“Guniang, it’s time to leave.”
It was almost noon when Qing Mei, daringly, walked into the back courtyard to remind Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu nodded to Qing Mei, signaling her not to worry.
Then she turned to Liu Zhao and said, “I should go now.”
“I’ll see you off.”
“No!”
Gu Jiu stopped him.
Liu Zhao felt slightly offended at being dismissed again.
Gu Jiu said, “You’re too conspicuous. If someone sees us together, it could cause trouble.”
“You and I are engaged. What’s the harm in being together?”
Gu Jiu rolled her eyes discreetly. “It may be no problem for you, but I don’t want trouble. Today you’ve already caused me a major inconvenience, do you plan to drag me into more? If you can’t even show this little consideration, why should I willingly marry you?”
Liu Zhao’s expression turned cold. “That’s nonsense. Everything bengongzi suffered in terms of being rejected has all come from you.”
Gu Jiu lowered her head and smiled. “You chose me; I didn’t pester you. Regret it? Then find a way to have His Majesty revoke the decree.”
Liu Zhao snorted. “I know you want to escape bengongzi, but that’s just a dream. Focus on preparing for marriage. At the end of the year, bengongzi will take you as my wife.”
Gu Jiu rolled her eyes again, stood up, and prepared to leave.
Liu Zhao also stood. “How will you explain going back in such a mess?”
Gu Jiu looked down at her dirt-streaked clothes. Indeed, she was a mess. “I’ll just say I accidentally fell into the ditch. I brought a change of clothes, so you don’t need to worry about me.”
Liu Zhao suggested, “Why not change before leaving?”
Gu Jiu shook her head. “If I change first, I won’t have an explanation when I return. Farewell! And remember, don’t cause me any more trouble.”
She refused his good intentions and departed, escorted by Zhao San along with her maid and servant.
Liu Zhao watched Gu Jiu leave, a smile tugging at his lips. She had dared to threaten him, how amusing.
His intuition had been correct: such an interesting woman should be married and kept under his watchful eye every day.
Gu Jiu returned to her wing in disarray, requiring some explanation and cover.
Learning that the trio had slipped into a ditch, Xie shi took the opportunity to scold them a little:
“A grown woman, and you can’t even walk properly. What can we expect of you?”
Gu Jiu smiled slightly, unfazed by Xie shi’s words.
Zhang shi said, “Er yatou, quickly change your clothes. Seeing you like this hurts me. Did you get hurt from the fall?”
“Thank you for your concern, da bomu. I’m fine.”
“That’s good, that’s good.”
Gu Jiu managed to get out of the situation smoothly.
The maid brought hot water, and she washed thoroughly, changing into clean clothes and feeling refreshed.
The vegetarian meal at Xiangguo Temple at noon had indeed lived up to its reputation, delicious, even surpassing the offerings at Tianmen Temple in the northwest.
After eating and resting briefly, everyone set off back to the residence.
August weather alternated between hot and cool, and everyone switched between summer and autumn clothes.
Time flew, and soon Gu Yue’s wedding day arrived.
Three days before the wedding, Xie shi visited the ancestral hall to see Gu Yue for the first time since the incident.
The ancestral hall doors opened slowly, letting light in.
Xie shi stepped over the threshold.
Gu Yue sat cross-legged on the mat, facing the ancestral tablets of the Gu family.
Hearing the movement, she turned her head.
Seeing Xie shi, she was momentarily surprised, but quickly regained her composure.
Xie shi’s expression was unreadable as she stared at Gu Yue. Gu Yue had fully recovered from her injuries, though she had lost weight. Her small, delicate face and large, expressive eyes stood out.
“After all this time reflecting, have you truly repented?”
Gu Yue’s voice was hoarse. “Mother, are you here just to see if this daughter has repented?”
Xie shi frowned. “The wedding is only a few days away. It’s time for you to come out.”
Gu Yue’s hand trembled, but she feigned nonchalance. “Time passes so fast! Da jiejie must have already married off, right?”
Xie shi nodded. “Stand up. I’ll take you out. Once you return to your room, prepare properly. At Haixi bo fu, remember to follow the rules.”
