“Taitai, you must stand up for me!”
Chen yiniang, hair dishevelled and clothes in disarray, rushed into the council hall. She fell to her knees, weeping and wailing loudly.
Gu Jiu and her sisters were wide-eyed. This was the first time they had seen such a scandalous scene.
Zhang shi, the first wife, did not so much as twitch an eyebrow – clearly, she had witnessed this far too many times.
She said coldly, “Stand up first. Whatever you have to say, say it standing.”
But Chen yiniang refused to rise, sobbing pitifully.
At a signal from Zhang shi, Shaoyang and a few young maids stepped forward and pulled her up.
“Chen yiniang, if you have grievances, speak properly to taitai.”
Chen yiniang perched on a chair, looking miserably at Zhang shi, then burst into tears. “Taitai, my life is bitter indeed!”
Zhang shi regarded her with disdain. “That’s enough, stop crying. Before you entered the household, I explained to you very clearly what kind of man laoyezi was. And what did you say yourself? You said you didn’t care – you only wanted wealth and status.
“Now you’ve gotten your wealth, and you come crying to me about your suffering. Chen yiniang, you can’t expect to take every advantage. The world doesn’t work like that.”
Chen yiniang showed no shame. She went on crying. “But I didn’t know laoyezi was so…so outrageous! He even – he even made me drink his, his – ”
“Ahem!” Zhang shi glared at her. “The young ladies are all here. Chen yiniang, at least have some sense of propriety when you speak.”
Chen yiniang whimpered, “Taitai, I beg you to uphold justice for me.”
Zhang shi refused bluntly. “This matter is none of my concern. A daughter-in-law has no right to meddle in her father-in-law’s inner chambers. If word spreads, it will sound disgraceful. I won’t touch it.”
“Then perhaps da laoye should intervene,” Chen yiniang suggested timidly.
Zhang shi snorted. “Nor does a son have any right to meddle in his father’s private matters. Chen yiniang, this path was one you chose yourself – no one forced you.
“Now you regret it and want to escape, but it’s too late. Unless laoyezi himself agrees to release you, you’d better serve him properly. Who knows – if he’s in a good mood one day, he might let you leave.”
At this, Chen yiniang wailed even louder. “My fate is cursed! How did I end up with such a depraved old man? Taitai, you don’t know – laoyezi, he – ”
“Enough!”
Zhang shi cut her off sharply. “I don’t want to hear anything about what goes on in laoyezi’s quarters. If you have nothing else, withdraw. Can’t you see I’m busy here?”
Chen yiniang looked at her pitifully.
When Zhang shi remained unmoved, she turned her eyes toward Gu Jiu and the other girls.
But Zhang shi barked, “Don’t even think of dragging the young ladies into this. They are the younger generation. Since when has it been their place to interfere in their grandfather’s chambers? Leave at once.”
Chen yiniang clenched her teeth, as if steeling herself for something.
Just then, Gu laoyezi barged in. “Where’s that wretched slut surnamed Chen? Drag her out here! Whoever dares block me, laofu will kill them!”
In broad daylight, the old master staggered into the council hall, drunk and reeking of wine.
At the sight of Chen yiniang, he leered and laughed.
She wasn’t afraid of him – but she was repulsed, disgusted.
With a scream, she tried to flee.
“Where do you think you’re going? You’ll never escape the palm of my hand!”
The old man lunged at her, grabbed her tightly, and tried to slobber kisses all over her face.
“Ahhh!”
It was a hideous sight.
The young ladies all covered their eyes. Too dreadful – why must they be forced to witness such a scene?
Only Gu Jiu kept her eyes open, her brows furrowed in deep disgust. So this is what kind of man the old man really is. Truly vile.
“Outrageous!”
Zhang shi was nearly driven mad with fury. “Laoyezi, at least consider the setting! The girls are all present. To behave so shamelessly – is that decent?”
Gu laoyezi glared at her, then swept his gaze over the granddaughters.
“This is laofu’s household! I’ll do whatever I please! You’re just a woman – get out of my sight!”
