Gu Jiu tapped the table, again and again.
She was torn. On the one hand, she hoped the Jinwuwei would uncover the truth and expose Fang shaojian.
On the other hand, she wished they would find nothing at all, then she would be safe.
But the moment she thought of someone pulling strings behind this case, Gu Jiu felt too unsettled to eat or sleep.
She was certain that the one manipulating events was not Fang shaojian.
He could barely protect himself at this point and didn’t have that kind of power.
The likeliest culprit was someone in the inner palace, or perhaps the Crown Princess herself.
And no matter who it was, none of them were easy to deal with.
Gu Jiu sighed inwardly. Killing Xie Mao really had been a reckless decision, leaving endless troubles in its wake.
Yet at that time, given the circumstances, killing him had seemed like the best solution.
Pressing her lips together, she pondered her options.
The coachman-assassin was a hidden danger. He belonged to the Crown Princess, which meant she likely already knew that Gu Jiu, not Fang shaojian, had killed Xie Mao.
If she were the Crown Princess, how would she use that leverage?
Would she shout the truth to the world?
Obviously not.
The Crown Princess would never do something that brought her no benefit.
If the truth came out, how could she pin the blame on other princes? That would be of no use to the Eastern Palace.
But would the Crown Princess let her off?
Gu Jiu slowly shook her head. Of course not. If she were in that woman’s place, she would certainly exploit it fully.
And how best to use it?
Gu Jiu let out a laugh.
Naturally, by exploiting her identity as the wife of an imperial grandson.
She sighed. Once she married Liu Zhao, trouble would come knocking on her door.
“What is guniang thinking about?” Qing Mei asked worriedly.
Gu Jiu gave a self-mocking smile. “I almost wish the Jinwuwei could uncover the truth.”
At that moment, she truly meant it.
If they would just arrest Fang shaojian, everything would be neatly settled.
But that was only wishful thinking.
She, Fang shaojian, and the Crown Princess, none of them wanted the Jinwuwei to uncover the truth.
And clearly, the Crown Princess already had people within the Jinwuwei helping to carry out her plans.
Looked at that way, the Crown Princess was far more formidable than the Crown Prince himself.
A dangerous woman indeed!
And now, with Fang shaojian as her new ally, she was even more unstoppable.
From now on, Gu Jiu would have to tread carefully around her.
Gu Jiu chuckled. Xie Mao was dead, and so be it. Though it left endless consequences behind, she had never been one to shy away from trouble.
Whoever dared to reach for her, she would strike back, hard.
The true contest hadn’t even begun. She would keep her head low, quietly gathering strength.
One day, she herself would step onto the field and clash with the mighty.
Gu Jiu rose and walked to the window.
A storm was brewing.
At dawn, Xie shi led her children to the Xie family.
White lanterns hung at the main gate, and gloom blanketed the entire household.
Xie Mao’s death was a crushing blow to the family.
It was as if their pillar of support had collapsed.
From this day on, the Xie family would only decline, sliding into ruin.
Even Xie er laoye’s business would likely fail.
In the past, others gave him face for Xie Mao’s sake, letting him manoeuvre in the marketplace.
Now that Xie Mao was dead, they would seize the chance to kick a man when he was down and swallow his enterprises whole.
Xie shi first went to the mourning hall and offered incense for Xie Mao.
Her heart ached bitterly. Her elder brother was gone. What would happen to the rest of them still living? What would happen to the Xie family?
When Ma shi, Xie Mao’s widow, saw her, she broke down in sobs.
“Laoye, look who’s come to see you. It’s meimei, she’s finally willing to come! Only now, at your death, does she show her face. What terrible sin have we committed, for things to come to this?”
Gu Yue stood expressionless.
Gu Shan was simmering with indignation.
Gu Cheng managed to stay composed.
Gu Gong burned with fury; if not for the solemn setting, he would have leapt up to curse her.
Xie shi’s expression froze. She had expected Ma shi to be hostile, but she hadn’t thought she would humiliate her right there in the mourning hall.
Taking a deep breath, she forced her tone into sorrow and said, “Dasao, please restrain your grief. Though da ge is gone, you and the children must carry on.”
