Wei san guniang cried for a while, then gradually calmed down.
Holding Gu Jiu’s hand, she said solemnly: “The Eastern Palace is the Eastern Palace, and Ning wang fu is Ning wang fu. My relationship with Xiao Jiu will not be affected.”
Gu Jiu looked at Wei san guniang and thought to herself, so naïve. But then again, what harm is there in being a little naïve at this moment?
The world is already so difficult; if one doesn’t hold on to a little naïveté, how else can one keep going?
Gu Jiu squeezed Wei san guniang’s hand. “Don’t worry, Wei san jiejie. No matter what others may say, we’ll always be friends.”
Wei san guniang smiled and nodded. “Xiao Jiu, though it may sound selfish, having you by my side truly makes me happier.”
Gu Jiu pressed her lips into a smile. “I understand.”
Wei lao furen, seeing the two of them smiling again, was also pleased. “At last. That’s better. Young ladies shouldn’t wear such worried faces all day. Smile more! I know you don’t have the patience to sit here and keep us company, so off with you to the side hall. Enjoy yourselves.”
“Thank you, lao furen.”
Everyone followed the hou fu’s daughters to the side hall.
Tea and refreshments had already been prepared by the maids.
The young ladies of the hou fu played hostess, offering tea and snacks.
Gathered together, everyone quickly swept away the heavy atmosphere from earlier. Now, they all looked as delighted as children who had just received New Year’s money.
Gu Jiu nibbled on pastries while chatting with the others.
Gu Mei finished her errands and came to sit by Gu Jiu.
“Xiao Jiu, are you all right?”
Gu Jiu nodded. “Don’t worry, Mei jiejie. I can eat and sleep well. I’m fine.”
Gu Mei smiled. “Yesterday, when I heard about your betrothal, I nearly worried myself sick. I didn’t expect your mindset to be so steady.”
Gu Jiu lowered her head and smiled. “To be honest, at first I was upset too. Who would be happy about marrying an imperial grandson, especially one whose future is so uncertain? But the imperial edict has already been issued; there’s no changing it.
“So I told myself: think more positively. Even if I marry an imperial grandson, I must live well and not wrong myself. There is no one in this world that we can’t live without. Even if one day disaster truly strikes, there will surely be some chance of survival.
“Perhaps I might even find a way out of it, and the sky will open wide before me. Then life would look completely different.”
“Xiao Jiu…”
Gu Mei nervously gripped Gu Jiu’s hand. At the words ‘if disaster truly strikes,’ she broke into a cold sweat.
She told Gu Jiu, “Don’t think like that. That day will never come. You’ll be safe and sound. And even if such a day really comes, our hou fu, and I myself, will never stand by and do nothing. You must come to me, and I’ll find a way for you.”
Gu Jiu’s brows arched as she laughed. “Thank you, Mei jiejie. It’s settled then, if such a day truly comes, I’ll take refuge with you, eat your food, drink your wine, and you mustn’t despise me.”
Gu Mei laughed too and pinched Gu Jiu’s cheek, it was so tender. “As if you could eat me poor! With that tiny stomach of yours, how much could you possibly eat in one sitting?”
Gu Jiu grinned. “Don’t be fooled by how thin I look. I can really eat! Pinch my arm, see how firm it is? All from eating.”
Gu Mei, indulgent, squeezed Gu Jiu’s arm. Indeed, the flesh was taut. “Not bad, Xiao Jiu. How do you manage that?”
Gu Jiu smirked. “Simple. Just eat with abandon, and you’ll turn out like this.”
“You’re being ridiculous.”
Eating with abandon like that would only make one fat.
In the hou fu, everyone paid great attention to health. Meals were taken only to seven-tenths full. As a result, not a single person in the fu was overweight.
Gu Jiu couldn’t explain that she exercised regularly.
In these times, young ladies were expected to be quiet and reserved. Exercising the body was considered quite improper in others’ eyes.
So Gu Jiu trained secretly. Along with bowls of nourishing tonics, her body gradually recovered.
Her immunity improved so much that even in thawing weather, she could spend two or three hours outside without worrying about catching a cold.
Just then, Wei san guniang came over to Gu Jiu and Gu Mei. “Mei jiejie, Xiao Jiu…”
She looked at Gu Jiu, hesitating.
