When the afternoon had passed, Gu Jiu arrived as invited at Baiyun Monastery, a Daoist temple located in the city.
Baiyun Monastery was but an obscure little temple, with sparse incense and few visitors.
“Greetings, daoist master!”
Gu Jiu saluted when she met the temple master, Master Xuanqing.
Master Xuanqing had a kindly countenance. “Boundless Heavenly Lord, benefactor, please follow this poor daoist.”
[T/N: ‘Boundless Heavenly Lord’ is an incantation or blessing that priests use before speaking.]
With the priest leading the way, Gu Jiu followed behind.
The temple was tranquil, its grounds quiet and sparsely populated – indeed, a perfect place for private conversation.
Perhaps it was for this very reason that Gongzi Zhao had chosen to meet her here.
After crossing the main hall, Master Xuanqing halted and pointed to the rear garden. “Benefactor, please go on by yourself. The one you seek is waiting ahead.”
Having spoken, he turned and departed.
Gu Jiu drew a deep breath and took a step forward.
But Qing Mei suddenly tugged at her sleeve. “Guniang, nothing will happen, right?”
Wang Yi immediately said, “Qing Mei jiejie, don’t worry. With me protecting guniang, nothing will happen.”
Gu Jiu laughed, pinching Qing Mei’s cheek. “You heard her – with Wang Yi by my side, nothing will happen.”
Qing Mei’s expression relaxed somewhat. Embarrassed, she let go of Gu Jiu’s sleeve.
Reassuring her once more, Gu Jiu went straight toward the rear garden.
From outside, the temple seemed small.
But after passing a covered walkway and stepping through a moon gate, she discovered that the interior was anything but small – it was another world entirely.
The back garden was arranged with exquisite care: winding streams crossed by arched bridges, miniature rockeries, and pavilions, resembling a Jiangnan landscape.
From within one pavilion came the sound of a qin.
Gu Jiu paused, quietly listening to the melody.
“Since Gu guniang is here, why not come in?”
A cool male voice drifted from the pavilion.
Gu Jiu froze for a moment. This voice… why did it sound so familiar?
Thinking she must have misheard, she pushed the thought aside and continued forward.
The pavilion was enclosed by folding screens. Outside, she saw seven or eight guards in fitted attire.
An neishi approached her. “Gu guniang, gongzi has been waiting for some time. Please.”
Gu Jiu inclined her head. “Many thanks, gonggong.”
Lin Shuping chuckled. “I dare not accept the title of gonggong. Please, Gu guniang.”
Ascending the steps, Gu Jiu entered, the qin music still flowing.
But Lin Shuping raised his hand to stop Qing Mei and the others. “Gongzi values tranquillity. Only Gu guniang may enter. Why don’t you all wait here with me?”
Qing Mei grew anxious. “Guniang?”
Turning back, Gu Jiu waved her hand. “Don’t worry about me.”
If Gongzi Zhao wished to play tricks, he had no need for such theatrics.
She turned a corner and entered the pavilion from the sheltered side.
“It’s you!” For a moment, Gu Jiu was stunned to see the man seated within.
Liu Zhao set aside the qin and gestured invitingly. “Gu guniang, please sit.”
Suddenly enlightened, Gu Jiu finally understood why Gongzi Zhao had named her specifically for this meeting.
So Gongzi Zhao was the very Liu gongzi she had met in the northwest.
She had thought herself a nameless nobody, yet without her knowledge, back then she had already entered his notice.
The world was indeed small.
Seeing her dazed, Liu Zhao raised a brow slightly. “Gu guniang seems quite surprised to see me.”
Gu Jiu nodded. “Truly surprised.”
She sat down across from him.
A maid entered, served tea, removed the qin, and in the next instant disappeared silently.
Liu Zhao smiled faintly. “I thought you had already guessed bengongzi’s identity, which was why you avoided me as if fleeing a plague.”
Gu Jiu gave a self-deprecating smile. “I guessed at one part, but not the other. I only thought you were of the imperial clan. I never imagined you were Gongzi Zhao, the eldest di son of Ning wang, and nephew of Lu hou. But now that your identity is revealed, all the mysteries fall neatly into place.”
