The twenty-fifth day, an auspicious day in every way.
Today was Gu Mei’s wedding.
Gu Jiu and the others hurried to the hou fu to see her off.
Seeing Gu Mei dressed in her bright red wedding gown, adorned with bridal makeup, she looked truly beautiful!
Even beneath the heavy bridal makeup, Gu Mei’s natural charm and delicate beauty shone through.
“Mei jiejie, you’re so beautiful.”
Gu Mei smiled shyly, but then a deep sense of reluctance surfaced.
She held Gu Jiu’s hand. “Xiao Jiu, I’ll miss you. We won’t be able to study together at school anymore.”
“You’ll have Han jiefu to accompany you while you study.”
“You’re teasing me again. When it’s your wedding, I’ll tease you too.”
“I won’t be afraid if you tease me, Mei jiejie.”
Gu Mei laughed and pinched Gu Jiu’s cheek. Her skin was smooth and soft. “I knew you were thick-skinned. I can’t compare to you.”
After a pause, she added, “Xiao Jiu, if you ever run into trouble in the future and can’t resolve it yourself, you can send someone to me. I won’t refuse to help if I can.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “Thank you, Mei jiejie. Hearing that really reassures me. You look stunning today, Han jiefu will surely be captivated. I need to remind the people seeing you off not to forget to tease him a bit.”
“He’s thin-skinned, don’t tease him too harshly.”
Gu Jiu laughed out loud. “Even before you’re married, Mei jiejie is already thinking of Han jiefu. Truly a couple of one mind and heart.”
“I’m done talking with you. You only tease me.”
The maid Pan Chun came in quietly and said to Gu Mei, “Guniang, the Jia family has arrived.”
Gu Mei frowned. “Why are they here? Dasao’s dowry has already been returned to the Jia family. How dare they show up?”
Pan Chun explained, “The Jia family brought gifts to congratulate you on your wedding. It would be rude to refuse them, and furen can’t turn them away.”
Gu Mei snorted, utterly disdainful of the Jia family.
“Don’t let them bother gege. He still thinks of dasao. The Jia family wants to use that to marry off their daughter to gege as a concubine, what a delusion! If it were up to me, I’d have someone chase them away with sticks.”
Pan Chun’s face fell. “Guniang, the Jia family has already pestered da shaoye.”
“What?”
Gu Mei was furious. “The Jia family has no shame? They have no sense of propriety?”
She made a move to go out and teach them a lesson.
Gu Jiu and Pan Chun stopped her.
Gu Jiu said, “Mei jiejie, you’re the bride today. You can’t run about. I think we should trust tang ge more, he’s the di grandson of the hou fu. He knows how to deal with the Jia family.”
Gu Mei frowned. “I’m worried he’ll be soft-hearted and get manipulated by them.”
Gu Jiu didn’t share that worry.
Gu Rui was the hou fu’s carefully groomed eldest di grandson. Almost all of the best resources of the hou fu had been devoted to him.
Gu Rui was clever and resourceful, never failing to live up to the hou fu’s expectations.
In the past, he had been overly devoted to the Jia shi, losing himself and his principles.
But now that Jia shi had passed, that love was buried in his heart.
If the Jia family tried to leverage their ancestral ties to manipulate Gu Rui, it would likely fail.
Gu Jiu said, “Mei jiejie, you’re overthinking. Tang ge has faced many storms over the years and made it through on his own. The Jia family’s hope of forcing a daughter on him as a concubine is delusional. Don’t worry, just focus on being the bride.”
Gu Mei sighed. “I’m not worrying unnecessarily. You didn’t see how ugly the Jia family’s faces were when they came asking for dasao’s dowry. It’s our family shame; we shouldn’t speak of it. I never mentioned it before, but today I just can’t hold back, I have to say something.”
Gu Jiu sat beside Gu Mei. “Say it, Mei jiejie, I’m listening.”
Gu Mei sighed. “Back when the old master Jia was alive, the Jia family was decent; everything seemed fine. After his passing, the family declined. Their faces became uglier, greedier, and all they cared about was money.
