Everyone went together to Songhe Hall to pay respects to Wei lao furen.
When Wei lao furen saw the young ladies of both branches gathered together, her face beamed with joy.
“Good, good, very good! I’m glad you’ve all come.”
Among the crowd, her eyes immediately fell on Gu Jiu.
She beckoned with her hand, “Xiao Jiu, come here to Grandmother.”
Gu Jiu stepped forward with a smile, walking to stand before Wei lao furen.
At once, everyone in the room took notice of her.
Wei lao furen clasped Gu Jiu’s hand and chuckled warmly. “I’ve heard you are excellent with accounts, even helping your da bomu check the ledgers.”
“Lao taitai flatters me,” Gu Jiu replied with humility. “Grandniece only has a rough knowledge of accounting.”
Wei lao furen laughed, delighted. “Children nowadays are so modest. Zhang shi, you tell everyone – how is Xiao Jiu with the books?”
Zhang shi immediately smiled. “Xiao Jiu is quick and accurate with accounts, a natural talent for household management.”
As she spoke, she deliberately glanced at the various ladies present, intending to recommend Gu Jiu to them.
She went on, “Just yesterday I handed her the ledgers. She picked up the abacus and began calculating – while the sums added up, the prices were wrong.
“It was something I myself never noticed, but she spotted it at a glance – it was a falsified account book. Thanks to her, we uncovered a parasite in the household. With the recovered silver, I can treat everyone to wine!”
“Haha…”
Laughter rippled through the room.
Wei lao furen joined in heartily. “Didn’t I say so before? I told you this child was capable. Now you all believe me, don’t you?”
The other madams echoed, “Of course, lao furen is never wrong.”
Gu Jiu kept her polite smile.
Yet in her heart she couldn’t shake the feeling that lao furen was…advertising her for marriage prospects.
Wei lao furen meant well, but Gu Jiu truly hadn’t considered marrying so soon.
Lu hou furen gave Gu Jiu a careful once-over and nodded to herself. Not bad, not bad. She’d make a fine match for my third son.
[T/N: Quick recap: Lu hou – the general in the northwest, Pei Ren. Lu hou furen is his wife. Remember the guy who is our ML’s maternal uncle? Father to Gu Jiu’s cross-dressing buddy in Jingzhou, Pei Yun.]
But Zhen guogong furen arched a brow. “Just now, I heard someone say that this Xiao Jiu girl is sickly, raised on medicine jars since childhood. Lao furen, is that true?”
[T/N: Another recap: Zhen guogong is the Empress’ natal family. The previous Zhen guogong was the Empress’ brother and the Emperor’s buddy too. So, as I understand, this Zhen guogong furen is the Empress’ niece-in-law.]
At those words, the room fell so silent that one could hear a pin drop.
Many of the ladies who had just been interested in Gu Jiu’s prospects instantly cooled.
Gu Jiu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Who knew her reputation as a sickly girl could be so useful? Excellent.
Wei lao furen’s eyes swept the room without changing expression, briefly landing on Xie shi.
Xie shi looked all innocence – it truly wasn’t her fault this time. Of course, failing to properly raise Gu Yue was her responsibility.
So Xie shi shot Gu Yue a glare.
Gu Yue kept her head lowered, eyes darting nervously, looking as though she regretted her mistakes.
But inwardly, she was secretly rejoicing.
Serves her right! That old crone is so biased, she only ever had eyes for Gu Jiu. I’m also a legitimate daughter, yet she never looked twice at me. Now let’s see – Gu Jiu’s sickly reputation is out in the open. How will grand-aunt salvage this?
Wei lao furen addressed the ladies: “That’s all old history. Xiao Jiu’s health has long since recovered. Just look at her – where does she resemble an invalid? At their last family banquet, she worked from dawn till night, hosting everyone. She never once complained of fatigue.”
The ladies nodded in agreement – lao furen had a point.
Many of them had indeed attended that banquet. They had personally seen Gu Jiu bustling about without pause, never once asking to rest or showing weakness.
The girl might be slender, but she certainly didn’t look like someone confined to bed year-round.
“I really do like this child, Xiao Jiu. If she were to become my daughter-in-law, I’d be smiling even in my sleep.”
Lu hou furen laughed aloud. Though spoken as a jest, her words carried a very real undertone.