Gu Yue silently rose and bowed to Xie shi. “Thank you, Mother.”
Xie shi remained silent and turned to leave.
Gu Yue followed quietly, finally exiting the ancestral hall.
The autumn sunlight was blinding. Gu Yue, long deprived of sunlight, smiled widely. She was out, and she was about to be married into Haixi bo fu.
On the way, she returned to the Zizhu Yuan.
Just as she was about to step through the gate, she suddenly looked back. She saw Gu Shan.
Gu Shan stood among the flowers, her expression cold as she watched Gu Yue’s back.
It was the first time Gu Yue had seen Gu Shan since the incident, and her heart fluttered nervously.
A cool breeze blew, rustling the hem of her dress.
Gu Yue clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and walked upright into the courtyard.
Since Gu Shan had survived, Gu Yue no longer felt indebted.
Even the differences in dowry were enough to offset any perceived debt.
In short, she owed no one.
On the day of adding the dowry, relatives and friends arrived.
Some knew about Gu Yue’s arson, while others knew nothing.
Hence, the atmosphere during the dowry preparations was somewhat cold.
Gu Jiu and the others, as sisters, only offered minor gestures of goodwill. The carefully prepared gifts were all set aside and replaced with simple needlework.
For a ruthless person like Gu Yue, there was no need to give her face.
Looking at the small purses, handkerchiefs, and ordinary needlework brought by her sisters, Gu Yue let out a cold smile. A flash of ruthlessness passed through her eyes, though her expression remained indifferent.
Gu Lin whispered softly, “San jiejie really can endure.”
Gu Jiu said, “She’s getting married tomorrow, of course she has to endure it.”
On the day of the grand wedding, according to Xie shi’s original plan, forty tables were arranged for the banquet.
These forty tables were not for Gu Yue herself, but for the prestige of the Gu family.
When a di daughter of the Gu family got married, the appearance of the event had to be impressive.
As for what people were thinking in their hearts, the Gu family could not control that. The priority was simply to send Gu Yue off properly.
No one came to the bridal chamber to see her off; Gu Yue waited alone until the auspicious hour.
When bidding farewell to her parents, Gu daren wore a stern expression, extremely serious.
“Once you arrive at Haixi bo fu, live properly and don’t cause trouble.”
Gu Yue lowered her head and accepted the words in silence.
Xie shi also said, “Follow the rules. Don’t behave as you do at home, indulging yourself in everything.”
Gu Yue’s face showed no hint of joy, nor any sadness at leaving her family.
She said expressionlessly, “Thank you for your guidance, Father and Mother. Goodbye.”
Gu daren waved his hand. Just get her married off quickly.
Xie shi also turned her gaze away, not looking at Gu Yue.
The atmosphere was awkward.
Gu Cheng stepped forward. “San meimei, I’ll carry you out.”
“Thank you, san ge.”
Gu Yue leaned on Gu Cheng, clenching her fists.
Gu Cheng silently escorted Gu Yue into the bridal sedan and finally said, “Take good care of yourself.”
“Is gege is sending me off?” Gu Yue tried to mask her inner tension.
Gu Cheng nodded. “Of course I will. You’re my sister; I have to make sure it’s done properly.”
Gu Yue exhaled in relief. Fortunately, there was someone willing to maintain appearances for her.
“Thank you, gege.”
“You’re welcome.”
The bridal sedan departed, and everyone watched it leave.
“She’s finally married off, just as she wished,” Gu Shan muttered.
Gu Jiu comforted her, “Don’t be upset.”
Gu Shan shook her head. “I’m not upset.”
She was waiting for the ceremonial return visit on the third day, hoping to see Gu Yue’s downfall. She truly hoped to witness Gu Yue’s humiliation.
This time, heaven must not favor Gu Yue.
With Gu Yue gone from the household, the air seemed gentler.
On the day of the third-day return visit, Gu Shan got up early.
She asked a maid, “When do you think Gu Yue will return?”
“Guniang, nubi estimates it will take another hour or two.”
