Gu Jiu, along with the other young ladies, was arranged to stay in a side hall not far from Weiyang Palace.
As soon as she entered her chamber, Qing Mei rushed forward to greet her.
“Guniang, you’ve finally come. Nubi was nearly scared to death.”
Gu Jiu laughed. “Am I not standing here safe and sound? What are you afraid of?”
Qing Mei smiled too, though her eyes shimmered with tears. “Not being able to see guniang, nor leave the room… nubi has been so worried.”
Gu Jiu dropped herself straight onto the bed.
She had entered the palace at dawn. Who knew all that she had been through in between? It wasn’t until now that she could finally relax, close her eyes, and run through everything in her mind.
“Guniang, are you all right?”
Gu Jiu waved her hand. “Stand guard at the door. Don’t disturb me.”
Qing Mei obeyed, retreating to the doorway to keep watch, in case someone barged in.
Inside, Gu Jiu’s thoughts were in turmoil.
It was obvious the Empress suspected Liu Zhao. She must have received some news, or perhaps she had sensed something unusual during this selection of brides for the imperial grandsons.
Either way, the Empress’s suspicion of Liu Zhao now implicated Gu Jiu as well, turning her into a convenient target for attacking him.
And it was equally clear the Empress hadn’t truly believed her words. Today, she had only passed the test for the moment. But what awaited her in the days to come might be an even greater storm.
Gu Jiu’s heart was in knots.
She had to meet with Liu Zhao to come up with a countermeasure.
Her knowledge of the Empress was limited, and with her movements restricted, she had no way to act at present. All she could do was adapt as things came.
Gu Jiu let out a self-mocking laugh. She had truly stepped into a tiger’s den this time. Would she be able to escape safely?
“Guniang, through the crack of the door, nubi just saw Wei san guniang.”
Qing Mei’s words snapped Gu Jiu out of her thoughts.
Gu Jiu sat up from the bed, strode to the door, and pulled it open. Sure enough, Wei san guniang was standing outside.
“Wei san jiejie!” Gu Jiu greeted her with a sweet smile.
Wei san guniang smiled back. “Xiao Jiu meimei, may I come in for a sit?”
“It would be my honour.”
Gu Jiu invited her inside. Qing Mei went to fetch hot water for tea.
Living in the palace was inconvenient in every way, governed by rules at every turn. Even drinking a cup of hot water required asking around.
The chamber had only two chairs. Gu Jiu and Wei san each took one.
As soon as Wei san sat down, she sighed.
“Why does Wei san jiejie sigh?” asked Gu Jiu.
Wei san gave a bitter smile. “I sigh at what sins I must have committed in my past life, to suffer so much in this one.”
Gu Jiu quickly cautioned, “Wei san jiejie, be careful with your words. Walls have ears in this place.”
Wei san nodded. “I know. I was just venting.”
Qing Mei returned, unable to find hot water, only a pot of lukewarm boiled water.
“Guniang, there’s only plain water. Will that do?”
“As long as there’s water, that’s fine.”
Since early morning, she hadn’t had a single sip, and now the dryness of her throat hit her.
Gu Jiu and Wei san each drank two or three cups, finally easing the burning in their throats.
“That Cui guniang, what’s your impression of her, Xiao Jiu meimei?”
Since Wei san would one day become zhouli with Cui guniang, she wanted to hear Gu Jiu’s perspective.
Gu Jiu considered and said, “She’s a very proud young lady.”
Wei san nodded. “Indeed, so proud she sees no one else in her eyes.”
Gu Jiu added, “She does have some apprehension toward Wei san jiejie.”
“Apprehensive of me?” Wei san was surprised.
Gu Jiu lowered her voice. “Wei san jiejie is to marry the Eastern Palace’s san gongzi, while she is to marry er gongzi. But I hear the two gongzi are… not quite the same.”
Gu Jiu didn’t spell it out, but Wei san understood at once.
The Crown Prince’s second son was born of the Crown Princess; the third son of a ce fei.
By rank, the second son was nobler. Yet it was well known that both the Crown Prince and the Empress favoured the third son born of the ce fei more.
And since the Crown Princess’s health was said to be frail, if anything happened to her, the concubine might well be elevated to principal wife.