What could Gu Jiu do? She could only play along, showing a shy, bashful smile.
Wei lao furen was delighted someone had voiced support.
“As for Xiao Jiu’s marriage, that is not for me to decide. You’ll have to ask her parents.”
She laughed again after speaking.
Lu hou furen turned to Xie shi. “Gu furen, what do you think?”
Xie shi smiled. “If the hou furen favours Xiao Jiu, that is her good fortune. As for her marriage, there’s no rush, no rush.”
Lu hou furen laughed again. “Then I was too eager. But truly, who could resist liking this girl?”
“That’s right – Xiao Jiu is very much to my liking as well.”
Zhu guogong furen, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up.
In an instant, all eyes turned toward her.
Zhu guogong fu was none other than Wei lao furen’s maiden family – and also the eldest madam, Wei shi’s.
Both women looked momentarily stunned.
Wei shi asked, “Dasao truly likes Xiao Jiu?”
Zhu guogong furen smiled with a faint, ambiguous expression. “I like all girls who are both pretty and capable.”
Wei lao furen chided her playfully, “Don’t you dare compete with me for Xiao Jiu. I still want to keep her by my side a few more years. With such a clever girl around, I’m happy every single day.”
Zhu guogong furen nodded with a smile. “I’ll listen to gumu then.”
The three of them quickly came to an agreement.
The Gu and Wei families had already intermarried for two generations.
No matter how much Zhu guogong furen liked Gu Jiu, the two families could not marry again for a third generation.
Wei lao furen made this point very clear.
Zhu guogong furen also straightforwardly agreed with Wei lao furen – if it came to marriage ties with the Gu family, they would never be mentioned again.
Gu Jiu caught the undercurrents in their words and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, she hadn’t offended anyone.
Xie shi also understood the implication behind Wei lao furen’s words, and her heart sank.
In the past, she had planned to marry Gu Yue into Zhu guogong fu. But after Gu Yue ruined herself, Xie shi gave up on her and instead began scheming to marry Gu Shan into that family.
But judging from what Wei lao furen and Zhu guogong furen had said today, in this generation, the Gu and Wei families absolutely would not form another marital bond.
What now?
Turning this over in her mind, Xie shi’s gaze fell upon the Marchioness of Lu.
If Lu hou furen could think highly of Gu Jiu, then she could surely think highly of Gu Shan too.
Gu Shan was in no way inferior to Gu Jiu – just as clever.
Before Xie shi could think further, Wei lao furen spoke again, and Xie shi set her thoughts aside for later.
Wei lao furen said to Gu Jiu: “Don’t just stand here. Go to the Flower Hall and join the young ladies. Mei yatou, take your younger sisters along.”
Gu Mei smiled and agreed. “Sisters, come with me. Let’s go to the flower hall for tea and conversation.”
The Gu girls followed Gu Mei to the flower hall.
Inside, young ladies from various noble families were chatting idly. Seeing the Gu girls arrive, they all rose to greet them.
Zhao liu guniang quickly went over to Gu Yue. “Yue jiejie, you’re finally here. I’ve been waiting for you for so long.”
Gu Yue was stunned for a moment, but then smiled and took Zhao’s hand. “Zhao meimei, I’ve missed you so much.”
She hadn’t expected that her deliberate flattery last time would truly win her Zhao liu guniang’s friendship. The two began to chatter away, looking for all the world like real sisters.
Gu Zhen secretly observed Gu Yue.
When she saw her chatting happily with Zhao liu guniang, she sneered coldly, then turned to look for Gu Jiu.
After exchanging pleasantries with the crowd, Gu Jiu went outside the hall to admire the plum blossoms.
“Xiao Jiu meimei, why aren’t you inside drinking tea?”
It was Gu Mei, who had followed her out.
Gu Jiu pointed at the blossoms in the garden, smiling. “They’re so beautiful.”
“Do you like plum blossoms, Xiao Jiu meimei?” Gu Mei asked with a smile.
Gu Jiu nodded. “Unafraid of the harsh winter, blooming freely – who wouldn’t like them?”
Gu Mei replied, “Indeed. These blossoms are just like Xiao Jiu meimei. No matter how difficult the circumstances, you always face them with calm.”
