“Protect the Crown Prince.”
Gu Jiu looked around, her words firm and resounding.
“The person the Empress niangniang values most is the Crown Prince. If the hou fu steps forward to protect His Highness, the gesture carries enough weight, and shows enough sincerity. Only then can we truly move niangniang’s heart.”
Gu Zhiwu immediately jumped up, questioning Gu Jiu: “How could the hou fu have such power – to even protect the Crown Prince? Xiao Jiu, I know you want to share the family’s burden, but you mustn’t indulge in wild fantasies.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “Second uncle, don’t be anxious. Of course, I know the hou fu doesn’t have that kind of power. Even if we did, we couldn’t shoulder such responsibility.
“Protecting the Crown Prince is not a lifelong promise. It must have a limit – half a year, or a year. The exact duration should be decided by houye.”
Everyone turned to look at the old houye.
The old houye stroked his beard, face inscrutable, and asked: “Why, Xiao Jiu, do you choose to focus only on the Crown Prince? Is not the Weiyang Palace and the Cui family equally important? Surely, niangniang would not wish to see harm come to them either.”
“What houye says is certainly true. But this granddaughter has a slightly different view.” Gu Jiu replied with a smile.
The old houye laughed heartily. “Speak freely.”
Gu Jiu considered her words before continuing: “Those in Weiyang Palace may appear to be in danger, but in truth, they have likely already prepared for the days to come. They may not actually require houye’s aid, and niangniang may not truly value them that much.
“As for the Cui family – as long as the Crown Prince is safe, they will generally be safe as well. Even if some trouble arises, their lives should not be in jeopardy. Compared to them, only protecting the Crown Prince can truly move niangniang.
“I’ve heard that His Highness is mild-tempered, a reasonable person. That, in turn, gives the hou fu enough room to manoeuvre. This grandniece believes that houye has already devised in his heart how best to communicate with His Highness and with niangniang.”
“Hahaha…”
The old houye burst into laughter.
“Xiao Jiu, you are very good – exceptionally good. For someone who never leaves the house, you have thought of so much.”
Gu Jiu bowed respectfully. “Houye flatters me. I only wish to contribute what little I can.”
The eldest master looked grave, worried. “Father, must we truly cooperate with that Empress? I fear we won’t be able to extricate ourselves later. Once the Empress passes away, it will not be easy to continue protecting the Crown Prince.”
The old houye said: “To keep His Highness safe for a lifetime – that is certainly not easy. But to ensure his safety for half a year – especially the six months after the Empress’s death – that our fu can manage.
“The moment niangniang passes, all manner of people will grow restless. They will leap out one after another, kicking the Crown Prince while he is down. But they all forget – though the Emperor is ruthless, he is also a man who remembers old debts.
“So long as our household makes the right connections, and works with a few others, ensuring the Crown Prince’s safety for half a year is no difficult matter.”
Gu Jiu secretly nodded – old houye’s thinking was indeed far-sighted.
Setting a six-month term of protection for the Crown Prince would surely stir the Empress’s heart.
Gu Zhiwu frowned deeply. “Father, if this matter brings harm to the hou fu, then let us forget it. I will persuade Qi’er myself.”
Wang shi grew anxious, tugging at her husband’s sleeve.
But the second master ignored her, his gaze firm – he was determined not to sacrifice the family’s future for his daughter’s happiness.
Compared to one girl’s marriage, the survival of the entire clan was far more important.
The old houye raised a hand slightly, signalling the couple to be calm.
He then spoke: “Lao’er, don’t overthink this. The reason I am willing to adopt Xiao Jiu’s proposal is not only for Qi’er’s sake – it is also for the Gu family as a whole.”
The second master blinked in confusion. “Father, I don’t fully understand.”
The old houye weighed his words before explaining: “As for marriage with the royal family, I am not opposed. But it depends entirely on which royal branch.
