Xie shi was chatting happily with Xie da taitai.
However, the moment Gu Jiu entered the room, the atmosphere turned silent.
How awkward!
The air in the room felt suffocating.
Gu Jiu, unfazed, walked forward with a smile. “Greetings to taitai, greetings to jiu taitai.”
Xie da taitai looked at Gu Jiu, sizing her up. “So this is er guniang of the household? She’s truly beautiful.”
Xie shi smiled. “Yes, she is my er guniang, named Jiu.”
With their conversation, the suffocating tension in the room eased, and everyone smiled.
Gu Zhen and Gu Lin followed suit and greeted the elders.
Xie shi smiled gently. “It’s good that you’re here. These are your cousins from the Xie family. Come and get acquainted.”
Seated beside Xie da taitai were three young ladies and three young men.
After introductions, Gu Jiu learned that the three young men were all from the main branch of the Xie family—Xie dalang and Xie sanlang were di sons, while Xie erlang was shu-born.
As for the three young ladies, the eldest and second were from the main branch, while the third was from the second branch.
Gu Jiu also found out that the entire second branch of the Xie family had moved to the capital.
She then introduced herself, Gu Zhen and Gu Lin to their Xie cousins.
The Xie family had distinct features—both men and women were generally not very tall. The young ladies were fair-skinned and slightly plump.
The young men also had a chubby appearance, though not excessively so—just a bit round-faced.
After everyone got to know each other, Xie shi and Xie da taitai resumed their conversation.
Xie da taitai chuckled. “Gu taitai truly has good fortune. Your daughters are all beautiful and dignified. Especially Yue’er—once I laid eyes on her, I couldn’t look away.”
Gu Yue lowered her head, appearing a bit shy.
Xie shi smiled. “Yue’er has been lovely since childhood—sensible and considerate. How could I not dote on her?”
Xie da taitai laughed. “Gu taitai is right. A girl only stays in her natal home for a little over ten years; she should be cherished. But, of course, she still needs proper education. Like my Yuan’er—she’s been learning household management since childhood and can now handle everything on her own.”
Xie shi glanced at the eldest Xie daughter, Xie Yuan.
Xie Yuan, a di daughter, had a round face and a slightly plump figure. When Xie shi’s gaze landed on her, Xie Yuan instinctively straightened her posture.
Xie shi smiled. “Yuan’er is indeed a fine child. You truly have a talent for raising children. All your daughters are poised, intelligent and capable. Unlike mine, who are still childish and throw little tantrums from time to time.”
Xie da taitai laughed. “Oh, don’t say that, gu taitai! Your children are excellent. Take liulang, for example—I heard of his literary talent even when you were still in the northwest. Liulang, have you found a teacher since returning to the capital?”
Gu Cheng had been sitting quietly with his head slightly lowered, not saying a word.
Only when Xie da taitai asked did he look up and reply, “Da jiumu, I haven’t yet. However, my eldest uncle at the neighbouring hou fu has arranged for me to study at Xishan Academy.”
Xie da taitai smiled. “Xishan Academy is good, but it can’t compare to studying under a great scholar.”
Xie shi raised an eyebrow.
A few days ago, when she took the children to visit the Xie family, Xie da laoye had mentioned introducing liulang to a renowned scholar.
To be honest, she was tempted.
She was pinning all her hopes on her two sons for the rest of her life.
Her younger son was still mischievous, and it was too early to tell with him.
But her elder son, Gu Cheng, was exceptional in his studies and self-disciplined.
If he could become a disciple of a great scholar, he could save at least five to eight years of struggle. In the imperial exams, he might even secure a top ranking.
That was just the obvious benefit.
The hidden advantage was the scholar’s network. As long as there were no unexpected mishaps, Gu Cheng could inherit these connections.
Navigating the officialdom depended on one’s network.
If Gu Cheng could inherit such connections, his career wouldn’t necessarily be smooth sailing, but it would certainly be easier than most.
