“Taitai, wonderful news – laoye has been released from prison!”
Gao Sanfu, brimming with excitement, hurried into Furong Yuan.
Upon hearing the commotion, Xie shi suddenly rose from her chair. Her head spun, and she nearly lost her balance.
Chun He quickly supported her. “Taitai, please be careful.”
“I’m fine, it’s nothing.”
Xie shi’s face flushed red; she could hardly contain her excitement. She had nearly lost all hope and was already wondering how the family would survive if Gu daren remained imprisoned.
Who would have thought that, just when all seemed lost, a sudden turn of fortune would bring Gu daren’s release?
It was simply… unbelievable.
Xie shi asked eagerly, “Is it really true? Has laoye actually been released?”
Gao Sanfu nodded firmly. “It’s absolutely true. I accompanied san shaoye and liu shaoye to the imperial prison. We personally saw laoye released. Right now, the two young masters are with him. I rushed back first to deliver this joyous news to you.”
“Thank heaven and earth! Thank the Bodhisattvas, thank the Grand Supreme Elder Lord for their blessings…”
Clutching her prayer beads, Xie shi gave thanks to the gods above.
Only then did she ask, “Where is laoye now? Has he come home?”
“Laoye has gone directly into the palace to express his gratitude to His Majesty. Most likely he won’t return until nightfall.”
At this, Xie shi’s heart gave a sudden jolt.
She hadn’t forgotten – last time Gu daren went into the palace, he ended up imprisoned. Could the same thing happen again?
“Why didn’t laoye return home first to dispel the ill fortune before entering the palace? What if this displeases His Majesty? What if something goes wrong?”
She was terribly anxious, terrified that the emperor, displeased by Gu daren’s appearance or bearing, might cast him back into the imperial prison.
The emperor’s moods were unpredictable, and it was often impossible to know what taboo one might accidentally offend. Many officials had ended up in prison for seemingly no reason.
And they said the older the emperor grew, the more eccentric his temper became.
That saying was absolutely true.
Gao Sanfu quickly reassured her, “Taitai, please don’t worry. This time, nothing will go wrong. Do you know who personally came to the prison to escort laoye out?”
“Who?” Xie shi asked anxiously.
“Attendant Shen, the one closest to His Majesty!” Gao Sanfu said with excitement. “Don’t be fooled by his young age – he’s truly favoured by the emperor. Word in the palace is that in a few years he’s certain to be promoted to Chief Eunuch.”
“Is that really so?” Xie shi’s joy was tinged with lingering unease.
Gao Sanfu nodded repeatedly. “It’s the truth. Attendant Shen himself welcomed laoye out of prison and personally escorted him into the palace. Taitai, this is an auspicious sign! From now on, laoye’s misfortunes are over – prosperity and high rank await him.”
At last, Xie shi let out a long sigh of relief. “That is indeed wonderful! Thank heaven and earth. But why haven’t the boys returned yet?”
“San shaoye and liu shaoye are waiting outside the palace gates,” Gao Sanfu explained. “When laoye finishes his audience and comes out, they’ll return home together.”
Xie shi nodded. “Yes, that is right. They are truly filial children.”
The news of Gu daren’s release quickly spread throughout the residence. Everyone was beaming with joy. The lanterns hanging under the eaves seemed to glow with festivity.
Thank heaven, laoye was safe and sound. At last, they could enjoy a proper New Year.
Zhang shi came to Furong Yuan in person to congratulate Xie shi.
Xie shi, smiling broadly, was in such high spirits that her whole demeanour seemed refreshed. She invited Zhang shi to sit, full of gratitude and relief.
Zhang shi laughed. “Didn’t I say it before? Er di is a blessed man – he was bound to be fine. And look, I was right. Dimei, now you can finally put your mind at ease and focus on your health.”
Xie shi’s face glowed, still flushed with excitement. Her emotions had yet to fully settle.
She said gratefully, “Thank you, dasao. These past days, you and da ge have worked so hard, running about on our behalf.”
“You mustn’t say such things – we’re family. When this is all over, just invite us for a meal and let me drink a few cups with you, that’ll be thanks enough.”