Gu Jiu shook her head with a small smile. “If you say that, Mei jiejie, I should be blushing. I’m not nearly as strong as you make me sound.”
She too feared pain, and she too had moments when she cried.
Gu Mei opened her mouth to reply, but before she could, footsteps and startled cries from maids sounded behind them.
Turning, Gu Mei exclaimed in surprise: “Dasao, why did you come out?”
Following the sound, Gu Jiu looked over – what a picture of a proper young madam. Tall and slender, fair-skinned, beautiful.
It was none other than Jia shi, wife of Gu Rui, the eldest young master of the hou fu.
During the past two visits, Gu Jiu had never seen her. She’d heard Jia shi was resting for the sake of her pregnancy and hadn’t gone to disturb her.
Now recognising her, Gu Jiu hurried forward to give her respects. “Greetings, eldest tangsao.”
Jia shi studied her, puzzled for a moment – she hadn’t recognised her right away.
Gu Mei quickly introduced, “Dasao, this is our er meimei from the neighbouring fu, Xiao Jiu.”
Jia shi suddenly understood. “So you are Xiao Jiu. My health has been poor. When you all came before, I couldn’t come out to greet you. That was rude of me – please don’t take offence.”
“Tangsao’s health is what matters most,” Gu Jiu said smoothly, her gaze falling on Jia shi’s slightly rounded belly.
Gu Mei urged her, “Dasao, it’s cold out here. You should go back to your room and rest. If you need anything, just tell a maid.”
Jia shi glanced toward the flower hall. “I heard it was lively here and couldn’t resist coming out for a look. Don’t worry about me, meimei – I’ll just take a glance and then leave.”
Gu Mei hurried to her side, personally supporting her arm. “Dasao, let me accompany you to the hall.”
“I also want to pay my respects to lao furen. I’ve missed several times – such unfilial conduct.”
“Lao furen understands your condition, she won’t blame you. But if anything happens to your health, what then?”
“It’s nothing serious. The taiyi said I should walk about more.”
Jia shi’s expression was light and carefree, dismissing Gu Mei’s worries.
But Gu Mei could not dismiss them.
This pregnancy had been especially difficult.
From the moment she had conceived, she’d been under strict care, three to four months of preservation treatment. Now that the fetus seemed somewhat stable, Gu Mei was determined not to let anything go wrong.
If something happened under her watch, she wouldn’t know how to face her elder brother.
He was so eagerly anticipating this child.
Carefully supporting Jia shi, she walked a little further before suddenly remembering Gu Jiu.
She quickly turned back, saying to Gu Jiu: “Xiao Jiu, once you’ve finished viewing the plum blossoms, remember to return to the flower hall. You can also enjoy the plum blossoms there.”
“Don’t worry about me, Mei jiejie. You go on with your duties.”
Gu Mei was reassured.
Qing Mei sighed quietly. “I didn’t expect it would be so difficult for the young madam to conceive a child.”
Gu Jiu said, “Everyone’s constitution is different. Tangsao’s health is rather weak, so naturally it’s harder for her to get pregnant.”
Because it was so difficult for her to conceive, this child was especially precious.
Not only did she value it herself, but the entire hou fu took it seriously.
Wei lao furen and Wei shi excused her from morning greetings and freed her from household responsibilities.
Wei shi even personally dismissed all those flashy, coquettish maids from Gu Rui’s quarters, lest they upset Jia shi.
All of this was done in hopes that Jia shi could safely deliver the child, adding another heir to the hou fu.
Gu Jiu stamped her feet – it was indeed very cold outside.
She returned to the Flower Hall.
The moment she stepped inside, it felt like spring again. She quickly removed her cloak and handed it to Qing Zhu to hold.
“Er meimei, where have you been? I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”
When Gu Zhen saw Gu Jiu, she hurried over, unable to stop herself from complaining a little.
“I went outside to admire the plum blossoms,” Gu Jiu replied. “What does da jiejie need me for?”
Gu Zhen tugged at Gu Jiu’s sleeve and secretly pointed in Gu Yue’s direction. “Er meimei, look – Gu Yue is clinging to Zhao liu guniang again. The two of them are laughing and chatting as if they’re closer than real sisters.”
Gu Jiu glanced over, gave a casual “oh,” and didn’t care much.