Xie shi was deeply tempted. When Xie da laoye tried to persuade her last time, she almost agreed.
However, considering Gu daren’s stance, she had only said she would think about it after returning home. She hadn’t given an immediate answer.
Now, with Xie da taitai bringing it up again, Xie shi started contemplating once more.
Last time, Xie da laoye had spoken in a rather vague manner. With her limited education, Xie shi hadn’t fully understood.
She also hadn’t dared to consult Gu daren.
After all, she didn’t even grasp what was being proposed. If she recklessly brought it up, she might just anger him for no reason.
Her husband allowing her to maintain ties with her natal family was already a huge concession.
Xie shi was tactful—before anything was confirmed, she wouldn’t bring it up.
She said, “Dasao is right. Studying under a great scholar would indeed be ideal. But laoye has already made arrangements for liulang’s education, so I dare not interfere.”
Gu Cheng glanced around, his expression shifting slightly, but he remained silent.
Xie da taitai covered her lips with a smile. “Gu taitai misunderstands. Not just anyone can study under a great scholar. These scholars have strong tempers and strict standards for their disciples. Liulang would have to pass several rounds of tests—it wouldn’t be any easier than the imperial exams. If liulang is willing, his uncle is willing to recommend him. But whether he succeeds depends on his own abilities.”
Hearing this, Xie shi knew she couldn’t avoid the topic any longer.
She turned to Gu Cheng. “Liulang, what do you think?”
Gu Cheng pressed his lips together, his expression serious.
Gu Jiu suddenly realised she hadn’t seen Gu Cheng smile in a long time.
He was growing more and more like a young adult—his youth was barely over, yet he was already conducting himself like a seasoned man.
Gu Cheng said, “I still wish to study at Xishan Academy. I’ve looked into it—the headmaster there is already a well-respected scholar.”
Xie da taitai said, “Xishan Academy has all sorts of students—poor scholars and noble heirs alike. The social circles there are complicated. Liulang, you’ve just returned from the northwest and don’t know many people in the capital. If you enter Xishan Academy, you may find it hard to adapt.”
Gu Cheng looked at her. “Thank you for your concern, da jiumu, but my mind is made up. I will not change my decision.”
Xie da taitai was taken aback—she hadn’t expected Gu Cheng to be so stubborn. Even the title of a great scholar’s disciple couldn’t tempt him. He was determined to attend Xishan Academy.
For a moment, she was embarrassed. But then she smiled again. “Liulang is ambitious—very good, very good. Your uncle has connections at Xishan Academy. If you study there, he can arrange for some support.”
Gu Cheng bowed slightly. “Thank you for the kind offer, but that won’t be necessary. The hou fu has already made arrangements for me.”
Xie da taitai furrowed her brows slightly and turned to look at Xie shi, as if asking, meimei, what’s up with your son? He speaks so bluntly—did we do something to offend him?
Xie shi wasn’t sure what was going on with Gu Cheng either.
Just as she was considering how to smooth over the awkward moment, Gu Cheng stood up. “Mother, jiumu, meimei, please continue your conversation. I will take my cousins to the outer courtyard for a chat.”
Xie shi was at a loss for words. In the end, she simply nodded and said, “You are all men, and you probably don’t have the patience to listen to our household chatter. Fine, go to the outer courtyard. It’s more comfortable there.”
Gu Cheng nodded slightly, called upon his Xie family cousins, and left the Furong Yuan.
Once they were gone, only the women remained in the room.
Xie da taitai became much more casual with her words.
“Gu taitai, your son liulang isn’t that young anymore. Has a marriage been arranged for him?”
Xie shi shook her head. “Not a single one of my children has had their marriage settled yet.”
“If this goes on, won’t it delay their future?”
Xie shi said, “It’s fine for boys to marry a bit later. What worries me most are Yue’er and the other girls. Their marriages still have no progress.”
Ma shi glanced over at Gu Zhen, Gu Jiu, and Gu Yue.
Currently, the three of them were of marriageable age, so it was important to settle their matches quickly.
