen miles away from their destination.
As the capital came into view, Gu daren suddenly decided that they would not enter the city that day but instead stay overnight at a post station, entering the capital early the next morning.
The convoy arrived at the post station. Everyone settled in. After washing up, Gu Jiu and her sisters went to pay their respects to Xie shi.
Gu Yue was the first to ask, “Mother, the hour is still early. Why aren’t we entering the city but staying at the post station instead?”
With only a few dozen miles left, they could have made it to the city before the gates closed.
Xie shi said, “We have been travelling for days, exhausted and worn out. How could we return to the capital looking like this? It’s better to rest at the post station, recover our energy, and enter the city looking presentable tomorrow morning.”
So that was the reason!
Gu Yue then asked, “Mother, will we be going to the hou fu tomorrow?”
Xie shi shook her head. “No, we won’t go tomorrow. The day after, I will take you all to pay respects at the hou fu. When you arrive, you must be on your best behaviour.”
Gu Yue smiled. “Mother, don’t worry. Nü’er will conduct myself well and not embarrass you.”
Xie shi smiled. “It’s not enough to just behave well—you must also leave a good impression on the lao furen and the other ladies of the hou fu.”
Gu Yue nodded solemnly.
Xie shi continued, “I wonder if your bomu has prepared our courtyard in the manor properly.”
Gu daren was the second son of the family, with an elder brother born of the same mother.
Gu da laoye was a military officer, holding a position in the capital.
Over the years, the affairs of the family had been managed by the main branch of the Gu family.
The second branch’s courtyard had been unoccupied for years.
Xie shi was concerned that her dasao might not have taken proper care of it.
After all, when she was officially elevated to the position of the main wife, she had many conflicts with that sister-in-law.
- I, this lowly concubine ↩︎
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