“Marrying into Zhao wang fu – clearly, that is not a wise choice. You all know well what sort of man Zhao wang is. Once our hou fu becomes in-laws with him, we would no longer control our own fate.”
Zhao wang’s conduct was reckless, even outrageous. As some people put it – Zhao wang was a madman. To become in-laws with a madman required immense courage and nerves of steel.
For who could know when Zhao wang would betray you? And even then, there would be no place to voice complaints.
The hou fu was not desperate – why entangle itself with such a lunatic?
Even if Gu Qi herself agreed to marry into Zhao wang fu, the hou fu could never consent to such a match.
Gu Jiu’s method, though risky, struck at the root – leaving Zhao wang with no strength left to hound the hou fu.
The second master finally grasped the key point. “So, no matter what, we must refuse Zhao wang’s marriage proposal?”
The old houye nodded. “Yes – no matter what, we must refuse it. Cooperating with the Empress is a last resort. Luckily, her days are numbered.”
Had the Empress lived for several more years, the old houye would never have dared ally with her.
The mistress of Weiyang Palace was no gentle figure – many had fallen victim to her hand over the years. That the Crown Prince had survived to this day in peace was due largely to her protection.
It could be said that as long as the Empress lived, she was like a great stabilising force – deterring villains and making ambitious men think twice before acting rashly.
Such a formidable mistress of the inner palace – who would not fear her?
Even the Emperor himself held a measure of dread toward her.
But fortunately, her life was nearing its end.
Now, throughout the capital, countless people were praying for the day she finally closed her eyes.
Of course, there were also many who wished the Empress a long life – preferably long enough to outlive the Emperor himself.
But judging by the current situation, the Empress no longer had the chance to outlast him.
The old houye said to Gu Jiu: “Xiao Jiu, it’s getting late. You and Mei yatou should return to your rooms to rest. Stay here in the hou fu for the next few days and treat it as your own home.”
Gu Jiu bowed in reply. “Grandnice will do as old houye says.”
Wei lao furen also added a warning: “This matter is for the two of you to keep in your hearts. Do not speak of it outside.”
Gu Jiu readily accepted the instruction.
She and Gu Mei left Songhe Hall together.
A maid walked ahead with a lantern to light the way.
Gu Mei held Gu Jiu’s hand. “Xiao Jiu meimei, don’t be afraid.”
Gu Jiu laughed. “Mei jiejie, I’m not afraid of the dark.”
But Gu Jiu knew – that wasn’t what Gu Mei meant. She had deliberately said it to change the subject.
Gu Mei smiled. “I was overthinking. Xiao Jiu meimei, you’re not an ordinary person.”
Gu Jiu blinked playfully. “Don’t expect too much of me, Mei jiejie. I’m just someone who loves to eat and laze about.”
“You! How can you speak of yourself like that?”
When they reached a fork in the path – one way led back to the quarters, the other toward the central courtyard – suddenly, in the dead of night, a group of maids and old pozi came running through the garden. The sight gave them quite a start.
Once Gu Mei saw clearly who they were, she scolded loudly, “Running about the gardens at midnight instead of sleeping – what sort of conduct is this? Who let you in? Are the gatekeepers asleep?”
“Reporting to da guniang, the eldest young madam is in danger!”
Gu Mei’s heart leapt. “What’s happened to dasao? Wasn’t she fine just this afternoon?”
“The Eldest Young Madam suddenly felt severe stomach pains. The eldest young master sent me to inform lao furen and the old houye. The fu is under lockdown now, and someone must take the old houye’s pass to fetch the taiyi.”
Gu Mei’s mind spun in panic. “Then go to Songhe Hall at once. I’ll go check on dasao.”
“I’ll go with you, Mei jiejie.”
Gu Mei nodded firmly, grasping Gu Jiu’s hand. “Xiao Jiu meimei, no matter what you see in a moment, don’t be afraid.”
“Mei jiejie, don’t worry about me – I’m not afraid.”
