Gu daren walked heavily into Furong Yuan.
Xie shi was surprised. She hesitated a moment, then rose to greet him. “Why has laoye come?”
Gu daren said nothing. He only looked at her.
Xie shi frowned. “Why are you looking at me like that? Have I done something wrong again to displease you?”
Gu daren silently shook his head. “I have something to tell you. You’d best prepare yourself.”
Her heart thumped wildly, a sudden dread rising within her. She asked cautiously, “What is it that laoye wishes to tell me?”
Gu daren didn’t know what tone to use in telling her the truth.
Because in his heart, he was actually glad.
Yet as a scholar, a man who prided himself on his moral sense, he could not appear to gloat, could not rub salt in another’s wound.
After much struggle and hesitation, he finally spoke in a heavy voice: “Your da ge, Xie Mao… is dead.”
Xie shi blinked. “What did laoye just say? What about my da ge?”
Having said it once, the second time was easier.
Gu daren spoke bluntly: “Your brother Xie Mao is dead.”
“Dead? Hehe…” She laughed. “I know laoye never liked my brother, but you can’t curse him like that.”
Gu daren’s face remained solemn as he repeated, “I’m not joking. He truly is dead. I expect someone from the Xie family will come later to deliver the mourning notice.”
“No, impossible. You must be lying to me.” She shook her head again and again, her face growing pale, her eyes flashing with terror.
She refused to believe it. Her brother was alive and well; how could he be dead? It had to be a lie.
Gu daren said, “I’m not lying. He went out with the Eastern Palace guards on a case. They were attacked by bandits, and he was killed.”
“Nonsense! That’s nonsense! My brother is an official of the Eastern Palace, not a magistrate, how could he lead men out to handle a case?”
Xie shi rebuked him angrily, refusing to accept the news.
Gu daren paused, then said, “His death was… rather gruesome. His face was slashed beyond recognition, so they couldn’t identify him at first. Later, his close servant confirmed it by a birthmark. Only then could they be certain the body was indeed your brother.”
“Shut up, shut up!” She screamed, panic and dread overtaking her.
She collapsed into a chair, trembling like a leaf, mumbling over and over: “I don’t believe it. It’s false. All false…”
At that moment, her maid Chun He entered, her own face white as chalk, as though the sky had fallen.
She glanced first at Gu daren, then quickly bowed.
Gu daren gave a low grunt. “What is it?”
Chun He looked toward Xie shi before whispering, “Someone from the Xie family has come to deliver mourning.”
Gu daren sighed inwardly.
Xie shi heard her words.
Her head jerked around stiffly, as though her neck had seized up, and she stared fixedly at Chun He. “What did you just say? Who came to deliver mourning?”
Chun He hurriedly replied, “Reporting to taitai, the Xie family steward has come. He says Xie da laoye has passed.”
“Truly… gone?”
Her face drained of all colour, her spirit utterly emptied.
Chun He nodded firmly. “Xie da laoye is gone.”
Xie shi collapsed limply against the chair back, eyes vacant, like her soul had flown away.
“Taitai? Taitai, are you all right? Don’t frighten me like this.”
Chun He was terrified, for no matter how she called, Xie shi gave no response, as if only an empty shell remained.
“Laoye, taitai, she…” Chun He burst into tears.
Gu daren rushed over, pinched Xie shi’s philtrum, and ordered, “Bring cold water, quickly.”
“Oh! Yes, yes, at once.”
Chun He ran off and returned with a bowl of cold water.
Gu daren took a mouthful and sprayed it on Xie shi’s face.
With the pinching and the splashing, she finally regained her senses.
Drops of water clung to her cheeks, her gaze still dazed.
She stared at Gu daren, then suddenly burst into loud sobs. “Laoye, my brother is gone!”
She wept uncontrollably.
Gu daren sighed. “The dead cannot be brought back. You must try to accept it. I’ll arrange for a condolence gift to be sent. In a few days, if you feel strong enough, you may go pay your respects.”
Crying, she asked, “Will laoye not go to pay respects himself?”
He answered calmly, “I will not.”
Her heart broke further. “My brother is already dead, can’t you at least set aside past grievances…”
“No.” He cut her off decisively.
Xie shi covered her mouth, unable to believe such ruthlessness. “All those years, my brother helped us so much. Can laoye truly cast aside every bit of past kindness?”
Expressionless, Gu daren said, “Back in the northwest, benguan already severed all ties with Xie daren. If you wish to be considerate of me, then do not bring it up again.
“Benguan has affairs at the yamen to handle. If there’s anything you wish to eat or drink, tell the maids. The Xie family is busy with the funeral now, you must also try to see things more clearly.”
Though displeased with Xie shi, his tone carried a rare softness.
Because with Xie Mao’s death, even Xie shi seemed more tolerable in his eyes.
That culprit was dead, truly a cause for celebration.
Without Xie Mao to back her up, Xie shi would naturally settle down, not daring to act recklessly anymore. From now on, the inner quarters of the fu would surely be quiet.