“Being in-laws with such a family, it’s disgusting. I’m not saying dasao was bad. She was quite good, but her health was weak, her mind burdened; she couldn’t bear children easily. To be honest, my mother, as mother-in-law, never said a harsh word to dasao.
“I always said my mother was the kindest mother-in-law in the world. Dasao met my gege and my mother; she was truly fortunate. Sadly, she didn’t appreciate her blessings.”
Gu Jiu also sighed for Jia shi.
From what she saw, Gu Rui may have been imperfect in some ways, but he had devoted himself entirely to her; this was undeniable.
As for Wei shi, at least from what Gu Jiu observed, she was still good enough.
Gu Jiu said, “Since tangsao has passed, we won’t speak of her.”
Gu Mei nodded. “I spoke too much; it’s better to be discreet.”
She instructed Pan Chun to watch outside. If the Jia family dared to cause trouble, report immediately.
Pan Chun left promptly.
Gu Jiu said, “Mei jiejie, you really do worry too much.”
Gu Mei self-deprecatingly smiled. “Maybe I was just born to worry too much.”
The auspicious hour was approaching, and the wedding procession arrived at the hou fu.
Gu Rui took the opportunity to slip away, stationing people at the main gate to block entry and test the groom’s knowledge and composure.
After a bit of commotion, the groom successfully entered the mansion.
Gu Mei bid farewell to her parents and relatives, and Gu Rui carried her up into the bridal sedan chair.
The journey to the sedan chair proceeded slowly.
Gu Mei whispered, “Da ge, the Jia family didn’t give you any trouble, did they?”
Gu Rui said, “Don’t worry about me. I can handle the Jia family myself.”
“Don’t let them persuade you to take a concubine from the Jia family. You must not agree.”
Gu Rui smiled. “Relax, I’m not that foolish. Once you arrive at Dai hou fu, live happily with Han dalang. If you’re wronged, come back, I’ll settle it for you.”
Gu Mei pressed her lips together and nodded. “When you deal with Han dalang, go easy on him.”
Gu Rui couldn’t help laughing. “Already protecting him, huh? Typical of a spirited girl.”
“Don’t talk nonsense. I just don’t want you to suffer.”
“A mere Han dalang? Handling him is no problem.”
The sedan chair neared the residence, and through the red veil, Gu Mei could vaguely see the surroundings. She bit her lip, reluctant to part.
“Da ge, you must take care of yourself and marry a good girl. I don’t want to see you heartbroken again. Though it may seem unfair to my future dasao, I’m selfish, I just want you to be happy.”
“Don’t worry about me. Live your own life happily. When you visit after three days, I’ll be waiting at the mansion. Then I’ll make Han dalang drink. They say a person’s character shows at the table, I’ll test his.”
“It’s too late to test him. I’m already married to him.”
Gu Rui laughed. “Seeing you two so well-matched makes me happy.”
He escorted Gu Mei into the sedan chair and said solemnly, “Take good care of yourself. Don’t let yourself suffer. We can’t bear to see you wronged.”
Gu Mei burst into tears. “Da ge, I don’t want to leave you either.”
“Don’t cry, or you’ll ruin your makeup.”
Gu Mei bit her lip hard, holding back her tears.
The bridal attendants urged the sedan chair forward, reminding them not to miss the auspicious time.
Gu Rui felt reluctant in his heart.
Han dalang cupped his fists. “Da jiuge, rest assured, I’ll treat her well.”
Gu Rui, face stern, said, “If you don’t, just wait for my three-foot blade.”
Han dalang nodded solemnly, mounted his horse, and the sedan chair followed.
Gu Jiu stood among the crowd, watching the sedan chair leave, feeling reluctant as well.
Gu Zhen wiped her eyes; she was crying too.
Soon it would be her turn to marry, and suddenly, a strong sense of reluctance arose.
“Er meimei, will we all be happy?”
Gu Jiu nodded firmly. “We will all be happy.”
After a pause, she added, “Da jiejie, don’t worry too much. The Xu family is a good family.”