Xie shi laughed. “Then it’s settled.”
At that moment, the maid Dong Mei entered. “Taitai, the neighbouring hou fu has sent over several jars of wine to celebrate laoye’s safe release.”
Zhang shi reminded her, “This time, the hou fu rendered great assistance. The old houye personally busied himself day after day, growing thin from the effort. Once er di returns, you and he must go in person to thank the old houye and lao furen.”
Xie shi nodded quickly. “Dasao is right. Once my laoye comes back, I’ll speak with him about it. We must offer them our deepest gratitude. Without the old houye’s tireless efforts, my husband would not have been freed so swiftly.”
“Exactly. Luckily, our two families have always been close. That’s why the hou fu helped us wholeheartedly. If it had been some other family, they would have cut ties the moment trouble arose.”
Zhang shi sighed at the coldness and warmth of human relationships.
Indeed, the hou fu had shown rare loyalty. The Gu family must show proper courtesy in return. They mustn’t take such help for granted, lest they offend their benefactors and find no aid in the future.
Xie shi again expressed her thanks, and she and Zhang shi began discussing what gifts to send to the hou fu.
They were still in the middle of their discussion when the young ladies of the family all arrived at Furong Yuan.
Gu Yue entered with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with joy. No one was happier about Gu daren’s release than she.
“Greetings to Mother, greetings to da bomu. Mother, when will Father return? I’ve missed him so much.”
Xie shi replied cheerfully, “Your father is currently in the palace, but he’ll be back this evening.”
Gu Shan suggested, “Shouldn’t we have the kitchens prepare a couple of banquet tables for Father’s return?”
Xie shi nodded. “Prepare more than a couple. Tonight, our second branch will dine together with the first branch. Dasao, what do you think?”
Zhang shi smiled. “Since you’ve invited me, how could I refuse? Four tables should be enough.”
At once, Xie shi sent Chun He to the kitchens to give instructions. Chun He hurried off to carry them out.
Gu Yue’s cheeks were flushed as she asked eagerly, “Mother, what about the Haixi bo fu…”
Her words instantly ruined Xie shi’s good mood.
The smile vanished from her face, and her expression turned cold as she fixed her gaze on Gu Yue.
Gu Yue, bewildered, had no idea what mistake she had made this time.
Xie shi gave a curt hum before replying at last, “In a few days, I will send New Year’s gifts to the Haixi bo fu.”
If the bo fu accepted the New Year’s gifts, then naturally the marriage between the two families would go forward. If, however, the Haixi bo fu refused the gifts, the marriage would be in trouble.
Gu Yue didn’t really understand why Xie shi was unhappy, but upon hearing that gifts would be sent to Haixi bo fu, she couldn’t help smiling in delight.
She beamed sweetly. “Thank you, Mother.”
Zhang shi watched the scene with an inscrutable half-smile, saying nothing.
Everyone else also kept silent, their eyes lowered and minds guarded.
Only Gu Yue was happy, her thoughts entirely on how soon she would marry Zhao erlang.
Gu Jiu did not go to Furong Yuan. Instead, she sat in the study at Zhilan Yuan, reading.
When she learned that Gu daren had been released, Gu Jiu only nodded and muttered to herself: Liu Zhao truly kept his word, and he acted swiftly.
Still, Gu Jiu was curious – what method had Liu Zhao used to sway the Empress into rescuing Gu daren?
Or was it that the Empress’s actions against Gu daren had been a performance from the start?
She guessed aimlessly for a while but, finding no answer, stopped thinking about it.
As dusk fell, lanterns were hung at the Gu family’s gates.
In just a few short days, Gu daren had fallen from high office into the dust, and then returned again from the dust to his former place.
It was like waking from a dream – in the end, everything was no more than passing clouds.
Looking at the plaque above the gates, Gu daren could not help but feel deeply moved, and even gave a long, heartfelt talk.
In just a few days, he had learned many lessons; both his body and his spirit had been tempered and elevated.
“Laoye, come in quickly. Everyone is waiting for you.”
Gu daren nodded, stepped through the gates, crossed over a brazier, and then took a bath to wash away ill fortune.