And with that, he clutched Chen yiniang again, gnawing at her face while his hand burrowed into her clothing.
A scandalous scene was about to unfold before their eyes. Zhang shi could not endure it. “Guards! Remove laoyezi at once!”
Several burly matrons rushed in to pull him away.
But the old master was a trained martial man. Even drunk, his strength was immense.
He flung one matron aside with ease and kicked her hard in the stomach.
She cried out and collapsed, clutching her belly, unable to rise.
Three or four of them together still couldn’t subdue him. Zhang shi was livid, trembling with rage.
Gu Jiu made a snap decision. “Wang Yi – throw laoyezi out!”
Yes – throw him out.
When dealing with someone so shameless and unworthy of respect, there was no need for courtesy at all.
Wang Yi had already been itching to act, and now that Gu Jiu gave the order, she rolled up her sleeves. “Guniang, just watch me.”
She charged forward, scooped up Gu laoyezi, and ran straight outside.
The old man nearly fainted from fright. Suddenly being picked up – what on earth was going on? “Outrageous! Outrageous! Put me down this instant, or I’ll have your head!”
“Throw him out! If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility,” Zhang shi said angrily. She didn’t care about seniority or propriety anymore; the priority was to deal with the old man first.
With a shout, Wang Yi carried him to the gate and, with a loud thud, tossed him onto the ground.
“Ahhh!” The old man cried out.
But nobody paid him any attention. The pozi hurried to shut the gate so he couldn’t rush back inside.
Wang Yi returned to the council hall.
Gu Jiu pointed at Chen yiniang, who was lying on the floor. “Wang Yi, throw this woman out too.”
“No! Don’t throw me out!” Chen yiniang wailed in panic.
Gu Jiu didn’t bother arguing, her tone brisk. “Wang Yi, throw her out.”
Wang Yi obeyed, hoisted Chen yiniang over her shoulder, and tossed her outside the gate to join the old man.
The old man had just managed to climb back onto his feet when Chen yiniang landed beside him. Furious and looking for an outlet, he chased after her, striking at her as he ran.
Chen yiniang shrieked and sobbed, fleeing desperately. Being younger and in good health, she ran fast and eventually left the old man far behind.
She fled back to her courtyard, slammed the door shut, and barricaded herself inside, determined not to let him in.
Inside the council hall, everyone finally let out a collective sigh of relief.
What a scene – ridiculous, infuriating, and disgusting all at once.
Zhang shi rubbed her forehead and asked Gu Zhen and the others, “Didn’t frighten you too badly, did it?”
Aside from Gu Jiu, everyone’s faces were pale, each looking as though they’d been deeply shaken. Gu Lin especially – her eyes were brimming with tears.
Zhang shi said, “In time you’ll get used to it. Because of laoyezi, our fu has been thrown into turmoil countless times. With New Year coming, there are always more visits and ceremonies. At this time every year, he stirs up a few scenes like this. You’ll grow accustomed.”
But how could anyone get used to something like this?
Gu Zhen, Gu Shan, and Gu Lin were all nearly scared out of their wits.
Zhang shi continued, “Still, Xiao Jiu is quick-witted. That maid of yours has real strength – she picked up the old man with ease.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “Her name is Wang Yi. I brought her back from the northwest. She has no other skills – only great strength since childhood.”
Zhang shi laughed. “Next time the old man makes a scene, we’ll rely on your maid again.”
Gu Jiu replied, “As long as da bomu gives the order.”
Zhang shi nodded. “Good. It’s all over now. Everyone pull yourselves together, let’s continue.”
And so the day went on, busy as ever, passing quickly.
The old man’s outburst was like a stone tossed into water – vanishing without even a ripple.
The people of the household had long since stopped caring. At most, they would laugh about it a little, but no one let it distract them.
Only Xie shi secretly clicked her tongue.
When she had married into the family, the old man hadn’t been like this. She never imagined he’d grow more ridiculous with age – not only ridiculous, but vile.
To dare such behaviour in the council hall, in front of the young ladies… unforgivable.
Xie shi thought to herself: if she had been present, she might not have been able to resist jumping up and scolding him for disgracing his years.