But Ma shi clutched her hand, sobbing and sniffling. “Meimei, my husband is gone! What will become of us, a widow with orphans? You must help us, please! The whole family is depending on you now.”
It took all of Xie shi’s strength and Gu Shan’s help to finally wrench free of Ma shi’s grip.
She said, “Dasao, don’t be anxious. For now, we must focus on da ge’s funeral. After it’s done, we can discuss other matters.”
Ma shi cried even harder: “Meimei, you can’t just abandon us! Even if you despise me, you must look after your nieces and nephews!”
“That’s enough! Stop disgracing yourself.”
With that sharp rebuke, Ma shi’s wails abruptly ceased.
Everyone followed the sound, and to their surprise, the one scolding Ma shi was none other than Ma shi and Xie Mao’s eldest di son, Xie Shi.
Xie Shi was already a grown youth. His father’s death had forced him to grow up overnight and shoulder the burden of being the eldest son of the household.
With a stern face, he said to Ma shi, “Mother, don’t go crying to everyone about how hard things are at home. Relatives help out of kindness; if they don’t want to, we can’t force them. At least spare your sons some dignity. Don’t let others look down on the Xie family. This is not twenty years ago, and we are not a ruined household.”
Ma shi wanted to cry but no tears came. It was clear that she seemed somewhat intimidated by Xie Shi.
Indeed, when Xie Shi spoke with that stern face, he was rather frightening.
Ma shi said weakly, “I’m only thinking for your sake…”
Xie Shi gave a cold snort. “Thank you, Mother. But your son does not need you to plan for him.”
Ma shi felt humiliated, but didn’t dare to argue back. She muttered in a low voice, “Fine, I’ll just speak less in the future.”
Xie Shi stood up and walked toward Xie shi. “Gumu, I didn’t scare you just now, did I? It was my mother’s fault; please forgive her.”
Xie shi let out a sigh of relief. “You’ve had it hard. Your father’s passing was so sudden; now the whole family depends on you alone. If you face any difficulties, just tell your gumu. As long as I can help, I surely will.”
Ma shi grew excited. “There are difficulties, plenty of difficulties. Meimei, you said it yourself, you mustn’t go back on your word!”
Xie Shi frowned and looked back at Ma shi. “Mother, could you please say a little less?”
Ma shi instantly deflated like a punctured ball and fell silent.
Xie Shi then said solemnly to Xie shi, “Thank you, gumu. For now, I can still manage.”
“Don’t overwork yourself. You’re still young, don’t force yourself too hard,” Xie shi advised.
Xie Shi gave a slight bow. “I’ll heed gumu’s words. If I can’t hold on, I’ll speak up.”
“Good child.”
Xie shi felt deeply comforted. At last, there was a successor for the Xie family.
Just then, the steward of the Xie family came running into the mourning hall in a rush. “Quick, quick, quick! His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived with the Eastern Palace officials. Shaoye, you must hurry out to greet him!”
Xie Shi’s heart surged with both excitement and nerves. He turned to Xie shi and said, “Gumu, please help watch things here. I’ll be right back.”
“Go quickly.”
The news that the Crown Prince himself had come to pay respects to Xie Mao shook the entire Xie family.
Because of Xie Mao’s death, the ailing old master and old madam of the Xie family forced themselves up from their sickbeds.
Even Xie er laoye appeared from somewhere.
Ma shi panicked, wringing her hands. “The Crown Prince is here. What do we do? Meimei is well-versed in such matters; tell me, what should I do to be proper?”
Xie shi truly despised Ma shi. She softly scolded, “Don’t shout. When His Highness arrives, you mustn’t say anything. Just cry. Remember, cry quietly, don’t disturb the Crown Prince.”
Then she pointed at the other nieces and nephews. “You all must remember this, too: cry properly. The duty of speaking to His Highness falls to Xie Shi. That child is excellent, very responsible; dasao, you’re fortunate.”
Ma shi sniffled. “Is meimei mocking me? Your da ge left us so early, leaving us orphans and a widow. How are we supposed to live?”