Wei san frowned deeply. “Do you think Cui guniang might try to harm me in the coming days?”
“I can’t say for sure. But it’s best to stay alert.”
Wei san nodded firmly. “Xiao Jiu meimei is right. One should not harbour malice toward others, but must guard against it.”
She didn’t linger long, soon taking her leave.
By noon, palace maids delivered food.
Though it was already spring in the south, the capital still felt like an icebox.
The food they brought had clearly not been kept warm; everything was cold.
Qing Mei muttered under her breath, “How are we supposed to eat this? What if guniang gets sick from it? At least in the fu, you could always have steaming hot meals.”
Gu Jiu picked up a bite with her chopsticks and tasted it. “Eat. Now’s not the time to be picky. Cold as it is, the food still tastes decent.”
“Nubi doesn’t mind what she eats. Nubi only feel sorry for guniang.”
Gu Jiu chuckled and pinched Qing Mei’s cheek. “I know you care about me. But don’t complain, complaints are useless in the palace. Just make do.”
The mistress and maid chewed slowly, eating the cold food.
As they ate, Gu Jiu suddenly pricked up her ears. “Listen, doesn’t it sound like someone is crying in the room next door?”
Qing Mei put down her chopsticks and whispered, “Nubi will go have a look.”
Moments later, she came running back. “Guniang, you didn’t hear wrong. There really is someone crying in the next chamber. Looks like she couldn’t bear the palace atmosphere, can’t stomach the food here, and broke down in tears.”
Gu Jiu nodded. They were all just girls in their teens, and some being weaker in endurance was only natural.
At least she hadn’t cried in front of the Empress, but had hidden away to sob in secret. That was already showing remarkable restraint.
After finishing only half a bowl, Gu Jiu set her chopsticks aside.
“Guniang is only eating that little?” Qing Mei worried aloud.
Gu Jiu nodded. “In the palace, best to eat and drink as little as possible, less trouble with the privy that way.”
Hearing this, Qing Mei quickly put down her own chopsticks as well. She neatly gathered everything into the food box. Someone would come later to collect it.
Gu Jiu then opened her bundle and took out two books.
Thankfully, she had brought reading material; otherwise, how could she endure these long, empty hours?
After lunch and a short nap, some girls were summoned away, said to have been invited by various consorts.
Qing Mei whispered at her ear, “Guniang, do you think Shu fei niangniang might send for you?”
“Perhaps.”
A thought stirred in Gu Jiu’s heart. If Shu fei did summon her, would there be a chance to see Liu Zhao?
“I’ll keep watch at the door,” Qing Mei volunteered. “If anyone comes, I’ll know right away.”
Soon after, Wei san guniang was indeed invited away, summoned by a concubine related to her family, Zhu guogong fu.
Watching girl after girl leave, Gu Jiu felt a trace of unease. If she wasn’t called to Shu fei, she’d have no chance of encountering Liu Zhao at all.
Forcing herself to remain calm, she drew a long breath and lowered her eyes to the book in her lap, trying to lose herself in its pages.
Then Qing Mei burst in, excitement written all over her face. “Guniang, someone’s here! Looks like they’ve come for you.”
Gu Jiu steadied herself, set the book aside, and gathered her things. Money and valuables, she kept on her person.
“Is this Gu Jiu guniang?”
She rose and looked toward the palace maid who had come forward. “I am.”
The maid was about twenty, with four young attendants trailing behind her. She gave Gu Jiu a measured look from head to toe, then smiled. “I am a female official from Changchun Palace. My surname is Mei.”
Gu Jiu curtsied gracefully and replied in a gentle voice, “Greetings, Lady Mei.”
“I come by Shu fei niangniang’s order to invite Gu guniang to Changchun Palace. Please, this way.”
“Many thanks, Lady Mei.”
Following Lady Mei and her attendants, Gu Jiu left the side hall smoothly and made her way toward Changchun Palace.
The difference between Changchun and Weiyang Palaces was stark.
Weiyang Palace was grand and austere, steeped in the weight of history. Changchun was smaller in scale, yet furnished with exquisite care, carrying a touch of warmth and liveliness.
Gu Jiu and Qing Mei paused beneath the eaves.
