Gu Yue looked at the surprised expressions on everyone’s faces, feeling extremely pleased with herself.
People always said she hadn’t lived well at the Haixi bo fu, but now she was showing everyone with real gold and silver exactly how well she had been doing.
Gu Jiu accepted the gift. “Thank you, san meimei. Such an expensive dowry gift, you’ve gone to a lot of trouble.”
Gu Yue lifted her chin proudly. “It’s nothing. It’s er jiejie’s wedding. How could I be stingy?”
Gu Jiu lowered her head and smiled. “San meimei, please have a seat and enjoy some tea.”
Gu Yue did not refuse and sat in the place of honor.
Her gaze fell on Gu Zhen, lingering on her belly.
“I hear that da jiejie is expecting?”
Gu Zhen nodded, her brows and eyes radiating joy. The happiness of being pregnant made Gu Zhen find Gu Yue somewhat more pleasant to look at than before, less irritating.
Gu Yue raised her eyebrows and smiled. “Congratulations, da jiejie. It’s just a pity that jiefu will soon be reassigned to the north, and won’t be here to see the child born.”
Gu Zhen was displeased. She had thought Gu Yue was easier on the eyes than before, but it turned out to be an illusion.
Gu Yue was still Gu Yue. One word out of her mouth and she could offend anyone.
Gu Zhen withdrew her smile. “No need for san meimei to worry. You should take care of yourself instead.”
Gu Yue complained, “I’m worrying for da jiejie, and da jiejie doesn’t appreciate it.”
Gu Zhen rolled her eyes. “I don’t need your concern. Life is much better without you around. When you arrive, you purposely provoke me. I can’t fight back, but I can avoid it, can’t I?”
With that, Gu Zhen got up and moved far away from Gu Yue, unwilling to sit with her.
Gu Yue grew annoyed. Gu Zhen had the audacity to show such boldness in front of everyone, making her lose face.
Gu Mei pulled Gu Jiu aside and whispered, “What’s going on with Yue meimei? Her face is as pale as a white wall.”
Gu Jiu cleared her throat softly and said delicately, “Perhaps she’s trying to hide something.”
Gu Mei, clever as she was, understood immediately.
She covered her mouth, shocked, and whispered, “Could it be that the rumors about Zhao erlang are true? That he’s violent enough to actually lay hands on Yue meimei?”
Gu Jiu considered carefully. “I’m not exactly sure. San meimei never complains at home, and the maid by her side won’t tell the truth either.”
Gu Mei frowned. “Yue meimei is foolish! If Zhao erlang really dares to lay hands on her, this can’t be tolerated. For the sake of appearances, she endures it, and only encourages him to become more reckless. These things cannot be compromised from the start.”
Gu Jiu nodded. “Mei jiejie is right. But san meimei won’t listen to us. She chose this path herself and will follow it, even on her knees if necessary.”
Gu Mei sighed.
Though she despised Gu Yue’s behavior, she did not wish her marriage to be unhappy or for her to suffer abuse. After all, they were all surnamed Gu, Gu family girls.
But Gu Yue would never listen to a word of warning.
Her expression alone revealed her stubborn and obstinate nature.
Gu Mei asked Gu Jiu, “Xiao Jiu, please check for me.”
Gu Jiu pressed her lips into a small smile, understanding immediately.
She reached out and took Gu Mei’s wrist, checking her pulse. “Pulse is steady. Mei jiejie, this pregnancy is fine. The child will be born safely.”
“Really?” Gu Mei still felt slightly uneasy.
Gu Jiu nodded firmly. “Less oil and salt, eat smaller meals more frequently, don’t gain weight too quickly. If you have the energy in the late stages of pregnancy, take more walks. It will help with delivery.”
Gu Mei was surprised. “Xiao Jiu, I didn’t expect you to know this too. That’s amazing.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “It’s nothing. It’s all in books.”
“But very few people, like you, can calm their mind and read so extensively.”
“Mei jiejie, don’t praise me. I just happen to enjoy reading.”
The two shared a knowing smile.