Gu Zhen nodded, though unease lingered in her heart. She needed to stay strong, not give anyone cause for gossip.
Afterwards, everyone returned to the main hall for the wedding feast.
Gu Rui was once again pestered by the Jia family.
They seemed convinced he could not resist them.
Gu Rui almost lost patience, but fortunately, he had a good temper. Because of his old affection, he did not fall out with them.
Gu Jiu thought for a moment and called Qing Mei. “Go and ask tang ge to come. Tell him I need his help with an important matter.”
“I’ll go right away.”
“Bring Wang Yi along as well.”
Gu Jiu worried about Qing Mei being at a disadvantage.
Qing Mei and Wang Yi went together to fetch Gu Rui.
Gu Rui, as if finding a saviour, seized the chance to escape the Jia family’s clutches.
The Jia family could only watch helplessly as Gu Rui slipped away again.
Upon seeing Gu Jiu, Gu Rui hurriedly said, “Thanks for your help, Xiao Jiu.”
Gu Jiu smiled faintly. “It’s nothing. I just did it out of convenience.”
After a pause, she asked, “Is the Jia family difficult to deal with?”
Gu Rui gave a wry smile. “They’re all Mingyue’s relatives. For her sake, it’s hard to confront them directly. Luckily, I’ll be returning to the military camp soon. After that, they won’t be able to find me.”
Gu Rui was still too considerate, enduring the Jia family’s unreasonable harassment for the sake of the Jia shi.
Otherwise, Wei shi would have already confronted them and kicked them out.
Gu Jiu noticed that Gu Rui did not want to talk about the Jia family and shifted the topic. “Why didn’t tang ge go to see the bride off?”
By convention, Gu Rui, as Gu Mei’s elder brother, should have escorted her.
Gu Rui said, “I volunteered to observe a year of mourning for Mingyue, so it’s inconvenient for me to go to Dai hou fu.”
Ah, that explained it.
“Tang ge cherished tangsao dearly. I’m sure she would want you to live well in the future.”
Gu Rui nodded. “I will. Xiao Jiu, quickly take your seat. You’ve worked hard today.”
“No trouble at all.”
The feast was sumptuous, and everyone ate to their satisfaction.
In the afternoon, they listened to an opera performance.
While Gu Jiu was watching, a maid approached. “Er guniang, the lao furen requests your presence.”
Gu Jiu glanced at the opera stage. “Is the lao furen upstairs?”
The maid shook her head. “The lao furen cannot tolerate the heat and has already returned to her room to rest. Er guniang can go directly to Songhe Hall.”
“Thank you.”
Gu Jiu stood and, accompanied by her maid, went to Songhe Hall.
Inside the main room of Songhe Hall, a basin of ice water was placed.
A maid fanned Wei lao furen with a round fan.
Wei lao furen sighed, “I never thought that the older I get, the less I can tolerate the heat. I fear I don’t have many years left.”
Yu mama hurriedly said, “Lao furen will surely live to a hundred years.”
Wei lao furen waved her hand. “If I really live to a hundred, I’ll truly be an old immortal. The children and grandchildren wouldn’t know how to bear it.”
“Lao furen, don’t say that. The masters and madams are all extremely filial.”
At that moment, a maid entered to report, “Lao furen, Gu Jiu guniang has arrived.”
“Bring her in at once.”
Gu Jiu entered the main room of Songhe Hall and first paid her respects to Wei lao furen.
Wei lao furen smiled warmly. “Xiao Jiu, sit by my side.”
Gu Jiu obediently sat beside her.
Wei lao furen took her hand and secretly examined her. “Looks like you’ve grown taller?”
Gu Jiu’s eyes curved into a smile. “I did grow a bit this year. The dress I made at the beginning of the year is already short, so I added a bit of hem.”
Wei lao furen laughed heartily. “Seems like your health has truly improved.”
“Thank you for your concern, lao furen. Your grandniece’s health is indeed much better now.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Wei lao furen’s expression became hesitant.
