“Who says I don’t care about the children’s futures? Dasao, you may eat recklessly, but you cannot speak recklessly.”
Xie shi’s gaze turned cold as she stared at Zhang shi.
Zhang shi smiled faintly. “So it was my misunderstanding? But since you do care about the children’s futures, then why did you scold Xiao Jiu and send her back to her room?
“Or is it that dimei simply doesn’t want Xiao Jiu to learn household management? After all, she’s the child of Su dimei, and thus a thorn in your heart.”
“Nonsense!” Xie shi barked. “I respect you as my dasao, but that doesn’t mean you can speak nonsense as you please.”
Zhang shi chuckled. “Dimei, don’t be angry. I’ll take back what I said.”
Xie shi gave a cold snort, her anger boiling up to her liver and lungs.
One after another, they all thought she was easy to bully – truly intolerable!
Then Zhang shi said, “Let me state it formally, dimei. From today, Xiao Jiu will study household management with me. You have no objections, do you?”
Xie shi said coldly, “The girls in this household are not only er yatou. By having only her study management, while ignoring the others – how is that fair? Dasao favours er yatou. But the other girls are also your nieces. I must ask you not to play favourites.”
Zhang shi smiled. “What dimei says makes sense. Shaoyao, send word to the other young ladies, ask whether they wish to join me in studying household management. If they’re willing, they must come to the council hall every morning at the third quarter of the mao hour [T/N: 6 to 6.30 am] to learn.
“Also, make it clear to them – once they choose to study, they cannot quit halfway. Anyone unable to persevere shouldn’t bother coming.”
“Nubi obeys.” Shaoyao withdrew to make arrangements and send the notices.
Zhang shi then turned to Xie shi. “Dimei, how do you find my arrangement?”
Xie shi forced a smile, her expression twisted. “Your arrangement is certainly good. It’s er yatou’s fortune to earn your favour.”
Zhang shi laughed. “Er yatou is bright and clever – not only do I like her, but even the several sisters-in-law of the neighbouring hou fu are quite fond of her.”
Gu Jiu hurriedly said, “Da bomu, please don’t praise me so much, I’m not nearly as good as you say.”
Zhang shi smiled. “Xiao Jiu, we’re all family here. No need to be modest.”
Gu Jiu pursed her lips into a smile. “I will listen to da bomu.”
Xie shi narrowed her eyes. Judging by the look of it, Gu Jiu had indeed won Zhang shi’s favour.
Had Gu Jiu found herself a powerful backer?
She snorted inwardly. Hmph, even with a backer, it won’t help.
Gu Jiu belonged to the second branch – her marriage would still be decided by the second branch.
Xie shi simply sat down in her chair. “Before we returned to the capital, I had thought that, once matters settled down, I would take a few of the girls with me to learn household management.
“But who knew, one thing after another came up, leaving me no free time. I truly envy you, dasao. With only Gu Jun beneath your knees, life must be far more relaxed than mine.”
Zhang shi raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Dimei is right. Aside from Xiao Jiu and Shan’er, the rest of your children are too unruly. You really should discipline them more.”
This, Xie shi did not like to hear.
She said, “Yue’er may be lively, but she’s very considerate. As for Zhen yatou, she is quiet and refined most of the time. Xiao Lin is still young, childish and playful – she will grow out of it in a few years.”
Zhang shi replied, “Even so, dimei truly has it hard. Not only do you worry over the boys’ futures, you must also arrange marriages for the girls.”
“Who says not?”
Zhang shi chuckled. “Since dimei is so busy, you shouldn’t meddle in other matters. Focus on arranging good marriages for the children – that’s what truly matters.”
Xie shi fixed her gaze on Zhang shi, trying to guess her meaning. Was she implying that she should stay out of household management?
Outrageous.
The first and second branches hadn’t divided, so management of the fu naturally had to be shared.
How could Zhang shi monopolise the authority of household management and forbid her from interfering?
Xie shi was inwardly furious. But now was not the time to quarrel with Zhang shi over power.
She had something more pressing, something she needed Zhang shi’s help with.
So she restrained her temper and decided to speak calmly.
“Zhen yatou really is pitiful. A fine marriage was nearly set, but Haixi bo fu suddenly changed their mind and rejected her. She’s been crying miserably these past days. Dasao must have heard.”
Xie shi looked directly at Zhang shi.
Zhang shi nodded. “Yes, I know. Zhen yatou simply lacks the fortune.”
“Who says not?”
Gu Jiu, sitting quietly on the side, pricked up her ears to listen.
It was odd for Xie shi to suddenly bring up Gu Zhen’s marriage.
Gu Jiu secretly glanced at her. Very likely, Xie shi must have some scheme.
Could it be that Hu yiniang had already reached some sort of agreement with her?
And now Xie shi was raising the topic of Gu Zhen’s marriage to ask Zhang shi for help?
Indeed, Gu Jiu had guessed the truth.
Xie shi’s real intention was to request Zhang shi’s assistance.
The two women chatted back and forth for some time.
Xie shi kept emphasising how pitiful Gu Zhen was, how she was already at a delicate age and couldn’t afford further delay. That her marriage must be settled quickly.