Gu daren left in satisfaction. Fortunately, he still had some composure and knew to hide his smile, avoiding pouring salt on Xie shi’s wound.
After he left, Xie shi gradually stopped crying.
Chun He brought over a cup of tea. “Taitai, you’ve been crying for so long. Please have some water.”
Xie shi numbly lifted the cup, took a sip, and muttered, “They keep asking me to understand him, but why is he unwilling to understand me?”
Chun He’s heart tightened. The “him” in Xie shi’s words clearly referred to Gu daren.
“Please think more openly, taitai,” Chun He advised. “The dead cannot come back to life. Everything must move forward.”
Xie shi gave a cold laugh, her eyes gradually turning icy.
Dong Mei came in to report that san guniang, si guniang, liu shaoye and ba shaoye had come to pay respects.
Xie shi wiped the corners of her eyes. “Let them in.”
Soon, her four children entered the main room.
“Mother, we’ve heard about da jiujiu’s matter. Are you all right?” Gu Cheng asked with concern.
Xie shi nodded and gestured for them all to sit.
“Your jiujiu had an accident while on official duty. He encountered bandits and was killed.”
The younger Gu Gong, quick of tongue, blurted out first: “Jiujiu’s end was too tragic. Now that he’s dead, what will happen to the Xie family?”
Xie shi turned her gaze on him.
Gu Gong froze, not knowing what mistake he had made.
Gu Cheng stepped in to smooth things over. “Mother, please take care of yourself. I’ll go visit the Xie family shortly to see if there’s anything we can do to help. In a couple of days, it won’t be too late for you to go and pay respects.”
Xie shi felt somewhat comforted. Looking at Gu Cheng, she said, “You are thoughtful. When you see your grandparents, comfort them for me. This calamity came from the heavens – no one could have foreseen it. As for your uncle’s death, I believe the Eastern Palace will give an explanation.”
“Yes, Mother, I understand.”
Suddenly, Gu Yue spoke up. “Nü’er heard that jiujiu’s death has something to do with the case Father is investigating.”
Gu Cheng frowned slightly, displeased that Gu Yue brought up such a matter at this time.
Xie shi fixed her gaze on Gu Yue. “Is what you say true? Did your jiujiu’s death really have something to do with your father’s case?”
“I only overheard a couple of words; I don’t know the details,” Gu Yue said meekly.
Xie shi’s expression grew agitated. “Someone, summon Gao Sanfu! Such a huge matter, why has he not reported it?”
“Mother, please calm down first,” Gu Cheng advised. “If you want to know, just ask me. There’s no need to call for Gao Sanfu.”
Xie shi grabbed Gu Cheng by the collar. “You know the truth, yet you refuse to tell me?”
Her eyes bulged wide, as though she were about to devour someone.
Gu Cheng remained calm. “Because jiujiu’s death had nothing to do with Father, I didn’t bring it up. San meimei only heard rumours, it shouldn’t be taken seriously.”
Xie shi snapped sharply: “Then tell me what exactly happened. Whether it’s related to your father’s case or not, I will judge for myself.”
Gu Cheng took a deep breath before speaking. “A certain supervisor, Fang shaojian, in the palace went missing. The Directorate of Palace Servants ordered the yamen and the Xiuyiwei to work together to track him down. Father has been so busy with this that his feet hardly touched the ground these past days. But there has been no news of Fang shaojian.
“This son heard that the Eastern Palace was also searching for him, and jiujiu was in charge of that task. Fang shaojian used to be a trusted aide of Empress Ruizhen Cui, so the Crown Prince was desperate to find him.
“Jiujiu may have received some information and rushed to a cloth shop in the southern part of the city, but he was ambushed. All the Crown Prince’s guards who accompanied him were killed; none survived.”
Xie shi’s face went pale. “Is this really true?”
Gu Cheng nodded heavily. “This son has hidden nothing. This matter has spread across the capital. When the yamen received the report, they sent men to the cloth shop. Unfortunately, they were too late. By the time they arrived, jiujiu and the guards had all been slaughtered. Jiujiu’s face had even been slashed beyond recognition, delaying identification for two days.”
Xie shi released her grip on Gu Cheng’s collar and collapsed into her chair. “So… your jiujiu died for the Eastern Palace?”
“Yes.”
Xie shi’s expression turned sorrowful. “Your jiujiu is dead, the Xie family is finished, and so am I.”
Gu Cheng was puzzled. “Mother, why think like this? You still have me and Gu Gong. Are we brothers not worthy of your reliance?”
“Yes! I’ll stand up for Mother from now on. Please don’t be sad,” Gu Gong echoed.
Xie shi slowly shook her head. “You don’t understand.”
Gu daren respected her not merely because she bore him four children, but more importantly because she had a powerful elder brother.
Though Xie Mao’s character was questionable, his abilities were undeniable.