Gu Zhen was surprised – just that reaction?
“If da jiejie has nothing else, I’ll go over there for a bit.”
Pei Man beckoned to Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu walked over. “Greetings, Pei jiejie.”
Pei Man pulled her closer. “I heard that my mother is very pleased with you and even wants to marry you into our family as a daughter-in-law. Xiao Jiu, why don’t you become my sister-in-law?”
Gu Jiu looked embarrassed, coughing lightly twice. “Pei jiejie, don’t tease me. Those are just the elders’ jokes – you’re taking them seriously?”
Pei Man nodded. “I am serious. My mother rarely praises anyone, especially outsiders.”
Gu Jiu grew even more awkward.
She quickly changed the subject. “Did your eldest sister not come today?”
She was asking about Pei Yun. Gu Jiu knew Pei Yun was in the northwest, but she couldn’t reveal that she knew. Asking casually was only natural.
Pei Man replied quickly: “My sister’s illness hasn’t healed yet; she still needs time to recuperate. But the doctor said she should recover soon.”
So that meant Pei Yun would be returning to the capital soon. But why had Pei Yun hidden herself away in the northwest in the first place?
Pei Man whispered to Gu Jiu, “My mother is so worried – worried about my elder sister’s marriage. Not that she won’t marry, but that too many proposals are pouring in. It’s overwhelming to choose.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “A daughter desired by many families – congratulations to Pei Yun jiejie.”
“Ah, you even know my elder sister’s name!”
Gu Jiu blinked innocently, feigning ignorance. “You told me, didn’t you? Besides, Pei Yun jiejie’s name isn’t exactly hard to know.”
“That’s true. Our family is close with the hou fu. I used to always come here with my elder sister as a guest. I thought my sister would be engaged around the same time as Mei jiejie, but unexpectedly, Mei jiejie’s marriage was settled first, while my sister’s has no clear direction yet.”
Gu Jiu said, “Once Pei Yun jiejie recovers her health, a good match will come naturally.”
Pei Man nodded. “You’re right.”
Just then, a maid came to announce that the banquet was ready.
Everyone took their seats, drinking and admiring the blossoms, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
At the feast, Jia shi was absent – most likely she had already retired to rest.
Simply drinking wasn’t enough fun, so they began playing drinking games.
For Gu Jiu, drinking games were no problem. The past half year of daily reading and note-taking had paid off.
She joined in enthusiastically, playing with the others.
Gu Shan also did quite well.
Gu Yue embarrassed herself twice.
Gu Zhen managed to get by.
But Gu Lin was completely at a loss.
Gu Lin always studied in fits and starts; making her play drinking games turned her face into a bitter gourd.
As the fun grew livelier, they dismissed the feast and brought in brushes, ink, paper and inkstones to compose poems on the plum blossoms.
There were no restrictions on form – poems, lyrics, or songs were all acceptable, as long as they were well written.
The challenge was to finish within the time it took for one stick of incense to burn.
Gu Jiu was eager to try – it was her first time playing such a game, and she was rather interested.
The elders sat by, watching with smiling faces.
“These children play in a way much more interesting than we did back in the day.”
“Indeed. When we were young, the family rules were so strict. The slightest misstep and the elders would scold us harshly.”
“These girls only have these few years of freedom. Once they marry, with mothers- and sisters-in-law above and younger sisters-in-law below, they won’t have a single carefree day. I say, let them be. Let them play to their hearts’ content while they can.”
“Quite right – furen is insightful.”
Just then, a maid entered and whispered something to the second madam, Wang shi and Wei lao furen.
After hearing the report, Wang shi felt uneasy. She glanced at lao furen with a questioning look.
Wei lao furen gave her a nod.
Wang shi sighed silently, rose to her feet, and called her di daughter from the second branch, Gu Qi, to quietly leave the hall.
Seeing this, Gu Mei seized an opportunity to ask her mother, Wei shi.
“Mother, why did er shenniang and er meimei suddenly leave? Did something happen?”
Wei shi answered calmly, “A messenger came from Zhao wang fu, specifically asking to see Gu Qi. You just need to know this – don’t speak of it to others.”
Gu Mei grew worried. “Er meimei won’t be in any danger, will she?”
Wei shi shook her head slightly. “At this moment, no one can say for certain.”
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