After getting dressed, Gu Jiu turned around and glanced at Liu Zhao.
Several maids were wiping Liu Zhao’s hands. They did not even overlook the dirt beneath his fingernails.
Every one of the maids was beautiful. They worked meticulously, considerate and gentle.
At that moment, the xi-niang entered and collected the bridal handkerchief, placing it in a box to be taken away.
There were bloodstains on the handkerchief, and the xi-niang looked delighted.
“Wait.”
Liu Zhao stopped the wedding matron. At the same time, he waved his hand, and the maids all bowed and stepped aside.
“Leave the handkerchief behind.” Liu Zhao’s tone was stern.
The wedding matron looked bewildered. “Gongzi, this… this must be shown to wangfei niangniang.”
“Bengongzi will explain it to mufei myself. Leave the handkerchief.”
The xi-niang was at a loss. This was against protocol.
Gu Jiu spoke up. “Xi-niang, listen to gongzi. Gongzi has the final say here. Whatever he says goes.”
Left with no choice, the xi-niang set down the box containing the handkerchief.
“Nubi takes her leave.”
The xi-niang hurried off to see the wangfei and report the matter.
Looking at the freshly dressed Gu Jiu, Liu Zhao’s expression softened slightly.
The wife he had chosen possessed peerless beauty. She looked good no matter how she dressed.
“Serve breakfast.”
Lin Shuping bowed beside Liu Zhao and quietly reminded him, “Gongzi, we’re almost out of time.”
“It doesn’t matter. Today we’ll be meeting relatives. If I’m not full, I won’t have the strength.”
Liu Zhao stepped out of the bedroom and headed for the dining hall.
Gu Jiu followed closely behind.
She was genuinely hungry now.
Lin Shuping immediately instructed the servants to set out breakfast.
The servants filed into the dining hall one after another. There were many varieties of breakfast dishes: common porridge, several plates of pickled vegetables, and a rich assortment of pastries and buns.
Leaving one seat between herself and Liu Zhao, Gu Jiu sat down with elegant posture.
Liu Zhao stared at Gu Jiu, his gaze sharp.
Gu Jiu looked back at him. Why was he staring at her? She wasn’t breakfast. He couldn’t eat her.
Liu Zhao glanced at the empty stool between them.
Gu Jiu immediately understood. Liu Zhao was telling her to move over and sit beside him.
Lowering her head with a smile, she readily complied, rose from her seat, changed places, and sat right next to Liu Zhao.
In front of others, she had to give him face.
Leaning close to her ear, Liu Zhao quietly asked, “Who was it that said bengongzi is the biggest authority here and that everything is decided by bengongzi?”
Gu Jiu’s eyes shifted playfully. Secretly, she rolled her eyes at him.
Liu Zhao continued, “Niangzi should keep her word and not say one thing while meaning another.”
Gu Jiu merely smiled, neither agreeing nor denying it.
The two quietly finished breakfast. Gu Jiu only ate half a bowl of porridge, one soup dumpling, and some pickled vegetables before setting down her chopsticks.
Liu Zhao frowned. “That’s all? You’re full already?”
Gu Jiu wiped the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief. “I’m full.”
“Why do you eat so little? No wonder you don’t have two liang of flesh on you.”
Gu Jiu secretly rolled her eyes. “I sit around all day and don’t move much. How could I eat that much? Gongzi should hurry and eat.”
The unspoken meaning was: Even with all this food, it still can’t keep your mouth shut. You talk too much. And you dare complain that benfuren doesn’t have two liang of flesh on her? Heh.
If benfuren really gained twenty jin, you’d probably start complaining that I don’t know how to maintain my health and only know how to eat until I’ve become a pig.
So men’s words should only be listened to casually and never taken seriously.
When they say you’re too thin and should eat more, they’re only speaking casually.
If you actually listen and eat more, you’ll definitely regret it.
Although Liu Zhao appeared aloof and detached, like an immortal banished to the mortal world, his appetite was actually enormous.
He finished the entire table of breakfast dishes.
A maid brought a warm damp towel and carefully wiped his hands and face, serving him attentively and thoroughly.
It was already quite late. Liu Zhao stood up. “Furen, come with me to pay respects to fuwang and mufei.”
Gu Jiu pressed her lips into a smile. “Gongzi first, please.”
Liu Zhao gave a brief hum and strode out of the dining hall first.
Gu Jiu followed behind him.
The two walked out one after the other.