Suddenly, Ma shi asked, “Gu taitai, what do you think of my children?”
Xie shi was momentarily bewildered, not fully grasping Ma shi’s meaning.
Ma shi, being rather straightforward, directly said, “What do you think of marrying into our families? Three children—Xie Shi, Xie Ding, and Xie Ning—gu taitai, you can pick whichever you like.”
Xie shi’s mouth twitched, feeling somewhat exasperated.
Her sister-in-law was simply too tactless, the same as always.
She couldn’t help but pity her elder brother.
Ma shi came from an unremarkable background. Her father had been a minor official at the city gate, earning a decent income, but his family’s expenses were high, and they always struggled financially by the end of the year.
Ma shi’s father and Xie laoyezi had been close friends. Though they weren’t blood brothers, they were as good as family, always helping each other out.
When it came time for Xie shi’s elder brother, Xie Mao, to marry, Xie laoyezi immediately decided, “He’ll marry the Ma family’s daughter. Our Xie family is a small household, so it’s best to find a match of equal status.”
At that time, the Ma family and the Xie family were indeed well-matched.
The only advantage the Xie family had was that they weren’t in debt.
However, the real reason Xie laoyezi chose the Ma family was because, years ago, a passing monk had seen young Ma shi and remarked that she had a fortunate fate—she would suffer hardships early in life but would later bring prosperity to her family and husband.
Xie laoyezi had never forgotten those words.
Besides, Ma shi was indeed capable—she managed household affairs both inside and out with great efficiency. Bringing her into the family seemed like an excellent choice.
Soon enough, Ma shi married Xie Mao.
Within just a few years, the Xie family’s fortunes turned around.
Xie shi was taken in as a concubine by Gu daren, while Xie Mao, through careful manoeuvring, managed to secure a position in the Eastern Palace, serving the Crown Prince.
From then on, the Xie family’s status soared.
At that time, many people whispered that Ma shi was unworthy of Xie Mao.
Xie Mao himself had considered divorcing her.
But Xie laoyezi put a stop to it.
He reasoned bluntly, “Ever since you married her, our family’s fortunes have risen. Now, you’ve secured a position in the Eastern Palace. It’s clear that Ma shi truly brings prosperity to the family—just as that monk predicted. If you divorce her, I’ll be the first to oppose it. And your rivals in court will certainly use it against you, making it an excuse to drag you down.”
Xie Mao felt resentful.
His colleagues all had cultured and graceful wives, women from distinguished backgrounds, educated and well-mannered.
Only his wife, Ma shi, was crude and unpolished—barely literate, unable to speak eloquently, and a constant embarrassment.
But in the end, he heeded Xie laoyezi’s words.
Whether or not Ma shi truly brought good fortune was uncertain.
However, since marrying her, his family had indeed prospered—this was undeniable.
Moreover, Ma shi had borne him children, with their firstborn being a son.
Xie laoyezi continued to persuade him:
“I know what you want. You want a beautiful woman. You can’t divorce your wife, but you can take concubines—beautiful concubines. Ma shi is a virtuous woman. If you want concubines, she’ll surely agree.”
And so, Xie Mao abandoned thoughts of divorce and instead filled his house with concubines. One after another, young and beautiful concubines entered his household.
His rear court became so crowded that he had to move to a larger residence to accommodate them all.
Any concubine who bore children was allowed to stay. Those who did not were dismissed.
Through all these years, the Xie family’s rear court had never lacked women.
Xie shi observed Ma shi, noting that she looked quite well, without a trace of sorrow or resentment.
It truly seemed as if she didn’t care about those concubines at all.
Xie shi sneered inwardly, feeling contemptuous toward her.
If a woman couldn’t even control her own husband, what was the point?
“Gu taitai, can you give me an answer?”
Seeing that Xie shi remained silent, Ma shi pressed her for a response.
Xie shi coughed lightly, once again finding her sister-in-law distasteful.