Only then did he come to the Flower Hall.
The banquet was already laid out, the family all present, waiting only for him.
The eldest master went forward and patted him on the shoulder. “At last you’re back. It’s good to have you back.”
Xie shi began crying again. “Laoye!” She gazed at him with tearful eyes.
Gu Jiu and the others also rose to greet him with “Father.”
The children of the eldest branch likewise came forward to offer their respects.
Gu daren was deeply moved, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “Good, good, very good. Everyone is well. Sit down.”
The eldest master pulled him to sit at his side, personally poured wine, and said, “Er di, come, let me toast you. This time you escaped misfortune – may it be a sign that adversity has reached its end and prosperity begins. From now on, wealth and honour await you.”
“Borrowing da ge’s auspicious words.” Gu daren raised his cup and drained it in one gulp.
The atmosphere in the Flower Hall gradually grew lively, everyone speaking only words of good fortune.
Gu Jiu noticed that the patriarch of the family was conspicuously absent from the banquet tonight.
No one mentioned him, as though he had been forgotten.
Gu Jiu lowered her head with a faint smile. Whether the old man’s madness was feigned or genuine no longer mattered.
To everyone, he was simply a foolish old man.
She lifted her cup and drained it at once.
Gu Yue, meanwhile, drank a great deal. Her cheeks flushed red, her eyes bright, and she was full of excitement.
She clung to Gu Jiu, talking eagerly.
“Er jiejie, during Father’s troubles, you suffered greatly. Too bad Lu hou fu’s proposal came at the wrong time – had they waited until the new year, it would have been different. Er jiejie, don’t be sad; in the future you’ll surely have an even better match.”
Gu Jiu looked at her with a faint, ironic smile. “San meimei is kind to worry, but my affairs need no meddling from you. Just take care of yourself.”
Gu Yue laughed. “Er jiejie, we’re sisters, there’s no need for formality. Don’t worry, once I marry into the Haixi bo fu, I’ll personally arrange a suitable match for you.”
Gu Jiu gave a mocking laugh. “Father and taitai are both alive and well. Since when did my marriage fall under your control? To even say you’ll ‘take charge of it’ – san meimei, you certainly think highly of yourself.”
Pfft!
Gu Zhen, Gu Lin, and Gu Jun all couldn’t help but stifle laughter.
Gu Yue’s face turned scarlet – this time from shame.
She puffed up angrily. “Er jiejie, how could you be like this? I was only showing goodwill. If you won’t accept it, fine, but you even mock me?”
“That’s right, I don’t accept it. So please, san meimei, stop interfering in my affairs. I truly don’t need your kindness.”
Gu Jiu showed her no courtesy at all.
Gu Yue gave a cold snort, seized her cup, and drained it in one gulp – furious.
But secretly she consoled herself: given Gu Jiu’s reputation as a sickly girl, even without her lifting a finger, no good family would propose.
Thinking so, she cheered up again and turned to chatter with Gu Shan.
Gu Shan answered patiently, listening more than speaking herself.
The banquet dragged on till midnight before dispersing.
Qing Mei walked ahead carrying a lantern. “Careful, guniang.”
Gu Jiu had drunk a little too much tonight; her head was buzzing slightly.
Still, she remained clear-headed and her steps steady.
Once back at Zhilan Yuan, she collapsed onto her bed, unable to move.
Several maids helped her wash up and change, but as soon as Gu Jiu turned over, she wrapped herself in the quilt and fell fast asleep.
Qing Zhu covered her mouth and laughed. “Guniang doesn’t make a fuss when she’s drunk, that’s wonderful.”
Xiao Cui nodded repeatedly. “Guniang looks so beautiful when she’s drunk.”
“Do you even know what ‘beautiful’ means? Only when the young lady is dressed up properly, that is truly beautiful.”
That night, the whole Gu household was filled with joy.
Xie shi was especially delighted – Gu daren had returned, and once again she had someone to rely on.
Gu daren lay on the bed, and Xie shi personally wiped his face.
Halfway through, Gu daren woke up, took the warm towel from her hand, and wiped his own face.