The servants followed behind them.
Upon reaching the courtyard gate, a sedan chair was already waiting.
With a straight face and no expression, Liu Zhao said, “You walk slowly. Take this.”
Gu Jiu paused for a moment, then readily got into the sedan chair and allowed the older women to carry her toward Shouchun Hall, the main hall of the wang fu.
Only after half the time it took a stick of incense to burn did Gu Jiu understand why Liu Zhao had prepared the sedan chair for her.
Because traveling from the Eastern Courtyard to the main hall of the wang fu required crossing the entire garden. It was simply too far. Walking there on foot would waste a great deal of time.
It had to be said that the wang fu was truly enormous.
Gu Jiu had not seen the entire estate, but her preliminary estimate was that it occupied no fewer than several dozen mu. The actual area was likely even larger.
As for the more remote corners, perhaps even the people of the fu themselves were unfamiliar with them.
After the time it took a stick of incense to burn, the roof of Shouchun Hall finally came into view in the distance.
It was also the tallest-roofed building in the entire residence.
At the entrance, Gu Jiu got out of the sedan chair.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside.
Liu Zhao deliberately slowed his pace and walked alongside her. Quietly, he asked, “Nervous?”
Gu Jiu nodded. “A new daughter-in-law meeting her parents-in-law for the first time is bound to be nervous.”
In his cool tone, Liu Zhao said, “There’s no need to be nervous. I am here.”
Gu Jiu looked at him. “I believe you.”
As they entered the main hall, Ning wang and Ning wangfei had not yet arrived.
However, the other members of the fu had already been waiting for quite some time.
Liu Yi laughed loudly. “Da ge must be too reluctant to leave his bride. To get up this late today and make all of us wait for you.”
Liu Zhao’s expression remained cold. “Shouldn’t you wait?”
The look in Liu Yi’s eyes shifted slightly, though the smile remained on his face. “You are the eldest brother. It’s only proper for this younger brother to wait for you. I’m only worried that saozi might be embarrassed. A new bride getting up late on her second day after entering the household, it’s rather humiliating when people talk about it.”
[T/N: Liu Yi says ‘xiao saozi’ – little sister-in-law, which sounds kind of frivolous.]
Without the slightest courtesy, Liu Zhao shot back, “Since when is it your place to inquire about your elder brother’s wife? Have you no sense of propriety? Or did all the rules you’ve learned end up in a dog’s stomach?”
Liu Yi narrowed his eyes. “Da ge seems to have swallowed gunpowder first thing in the morning. Could it be that you weren’t satisfied last night?”
Without warning, Liu Zhao grabbed a teacup lid and hurled it at Liu Yi’s face.
“You don’t know how to speak like a human being. You’re asking for a beating.”
“Ah! Murder!”
Xiao Qin’er screamed in terror.
Liu Yi tilted his head aside.
The teacup lid struck the floor and shattered.
Lin Shuping hurriedly ordered servants to clean it up.
“Is da gongzi trying to kill someone?” Xiao Qin’er protested on behalf of her husband, Liu Yi.
Liu Zhao looked at her coldly. “This is not a place for you to speak.”
Xiao Qin’er was furious. Her chest rose and fell violently.
Throughout all of this, Gu Jiu quietly stood behind Liu Zhao.
There was no need for her to participate in the conflict between Liu Zhao and his brothers.
All she had to do was stay as quiet as a chicken.
As for Xiao Qin’er, she talked too much. Being rebuked by Liu Zhao was entirely her own doing.
Unwilling to accept it and relying on Shu fei as her backing, Xiao Qin’er intended to stand up for Liu Yi.
Suddenly, Liu Yi reached out and pressed his hand over the back of Xiao Qin’er’s hand, giving her a slight shake of the head.
Then he let out a cold laugh. “Da ge certainly has quite a temper. On the second day of your marriage, you’re already threatening your younger brother with violence. Da ge must really wish I were dead.”
Expressionless, Liu Zhao replied, “You showed disrespect toward your da ge and dasao, speaking with reckless impropriety. You deserve to be taught a lesson.”
Liu Yi snorted. “It was only a joke, yet da ge became anxious. As expected, you’re rigid and dull. You can’t even take a joke.”
The second young master, Liu Ping, stepped in. “Da ge, si di, both of you should say less. Don’t let dasao laugh at us.”
With a half-smile, Liu Yi replied, “If da ge doesn’t care about dasao‘s feelings, why should we?”