After all, Ma shi held a noble title, yet her words and actions remained utterly uncouth.
Xie shi asked, “Dasao, were you serious about what you just said?”
Ma shi shook her head repeatedly. “How could I joke about the children’s marriages? Gu taitai, please don’t jest.”
Xie shi then asked, “Does da ge know about this?”
Ma shi nodded enthusiastically. “Your da ge fully supports the idea. He also hopes that our two families can form a marriage alliance.”
Xie shi furrowed her brows.
She first looked at the three Xie sisters, then at Gu Yue and the others.
Finally, she said, “A child’s marriage is an important matter and must be considered carefully.”
Ma shi, however, said, “Our two families know each other well, so what is there to worry about? Could it be that gu taitai looks down on my sons? If so, how about I marry Yuan’er into your family instead?”
“Mother, what are you saying?!” Xie Yuan was nearly in tears.
Her mother had started off speaking properly, tactfully. But the moment her brothers left, she reverted to her usual self, revealing her coarse nature.
Xie Yuan felt utterly embarrassed and ashamed, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into.
Gu Yue lowered her head, full of disdain. So this was her aunt? She had initially held some expectations, but it turned out that the rumours were true—her aunt was indeed vulgar and lacked refinement.
As for her Xie family cousins, they were all unattractive and chubby.
Comparing them, the only good-looking one in this generation of the Xie family was Xie Xian.
However, Xie Xian was known for his bad character—an idle scoundrel, unfit to be a good husband.
Gu Jiu openly scrutinised Ma shi and the three Xie sisters.
Ma shi dressed richly, but her taste was poor, making her look gaudy.
The three Xie sisters had round faces—not exactly beautiful, but not ugly either. Just by appearance, they seemed easy to get along with.
Ma shi paid no attention to Xie Yuan’s complaints.
She simply said, “I’m thinking about your future.”
Xie Yuan stomped her foot—she didn’t want her mother to make decisions for her.
If they weren’t currently visiting someone else’s home, she would have run away already.
Xie shi cleared her throat and said, “Yue’er, Shan’er, take your sisters to the side room to play. I have things to discuss with your jiumu.”
Xie Yuan sighed in relief—finally, she could escape this awkward situation.
The girls left the main hall and went to a side room to talk.
They exchanged glances, all feeling somewhat awkward.
Xie Yuan hurriedly explained, “Yue meimei, Shan meimei, don’t take my mother’s words seriously. My father didn’t say anything about this before we left today. It’s all my mother’s own idea.”
Gu Yue smiled and said, “Yuan jiejie, no need to be nervous. We understand.”
But Gu Shan asked, “Are you sure jiujiu really has no intention of arranging a marriage?”
Xie Yuan hesitated. “I don’t think so.”
Gu Shan frowned. “That’s strange. I heard jiumu always listens to jiujiu. If he hadn’t mentioned it, why would she bring it up in front of everyone?”
Xie Yuan thought for a moment and said, “Maybe it’s just my mother’s wishful thinking. Anyway, don’t take it seriously.”
Suddenly, Gu Jiu asked, “If the two families were to marry, who would be the one to go? Or who would marry into the Gu family?”
The room fell silent. Everyone looked at one another.
Gu Yue gritted her teeth and said, “Mother already has plans for my marriage, so it won’t be me.”
Gu Shan added, “I’m still young—I have a few years to wait.”
Gu Zhen said, “The neighbouring hou fu has promised to help arrange my marriage.”
At last, everyone’s gaze landed on Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu raised an eyebrow, half-smiling. “It won’t be me.”
Then, everyone turned their eyes toward the three Xie sisters.
Gu Yue suddenly gasped. “Could it be that liu ge would have to marry Yuan jiejie? Wouldn’t he be suffering a loss, in that case?”
At once, Xie Yuan’s face turned bright red.
Gu Yue belatedly realised what she had said and looked embarrassed.
Gu Shan quickly apologised.
At this point, the conversation could go no further.
Any more, and it would only become even more awkward.
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