At midday, when the kitchen began preparing the feast, Gu Yue and Zhao erlang finally arrived at the Gu residence.
Upon receiving the report, even Xie shi, who had decided to give up on Gu Yue, became nervous.
Everyone gathered in the Flower Hall to see the newlyweds.
Gu Shan’s hands trembled. She must not, must not be disappointed.
When Gu Yue and Zhao erlang were led into the hall, Gu Shan instinctively grabbed Gu Jiu’s wrist.
Gu Jiu glanced at her and whispered, “Si meimei, are you nervous?”
“No, no.”
Gu Shan realized she had lost composure and hurriedly released Gu Jiu’s hand.
Her gaze fixed tightly on Gu Yue.
Gu Yue was heavily made up today, her face thickly powdered.
A smile played on her lips, giving the appearance of happiness and contentment.
“Greetings to Father and Mother.”
“Greetings to Father-in-law and Mother-in-law.”
Zhao erlang had a handsome face. At first glance, he looked like a good match.
However, considering Zhao erlang’s reputation outside, even a handsome face would be discounted.
Xie shi asked a few concerned questions, and Gu Yue answered appropriately.
Gu daren sat for a while, then said, “I’ll take the son-in-law to the outer courtyard for a chat.”
Xie shi nodded, “Go ahead, laoye.”
Though the couple had privately torn their relationship apart, in public they still had to maintain the appearance of harmony.
Zhao erlang followed Gu daren to the outer courtyard.
Only Gu Yue remained in the Flower Hall.
Xie shi then asked the key question, “Did Haixi bo fu give you any trouble?”
Gu Yue shook her head. “Thank you, Mother, for your concern. They did not give me any trouble.”
“And Zhao erlang? Has he treated you well?”
Gu Yue held a handkerchief to her lips and smiled. “Naturally, very well.”
Really?
Xie shi continued, “I see you look a little tired. Are you weary?”
Gu Yue lowered her eyes slightly and said, “Yesterday was all about recognizing relatives, going back and forth, running around all day. I didn’t rest well at night either, so I’m a little tired.”
Xie shi nodded. “Since you’re tired, you should remind your husband to care for you a bit. Young couples shouldn’t overdo it.”
“Thank you for your concern, Mother.”
Xie shi then asked about the situation at Haixi bo fu, and Gu Yue answered each question in turn.
Gu Shan kept a close eye on Gu Yue’s reactions, trying to find any trace of discomfort or unease, and indeed, she noticed something off.
Every time Gu Yue smiled or made a big expression, her eyebrows and eyes twitched slightly.
Gu Yue hadn’t had this habit before.
Gu Shan’s suspicion grew, and she began forming a plan.
“Taitai, the banquet is ready.”
A maid came in to report.
Xie shi smiled. “I didn’t expect us to talk so long. Let’s go eat.”
The banquet was arranged in the smaller hall, right outside the door.
During the banquet, everyone was polite and made a point of toasting Gu Yue.
Gu Yue accepted all the toasts, drinking quite a bit.
Halfway through, Gu Shan stood with her wine cup and came to Gu Yue’s side.
“San jiejie, I’d like to toast you.”
Everyone fell silent, watching the two sisters.
Could they really let go of their past grudges?
Gu Jiu shook her head slowly. Clearly, letting go of grudges was impossible. Gu Shan still hated Gu Yue in her heart. Her act of toasting was likely not about the wine but something else entirely.
Gu Yue looked up at Gu Shan. “Si meimei, you don’t blame me anymore?”
“Of course I blame you. But after all, we are sisters, and so much time has passed. Would san jiejie still hold a grudge and refuse a drink?”
Gu Yue lifted her cup. “Si meimei, you misunderstand. I’m actually very happy you’re toasting me.”
Gu Shan immediately smiled. “San jiejie, come, let’s drink together.”
After saying that, Gu Shan grabbed Gu Yue’s hand to drink, but accidentally, both cups spilled all over Gu Yue.
“Oh no, the wine spilled! San jiejie, I didn’t mean it, don’t be angry. I’ll wipe it up.”