Excited, Ma shi was about to wail aloud again.
Xie shi quickly covered her mouth. “Dasao, don’t cry. If the Crown Prince sees, be careful he doesn’t grow disgusted.”
Ma shi nodded, sobbing softly. “Meimei, I’ll remember your words. I… I mustn’t ruin dalang’s opportunity. The Crown Prince visiting us, orphans and a widow, shows he’s a man who cherishes old ties.”
Xie shi nodded. At last, Ma shi showed some sense.
Xie Shi led the Crown Prince and the Eastern Palace officials into the mourning hall.
The Crown Prince had grown thinner, no longer the plump figure of the past.
His brows carried sorrow. Entering the hall, he personally offered a stick of incense before Xie Mao’s spirit.
The Eastern Palace officials also each offered incense.
The Crown Prince looked around the mourning hall. Seeing the elderly master and madam of the Xie family dragging their frail bodies into the hall, he quickly stepped forward.
“Elders, gu is ashamed before you.”
The old taitai wept bitterly, wiping her eyes nonstop.
The old laoye too wept, though he could still manage to speak.
“Your Highness’s presence in our humble home is our honour. My son was unfortunate; he could not continue to share Your Highness’s burdens.”
“Elder, do not say such things. If gu had not ordered Xie daren to handle that case, he would not have encountered those villains, nor suffered this accident.”
The old master broke down in sobs.
The Crown Prince comforted them a few words, then asked: “Is Xie daren’s family well? If there are any difficulties, you must tell me.”
Xie Shi stepped forward. “Thank you, Your Highness. After my father’s funeral, caomin will shut himself in to study, keeping filial mourning for him.”
The Crown Prince looked at Xie Shi with approval. “You are very good. With your father gone, this family now relies on you. Do you have plans for the future? How about gu leave you a post in the Eastern Palace? After your three years of mourning, you can come serve there.”
Ma shi and the others were overjoyed.
Only Xie Shi’s expression remained calm. “Thank you for Your Highness’s great kindness, but caomin wishes to join the army.”
“Oh!” The Crown Prince was quite surprised, then he said again, “Ambitious, good men should ride across the battlefield. Since you wish to join the army, gu can lend you a hand. The Imperial Grandson is currently training with the Capital Garrison. Once your mourning period ends, gu can arrange for you to serve there as well, to be his right arm. What do you think?”
This was precisely what Xie Shi had been waiting for. He bowed deeply, “Caomin thanks Your Highness for such immense grace.”
“Rise quickly.”
The Crown Prince remained at the Xie family for only the time of one incense stick.
He instructed Xie Shi to study diligently, and if he faced any difficulty, he could turn to the Eastern Palace.
As soon as the Crown Prince departed, his attendants from the Eastern Palace left with him.
Xu daren, the Crown Prince’s chamberlain, discreetly gave Xie Shi some advice. “Mourning is important, but so is your future. Since you have chosen a military career, in my opinion, you need not observe a full three years of mourning. Opportunities must be seized while they are hot, do you understand?”
Xie Shi bowed slightly. “Thank you, Xu daren, for your guidance. Among common folk, pressed by livelihood, mourning usually lasts three months to half a year.”
Xu daren secretly nodded. A clever boy indeed, and an ambitious mind too.
He told Xie Shi, “The dead cannot return, but the living must go on. The future of the Xie family now rests upon you.”
“I understand.”
After sending off the Crown Prince and his retinue, Xie Shi returned to the mourning hall.
Xie shi first asked, “Are you all right?”
Xie Shi shook his head. “Thank you for your concern, gumu. I am fine.”
Ma shi asked again, “What did Xu daren say to you?”
Xie Shi was silent for a moment before answering, “Nothing of importance.”
Then he instructed attendants to escort the old master and the old madam back to their rooms to rest.
The old master patted Xie Shi’s shoulder. “This family will depend on you in the future.”
Xie shi bowed. “Grandfather, rest assured. Your grandson will hold this household together.”
“Well done. Truly a worthy descendant of our Xie family.”
Xie er laoye’s eyes darted about, and he muttered, “Now that da ge is gone… should we divide the family?”