Gu Jiu quietly asked, “Lao furen, you asked your grandniece to come here… has something happened?”
Wei lao furen said, “In a few months, you will marry into Ning wang fu. Matters concerning the imperial family… I think it’s time to explain them to you in detail.”
Gu Jiu immediately straightened her back. What she lacked most now was news about the royal family and the palace. She felt like a deaf and blind person; the information she received often lagged far behind others.
Wei lao furen waved her hand, and the maids all withdrew, while Yu mama stood at the door.
Lowering her voice, Wei lao furen said to Gu Jiu, “You know Mei pin, right?”
Gu Jiu nodded. Mei pin’s name was thunderous in her ears.
It was because Mei pin had abused the Eighth Princess to death that the Emperor launched a major purge in the palace. Even Ning wang was sent to Beimang Mountain to guard the imperial tombs.
Wei lao furen said, “Mei pin committed suicide yesterday.”
Gu Jiu’s heart skipped a beat. “Was it voluntary, or forced?”
Wei lao furen discreetly nodded, quick reaction, very good. In the imperial family, one cannot afford to be slow in response.
“Whether Mei pin chose to commit suicide or was forced, it’s not important. With her death, the palace purge is likely nearing its end. Next, those princes and imperial relatives must be cautious.”
Gu Jiu’s expression stiffened. The fire in the palace… has it finally reached the heads of the imperial kin?
She whispered, “Ning wang has already been exiled to guard the imperial tombs. Ning wang fu should be safe for now, right?”
Wei lao furen slowly shook her head. “Don’t forget, the eldest Imperial Grandson is currently training at the capital garrison. I also remember that Gongzi Zhao is training there.
“If these two can exercise restraint and not cause trouble, Ning wang fu should survive the Emperor’s second round of fury.
“But if the Crown Prince and Gongzi Zhao deliberately create disturbances, the Emperor’s attention will naturally be drawn to Ning wang fu. Whether it survives then will depend on luck.”
Gu Jiu frowned and quietly asked, “Will it affect my marriage to Gongzi Zhao?”
Wei lao furen also lowered her voice. “That is exactly why I called you here. Regardless of Ning wang fu’s situation, as long as no one dies, and since Gongzi Zhao does not need to observe mourning, you must marry him.
“It’s possible that just after your marriage, you may face confinement, or even be demoted to a commoner. Gu Jiu, are you prepared?”
Gu Jiu’s face first changed slightly, then she calmly said, “Your words are received, lao furen. Your grandniece is ready.”
Marrying Gongzi Zhao is inevitable. She has no choice but to grit her teeth and move forward, trusting that perseverance will eventually carve a smooth path.
Wei lao furen secretly nodded. Gu Jiu’s composure is commendable.
She reminded Gu Jiu, “Just in case, Gu Jiu, you must prepare in advance. Regarding finances, you must be vigilant. If Ning wang fu encounters trouble, many personal connections will be useless without money.”
Gu Jiu stood and solemnly bowed. “Thank you for your advice, lao furen. Your grandniece will remember your teachings.”
“No need for such formalities.”
Wei lao furen personally helped Gu Jiu up. “Besides finances, you must also consider the people around you. Your maids are excellent, but once you arrive at the wang fu, those few maids can only take care of you; they cannot help in any other matters.
“You need an elder who understands the palace and the royal family. With such a person at your side, you can handle any crisis calmly.”
“Please, lao furen, help me!” Gu Jiu earnestly requested.
Wei lao furen smiled. “You clever girl. Fang mama, come out to meet Gu Jiu.”
Curiously, Gu Jiu looked toward the screen.
A stern-faced, serious-looking, plainly dressed, and seemingly difficult-to-approach nanny emerged from behind the screen.
Wei lao furen said to Gu Jiu, “Fang mama used to serve Hui fei. After Hui fei passed, she continued working in the palace, only coming out a couple of years ago. I am not at ease leaving you to yourself, so I’ve asked Fang mama to assist you for a time. Fang mama insisted on testing you first before deciding whether she would help.”
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