Lady Mei had gone into the main hall to announce her. From within drifted the sound of light laughter, bright, girlish voices.
So there are others inside?
Her suspicions were soon confirmed when a little palace maid appeared. “Gu guniang, Shu fei niangniang summons you.”
“Thank you, several jiejie.” Gu Jiu smiled kindly.
At that moment, Qing Mei deftly slipped a purse into the maid’s hand.
The girl accepted it without changing expression, the movement so quick it was obvious she’d practised countless times. She gestured for Gu Jiu to proceed.
As Gu Jiu passed her, she caught the maid’s whisper, barely audible: “Xiao guniang is here as well. She spoke of Gu guniang earlier with niangniang. When replying, Gu guniang must be careful. Niangniang favours girls who are honest and modest.”
“Many thanks!” Gu Jiu drew a steadying breath. That silver had been well spent.
Led by the maid, she entered the main hall.
She bowed deeply. “Chennü Gu Jiu pays respects to Shu fei niangniang. May niangniang enjoy health and longevity.”
“Rise.”
“Thank you, niangniang.” Gu Jiu straightened.
“Lift your head. Let bengong have a look at you,” Shu fei ordered.
Slowly, Gu Jiu raised her gaze, her brows lowered in restraint, her demeanour steady and reliable. Out of the corner of her eye, she stole a cautious look at the consort.
Shu fei was no longer young, and unlike Xue guifei, she had not kept her looks so well. Yet compared to the Empress, she was still far superior. Her features were set in a stern expression, with downward-slanting eyes that made her seem difficult to approach.
Her gaze swept over Gu Jiu from head to toe, appraising carefully. “Not bad. Very comely indeed. No wonder Zhao’er chose you.”
Gu Jiu lowered her head, saying nothing.
“Sit,” Shu fei said mildly.
Gu Jiu bowed again. “Thank you, niangniang.”
A maid led her to a seat on the lower right.
Directly across from her sat Xiao guniang, Shu fei’s grandniece. She had not entered the selection as she was long since betrothed to the second son of a wang fu, Liu Zhao’s own younger brother, born of the same mother.
Xiao guniang’s brows and eyes were like painting, her beauty striking and radiant, a face that dazzled at first sight.
She smiled at Gu Jiu and said sweetly, “Gu guniang is younger than I, yet in the future I must call you saozi. I shall rely on your care then.”
Gu Jiu furrowed her brows slightly. What was this supposed to be? An attempt to get close, or a provocation?
With calm courtesy, she said, “I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what guniang is saying.”
The young lady burst into tinkling laughter. “It’s my fault, I forgot to introduce myself. My surname is Xiao, I am Liu Yi’s fiancée.”
Gu Jiu immediately put on a look of sudden realisation. “So it is Xiao guniang. A pleasure to meet you.”
Liu Yi was Liu Zhao’s brother from the same mother.
Ever since her betrothal to Liu Zhao, Gu Jiu had crammed every bit of knowledge she could about the imperial clan, making sure she knew all the members of Ning wang fu.
Shu fei glanced around and said, “In the future, you two will be zhouli. You should get along well.”
“Chennü will obey niangniang’s instructions.” Gu Jiu bowed respectfully.
“Niangniang, your grandniece just wants to stay by your side forever.”
Xiao guniang acted coquettishly. It was plain that she felt entirely at ease before Shu fei; she must come to the palace often.
Shu fei chuckled merrily. “You little monkey. Isn’t it just because you’re greedy for the treats in bengong’s palace?”
Xiao guniang covered her mouth playfully. “Who would have thought my deepest secret would still be seen through by niangniang.”
Shu fei pointed at her, laughing. “With your little tricks, did you really think you could fool bengong? Impossible.”
Xiao guniang immediately leaned closer to her. “Niangniang, your grandniece only wants to eat the palace pastries. The chef from the imperial kitchens who makes the Jiangnan desserts, his skills are truly superb. I’ve put on weight these past two months.”
“You’ve grown fatter and you still eat?” Shu fei asked with a smile.
“But it’s so delicious, I simply can’t help myself.” Xiao guniang looked innocent and adorable.
Shu fei burst out laughing. “Quick, bring some pastries for Qin’er. Bengong want to see how many she can eat today.”
The palace maids laughed along and went to fetch them.