Gu Jiu asked, “Wei san jiejie, do you have something you wish to tell me?”
Gu Mei added, “San biaomei, you might as well say it. Hemming and hawing is not like you.”
Wei san guniang looked troubled. “There’s something I’m not sure I should say.”
“What is it about?” Gu Jiu asked.
“It concerns Gongzi Zhao. Do you want to hear it, Xiao Jiu?”
Gu Jiu nodded. “I’ve been fretting over how to learn more about him. Please tell me, Wei san jiejie.”
Wei san guniang considered her words before speaking. “From what I know, although Gongzi Zhao is the eldest di son of Ning wang fu, he is not favoured. Ning wang and Ning wangfei actually favour the second di son.”
Gu Jiu frowned. “Isn’t Gongzi Zhao the eldest son of the main wife? Why is he not favoured?”
It is said an emperor loves his eldest, while commoners dote on the youngest.
But in a wang fu, one would expect the eldest legitimate son to be especially valued and cared for.
Wei san guniang said, “I’ve heard that Gongzi Zhao has always been a rather gloomy, taciturn child, neither wangye nor wangfei liked him much. After the younger di son was born, he was cared for even less.
“But don’t worry, Xiao Jiu. As the eldest di son, he still has everything he should have. The fu would never neglect him in food, clothing, or shelter.”
Gu Jiu nodded, then asked, “How does he get along with his younger brother?”
Wei san guniang glanced at Gu Mei.
Gu Mei cleared her throat. “That I do know a little. Though they’re born of the same mother, the two brothers don’t get along.
“At one banquet, we saw with our own eyes the two of them quarrelling in public. Gongzi Zhao slapped his younger brother right across the face in front of everyone.
“The younger brother, being still young, didn’t dare strike back, but he must surely have borne a grudge. I heard that afterwards, Ning wangfei scolded Gongzi Zhao harshly.”
So there was such a thing?
Gu Jiu furrowed her brows slightly. Liu Zhao was not on good terms with his brothers, once she married over, that would surely mean extra trouble.
Wei san guniang added, “Gongzi Zhao’s brother is already betrothed. The match is with the niece of Shu fei’s clan.”
Shu fei was Ning wang’s birth mother, the grandmother of Liu Zhao and his brothers.
Gu Mei reminded Gu Jiu, “The Xiao family, Shu fei’s kin, holds a marquisate. Her eldest brother has not yet retired; he is still serving in the Censorate. Shu fei’s nephew, Ning wang’s cousin, holds office in the Ministry of State Affairs. With Gongzi Zhao’s brother marrying into the Xiao family, his position will appear all the stronger.”
The unspoken meaning: Gu Jiu’s family background could not compare to the Xiao girl’s.
Coupled with Liu Zhao’s poor relations with his brother, the future would no doubt hold plenty of strife.
Gu Jiu nodded, thanking her, “I am grateful for Mei jiejie’s reminder. I understand now.”
It seemed she had much more to learn about the Ning wang fu, and about the Xiao family, before her marriage.
Wei san guniang went on, “Below Gongzi Zhao, there are several more younger half-brothers. The second son, born of a ce fei, is deeply favoured by Ning wang. Perhaps the reason Gongzi Zhao receives so little affection from both Ning wang and Ning wangfei lies partly with this er gongzi.”
Gu Mei added, “If I remember right, Ning wang fu’s er gongzi married just last year, to a girl from a military family.”
Wei san guniang nodded, “Mei jiejie remembers correctly. I recall that guniang’s surname was a two-character one, Ouyang, or something like that?”
Gu Mei said, “Yes, Ouyang.”
“Then that’s it, the daughter of the Ouyang clan, famed for producing military men.”
Wei san guniang and Gu Mei, one speaking after the other, filled Gu Jiu in on the ways of Ning wang fu.
Gu Jiu listened intently, wishing she had a little notebook to jot everything down. Since she had none, she etched all their words into her memory, turning them over as she contemplated the situation at Ning wang fu.
Suddenly Wei san guniang asked, “Xiao Jiu, do you know that Ning wangfei comes from Lu hou fu? She is Lu hou’s half-sister.”