“Laoye is awake. Qieshen has prepared some hangover soup, please drink a little.”
Gu daren sat up on the bed. “Bring it over.”
A maid carried the soup forward. Gu daren took it with one hand and drank it all in one go.
He wiped the corners of his mouth – his head really did feel clearer.
Xie shi asked with concern, “Do you feel a little better, laoye?”
He nodded and patted the spot beside him. “Sit here.”
Xie shi smiled shyly and sat down close beside him.
The maids, understanding the mood, all withdrew from the chamber.
Gu daren took Xie shi’s hand. “These past days, you’ve had a hard time.”
Xie shi shook her head. “Qieshen haven’t suffered at all. For laoye’s sake, qieshen would even give up my own life.”
Gu daren smiled, a smile full of meaning. “I understand your feelings. But if something really happened to me, you don’t need to go that far. The children’s marriages require elders to make the decisions. If I were gone, and you too were not around, what would happen to the children?”
Xie shi instantly burst into tears. “Laoye…”
She thought of the torment of the past few days, and her heart was seized with panic.
Gu daren patted the back of her hand. “Enough, don’t cry. Am I not fine now?”
Xie shi quickly wiped her tears. “Laoye has been reinstated to office, qieshen hasn’t even congratulated you yet.”
Gu daren gave a self-mocking smile. “Nothing to congratulate. If benguan hadn’t been in that seat, I wouldn’t have faced this disaster.”
Xie shi was at a loss for words, not knowing what was appropriate to say.
Gu daren continued, “I heard that Xie Mao resigned?”
Xie shi’s heart tightened. She nodded and said, “The very next day after laoye’s trouble, da ge submitted his resignation, and His Highness the Crown Prince approved it. Now da ge stays at home, reading and listening to music every day.”
At that, Gu daren sneered. “He certainly lives leisurely. Plotting against me in the shadows, and still hoping to walk away unscathed – how could there be such good fortune in this world?”
Xie shi suddenly clutched his sleeve. “Laoye, was it truly da ge who harmed you? How could he have that ability?”
Gu daren smiled faintly. “Furen underestimates Xie Mao far too much. Not only does he have that ability, he even dreams of retreating intact, and then, when the storm passes, finding an opportunity to return. With the Crown Prince’s nostalgic nature, if he did return, he would be promoted at least one rank higher.”
Xie shi panicked, her face turning pale. “But–but why would da ge want to harm you?”
“Because he is Xie Mao. Isn’t that reason enough?” Gu daren’s eyes fixed on her, cold and sharp.
Xie shi was utterly at a loss.
In the next moment, Gu daren smiled again. “Enough, don’t overthink it. Affairs of the court are not for you to worry about. You just need to manage the household well.
“Also, on the first day of the New Year, all the wives of officials in the capital must enter the palace to offer New Year’s greetings. Make preparations. Early in the morning, go with the hou fu and bring Xiao Jiu, Yue’er, and Shan’er with you.”
Xie shi was startled. “I must also enter the palace to offer greetings?”
Gu daren nodded. “You are a wife of an official; naturally, you should.”
Xie shi grew nervous – she had never imagined she could attend such an occasion.
But soon, joy overcame her.
After enduring so many years, she had finally arrived at this day. Heaven had eyes after all.
So what if Su shi had been the first wife? Now the one enjoying a husband’s prosperity was her, not Su shi.
Xie shi felt elated, as though she had thoroughly pressed Su beneath her.
After all, Su shi had died too early.
Xie shi asked, “Laoye, why must we bring the three children?”
“It is palace custom. Bring all three of them.”
Xie shi bit her lip. She really hated the idea of bringing Gu Jiu into the palace.
“Laoye, Xiao Jiu’s health is poor. What if she offends some noble in the palace? What should we do then?”
Gu daren gave her a half-smile. “Taitai should pay more attention to Yue’er and guard against her making trouble in the palace. As for Xiao Jiu, there’s no need to worry. If you encounter something you can’t decide, listening to Xiao Jiu’s opinion will not lead you astray.”
Xie shi was completely dumbfounded.
Laoye wanted her to listen to Gu Jiu’s opinion? Could that be right?
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