“Several gege, please stop arguing. It’s so early in the morning. Seeing things turn out like this is frightening.”
The third miss of the wang fu, Liu Hua, spoke timidly.
“Wangye and wangfei have arrived!”
From outside the courtyard gate, the eunuch’s loud announcement immediately ended the argument in the hall.
Ning wang‘s time guarding the imperial mausoleum had indeed been a comfortable assignment.
There was visibly more flesh on his face now.
Ning wangfei, Pei shi, was as she had always been.
The husband and wife entered the main hall. Pei shi first swept her gaze over Gu Jiu. Her eyes were filled with disdain.
The husband and wife walked to the couch and knelt before the low table.
The hall had no chairs. Following traditional arrangements, only low tables were set out, with a couch occupying the seat of honor.
Everyone bowed and greeted them. “Greetings, fuwang, mufei.”
“Rise.”
Ning wang responded lazily. He simply leaned back against the couch, reclining sideways.
Pei shi looked at him. “The new daughter-in-law has yet to serve tea. What kind of behavior is this?”
Ning wang did not care in the slightest. “It’s fine. I drank too much last night. I’m still sleepy.”
Pei shi‘s face darkened. “Which little vixen were you fooling around with this time?”
Ning wang could not be bothered to respond. Waving his hand, he urged, “Sit down, all of you, sit down. Laoda’s wife, hurry and serve the tea. Once the formalities are complete, benwang is going back to his room to rest.”
Everyone returned to their respective places and knelt on the floor.
At that moment, Xiao Qin’er suddenly began wiping away tears.
Pei shi was surprised. “Qin’er, why are you crying?”
Choking back sobs, Xiao Qin’er replied, “Reporting to mufei, da gongzi started threatening my husband the moment he arrived. He even threw a teacup at my husband’s face. He nearly ruined his appearance.”
“Is this true?”
“Absolutely true. Erxi would never dare speak falsely.”
Pei shi was furious. Liu Yi was her favorite son.
“Mufei, please calm your anger. Your son is unharmed. Please do not pursue the matter. Da ge did not mean it.” Liu Yi stepped forward and actually spoke on Liu Zhao’s behalf.
Gu Jiu secretly glanced at Liu Zhao.
Your brother is much better at handling people than you are.
Liu Zhao remained expressionless, showing not the slightest reaction.
Bang!
Pei shi slapped the table and erupted in anger. “Outrageous! This is absolutely outrageous! On the second day of his marriage, he’s already threatening his own brother. Does he think his wings have hardened? That is your own blood brother. As the elder brother, you show not the slightest affection toward your siblings. One day, are you going to raise your hand against benwangfei as well?”
Liu Zhao’s expression darkened. “Mufei, please do not listen to one side only. This son never strikes without reason. Since I acted against si di, I naturally had a reason.”
“What reason? What reason exactly? Speak!” Pei shi shouted at Liu Zhao.
Ning wang remained sprawled against the couch, saying nothing. His gaze wandered from side to side as though he were watching a farce unfold.
In a cold voice, Liu Zhao said, “Si di spoke improperly, showed disrespect toward his sister-in-law, and made inappropriate remarks about matters of the bedchamber. Should he not be disciplined?”
Ning wang nodded. “He should indeed be disciplined.”
“Wangye!” Pei shi looked at Ning wang with dissatisfaction.
Ning wang finally sat upright. “Laosi simply lacks experience. He needs to understand what should and shouldn’t be said.”
With his head lowered, Liu Yi looked aggrieved. “This son was not intentionally making inappropriate remarks. I was only joking with da ge. Who knew da ge couldn’t take a joke? I had barely said two sentences before he started throwing things.”
Ning wang said, “Laoda is too serious. That’s not a good trait.”
Pei shi could see it clearly now.
Wangye intended to smooth things over.
She snorted. “No matter what, raising a hand is wrong.”
Ning wang pointed at Liu Yi. “Do you see any injury on him?”
Then he pointed at Liu Zhao. “Look at this boy. Look at that stubborn temper of his. Isn’t it annoying? As far as benwang is concerned, the matter ends here. Laoda’s wife, hurry and serve the tea. Complete the formalities. Benwang has no patience to stay here any longer. Benwang is exhausted.”
Gu Jiu stepped forward gracefully. “Erxi obeys fuwang.”
With that, she walked forward.
A maid placed a cushion before her.