“Utter nonsense! I’m not dead yet. If you dare talk of splitting the family, I’ll break your legs.” Old Master Xie fumed.
But Xie Shi said, “Er shu’s consideration is reasonable. Grandfather, let us divide the household. Since gumu is here, we can discuss the matter properly.”
[T/N: Er shu: father’s younger brother, ranked second.]
Old Master Xie was incredulous. “Dalang, you’ve lost your senses! I will not permit it. As long as I live, this family will not be divided.”
Expressionless, Xie Shi replied, “Father is already gone. Now is precisely the right time. Otherwise, in the future, no matter how we divide, people will say er shu took advantage of orphans and widows, or that our main branch leveraged sympathy to gain more. Only if Grandfather himself decides on the division can public opinion be silenced, and both er shu’s household and ours accept it without resentment.”
Old Master Xie wavered.
Xie er laoye thought, scholars really do know how to turn a phrase. What a smooth argument.
Ma shi leapt up in alarm. “We cannot divide! Dalang, are you out of your mind? If we split, how will we widows and orphans survive?”
Xie Shi’s face hardened. “Does Mother not trust her son? Or does Mother think her son cannot provide for you?”
Ma shi was dumbstruck. Xie Shi’s gaze was terrifying. Though she was his elder, under his pressure, she dared not speak further.
She opened her mouth weakly, almost in tears, “Do we truly have to split?”
If they divided the household, how could they survive?
Xie Shi nodded firmly. “Now is the time. If we divide, future disputes will lessen. Of course, the formal division must wait until after the funeral. Today, we are only discussing it. Gumu, please serve as a witness.”
Xie shi frowned. “At such a time? Improper. How can your branch of widows and orphans stand alone? And without the main branch’s support, how will the second branch keep its business afloat?”
Xie er laoye hurriedly said, “Don’t worry, meimei. Business will continue as usual.”
Xie shi sneered. “Er ge, just don’t regret it later.”
“I guarantee I won’t regret it,” Xie er laoye insisted.
Xie shi looked at him as if he were a fool.
On the surface, the second branch’s eagerness to sever ties with the main branch seemed clever. In truth, it was foolish.
Look at Xie Shi; Xie er laoye mentioned division, and he immediately seized upon it. Clearly, he wanted to cast off the second branch as a burden and move forward unencumbered.
The Xie family’s future lay entirely with the main branch. Yet Xie er laoye failed to see it, thinking that a little money in hand could allow him to act recklessly. Let him wait. Regret would come sooner or later.
Old Master Xie sighed. “Since you all wish to split, if I continue to forbid it, you’ll only resent me. Very well, divide, then. Afterwards, I will live with the second branch.”
Xie er laoye declared, “As it should be. With only me left to care for Father and Mother, it is my duty to provide for you.”
Thus, the matter of dividing the household between the main and second branches of the Xie family was settled.
While no relatives or friends were present, the two branches began discussing division right there in the mourning hall.
Xie shi watched this absurd scene, seething with anger, yet powerless. After all, as a married-out daughter, she had no say in Xie family affairs.
Gu Cheng frowned, thinking, The Xie family truly is nouveau riche, without propriety.
Even if the household must be divided, how can they discuss it in front of the deceased, in the mourning hall itself?
He resolved to keep his distance from the Xie family in the future. Apart from New Year’s greetings, the two families should have as little to do with each other as possible.
The Crown Prince had only just returned to the Eastern Palace when an attendant came to report: the Emperor summoned him.
The Crown Prince instinctively shuddered. “Did fuhuang say why he is summoning gu?”
“Your Highness, all the wangye are presently gathered in Xingqing Palace. The Emperor is enraged.”
At the words “the Emperor is enraged,” the Crown Prince dared not delay and hastily left the Eastern Palace for Xingqing Palace.
As he entered the gates, he heard the Emperor’s thunderous roar, which made his very heart tremble. He almost wanted to turn back.
“Your Highness, please enter quickly. All the princes are already here, only you are missing.”
The Crown Prince clenched his teeth and, with no choice, forced himself to step into the grand hall.
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