Later, she went out of her way to check on Gu Shan.
“Shan’er, don’t dwell on what happened with the old man. He’s always been ridiculous – you mustn’t let it trouble you.”
Gu Shan nodded. “Mother, don’t worry, nü’er is fine. Er jiejie’s new maid is so strong – she picked up the old man as if he weighed nothing and tossed him out with no trouble at all.”
Relieved, Xie shi said, “As long as it hasn’t affected you. That laoyezi is simply outrageous. In the future, if you see him, just avoid him. There’s no need to pay him any respect – he doesn’t deserve it.”
“Nü’er knows.”
“What will you wear tomorrow when we go visiting the hou fu?”
“Nü’er was thinking of wearing the dress I wore at the last banquet.”
Xie shi frowned. “That dress has already been seen in public. How could you wear it out again? Change into something else. It doesn’t matter if the colours are simple and plain. You’re going to admire flowers and drink wine, not to a wedding banquet. No need for bright red and green.”
“Nü’er will listen to Mother.”
Xie shi nodded approvingly, then reminded her, “Do your best at the hou fu. Your san jiejie… she’s hopeless, stubborn, and I have no way of dealing with her anymore. Just don’t learn from her. You’ve always been sensible and clever since childhood. Keep it that way.”
“Yes!” Gu Shan agreed softly. After hesitating a little, she asked, “Mother, is san jiejie’s marriage really that urgent?”
Xie shi frowned. “That’s not something you need to worry about. Just take care of yourself.”
Gu Shan suddenly remembered Gu Jiu’s warning not to meddle in Gu Yue’s affairs.
She bit her lip, thought for a moment, then said, “Then nü’er take my leave, Mother.”
“Go on, get some rest. Sleep early, and rise refreshed tomorrow morning.”
“Nü’er will listen to Mother.” Gu Shan withdrew.
Xie shi sighed – Shan’er was still the most obedient.
Although Shan’er wasn’t as sweet-tongued as Yue’er, at least she was well-behaved and sensible, never stirring up trouble.
After enduring incident after incident caused by Gu Yue, endlessly cleaning up her messes, Xie shi was exhausted.
Now, she preferred the quiet and dutiful Gu Shan, who grew up without needing her constant worry.
As for that wretched girl Gu Yue… forget it, better not even mention her.
The next morning, everyone prepared themselves and set off in carriages toward the hou fu.
Wei lao furen had spoken – she wanted the young ladies to stay at the hou fu for a few days. Zhang shi and Xie shi could not have been more pleased.
For a young lady to stay in the hou fu and receive lao furen’s personal instruction – such an honour was invaluable.
If others heard that Wei lao furen herself had taught them, they would look upon the girls with newfound respect. In terms of marriage prospects, their value would only rise.
Such a golden opportunity was something Gu Yue certainly wouldn’t miss. Even though her injuries hadn’t completely healed, and the scars still remained, she insisted on going.
How could she possibly let Gu Jiu hog the spotlight alone?
When Gu Yue climbed into the carriage, her movements were stiff and awkward, making her look rather unsightly.
Gu Zhen noticed and secretly chuckled, full of schadenfreude.
If anything had delighted her most in recent days, it was Gu Yue getting beaten with the board.
That punishment had been truly satisfying.
With a face brimming with joy, Gu Zhen boarded the carriage.
Zhang shi also glanced twice at Gu Yue.
“San yatou, you must be careful – don’t injure yourself again.”
Gu Yue froze, her face full of embarrassment. “Thank you, da bomu, for the reminder.”
Zhang shi raised an eyebrow and smiled. “When we arrive at the hou fu today, don’t go wandering about. Be careful not to cause another incident.”
Gu Yue kept silent.
Hearing this, Xie shi was displeased.
“Dasao, let’s not discuss such things now. We’re on our way as guests to the hou fu. As for instructing san yatou, there will be plenty of time later.”
Zhang shi looked at Xie shi with a faint smile. “Dimei is absolutely right. Naturally, teaching san yatou is your responsibility. I wouldn’t dare overstep my bounds.”