Together they hurried to the courtyard where Jia shi lived.
The courtyard blazed with lamplight. Maids rushed in and out, panic written across their faces.
The eldest young madam had suffered so much to conceive, and had endured months of careful care – nothing must go wrong now.
Without waiting to be announced, Gu Jiu followed Gu Mei straight into the bedchamber.
Inside, Gu Rui clutched Jia shi’s hand tightly. “Don’t be afraid. The child will be fine. The taiyi will be here soon.”
But Jia shi’s face was twisted in agony. In the middle of winter, her forehead and cheeks were drenched in cold sweat.
Her complexion was as pale as death.
Gu Jiu forgot all pretence. She rushed forward, grasped Jia shi’s wrist, and began to take her pulse.
“Xiao Jiu, you–”
Gu Jiu lifted her hand to silence Gu Mei.
After a moment, she asked: “Do you have the prescription for the pregnancy-protection medicine?”
Gu Rui was startled. “Yes, yes, we do. Xiao Jiu meimei, you’re – ”
“There’s no time to explain. Bring me the prescription first.”
Gu Jiu had to examine the physician’s formula, confirm the treatment plan, before she dared administer anything.
At that moment, her aura filled the room. Unwittingly, she had become the one in command.
As soon as her words fell, a maid immediately presented the prescription.
Gu Jiu studied it, then released Jia shi’s wrist, took up a brush, and began to write. “Use the physician’s formula, but double the dosage. Prepare the medicine at once. Also – did the physician leave behind any pregnancy-protecting pills?”
A maid answered: “We gave them to the young madam already, but they didn’t work.”
“Then set those aside. Do exactly as I say – decoct the medicine quickly. We are racing against Yan wang for time.”
The words racing against the Yan wang froze everyone in shock.
When the maids hesitated, Gu Mei roared: “Why are you still standing there? Do you mean to watch your mistress die before your eyes?”
Shaken, the maid grabbed the prescription and ran out to boil the medicine.
“Mm…”
Jia shi bit down hard on her teeth, letting out a faint groan.
Gu Rui clutched her hand tighter. “Is it very painful? Don’t be afraid – I’ll stay right here with you.”
Jia shi’s body convulsed from the pain, her toes curling.
Seeing this, Gu Jiu said: “This won’t do. Tang ge, Mei jiejie – do you trust me? I can try acupuncture to ease her pain. That way, there’s a high chance of saving the child.”
“Xiao Jiu, you…”
Just watching Gu Jiu take the pulse and prescribe earlier had astonished Gu Mei.
The Gu Jiu before her now seemed nothing like the one she knew. How could her little sister possibly know medicine? It was unbelievable.
Gu Rui fixed his gaze on Gu Jiu. In her eyes, he saw confidence and resolve.
He nodded heavily. “I leave everything to you, Xiao Jiu. Please – do your utmost to save both mother and child.”
Gu Jiu replied solemnly: “Rest assured, tang ge. I’ll do my best. But the sight of the needles may be frightening – do you wish to wait outside?”
Gu Rui shook his head, still gripping Jia shi’s hand tightly. “No need, I’ll stay right here and watch over her.”
Gu Mei also said, “I’ll stay as well. At least I can help Xiao Jiu with whatever she needs.”
Gu Jiu nodded. “When I begin needling, no one can disturb me. Mei jiejie, please keep an eye on the doorway for me.”
“Don’t worry, Xiao Jiu, I’ll watch outside for you.”
Gu Jiu took out the sewing kit she always carried with her.
Other people’s sewing kits were for mending clothes. Gu Jiu’s, however, was for treating illness and saving lives – truly one of a kind.
Opening it, one hundred and eight silver needles lay neatly in perfect order, beautiful to behold.
But to Gu Rui and Gu Mei, the sight was enough to make their hearts pound with fear. Was Gu Jiu really going to pierce Jia shi’s body with those?