Looking at her two sons, Gu Cheng had not yet established his career, his future uncertain; Gu Gong was still childish, and it was enough if he didn’t cause trouble. At present, neither could be relied upon.
To depend on her sons to support her would take at least ten years.
Could she endure ten years?
Once accustomed to luxury, it is bitter to live in frugality. She was used to being the matriarch, wielding power in the Gu family’s inner court. Now, having to live cautiously with her tail tucked in, the contrast alone was enough to make life unbearable.
With sorrow weighing on her heart, Xie shi looked at Gu Cheng solemnly. “Liulang, you must strive hard. You must make a name for yourself in your studies. Your mother’s future will depend entirely on you.”
Gu Cheng nodded heavily. “Mother, don’t worry. I will study hard, pass the examinations, and earn honour for our family.”
Whether he could actually bring glory to the family was not the important part. What mattered was that Gu Cheng must make something of himself and become her pillar of support.
Xie shi continued, “Today, you go to the Xie family in my stead. I’ll rest for one night and go myself tomorrow morning. Tell your grandparents not to grieve too much; the Xie family has not collapsed.”
“Mother?” Gu Cheng frowned, unease stirring in his heart.
Xie shi’s face remained expressionless. “All of you may go now. I am tired.”
Gu Cheng looked at her deeply, then said, “Your son takes his leave.”
Once Gu Cheng had left, the other three siblings also departed from Furong Yuan.
After stepping outside the gate, Gu Cheng turned back, his expression stern as he looked at Gu Yue.
“San meimei, what exactly did you mean by what you said before Mother just now? Don’t you realise your words could easily cause misunderstandings? If Mother believes jiujiu’s death had something to do with Father, have you thought about the consequences?”
Gu Yue looked timid. “Liu ge, don’t be so fierce with me, all right? I didn’t mean it, I just spoke without thinking.”
Gu Cheng sighed. “You’re about to be married off, yet you still don’t know restraint in speech. Once you enter Haixi bo fu, if you offend someone with careless words, what will you do then?”
Gu Yue cautiously asked, “If I am bullied in Haixi bo fu, will liu ge stand up for me?”
Gu Cheng snorted. “You are my sister. If I don’t stand up for you, who will? But in the future, watch your tongue. Don’t speak when it isn’t your place.”
“Oh! I’ll listen to liu ge.”
Gu Cheng still had to hurry to the Xie family, so he left quickly with Gu Gong.
Gu Yue and Gu Shan exchanged glances.
Gu Shan suddenly asked, “San jiejie, you deliberately said those half-true, half-false words before Mother, didn’t you? Why would you try to sow discord between her and Father? Mother has treated you so well. How could you do this?”
Gu Yue gave a cold laugh. “Treated me well? That was in the past. Now, the one Mother favours most is you, Fourth Sister. Don’t tell me you want the benefit and the praise as well?”
Gu Shan grew angry. “All these years, Mother’s kindness to you, did you never take it to heart? Because she scolded you a few times, must you bear a grudge forever? She is your mother, the one who gave birth to you and raised you. San jiejie, your behaviour is too heartless.”
Clearly, in Gu Yue’s mind, kindness toward her was simply what she was owed, nothing to be grateful for.
But the moment she was wronged, Gu Yue would remember it forever.
Gu Yue sneered. “What, si meimei, are you trying to lecture me with your so-called principles again? Spare me. If you can’t stand me, then stay out of my sight. I find you annoying as well.”
With that, she turned and left, leaving only her back to Gu Shan.
Gu Shan was dissatisfied, furious.
Gu Yue’s attitude, her words, so cold, so ruthless.
Gu Shan bit her lip. Indeed, she should never have harboured expectations of Gu Yue.
Qing Mei came to Gu Jiu’s side and whispered, “Guniang, the news has spread.”
Gu Jiu looked up. “You mean about Xie daren?”
Qing Mei nodded rapidly. “Laoye informed taitai himself. Nubi heard taitai even wept. Liu shaoye and ba shaoye are going to the Xie family today to offer condolences.”
Gu Jiu let out a long breath. At last, the matter had been exposed.
As long as Xie Mao’s murder remained hidden, Gu Jiu could not rest easy.
She asked, “What are people saying outside?”
Qing Mei hurried to answer, “They’re all saying Xie daren encountered bandits while on a case and was killed by them.”
Gu Jiu frowned. “Everyone is saying that?”
Qing Mei nodded firmly. “Erzhuang also inquired; he heard the same thing. He said that if no clues are found, the authorities will close the case as the work of bandits.”
Gu Jiu’s brows knit tighter. “But wasn’t the case taken over by the Jinwuwei? Don’t they claim that no case ever goes unsolved in their hands? When did their ability become so poor? To think of closing the case by blaming bandits, absurd.”
Qing Mei gaped in confusion. “Does guniang actually hope the Jinwuwei uncovers the truth?”If they did, wouldn’t that mean guniang herself would be seized as the murderer?
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