The two sisters-in-law exchanged barbs, neither winning nor losing.
Gu Jiu, peeking through the carriage window, saw the whole exchange.
It was very clear: Zhang shi had seen through everything, but chose not to expose it – she had her principles.
Gu Yue’s scandals could be hidden from outsiders, but not from Zhang shi.
Yet Zhang shi had never made a fuss about it, nor had she ever mentioned it in public.
Only today, seeing Gu Yue again and with the visit to the hou fu in mind, had she spoken a few words of warning.
One had to admit, Zhang shi’s character was admirable. She didn’t seize the chance to strike while Gu Yue was down. On the contrary, she had even agreed to help arrange a marriage for Gu Zhen.
Xie shi, by comparison, fell short. She was too narrow-minded, neither as generous nor as principled as Zhang.
The group boarded the carriage and set off for the hou fu.
At the gates of the hou fu, there was a bustle of carriages and horses.
Today, the hou fu was hosting a grand banquet, with many distinguished guests invited.
Every guest was either noble or wealthy.
As they passed through the gate, they even heard that among today’s guests were members of the imperial clan.
Xie shi grew tense, her expression stern as she warned Gu Yue and Gu Shan: “Yue’er, you know what I’m going to say. If you dare ruin today’s banquet, then from this day onwards, I’ll wash my hands of you. I’ll marry you off to any random family just to be rid of you.”
Gu Yue trembled all over, her face fearful. “Mother, rest assured. Nü’er will be perfectly proper, not daring to make the slightest mistake.”
Xie shi only gave a short “hmph,” clearly unconvinced.
Gu Yue’s words never matched her deeds – that was nothing new.
Having suffered losses so many times already, Xie shi had learned her lesson. Until the banquet ended, she wouldn’t let down her guard.
She then reminded Gu Shan, “Shan’er, you, I have no worries about. But at this banquet, you must also conduct yourself well. Strive to leave a good impression on the ladies and madams present. Do you remember?”
“Nü’er remembers.”
Gu Shan sneaked a glance at Gu Yue.
Gu Yue kept her head down, her expression unreadable.
Xie shi continued, “As for your san jiejie, you don’t need to concern yourself with her. Just mind your own behaviour.”
“Nü’er understands,” Gu Shan replied.
Gu Yue remained silent, her hands hidden in her sleeves, twisting a handkerchief nearly out of shape.
It was obvious now – her mother valued Gu Shan more.
A chill of fear crept into Gu Yue’s heart. Was Mother really planning to abandon her?
She cast a secret, venomous look at Gu Shan. Wretched girl, don’t get smug just yet.
The carriage stopped at the second gate of the hou fu.
Gu Mei stood with Third Madam Duan, greeting guests. When she saw the carriages arrive, she hurried forward.
The third madam, Duan shi, welcomed Zhang shi and Xie shi, while Gu Mei took charge of the young ladies.
She clasped Gu Jiu’s hand. “Xiao Jiu meimei, you’re finally here! I’ve been waiting for you.”
Gu Jiu smiled lightly. “I haven’t congratulated you yet, Mei jiejie. Congratulations on your happy engagement – may all your wishes come true.”
“You’re teasing me again.”
Just a few days ago, Gu Mei’s marriage had finally been settled – she was officially engaged to Han dalang of the Dai hou fu.
Gu Jiu asked curiously, “Mei jiejie, has your wedding date with future jiefu been set yet?”
“You cheeky girl, still teasing me! What future jiefu, you aren’t allowed to say that.”
Gu Jiu laughed. “Then I’ll just call him Han da jiefu, how about that?”
“If you keep it up, I won’t talk to you anymore.”
“All right, all right, I won’t tease. Did Han da shaoye come today?”
Gu Mei’s cheeks flushed faintly as she gave the tiniest nod. “He did.”
Gu Jiu grinned. “That’s wonderful. Mei jiejie, since your wish has come true, you must drink a few extra cups later.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll drink three!”
“You said it yourself – so when the banquet comes, don’t blame me for not going easy on you.”
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