Xiao guniang declared, “Your grandniece can eat at least five pieces.”
“Careful, you won’t be able to eat dinner and give yourself indigestion.”
“Only niangniang truly cares for me.”
Xiao guniang fluttered and flattered at Shu fei’s side, making her laugh again and again.
Gu Jiu became little more than a backdrop, seated properly in her chair, quietly observing everything without expression.
She noticed that while Xiao guniang was chatting with Shu fei, she also threw glances at her.
She hadn’t mistaken it; those were provocative glances.
Gu Jiu lowered her head with a small smile. This Xiao guniang was rather interesting.
The pastries were brought in, and Xiao guniang invited Gu Jiu to try them together.
Gu Jiu smiled. “Then I’ll taste a little.”
“Don’t worry, Gu guniang, the palace pastries are delicious.”
Gu Jiu tried a piece, and it was very sweet. To her, far too sweet, not to her taste.
She chewed slowly and carefully finished the one piece, but did not touch a second.
Xiao guniang, on the other hand, clearly loved them. Gu Jiu watched her eat three in a row without the slightest hint of being sick of them.
Clearly, Xiao guniang had a real sweet tooth.
“Gu guniang, you’re not eating more?”
Gu Jiu smiled and shook her head. “I’m afraid I’ll get indigestion later.”
Xiao guniang immediately cried out, “Niangniang, look, Gu guniang is already so young and yet she understands how to take care of her health.”
Shu fei laughed. “Unlike you, once you start eating, you just can’t stop.”
Xiao guniang pouted with a laugh. “Who told the pastries in niangniang’s palace to be so delicious?”
“You little monkey, eat less. Otherwise, you’ll get so fat you won’t fit into your wedding dress.”
Xiao guniang stamped her foot. “Niangniang is teasing me again!”
“Haha…” Shu fei roared with laughter.
Just then, a maid entered to report: “Reporting to niangniang, wangye has arrived with Gongzi Zhao and Gongzi Yi to pay respects.”
“Quickly, let them in!”
Shu fei’s expression lit up; she was clearly delighted by Ning wang’s arrival.
Soon, Ning wang entered the hall with his two sons.
“Erchen greets mufei. How have you been these days?”
“Good, good, good! Come sit.”
Xiao guniang hurriedly rose to yield her seat at the left, moving to sit beside Gu Jiu.
“Your grandson greets Grandmother, wishing you health and long life.”
Liu Zhao and Liu Yi bowed in greeting.
Shu fei smiled brightly. “Come closer, let bengong look at you. Have you lost weight?”
Liu Yi stepped forward. He was clearly the more favoured of the two.
Shaking his head proudly, he said, “Grandmother, I haven’t lost weight. I’ve even grown fatter.”
Shu fei burst into laughter. “You and Qin’er, you’re both here to tease bengong, aren’t you?”
Gu Jiu glanced at Liu Zhao.
He silently sat down beside Ning wang, showing no intention of joining in the playful banter.
Gu Jiu blinked at him. She needed an opportunity to speak with him privately, and it was up to him to create it.
But Liu Zhao’s face remained expressionless, as though he hadn’t even noticed her. He gave not the slightest response to her gaze.
“Look at Gu guniang, she’s staring at Zhao biaoge as though entranced.”
Xiao guniang suddenly spoke up.
Gu Jiu quickly withdrew her eyes and turned toward Xiao guniang.
Xiao guniang hid a smile behind her hand. “Gu guniang, don’t be embarrassed.”
Shu fei added, “It’s common for a young couple to look at each other more closely the first time they meet.”
Gu Jiu could only smile bashfully.
What could she say? In front of Shu fei, she could say nothing.
Just as Gu daren had advised her: speak less, observe more.
Suddenly, Liu Zhao spoke up: “Gu guniang is composed and steady. Bengongzi finds that very admirable. But Xiao biaomei’s posture is improper and extremely unseemly.”
Xiao guniang froze, her eyes immediately filling with tears.
Gu Jiu lowered her head, grinding her teeth. Was Liu Zhao deliberately drawing hatred towards her, or drawing hatred towards her, or drawing hatred towards her?!
Argh! Gu Jiu’s heart fumed again. She really wanted to hit him.
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