7 more chapters till 100!
T/N: This is from The Story of Minglan. This might be what old madams looked like sitting together and chatting. This is one of my favourite historical C-dramas.
The second day after returning to the capital.
Early in the morning, Gu Jiu was woken up by Qing Mei.
“Guniang, it’s time to get up. Today, you’re visiting the hou fu. You can’t afford to be late.”
Gu Jiu, still half-asleep, looked drowsy.
Perhaps because of the change in environment, she had trouble sleeping. She had tossed and turned until late at night before finally falling asleep.
She rubbed her eyes, still not fully awake, and let Qing Mei and Qing Zhu dress her.
It wasn’t until a splash of cold water hit her face that Gu Jiu completely woke up.
She blinked. The water was freezing.
Washing her face with cold water instantly refreshed her.
After washing up and getting dressed, she had breakfast and then went to the second gate.
Everyone was dressed festively today.
Gu Yue wore a bright red outfit. With her striking features, she was the most eye-catching person in the group, immediately drawing all attention to herself.
Seeing everyone looking at her, Gu Yue couldn’t hide her pride.
Today, at the hou fu, she was bound to be the most dazzling one.
Gu Shan and Gu Jiu? They could step aside.
Gu Jun, arrived with da taitai, Zhang shi.
Gu Jun smiled sweetly, “Greetings, all the jiejie. You all look so beautiful today.”
Gu Jiu noticed that when Gu Jun smiled, dimples appeared on both cheeks, making her look especially cute.
She greeted, “Greetings to da bomu. Liu meimei looks lovely today as well.”
Gu Jun beamed, radiating joy.
Zhang shi turned to Gu Yue and asked, “San yatou, where is your mother?”
Gu Yue slightly bowed and replied, “Mother will be here shortly. Da bomu, please wait a moment.”
Zhang shi smiled. “San yatou, your outfit today is quite grand.”
She wasn’t wrong.
Aside from Gu Yue’s clothing, the set of emerald jewellery adorning her head was incredibly valuable, likely worth at least a thousand taels.
Xie shi had spared no expense, gifting her such precious jewellery.
Gu Yue smiled coyly. “Since it’s my first visit to the hou fu, I naturally dressed formally to show my respect.”
Zhang shi gave a half-smile. “Your outfit is indeed beautiful and luxurious. However, you are still an unmarried young lady. Dressing so boldly might overshadow the hou fu’s guniang. San yatou, are you deliberately trying to steal their spotlight?”
Gu Yue was stunned, her heart suddenly uneasy. She didn’t know how to respond.
Zhang shi continued, “Si yatou, on the other hand, is dressed appropriately—neither too flashy nor too plain. She should leave a good impression on lao furen.”
Gu Yue abruptly turned to look at Gu Shan.
Gu Shan was wearing peach-colored clothing with only a few simple accessories on her head.
She looked fresh and elegant.
Gu Yue clenched her teeth. Was she supposed to go back and change?
She had spent the entire morning washing up and dressing.
Now, da bomu was saying she was too showy and would steal the spotlight from the hou fu’s young ladies.
This left Gu Yue both worried and unwilling to accept it.
She was most satisfied with today’s outfit—she truly didn’t want to change it.
Zhang shi added, “San yatou, if you wish to change, you still have time. Otherwise, once we arrive at the hou fu, it’ll be too late.”
Gu Yue hesitated and struggled internally.
Just then, Xie shi arrived.
“I didn’t expect dasao to be here earlier than me.”
Zhang shi laughed, “Dimei is finally arrived. Now that everyone’s here, let’s set off.”
With that, Zhang shi was the first to board the carriage.
Even though the Gu family’s residence was right next to the hou fu, with only a wall between them and even a small gate for easy access, formal visits required using the main entrance.
Xie shi turned to the girls and said, “All of you, get in the carriage.”
The Gu family had plenty of carriages, making travel convenient.
Gu Jiu, along with her maids, got onto one.
But Gu Yue remained standing.
Xie shi looked at her in confusion. “Yue’er, why are you still standing there? Get in the carriage.”
Gu Yue hesitated and whispered, “Mother, da bomu just said my outfit is too flashy and might overshadow the hou fu’s guniang.”