Liu Zhao inclined his head. “Have some tea.”
Obediently, Gu Jiu lifted the cup and took a sip.
It was fine tea indeed – from the taste, it should be winter harvest leaves from this very year.
Setting the cup down, Gu Jiu asked directly, “What will it take for you to release my father?”
Liu Zhao raised a brow, his expression inscrutable.
Unfazed, Gu Jiu continued, “You chose to bring your report to the Prefect’s yamen because you knew my father was newly appointed and unfamiliar with the situation. From that moment, the case spiralled out of control under your manipulation – from the Xue family to the Eastern Palace. My father was but a puppet on your strings, unable to resist, forced to act according to your will.
“Gongzi, my father has already fulfilled his purpose. He has fired the arrow you wanted at the Eastern Palace’s bullseye. Now, shouldn’t you release him from the Imperial Prison?”
Expressionless, Liu Zhao asked coolly, “Gu guniang is truly clever and perceptive. Then tell me – why would bengongzi personally report the case at the yamen?”
Gu Jiu arched a brow, smiling coldly. “Naturally to place my father under pressure. A newly appointed official, confronted with a case reported personally by gongzi – how could he dare handle it lightly? He would be forced to treat it with utmost seriousness. And so, everything went exactly as you wished.”
Liu Zhao lowered his head with a faint smile. “In Gu guniang’s eyes, is bengongzi truly so insidious and vile?”
Gu Jiu pressed her lips together. “Whether you are or not – surely you yourself know best.”
Liu Zhao shook his head and lifted his teacup to drink. He neither said he would release Gu daren, nor did he outright refuse Gu Jiu.
The air fell silent.
Gu Jiu felt a trace of panic. Could it be that Gongzi Zhao had summoned her not to negotiate?
She lowered her head, carefully replaying every movement Liu Zhao had made since their meeting, analysing in detail, hoping to discern some clue from his expression.
“Gu guniang seems rather nervous?”
At last, Liu Zhao spoke – yet his words seemed entirely unrelated, at least to Gu Jiu’s ears.
Gu Jiu lifted her head and met his gaze directly. “Gongzi called me here – for what reason?”
Liu Zhao laughed.
Gu Jiu had always known he was handsome, but she had not expected his smile to be so striking – warm, with a touch of kindness, so different from his usual aloof demeanour, almost like two entirely separate people.
“It is rare,” Liu Zhao said, “but Gu guniang has finally asked the one question that ought to be asked today.”
At that, Gu Jiu’s face flushed crimson.
Yet Liu Zhao’s expression was cold and unreadable. “When Gu guniang returns to the fu, please deliver a greeting to Gu laoyezi on bengongzi’s behalf.”
Gu Jiu blinked in confusion. What had Gu laoyezi to do with this?
Liu Zhao provided the answer.
“And also ask him on bengongzi’s behalf – when will he deliver the item to bengongzi? Bengongzi’s patience is limited; I do not like to be kept waiting.”
Gu Jiu’s face shifted between shock and suspicion.
“Gongzi knows my laoyezi?”
Liu Zhao gave a slight nod, his tone flat. “We have met a few times, spoken twice. This matter, I must insist that Gu guniang see it through. Otherwise, bengongzi can only pay a visit to Gu laoyezi in person.”
The threat was clear in his words.
Gu Jiu did not flare up – instead, her whole body went cold.
Just what had Gu laoyezi hidden, to make Liu Zhao covet it so?
And the way he had spoken, threatening to personally call upon Gu laoyezi…
From that alone, Gu Jiu could tell: Liu Zhao’s presence at the Gu fu would be a calamity, not a blessing. The moment he stepped through their gates, the entire capital would take notice, and the Gu fu would instantly become a target.
In the bitter winter, Gu Jiu broke out in a cold sweat.
She did not know what her laoyezi was concealing. And precisely because she did not know, the fear only grew.
Her tongue flicked across her lips unconsciously.
Her mouth was dry, lips cracked.
She raised the teacup and drank in one gulp. Only when she met Liu Zhao’s gaze did she force herself to calm down.
Drawing a deep breath in secret, she warned herself not to let him glimpse her weakness.