Gu Jiu nodded, “Yes, I have heard that. By that connection, then, the Ning wang fu also has ties to your family, Wei san jiejie.”
Wei san guniang gave a wry smile. “Indeed. Once my elder brother weds Pei Yun, the families will be linked even more closely.”
“Before, I heard that Ning wangfei had wanted Gongzi Zhao to marry a girl from Lu hou’s family. I wonder why that match never came to be?”
Wei san guniang answered, “Because Ning wang fu doesn’t dare. Even the Crown Prince did not dare marry into the Lu hou fu for fear of incurring His Majesty’s wrath. How could Ning wang fu take such a risk?”
Gu Mei nodded, “Biaomei speaks reason.”
Without warning, Gu Jiu’s thoughts leapt to Pei Yun, the very man Pei Yun harboured affection for was likely Liu Zhao.
So Pei Yun liked Liu Zhao… but Liu Zhao did not like her?
Now that she had been chosen as his bride, how would Pei Yun react?
Would she turn her resentment upon Gu Jiu?
Gu Jiu frowned again.
Never had she imagined the relationships to be such a tangled snarl.
The Xiao family, the Wei family, the Pei family, and now her own Gu family thrust into the mix, it was a mess of threads knotted together.
She could already foresee her future days in the wang fu, each one bound to be utter chaos.
Disaster.
Her temper began to flare again.
Oh, how she wanted to beat Liu Zhao, that wretch who had dragged her into this muddy water!
Once they were married, she swore, she would thrash him once, and then thrash him again.
Meanwhile, in the imperial palace, Liu Zhao suddenly felt his nose itch.
Could someone be cursing me behind my back?
Thinking it over, he was certain it must be Gu Jiu again, silently railing against him.
Hmph!
Just let them marry. Then he would have his chance to bring Gu Jiu close, very close, and properly reassert the authority of a husband.
In the Gu fu, Gu Jiu stepped outside and sat down along the covered corridor, lost in thought.
Qing Mei followed her, whispering, “Guniang, don’t worry. When the boat reaches the bridge, it will straighten of itself. Everything will work out.”
Gu Jiu nodded, then asked, “You, Qing Mei, and the others, Qing Zhu, Xiao Cui, Wang Yi, would you be willing to follow me as dowry maids into the wang fu?”
“Nubi’s only wish in this life is to remain by guniang’s side. Wherever you go, I will follow.” Qing Mei’s tone was firm.
Gu Jiu nodded. “I understand. When we return, ask Qing Zhu, Xiao Cui and Wang Yi. If they are willing, I will submit all your names on the list when the time comes.”
“Guniang need not worry, they will all agree.”
Gu Jiu shook her head slightly. “This matter cannot be forced. It must be voluntary, do you understand? And tell them this, there are no bedchamber maids in my service. If anyone harbours the thought of becoming Gongzi Zhao’s concubine through the back door, they had best put it out of their minds at once.”
Qing Mei replied quickly, “Guniang, rest assured. If anyone dares entertain such thoughts, nubi will be the first to punish them. Nubi will keep watch, and never allow a loophole.”
“You’ve worked hard.”
“Nubi does not find it hard.”
Gu Jiu smiled faintly. “Qing Mei, once we are settled in the wang fu, if an opportunity arises, I will arrange a good marriage for you. Then you may be a respectable official’s wife, with others to serve you.”
Qing Mei shook her head hastily. “Guniang, don’t tease me. Nubi is not worthy of such a thing.”
Gu Jiu said, “Who says you’re not good enough? Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘better to marry a noble family’s maid than a humble family’s daughter’? Our Gu family’s standing may be a bit lacking, but once you’re connected to the wang fu, it’s different. The moment others hear you came from the wang fu, they’ll certainly look at you differently. Becoming the wife of a military officer is no problem at all.”
Qing Mei was dumbfounded. She asked cautiously, “Guniang, are you really going to send nubi away? Nubi has waited on you for so many years, I can’t bear to part from you. Why not let nubi marry a manservant here? Then nubi could still serve by your side in the future. If you don’t dislike it, guniang could even let nubi become a steward’s wife.”
Gu Jiu shook her head slightly. “That would be too unfair to you. With your looks and talents, there’s no need for you to remain in the wang fu.”