Xie shi frowned. “Did she really say that?”
Gu Yue nodded. “Mother, should I go back and change?”
Xie shi snorted coldly. “Change? Nonsense! Don’t listen to your da bomu’s nonsense—she doesn’t have good intentions. Just follow my lead and perform well at the hou fu. Don’t worry about anything else—I’ll handle it.”
Gu Yue reluctantly accepted her mother’s words and boarded the carriage with her.
Inside the carriage, Qing Mei whispered to Gu Jiu, “Nubi thinks the da taitai had a point. San guniang is dressed too extravagantly. That jewellery is impossible to ignore. The hou fu’s guniang likely won’t be dressed this grandly at home.”
Gu Jiu chuckled softly. “San meimei clearly wants to leave a good impression on lao furen of the hou fu. That’s why she’s so anxious and easily influenced. But da bomu isn’t necessarily right either.”
Since the two families lived next to each other, the carriage ride was short.
The hou fu’s servants had been waiting and quickly opened the side gate to welcome them inside.
Gu daren led the men of the family to greet the old houye.
Meanwhile, Xie shi and Zhang shi took the girls to the inner courtyard to pay respects to lao furen, Wei shi.
The pozi led the way.
“The two taitai and the guniang have finally arrived. Lao furen has been talking about you since early morning. She even said she especially misses da taitai.”
As they walked, the maids chatted and joked.
Hearing this, Zhang shi smiled. “I’ve always been thinking of lao furen. I’ve been busy settling the second branch’s courtyards and haven’t had the chance to visit her. I must apologise to her later.”
One of the maids chuckled, “Da taitai is truly thoughtful—no wonder lao furen always mentions you.”
Zhang shi laughed heartily, her face brimming with joy.
Meanwhile, Xie shi walked quietly, listening to Zhang shi and the maids while observing the hou fu.
This was indeed a place of wealth and grandeur, far more imposing than the Gu family’s fu.
Hearing the maids constantly praise Zhang shi, Xie shi told herself she wasn’t jealous.
But deep down, how could she not be?
She had followed Gu daren out of the city for over ten years, and there had been no opportunity to win over lao furen’s favour—it was simply unavoidable.
Upon arriving at Songhe Hall, a servant woman said, “The two taitai, several guniang, please go in. Nubi will take leave here.”
With just a glance from Zhang shi, Shaoyao handed a purse to the pozi.
The pozi beamed with joy, uttered a string of auspicious words, then bowed and withdrew.
The clever maids of the hou fu entered first to report, “Lao furen, da taitai and er taitai from the neighbouring fu, along with the several guniang, have come to pay their respects.”
Wei lao furen1 immediately smiled. “Quick, invite them in.”
Da furen of the hou fu, the younger Wei shi2, remarked, “Erxi heard that after the second branch returned yesterday, their laoyezi made quite a scene—he nearly overturned the banquet table.”
Wei Lao furen snorted coldly and lowered her voice. “That old man from next door is becoming more and more reckless. We must ensure our hou fu is not dragged into his affairs.”
Wei shi slightly bowed and replied, “Lao furen’s words are absolutely right. Erxi has already instructed the gatekeepers to keep a close watch and prevent the servants of both houses from wandering about unnecessarily.”
Wei lao furen nodded repeatedly. “That is wise.”
The er furen of the hou fu, Wang shi, added, “Now that the second branch of the neighbouring family has returned, they won’t be leaving again. I hear several guniang are still unmarried.”
Wei lao furen simply said, “Let’s observe first before making any decisions.”
At that moment, the maid lifted the curtain, ushering in Zhang shi, Xie shi, and the young ladies of the Gu family.
Following behind Xie shi, Gu Jiu slightly lowered her head, discreetly observing the room.
There were quite a few people present.
Seated at the head of the room was an elderly woman with silver-white hair and a kindly appearance—undoubtedly the hou fu‘s Wei lao furen.
Below her sat three elegantly dressed noblewomen and a row of young ladies.
Zhang shi led the group forward. “Your nephew’s wife greets lao furen. This is my dimei, Xie shi, who has returned to the capital after more than ten years away, along with my nieces.”