Zhang shi looked at Xie shi with a half-smile.
“Dimei, if you have something to say, just say it. We live under the same roof – if I can help, I surely will.”
Xie shi put on a beaming smile, her previous sharp attitude gone.
“It’s about Zhen yatou’s marriage. I must trouble dasao to help find her a good match. If the marriage is settled, I’ll prepare a matchmaker’s gift for you.”
Zhang shi laughed. “Dimei is too polite. We’re family, no need for such words. But it’s true – Zhen yatou’s marriage shouldn’t be delayed. What ideas do you have in mind?”
Xie shi said, “The most important thing is good character. The family background can be a bit lower, but the groom must be di-born. A household of equal standing would be best – ideally a shu-born son who has been raised under the main wife since childhood.”
Zhang shi frowned. “Dimei’s demands are a bit too high.”
“How so?”
Zhang shi sneered. “Do you think among the noble families of the capital, many shu-born sons are fortunate enough to be raised at their di mother’s knee? Frankly, such people are as rare as phoenix feathers, not even one out of twenty. But if you lower the family requirement a little, there are far more choices.”
“Truly?”
Zhang shi nodded. “How could I joke about such a thing? By the way, have you and er di discussed Zhen yatou’s marriage?”
“Rest assured, dasao, we’ve already discussed it.”
After a moment of hesitation, Xie shi finally revealed the real purpose of her visit.
“I heard that there is a shu-born nephew in dasao’s family. Upright in character, lost his mother early, and has been raised under the di wife’s care since childhood. Dasao, what do you think…”
Zhang shi’s frown deepened. “So you’ve had your eye on my nephew from the very start.”
Xie shi gave an embarrassed smile. “Our families are related. It’s natural to pay more attention.”
Zhang shi smiled faintly. “My nephew’s marriage is not for me to decide. Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll send someone to ask at my family’s house another day. If er di and dimei have no objections, then we can discuss further.”
“Thank you, dasao.” Xie shi beamed, as if a heavy burden had lifted from her shoulders.
Gu Jiu raised her brows. Seeing Xie shi so pleased – could it be that this marriage proposal with the Zhang family was actually Hu yiniang’s idea?
The more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed.
Indeed, Hu yiniang had done just as Gu Jiu predicted – not only soothing Gu Zhen, but also using the matter to secure some benefit for her.
What surprised Gu Jiu even more was that Zhang shi had not objected to the match.
Gu Jiu thought it over again and again, but could not figure out Zhang shi’s true intentions.
After making arrangements with Zhang shi, Xie shi didn’t linger. She rose and left at once.
On her way out, she reminded Gu Jiu to learn how to manage the household properly from Zhang shi and not let her goodwill go to waste.
“Rest assured, taitai, I would not dare disappoint da bomu. Please take care.”
After sending Xie shi off, Gu Jiu returned to her seat, ready to continue with the accounts.
But Zhang shi suddenly asked, “Xiao Jiu, after the incident, have you gone to see your da jiejie?”
“Replying to da bomu, I did go see her a few days ago.”
“How is she?”
“When I saw her, she didn’t look well. She had suffered too heavy a blow and couldn’t handle it. But these past two days she’s been much better. I think she’s come to terms with it.”
Zhang shi asked again, “Did your da jiejie say what she plans to do next?”
Gu Jiu pondered. Was her da bomu probing into her da jiejie’s thoughts?
After a moment, Gu Jiu shook her head slightly. “Da jiejie hasn’t made any plans yet.”
Zhang shi smiled softly and murmured, “After such an incident, I suppose it will take her some time to recover.”
Gu Jiu’s heart skipped. She stared at Zhang shi. Could it be that Zhang shi already knew what had happened with Gu Zhen?
If so, why did she still agree to Xie shi’s request and show willingness to push forward the marriage with the Zhang family?
By the standards of the time, in Gu Zhen’s situation, aside from marrying Xie Ding, no noble household in the capital would consider taking her in.
That was why everyone said Gu Zhen would end up a spinster.
But Zhang shi clearly had no wish to continue the conversation with Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu was tactful enough not to press further.
Just as Xie shi thought everything was about to be smoothly resolved, with the storm passing and skies clearing – Gu Yue was beaten.
“Taitai, bad news! Laoye–laoye has ordered someone to cane san guniang!”
“What? What happened?”
Xie shi froze, momentarily unable to react.
“Nubi doesn’t know the reason. Nubi only heard that laoye ordered her to be caned, so nubi rushed back to report.”
Panting, the maid Dong Mei spoke.
Xie shi shot to her feet. “When did this happen?”
“Right now.”
“Where is laoye punishing Yue’er?”
“In Zizhu Yuan. Steward Gu has already taken men over. Taitai, you must hurry – if you’re late, san guniang will be beaten.”
Xie shi could not care about anything else – she rushed off toward the Zizhu Yuan.
Inside the courtyard, the maids and servants knelt on the ground, silent with fear.
Gu Yue had been tied up by the servants, bound to the wooden punishment bench.
Gu Quan carried a chair into the yard and placed it there. Gu daren sat down on it, his face like frost.