Now composed, Gu Jiu looked him in the eye. “I will deliver gongzi’s words. But I still must ask – what must I do for gongzi to release my father?”
“You are certain that it is bengongzi who can save Gu daren?”
Gu Jiu nodded firmly. “This case has been within gongzi’s grasp from the very beginning. I suspect even my father’s imprisonment under imperial edict was part of your plan. I will persuade laoyezi to hand over the item. But in return, gongzi should also show some sincerity.”
Liu Zhao’s eyes narrowed, his cold gaze fixed upon her.
Under that stare, Gu Jiu felt as though plunged into an ice cellar, shivering uncontrollably.
Then she heard him say, “On the first day of the New Year, there will be a palace banquet. Bengongzi expects Gu guniang to conduct herself well then, and not bring disappointment.”
Gu Jiu was stunned. “Palace banquet? How could I possibly attend? I have no such qualification.”
Liu Zhao’s tone remained frosty. “When the time comes, you will have the qualification.”
Gu Jiu studied him warily, unable to guess what medicine he was hiding in his gourd.
“What is it you want me to do?”
“Bengongzi requires nothing special of you. Simply behave properly and fulfil your role.”
Gu Jiu frowned. “I can truly attend the palace banquet?”
Liu Zhao nodded. “Naturally.”
At that, Gu Jiu let out a quiet sigh of relief.
If she could attend the palace banquet, did that not mean Gu daren would soon be released and restored to office? Only then would she be qualified to enter such a gathering.
She lowered her head, biting her lip.
Yet she could not discern Liu Zhao’s true purpose.
Why warn her so deliberately to perform well at the banquet?
Clearly, there was more to it.
Liu Zhao seemed to see right through her doubts.
“Bengongzi’s advice, Gu guniang: do not overthink it. It is only an ordinary palace banquet – no need to make it so complicated.”
Gu Jiu did not believe him for a moment.
If it were truly an ordinary banquet, why emphasise her performance? Too strange.
She suspected Liu Zhao of the darkest designs – for this man would never do anything meaningless.
But he clearly had no wish to discuss further. Lifting his teacup, he gave the signal of dismissal. “Gu guniang, the hour grows late. You should return now. For a young lady, it is best not to linger outside too long.”
Gu Jiu clenched her teeth, then turned and smiled. “Last time in the northwest, when you had Zhao San give me the silver notes, it saved me from desperate straits. I am endlessly grateful.”
Liu Zhao wore an indifferent expression. “That was what you deserved.”
Gu Jiu smiled softly and nodded. “Gongzi take care, I will take my leave. I hope to see my father return safely to the fu as soon as possible.”
Liu Zhao raised his brows and smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying.
Gu Jiu knew that if she wanted Gu daren to return safely, the key lay with the laoyezi.
She rose to her feet and left the pavilion.
As she descended the steps, she saw the guard Zhao San.
When Zhao San spotted Gu Jiu, he grinned broadly, clearly delighted. “Gu guniang, have you been well lately? How did your talk with my gongzi go?”
Gu Jiu returned a slight smile. “Thank you, Guard Zhao, for your concern. And also for arranging today’s meeting.”
Zhao San quickly waved his hands. “Gu guniang need not thank me. It was gongzi who wanted to meet you – it had nothing to do with me.”
“Cough, cough…”
Two coughs echoed from within the pavilion.
Zhao San’s face changed. “Gu guniang, best you head back. I can’t say more.”
Gu Jiu pressed her lips into a smile, glancing back at the pavilion, though of course she saw nothing. Still, she could make a bold guess: clearly, Liu Zhao disliked Zhao San exposing him in front of outsiders.
She could not help but curve her lips upward, her mood bright.
When Qing Mei and the others saw Gu Jiu emerge from the pavilion, they hurried over.
“Guniang, are you all right?”
Gu Jiu shook her head. “I’m fine. Let’s go back.”
“I just saw Zhao San. Could it be that Gongzi Zhao is that Liu gongzi from the northwest?” Qing Mei asked in a hushed, disbelieving tone.
Gu Jiu gave a faint nod. “We’ll talk after we return.”