Xie shi quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply. “Your nephew’s wife pays her respects to lao furen. Wishing you good health and longevity.”
Gu Jiu and her sisters followed suit, bowing respectfully.
“Your grandnieces pay respects to lao furen. Wishing you good health and longevity.”
“Good, good, good!”
Wei lao furen beamed with delight.
She looked at Xie shi and said, “You have followed Zhili for so many years, supporting him and raising his children—it must have been hard on you.”
Xie shi was deeply moved. Even though she knew Wei lao furen’s words were mere pleasantries, she couldn’t help but feel emotional. After so many years of effort, she was finally receiving some recognition.
Xie shi replied, “It is only right for a wife to bear children, manage the household, and ease her husband’s burdens so he can focus on his duties.”
Wei lao furen chuckled warmly. “I always knew you were a good one. When Zhili insisted on elevating your status back then, I said that you must have exceptional qualities.”
Xie shi was touched. “Thank you, lao furen, for your kind understanding.”
After so many years, to finally hear such words of appreciation—it was overwhelming for her.
Zhang shi maintained a pleasant smile, discreetly observing the exchange.
Gu Jiu stole a glance at Wei lao furen, thinking, lao furen truly deserves her reputation as someone who has weathered many storms—her ability to win people’s loyalty is truly remarkable.
With just a few words, she had already made Xie shi so emotional.
Wei lao furen then instructed, “Find seats for da taitai and er taitai.”
A maid stepped forward. “Da taitai, er taitai, please take a seat here.”
The maids arranged for Zhang shi and Xie shi to sit on the right-hand side of Wei lao furen.
Wei lao furen then turned her gaze to the young ladies.
“What fine guniang—come closer and let me have a good look at you.”
Gu Jiu took the lead, stepping forward with the others.
Wei lao furen’s sharp eyes swept across each girl’s face, assessing them in an instant.
She then spoke to Gu Zhen, “This must be Zhen yatou, correct? I can’t believe how much you’ve grown in the blink of an eye.”
Gu Zhen was thrilled—she hadn’t expected lao furen to still remember her.
She bowed respectfully. “Your grandniece greets lao furen.”
“Good child.”
Immediately, the maid standing beside Wei lao furen presented the specially prepared meeting gift—two pieces of jewelry.
Gu Zhen was excited and secretly glanced at Xie shi. Only when Xie shi nodded did she accept the gift.
Wei lao furen then turned to look at Gu Jiu. After carefully examining her, she was momentarily taken aback.
What a striking young girl. Though she had not yet fully grown, her demeanour was extraordinary.
“You must be Xiao Jiu. You were as small as a kitten back then, and now you’ve grown so much.”
Gu Jiu gave a sweet smile. “Grandniece greets lao furen and wishes you health and longevity.”
Wei lao furen chuckled and extended her hand toward Gu Jiu. “Come closer and let me take a good look at you.”
Gu Jiu stepped forward two paces.
Wei lao furen took Gu Jiu’s hand, examining her carefully, nodding to herself.
Then she asked, “Have you studied?”
Gu Jiu nodded. “I’ve read a few books.”
“I heard you were in poor health. After all these years of care, are you feeling better?”
Gu Jiu nodded slightly. “Thank you for your concern, lao furen. My health has improved a lot.”
Wei lao furen smiled joyfully. “That is wonderful. Since you are in better health now, you should spend more time with your sisters. Treat the hou fu as your own home.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “I have just arrived in the capital and still have much to learn. I will be asking my sisters for guidance later.”
Wei lao furen laughed heartily. “All you yatou, did you hear that? Xiao Jiu will be asking for your advice later—don’t just brush her off.”
The young ladies of the hou fu started chattering at once.
“Lao furen is playing favourites! Now that Xiao Jiu is here, you’ve forgotten about us.”
“Well, it’s no surprise—Xiao Jiu is so lovely and has won lao furen’s favour.”
“I’m really envious of Xiao Jiu.”
Their lively chatter made Wei lao furen laugh heartily, and soon, the other noble ladies joined in as well.