“Then what about guniang?”
Gu Jiu smiled. “Do you really think I’d lack people to serve me?”
“But if it’s someone else serving you, nubi won’t feel at ease.”
“Then you can train a few capable young maids for me. How about that?”
Qing Mei nodded repeatedly. “Nubi obeys. Until the young maids are properly trained, nubi will not marry.”
“That won’t do. A girl’s youth is limited, I can’t let yours be wasted. At most, I’ll give you three years. Will that be enough?”
“Three years is more than enough. Even if they’re blockheads, nubi can still train them up.”
Gu Jiu laughed. “Then it’s settled.”
She looked toward the plum grove in the garden. A spray of plum blossoms, so beautiful.
“Xiao Jiu, why are you sitting here? Isn’t it cold?” Gu Mei came over and sat down beside her.
Gu Jiu smiled. “I just came out for some fresh air.”
Gu Mei held her hand. “Don’t worry, Xiao Jiu. Marrying the imperial grandson isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”
“I know. Thank you, Mei jiejie.”
Gu Mei suddenly laughed. “You’re not frightened by what Wei san biaomei and I said earlier, are you? Don’t scare yourself, it’s not that serious. And besides, with your ability, no matter how many difficulties there are, you’ll manage them.”
Gu Jiu said, “Don’t worry, Mei jiejie. I wasn’t scared. It’s just that when I think of entering the wang fu and facing so many matters, I feel a little uneasy.”
“It’s the same everywhere. Every family has its hard-to-read scripture.”
Gu Jiu looked at her suspiciously. “Did something happen in the Dai hou fu?”
Gu Mei was betrothed to Han dalang of the Dai hou fu. For her to speak so wistfully, surely something was amiss there.
Gu Mei said calmly, “It’s nothing serious. Just that one of the elder madams who married out has caused a few disturbances at her natal home. A few days ago, I met my cousin Han Qian, and she mentioned it.”
Gu Jiu asked with realisation, “It’s been resolved, right?”
“Not sure. Anyway, I’m not yet married into their household, so these matters are not mine to worry about.”
Gu Jiu guessed things weren’t as simple as Mei jiejie made them sound. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be complaining in front of her.
But she still comforted her, “Mei jiejie, don’t worry. No matter how big the issue, time will eventually resolve it.”
Gu Mei smiled. “Xiao Jiu, what you just said is quite interesting.”
Gu Jiu chuckled softly. “That’s because what I said is true.”
“Compliment you twice and you’re already flying to the heavens.”
Gu Mei began tickling her, and Gu Jiu laughed so hard she couldn’t breathe, begging for mercy again and again.
Gu Mei laughed. “Now you know how powerful I am, don’t you?”
Gu Jiu nodded rapidly. “Yes, yes, I know. Mei jiejie, please spare me. I really can’t stand being tickled.”
“Fine, I’ll spare you then.”
Gu Jiu gasped for breath until she finally calmed down. She sat upright and tidied her clothes.
Then she saw her cousin, Gu Rui, rushing past.
“Da ge, what’s happened?” Gu Mei called out to him.
Gu Rui was sweating profusely. When he saw Gu Mei and then Gu Jiu at her side, he looked as though he’d found a saviour.
“Xiao Jiu, it’s great you’re here! Come with me quickly.”
Flustered and anxious, he reached out to grab her hand.
Gu Mei quickly stopped him. Even between cousins, men and women should observe proper distance.
Gu Jiu also drew back, not letting Gu Rui touch her.
Realising his impropriety, Gu Rui immediately apologised. “Please forgive me, Xiao Jiu. I was just too anxious.”
“Tang ge, no need for that.”
Gu Mei asked again, “Gege, what on earth happened? If you don’t explain, how can we help?”
“Your dasao is in trouble. Just now a maid came to report it. I was so panicked that I forgot myself.”
At the mention of her sister-in-law being in danger, Gu Mei instantly grew tense.
“Has a taiyi been summoned?”
“Yes, already. Xiao Jiu, please come with me quickly to take a look.”
Thinking of Jia shi’s condition, how easily it might become two lives lost in one, Gu Jiu dared not delay.
“Tang ge, lead the way.”
Leave a Reply