Qing Mei’s heart tightened. She never would have thought that the Liu gongzi they had met at Tianmen Temple in the northwest turned out to be Ning wang’s di eldest son, Gongzi Zhao.
The thought was too terrifying to dwell on.
When they exited the monastery, Qing Mei’s face was still deathly pale, drawing Erzhuang’s concern.
She shook her head at him. “Hurry and send guniang back to the fu.”
Erzhuang nodded, but couldn’t help asking, “Does guniang want to stop by Shili Alley? Business at the shop is booming. About that assembly-line method you spoke of, I’ve already started looking for people. After the New Year, we can begin.”
Climbing into the ox-cart, Gu Jiu replied calmly, “Next time, if I have the chance, I’ll visit Shili Alley. Today I must return to the fu quickly.”
“Understood. I’ll take guniang back at once.”
Erzhuang drove the cart and dropped Gu Jiu at the rear gate of the Gu fu.
The back gate opened onto a narrow, quiet alley. No one was about.
Gu Jiu alighted, unlocked the gate, and entered the fu.
Xiao Cui had been keeping watch there; when she saw Gu Jiu, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
“Guniang, thank heavens you’ve returned.”
Gu Jiu gave a soft hum. “Any news?”
Xiao Cui shook her head. “The whole fu is worried. If laoye cannot return, what shall we do?”
Pressing her lips together, Gu Jiu spoke firmly, “Don’t worry. Laoye will surely return safely. Where is the laoyezi now?”
Xiao Cui was surprised that Gu Jiu asked about laoyezi. “I haven’t heard any of the concubines say otherwise, so laoyezi should be in his rooms drinking.”
Gu Jiu nodded. Instead of heading to the rear courtyard, she went directly to the outer courtyard to see the laoyezi.
As she reached the courtyard gate, she could already hear laoyezi singing opera, mixed with the laughter of maids.
Gu Jiu frowned in distaste.
“Guniang, it’s foul in there,” said Qing Mei. “You’d best not go in, lest it sully your eyes.”
Gu Jiu shook her head. “No matter. Since returning to the capital, I haven’t paid my respects to laoyezi. This is a fitting chance. Have the gatekeeper pozi announce me, and order all those maids out at once.”
Though unwilling to let Gu Jiu see such an unseemly sight, Qing Mei had no choice. She went to knock and asked the gatekeeper woman to announce Gu Jiu.
The old pozi, cracking melon seeds, glanced at Gu Jiu. “Well, this is rare. How come Er guniang has come today?”
Gu Jiu arched a brow with a smile but said nothing.
Qing Mei quickly slipped her a purse. “Daniang, please report. My guniang is truly filial and wishes to greet laoyezi specially.”
The woman accepted the purse, her expression finally softening. After all, stationed here for half a year, she might never receive such a gift; she was naturally pleased.
“Er guniang wait here. I’ll report to laoyezi. I’ll also clear out those sluts inside.”
“Many thanks, daniang.”
Qing Mei expressed her thanks.
The old woman went in.
Before long, there was a clamour within – maids shrieking, the woman scolding, laoyezi bellowing.
A chaotic scene, easy enough to imagine without seeing.
Soon after, several dishevelled maids rushed out.
Seeing Gu Jiu, they were not embarrassed; rather, they smiled at her openly.
One even greeted her, “Er guniang is here. Why stand outside? Quickly, go in. Laoyezi is waiting.”
“Ptui!”
Xiao Cui, disgusted, spat at them.
The maids grew angry. “You wretched thing! How dare you insult us? I’ll tear your face apart!”
Saying this, they lunged for Xiao Cui’s face.
“What are you standing there for?” Gu Jiu’s face turned stern as she ordered.
Wang Yi rushed forward, grabbed the maids, and flung them to the ground.
“Aiyo, aiyo! They’re killing us!”
Hearing the noise, the old pozi hurried out. Seeing the maids wailing on the ground, she planted her fists on her hips. “Crying, crying! What is this, a funeral?”
Then, with a smile plastered on her face, she turned to Gu Jiu. “Inside is ready, Er guniang. Please go in – laoyezi is waiting. Leave this to me. These sluts are unruly; a beating will set them straight.”
Gu Jiu nodded. “Many thanks, daniang.”
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