After laughing, Gu Mei said, “Xiao Jiu, you go ahead and attend to things. I need to speak with Mother.”
Gu Jiu reminded her, “Take it slow, Mei jiejie. Watch your step.”
Gu Mei smiled. “No need to worry about me.”
With the aid of a maid, she left the side room to speak with Wei shi.
Gu Jiu politely saw Gu Yue off.
Gu Yue’s face was all smiles. “I haven’t congratulated er jiejie yet. I hear the wang fu sent twenty-five thousand taels as the bride price. They really value er jiejie. How delightful!”
Gu Jiu replied politely, “Thank you, san meimei, for your kind words. Did Zhao meifu visit today?”
“Ah, he’s busy with work and will only have time to come tomorrow for the wedding banquet.”
Gu Yue spoke with a gentle smile. Whenever Zhao erlang was mentioned, her eyes softened as if she could squeeze water out of them.
Gu Jiu thought to herself: Gu Yue must love Zhao erlang deeply to continue giving her heart to him despite his violent behavior. She could never do the same.
If any man dared to abuse her, she would find a way to kill him without hesitation.
Gu Jiu silently warned herself. Ever since she personally killed Xie Mao, she had noticed a violent tendency in herself, an impulse to want to kill at the slightest provocation.
This was not good.
She was supposed to be a delicate, beautiful young woman, not someone constantly thinking of death and violence. It was too much, too inconsistent with her image.
Even if she really wanted someone dead, the thought had to remain hidden deep inside, not revealed in the slightest.
Gu Jiu smiled. “San jiejie and Zhao meifu are deeply in love. Everyone can rest assured.”
Gu Yue glanced sideways at Gu Jiu. “Did er jiejie not trust me before? I didn’t expect you to care so much about me.”
Gu Jiu feigned seriousness. “We’re sisters. Isn’t it natural to care for one another?”
Gu Yue covered her mouth and giggled.
“I really didn’t expect to hear words of mutual concern from er jiejie. I thought you wouldn’t welcome me today.”
Gu Jiu replied casually, “San meimei, you sure know how to joke. How could I not welcome you? You are the family’s gu nainai, after all.”
Gu Yue raised her eyebrows, giving a half-smile. “Er jiejie, you’ve received so much dowry and so many betrothal gifts, you must be very pleased with yourself. Truly enviable.”
Gu Jiu countered, “San meimei, are you envious of me?”
Gu Yue said, “I envy your dowry, but not that you will be married to the imperial grandson. Er jiejie, marrying the imperial grandson is a path of no return. One misstep, and you could be confined, or even forced to drink poison. Are you prepared?”
Gu Jiu sneered. “Could it be that san meimei has a way out if she marries Zhao erlang? Today your face is heavily powdered, what are you hiding this time?”
Gu Yue narrowed her eyes, her gaze sharp.
Gu Jiu surely knew the rules: do not strike the face, do not expose flaws.
Intentionally exposing her flaw could only be to see her embarrassed. Gu Yue would not allow Gu Jiu to have her way.
Gu Yue gave a cold smile. “Even if I am hiding something, does it affect you, er jiejie? Just now you said you welcomed me, and now your face has changed. Er jiejie, your change of expression shows no sincerity at all.”
Gu Jiu lowered her eyes, a trace of mockery on her lips. “San meimei, are you so sincere? Speaking of confinement and poisoned wine on a joyous day, you deliberately want to make me unhappy and forbid me from giving a little back?”
Gu Yue snorted, speaking firmly, “I’m just kindly warning you, er jiejie, to be careful.”
Gu Jiu leaned closer, smiling, “I’m also kindly warning san meimei to stop hiding. Your face is plastered like wall plaster; the more you cover, the more obvious it becomes. Do you really think people in the capital don’t know Zhao erlang’s character?”
“No matter what he’s like, it’s none of your business, er jiejie.”
Gu Jiu nodded. “I agree. So don’t trouble yourself with my affairs. Whether I am confined or forced to drink poison, it will be none of your concern. You and your Zhao erlang live your life well; I hope you have children soon and grow old together happily.”