Wei lao furen pointed at the young ladies. “You mischievous girls! I’ve spoiled you all for years, and now you won’t let me dote on Xiao Jiu a little?”
“Lao furen, we also love Xiao Jiu. Why not let us have her?”
Wei lao furen laughed. “Take her, take her! But you must take good care of Xiao Jiu and never let her be wronged.”
“Don’t worry, lao furen, we won’t let Xiao Jiu suffer in any way.”
The eldest young lady of the hou fu pulled Gu Jiu to sit beside her. “Xiao Jiu meimei, sit here. Later, we’ll go to the side room to chat.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “Thank you, Mei jiejie.”
Gu Mei was surprised. “You know me? We’ve never met before, yet you recognized me right away?”
Gu Jiu smiled slightly and said, “Mei jiejie is so beautiful—I noticed you as soon as I entered.”
Gu Mei laughed. She thought to herself, This Xiao Jiu really knows how to talk.
As soon as Gu Jiu sat down, a maid brought over the gift Wei lao furen had prepared for her. It was also jewellery, but in addition to what Gu Zhen received, she was given an extra jade hairpin.
Wei lao furen then spoke with Gu Yue, Gu Shan, Gu Lin, and Gu Jun.
Everyone was treated equally—none were given special treatment.
But if anyone stood out, it was clearly Gu Jiu.
It was evident that Wei lao furen spoke the most with her.
Gu Yue returned to her seat, feeling deeply displeased. She secretly glared at Gu Jiu.
Why was everyone paying more attention to Gu Jiu?
After all, Gu Jiu had lost her mother.
Gu Yue never considered that Xie shi, having risen from a concubine to the main wife, was a step lower than others.
What Gu Yue failed to realise was that although Gu Jiu, Gu Yue, and Gu Shan were all considered di daughters, Gu Jiu’s status was inherently higher.
Because Gu Jiu’s birth mother was Su shi.
Su shi came from a prestigious scholarly and official family, which was far superior to Xie shi, who came from a small household.
If Xie shi had entered the family as a second wife3, people would have respected her more.
At the very least, she would have been seen as equal to the late Su shi, and there would be no difference in status.
This would have also ensured that Gu Yue and Gu Shan received the same level of recognition and attention as Gu Jiu.
Unfortunately, Xie shi had not entered as a second wife but had been elevated from concubine to wife.
The difference between the two was immense.
Even Xie shi herself might not have fully realised the subtle distinction.
And no one would openly discuss such matters in front of her.
Regardless of their private thoughts, everyone would at least show Xie shi respect in public.
Showing respect to Xie shi was, after all, showing respect to Gu daren.
Gu Jiu, being perceptive, noticed the subtle nuances in everyone’s attitudes.
She remained silent, listening to what the elders had to say first.
Wei lao furen turned to Xie shi. “Zhili’s wife, I heard the northwest is harsh and bitterly cold. You all stayed there for eight or nine years—it must have been difficult.”
Xie shi bowed slightly. “Thank you for your concern, lao furen. As long as the family is together, I do not find it difficult.”
Wei lao furen nodded. “I know you are capable of enduring hardships. You have given birth to two sons and two daughters for Zhili—you deserve great credit for that.”
Xie shi replied, “It is only natural for a wife to bear children for her husband.”
“Yes, yes. After following Zhili for so many years, you must have gained much experience. Now that you’ve returned to the capital, will your family be staying for good?”
Xie shi responded, “That depends on laoye’s decision. But for the next few years, we are unlikely to leave the capital.”
Wei lao furen nodded. “Staying in the capital is best. That way, the children’s marriages can also be arranged. Zhili’s wife, have the marriages of these guniang been settled yet?”
Xie shi was delighted.
She had been worrying about how to bring up this matter, but Wei lao furen had taken the initiative to ask, solving her dilemma.
- In the raws, she is addressed as Lao furen, Wei shi. But for convenience, I will translate this as Wei lao furen. ↩︎
- This is the same Wei as Wei lao furen. It was common for cousins to marry in this period. The younger Wei shi will simply be mentioned as Wei shi. ↩︎
- A formal spouse after the first wife’s passing. ↩︎
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