Gu Shan hurriedly took out a handkerchief to clean it.
Gu Yue’s face darkened, and she pushed Gu Shan away. “It’s just wine. It’s fine. Si meimei, don’t be so tense.”
Gu Shan insisted, “How can I not be tense? If others think I did this on purpose, it would ruin san jiejie’s face. I’ll clean it for you.”
Gu Shan used the damp handkerchief to wipe Gu Yue’s face.
Gu Yue quickly blocked her hand. “I said don’t!”
“You can’t leave your face dirty.”
“Step away.”
Gu Yue shoved her hard. Gu Shan lost her footing and fell to the ground.
The air suddenly went still.
The atmosphere froze.
Smack!
Xie shi slammed her hand on the table. “Gu Yue, what on earth is going on?”
Gu Yue was furious but silent.
“Ah…”
Gu Shan suddenly screamed, startling everyone.
She pointed at Gu Yue’s face, full of fear. “San jiejie, what happened to your face?”
The thick makeup on Gu Yue’s face had been wiped off a patch by Gu Shan, revealing bruised, purplish skin underneath.
Everyone’s eyes immediately went to Gu Yue’s face.
A large purple bruise.
This wasn’t an allergy, it was clearly from being hit.
The rumors about Zhao erlang’s temper were indeed true.
Gu Jiu stepped forward and examined the injury on Gu Yue’s forehead carefully.
Gu Yue hurriedly covered her head. “What are you looking at?”
Zhang shi asked, “San yatou, tell the truth, did Zhao erlang hit you?”
Xiao Zhang shi also said, “San meimei, don’t be afraid. If you tell us, we’ll stand up for you.”
Gu Yue held her head and said, “It’s nothing. You all misunderstood. I was too tired yesterday and accidentally fell.”
“Really?” Xie shi questioned.
Gu Yue nodded heavily.
Gu Jiu glanced at the maid, Putao, who avoided her gaze and looked guilty.
It seemed the injury on Gu Yue’s head wasn’t really from falling accidentally.
Gu Shan got up from the floor, laughing inside until tears came to her eyes.
Heaven has eyes, heaven has eyes indeed.
This was exactly the marriage Gu Yue had schemed for, a good match, perfect.
No better revenge could exist; it was fully satisfying.
Gu Shan put on a face of concern. “San jiejie, you’ve been wronged. I’ll go to Father and tell him myself. Father must properly punish Zhao erlang.”
“Don’t go,” Gu Yue scolded. “I already said I fell by accident. Don’t interfere.”
“How can I not interfere? San jiejie just married into Haixi bo fu a few days ago. Even if it was an accident, isn’t Zhao jiefu responsible?”
Gu Yue glared at Gu Shan. “You did this on purpose, didn’t you? You just want to see me make a fool of myself, right?”
“Gu Yue, watch your words. Shan’er cares about you, you shouldn’t say that to her,” Xie shi reprimanded.
Gu Yue smiled coldly and pointed at Gu Shan. “You did this on purpose. Spilling wine ‘accidentally’ and ‘helpfully’ wiping it, you clearly meant to make me look foolish.”
Gu Shan began to cry. “Good deeds are never rewarded. I tried to help san jiejie, and she accuses me like this.”
Gu Yue, furious, shouted, “Shut up! Stop pretending!”
“Enough both of you,” Xie shi said sternly. “Gu Yue, go clean yourself first. The rest can wait.”
Gu Yue, still furious, was dragged away by a maid.
The banquet could no longer continue.
Zhang shi said, “That Zhao erlang is utterly shameless. Dimei, what will you do?”
Xie shi’s face darkened. “This marriage was Gu Yue’s own doing. Now that she’s married to Zhao erlang, what can be done?”
Gu Shan wiped her tears. “He still needs to be disciplined, or he’ll think people from the Gu fu are easy to bully.”
Xie shi looked at Gu Shan. “Shan’er, go back to your room. Don’t interfere in this matter.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Gu Shan obeyed obediently, her goal had been achieved. Whether she took part in what followed no longer mattered.
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