Gu Yue twisted her handkerchief, nearly wringing it to shreds.
She gave a dry laugh. “My husband and I will indeed grow old together. Er jiejie, don’t envy me too much.”
Gu Jiu held back her laughter. “Rest assured, I will never envy you. A life like yours, I simply could not endure.”
Suddenly, Gu Yue stood up. “I still need to visit Mother. Farewell.”
“San meimei, take care. The ground is slippery.”
Gu Yue almost slipped at the door, saved only by her maid.
She glanced back at Gu Jiu. “Thanks for your kind warning, er jiejie.”
Gu Jiu waved at her.
Gu Yue snorted and strode out of the side room, head held high, heading for the Furong Yuan.
“San jiejie, I’ll go with you.”
Gu Shan would not let Gu Yue go easily. She caught up, linked arms with her, insisting on accompanying her to the Furong Yuan.
Gu Yue, annoyed, said, “Let go.”
Gu Shan smirked, “San jiejie, you’re getting more precious, not letting anyone hold your hand.”
Gu Yue pointed at Gu Shan. “Don’t play tricks.”
Gu Shan laughed, “I never play tricks. Is it wrong for me to visit Mother? San jiejie, you are being too domineering.”
Gu Yue ignored her and went straight to the Furong Yuan.
Chun Cao was reporting to Xie shi about the additional dowry items.
Hearing that all relatives and friends had come, bringing valuable gifts, Xie shi felt a tightness in her chest, her body uncomfortable, her face scrunched in displeasure.
“All snobs. They think that because Gu Jiu is marrying the imperial grandson, they can benefit too? Hmph, it’s lucky if they aren’t implicated themselves. Short-sighted fools.”
“Taitai, drink some soup to calm down.”
Chun Cao brought medicinal soup, helping Xie shi take a few sips.
Xie shi felt slightly better. “It was wise not to show my face today; otherwise I would have been infuriated. That Gu Jiu girl is no good at all.”
Chun Cao muttered inwardly, taitai is so petty, she’s even upset over relatives bringing gifts.
At this moment, Gu Yue and Gu Shan arrived at the Furong Yuan and, after being announced, were invited into the bedroom.
“Greetings, Mother! Are you feeling better?”
“You’re here!”
Xie shi regarded Gu Yue indifferently and gestured for her to sit anywhere.
Then she called Gu Shan over and asked with concern, “It’s so cold outside, were you chilled?”
Gu Shan shook her head. “Don’t worry about me, Mother. I’m not cold.”
Xie shi held Gu Shan’s hand. “Your hands are freezing. Why didn’t you bring your hand warmer?”
Gu Shan smiled sheepishly. “I forgot.”
Xie shi immediately instructed Chun Cao, “Bring my hand warmer to si guniang, and also bring the brass hand stove.”
“Yes, taitai.”
“Thank you, Mother,” Gu Shan said sweetly.
“You should also scold the maids who failed to take care of you properly.”
“It’s not their fault, Mother. I’m just too headstrong,” Gu Shan replied with a smile.
The maids brought the hand warmer and brass stove, warming Gu Shan’s hands quickly.
Gu Yue sat stiffly, noticing that from the moment she entered, Xie shi had not asked her a single question. All her attention was on Gu Shan, afraid she would catch a cold.
Gu Yue wanted to say that she, too, had walked through the flower hall and felt the cold. She had no hand warmer, no brass stove, and not even a word of concern.
Inside, Gu Yue felt a cold emptiness.
With such indifferent family affection, why even bother visiting?
Disappointment, sadness, anger, hatred, all her emotions churned.
The mother and daughter continued their display of affection.
Gu Yue could not bear it any longer and coughed heavily.
Finally, Xie shi looked at her properly. “Yue’er, are you sick? If you are, you should be lying in your room. You shouldn’t have come today. What if you spread your illness to the guests?”
Gu Yue said expressionlessly, “Mother, you’re mistaken. I am not ill.”