He asked coldly, “San yatou, do you know why I’m punishing you with the cane?”
“Wuwuwu…”
Gu Yue struggled, shaking her head.
Gu daren gave a cold snort. “I said long ago, I don’t expect you sisters to love one another – but I absolutely forbid you from harming each other. San yatou, you have truly disappointed me.”
“…Uuuh…”
Father, nü’er knows she was wrong. Please let me go.
Gu Yue cried out in her heart. But with a rag stuffed in her mouth, she couldn’t make a sound.
Gu daren’s face was stern. “Your conduct is not only disappointing, it chills my heart. In the past, it was only because your mother spoiled you too much that you became so arrogant. Since your mother cannot teach you properly, then I will personally discipline you.”
As his words fell, the board came down hard across Gu Yue’s backside.
She let out a silent scream, her face pale and twisted, cold sweat pouring down – clearly in unbearable pain.
Before she could recover, the second strike landed.
Gu Yue wept soundlessly, tears dripping one by one.
Outside the Zizhu Yuan, Gu Zhen hid behind a large tree, her face full of tense excitement.
When she saw the board strike Gu Yue’s body, she nearly jumped up with joy.
Yes, that’s it, beat her hard. Better to cripple her – just don’t kill her. To kill her would be too easy, too merciful. But cripple her, and let’s see if she can ever marry.
Just as Gu Zhen was exulting, Xie shi rushed over with maids and attendants in tow.
Gu Zhen quickly concealed herself, peering out in secret.
She bit her lip, looking displeased. Tch, how lucky for Gu Yue.
Still, she did not leave, but continued to spy from behind the tree.
When the board fell again, Xie shi burst into the courtyard.
“She mustn’t be beaten!”
Without caring for anything, Xie shi threw herself over Gu Yue.
Gu Yue, weak as a breath of air, forced her eyes open to look at Xie shi.
At some point, the rag in her mouth had fallen to the ground.
Through tears she said, “Mother, save me.”
Xie shi broke down in sobs. “Laoye, you cannot punish a young girl like this!”
Gu daren was unmoved. “Furen, are you aware of what san yatou has done?”
Xie shi froze, then grew flustered. “What is laoye talking about? Qieshen does not understand. Qieshen only wishes to ask, why must you beat Yue’er with the board? What if she is broken beyond repair?”
“Even if she is, it is no more than she deserves.”
Gu daren was set on punishing her.
“If you truly did not know, then after I finish her punishment, I will sit down and explain everything to furen.”
“Laoye, no! You mustn’t. If you keep beating her, Yue’er will die!”
Gu daren grew furious, pointing at Gu Yue and shouting, “Such a creature, cruel and vicious to her own sister – less than a pig or a dog! If she dies, it is what she deserves! Men, pull taitai away. Continue the beating – finish it!”
“No! Don’t beat her, don’t beat her!” Xie shi cried and screamed in panic.
“Forgive us, taitai.”
Several attendants rushed forward, dragging Xie shi away by force.
The board fell again on Gu Yue’s body.
She shrieked once before her mouth was stuffed again.
Xie shi sobbed desperately. “Don’t beat her, no more! Laoye, Yue’er knows she was wrong, she truly knows! Spare her, give her a chance to repent!”
The young servant hesitated, board in hand. There was only one stroke left – should he strike or not?
Gu daren shot a cold glance at Xie shi, then barked: “Strike!”
“Ahhh–!”
Xie shi screamed.
She watched helplessly as the board landed on Gu Yue, blood seeping out.
“Yue’er! Yue’er… Quick, fetch the physician! Hurry!”
She threw herself over Gu Yue, frantic, as though her very soul had left her body.
How could this be? Why did this happen? How did laoye find out that Yue’er schemed against Gu Zhen?
It must have been that vile Hu yiniang. She promised not to tell, and yet in the blink of an eye broke her word.
Ahhh!
Xie shi was furious.
She would make Hu yiniang pay dearly. She would make Gu Zhen remain a spinster all her life. She would see that mother and daughter suffer a bitter retribution.
They ruined Yue’er. My poor Yue’er…
Her body covered in blood – what was to be done now?
“Has the physician not arrived yet? Where is he?”
“Taitai, don’t panic. A messenger has already gone for him. It’s cold outside – san guniang is wounded, she mustn’t be left to the chill. Please, taitai, step aside so we may carry her back to her room.”
“Yes, yes, quickly, carry Yue’er inside.”
At this moment, Xie shi’s eyes and heart held only Gu Yue.
Gu daren was forgotten; everyone else was forgotten.
The attendants laid Gu Yue face down on the bed.
Then they began to strip away her bloodied garments.
“Careful, gently! Don’t hurt Yue’er!”
Xie shi snapped in anger. Couldn’t these clumsy servants be more careful?
Yue’er had already suffered so much – must she be made to suffer again?
When the clothes came off, Xie shi cried out in horror.
“My poor Yue’er!”
The injuries on Gu Yue’s legs and backside were horrifying to behold.
Xie shi burst into sobs again. “Yue’er! Yue’er, you mustn’t come to harm!”
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