Gu Rui drew a deep breath. Since the decision had been made, they had no choice but to try. His gaze grew firm once again.
Gu Mei bit her lip, anxiety filling her heart. She worried that they might have made a grave mistake.
If something happened to her dasao, wouldn’t all the responsibility fall on Xiao Jiu?
She wanted to stop her, but when the words reached her lips, she couldn’t bring herself to say them.
Looking at her elder brother’s eyes full of desperate hope, looking at her sister-in-law writhing in such agony she seemed close to fainting – if Xiao Jiu could really ease that pain, it would be a blessing.
Perhaps she ought to trust her cousin more.
Still, she couldn’t help but wonder – where had Xiao Jiu learned medicine? To even know how to needle!
Wasn’t it said that without ten or twenty years of skill, no doctor dared attempt acupuncture?
After disinfecting the needles, Gu Jiu prepared to begin.
She lifted Jia shi’s clothing to expose her abdomen.
Gu Mei gasped softly, startled – the muscles there were spasming violently, clear proof of unbearable pain.
Gu Jiu said to Gu Rui, “Tang ge, hold down tangsao so she doesn’t move.”
Gu Rui nodded, pressing down his wife’s hands. “Xiao Jiu, I leave everything to you.”
“I’ll do my utmost.”
Gu Jiu took a deep breath. Counting carefully, this was only her second patient – yet her very first obstetric case.
She wasn’t completely certain.
But she would not retreat. She would do everything in her power to turn the situation around.
This time again, she prayed heaven would be on her side.
Drawing another deep breath, she decisively plunged the first needle in.
The silver needle sank into the abdomen, and Gu Mei nearly cried out.
Luckily she remembered not to disturb Gu Jiu, and forced herself to hold back at the last moment.
One by one, the needles pierced Jia shi’s abdomen.
Gradually, Jia shi grew still.
Gu Rui’s heart leapt in alarm. “Mingyue? Mingyue, are you all right?”
He called his wife by her maiden name, then turned anxiously to Gu Jiu. “Xiao Jiu, is your tangsao all right?”
Gu Jiu shook her head, beads of sweat dripping down her brow.
Panting, she said, “It’s working – tangsao’s pain is lessening. Right now, she’s only too exhausted to speak.”
Sure enough, as soon as the words left her mouth, Jia shi slowly opened her eyes and exhaled a long, heavy breath.
Her face was ashen, frail like someone who had suffered long illness.
In a weak voice, she whispered, “Thank you, Xiao Jiu. You’ve saved both me and my child.”
“Don’t speak, tangsao. Save your strength for drinking medicine later. I’ve only relieved the pain and cleared the blocked meridians. To keep the child, you’ll still need the decoction.”
Jia shi gave a faint smile. “I’ll do as you say.”
Gu Rui finally let out a sigh of relief. Only then did he feel waves of fear crashing over him. His back was soaked through with sweat.
He said to Gu Jiu, “Thank you, Xiao Jiu.”
“No need for formality, tang ge. But I do have one request.”
“Please, speak.”
“About what just happened, I ask you and tangsao, and also Mei jiejie, to keep it secret.”
Gu Rui and Gu Mei exchanged a glance, then nodded together.
“Rest assured, Xiao Jiu – we’ll keep your secret.”
At that moment, the medicine was ready.
A maid came in carrying the steaming decoction.
Gu Jiu sniffed it – the finest ingredients had been used, its efficacy would be strong.
She fed Jia shi the medicine herself, then applied more needles to help the body absorb it.
Once the medicine took effect, Gu Jiu promptly withdrew the needles.
Noise came from outside.
Wei shi entered with her attendants.
Lao furen had also sent people to check on Jia shi.
Gu Jiu quietly let out a breath of relief – such fortunate timing.
This way, no one would see Jia shi’s abdomen full of needles, and she wouldn’t have to explain anything.
And since Gu Rui and Gu Mei had promised to keep her secret, much future trouble was avoided.
Leave a Reply