Xie shi shifted her position to sit more comfortably.
“Is that so? If you’re not sick, why are you coughing?”
Gu Yue bit her lip, her heart screaming with anger. Why was all the care and attention that should have been hers going to Gu Shan instead?
She took a deep breath. “I came specifically to visit you, Mother.”
Xie shi first responded with an “oh,” then said, “How thoughtful of you. This is just an old ailment; I need to rest and recuperate, nothing to worry about. How are things at the Haixi bo fu? How is Zhao erlang treating you?”
Finally, Xie shi showed some concern for Gu Yue.
Gu Yue said, “I’m doing well, Mother. You don’t need to worry about me.”
Xie shi smiled. “I’m not worried. You’ve always been strong-willed and opinionated. I’ve said things before, and you never listened, so now I’ve grown lazy to say anything.”
Gu Yue’s chest tightened. She decided to change the subject. “Si meimei is no longer a child. It’s about time for her to be betrothed.”
Xie shi’s eyes curved into a smile. “Shan’er is still young; a couple more years won’t hurt.”
Gu Shan seized the moment. “I want to stay by Mother’s side for as long as possible.”
Xie shi, full of maternal affection, held Gu Shan’s hand. “Silly child, a young lady cannot stay home forever. But don’t worry, I will find a good match for you so you can marry in splendor.”
“Thank you, Mother. I will miss you.”
“You’ll be married in the capital, so you can return home often.”
Gu Yue was ignored once again.
She picked up her teacup, took a sip, and then her hand slipped.
Clink!
The cup fell to the floor.
Xie shi was startled. “What’s going on?”
Her eyes were filled with disdain and irritation.
Gu Yue, looking innocent and apologetic, hurriedly said, “I didn’t hold the cup firmly; it slipped and fell. I hope I didn’t startle you, Mother.”
Xie shi looked at her with disgust. “Be careful next time. I’m tired. You sisters can leave.”
“Mother… are you blaming me?” Gu Yue asked cautiously.
Xie shi grew impatient. “Out! Chun Cao, have the maid come in and clean up.”
“Yes, taitai.”
Gu Shan stepped forward, holding Gu Yue’s arm. “San jiejie, Mother needs to rest. Let’s all go.”
“Let go. I can go out by myself.”
Gu Yue shook off Gu Shan and went out first, nearly colliding with a maid coming in to clean.
Xie shi cursed, “Troublemaker!”
Gu Yue heard it and froze, almost wanting to explode on the spot. Especially seeing Gu Shan’s smiling face, she wanted to tear it apart.
How had that fire not burned her to death back then?
Gu Shan whispered in her ear, “San jiejie, I’ll always be watching you.”
Gu Yue gave a mocking smile. “You weren’t a match for me before, and you won’t be a match in the future either.”
Gu Shan smiled. “We’ll see about that.”
“Fine!”
Gu Yue swept her sleeve and left.
Gu Shan stared at her retreating figure, eyes full of scorn.
She called a maid over. “Watch san gu nainai and see where she goes and who she talks to.”
The maid nodded and left.
Gu Shan returned to the side room in the garden hall, and indeed, Gu Yue was nowhere in sight.
After waiting a while, the maid reported, “San gu nainai has gone to the Zizhu Yuan.”
Zizhu Yuan was where Gu Yue had lived before her marriage. Currently, it was empty, with no one residing there.
Zhang shi planned to redecorate it after the new year.
Gu Shan asked, “Do you know why san gu nainai went there?”
“I heard san gu nainai crying.”
“Crying? Gu Yue… crying?”
Impossible!
Gu Yue was the type who never repented; how could she possibly cry?
“Could it be that san jiejie regrets it?”
“The marriage to Haixi bo fu was entirely of her own choosing. Could she cry over that?”
Gu Shan sneered. “She probably just can’t stand it. But everything she has now, she brought upon herself. Regret comes too late.”
No one in the Gu family cared for Gu Yue, and no one would stand up for her.
Even if Gu Yue regretted her choices, without the support of her maternal family, it would be useless.
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