Kneeling upon it, Gu Jiu accepted a teacup from a maid and raised it with both hands. “Erxi greets fuwang and wishes fuwang good health and success in all things.”
Ning wang burst into hearty laughter. “Good, good. Not bad.”
An attendant took the teacup from Gu Jiu and placed it before Ning wang.
Ning wang lifted the cup and symbolically took a sip, thus accepting his daughter-in-law’s tea.
Then Gu Jiu presented the prepared gift. “Fuwang, this is a small token of erxi‘s respect. Please accept it.”
Ning wang was straightforward. With a wave of his hand, he said, “Take it.”
An attendant stepped forward and accepted the gift on Ning wang‘s behalf. It consisted of clothing, shoes, socks, and handwritten copies of Buddhist scriptures.
Afterward, Gu Jiu knelt before Pei shi and raised a teacup with both hands.
“Erxi greets mufei and wishes mufei good health and everlasting youth.”
Pei shi smiled. “Mm. Your manners are acceptable. From now on, you must regard your husband as heaven itself, assist your husband, and raise children.
“You have always been frail. I imagine even serving laoda is beyond your strength. The maids attending laoda have all served in this residence for many years. Their character, appearance, and abilities are all quite good.
“As the mistress of the household, you should show them some consideration and allow them to share your burdens. That way you won’t have to work so hard yourself.
“The sun was already high this morning, yet you were still lying in bed. That is inappropriate. When it is time for servants to share your burdens, you must be generous. Do not become a jealous woman.”
Gu Jiu lowered her head. A mocking smile curled at her lips.
Yet she still answered respectfully, “Thank you for mufei‘s instruction. Erxi will remember your words.”
Seeing Gu Jiu’s good attitude, Pei shi‘s mood improved considerably.
“Very good. As the wife of an imperial grandson, you must constantly remind yourself to be generous and tolerant. In all matters, you should think of laoda first and never allow selfish thoughts to interfere.”
“Erxi understands.”
Gu Jiu smiled.
Before elders, one naturally had to be dignified and respectful. As for what she would do in private, that was naturally her own decision.
If merely moving her lips and agreeing with the wangfei could make the woman happy, why not do it?
Pei shi continued lecturing about rules and proper conduct for a while longer before finally accepting the teacup and symbolically taking a sip.
Then Gu Jiu presented her needlework.
Pei shi examined it critically. “Your needlework is too crude. It seems laoda‘s clothing cannot be entrusted to you. Very well, the sewing maids will simply have to work harder and make a few extra sets for him.”
“Thank you for mufei‘s understanding.” Gu Jiu answered gently.
Pei shi snorted. “Your needlework is poor, and your health is weak. I truly don’t know what use you are.”
Gu Jiu smiled faintly. “Naturally, my role is to be the da furen.”
Pei shi frowned. “Impudent! Are you dissatisfied with benwangfei?”
Gu Jiu quickly shook her head. “Mufei misunderstands. Erxi merely spoke casually.”
“Hmph. Improper speech deserves punishment. However, since you’ve only just entered the household, I will not punish you today. Be more careful next time.”
“Thank you for mufei‘s generosity.”
Gu Jiu lowered her head with a smile. Today, she would give everyone sufficient face. Another day, she would make everyone give face to her.
“Enough. Rise.”
Pei shi spoke indifferently.
“Thank you, mufei.”
Gu Jiu rose to her feet. Then she exchanged greetings one by one with Liu Zhao’s brothers and sisters, as well as their spouses, presenting each with the prepared gifts.
Everyone was polite and greeted Gu Jiu with smiling faces.
Liu Yi even apologized to her. “My words earlier were inappropriate. I ask dasao‘s forgiveness.”
“Si gongzi is too courteous.”
Only Xiao Qin’er rolled her eyes at Gu Jiu.
Yet a moment later, she smiled again. “Dasao has finally entered the household. We’ve all been looking forward to your arrival.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “Si dimei truly knows how to joke. We’ll chat another day when there’s time.”
“Certainly. Another day.”
“Now that everyone has met, let’s disperse.”
Ning wang sounded thoroughly impatient. Drinking a daughter-in-law’s tea had nearly exhausted him to death. He needed to return and make up for lost sleep.
Pei shi was displeased. “At your age, you still don’t know how to take care of yourself. Spending all your time with those little vixens. Be careful your body doesn’t get drained dry.”
Ning wang stood up and pointed at her. “You’re the one with too much nonsense. If benwang‘s body really were drained dry, wouldn’t that make you happier than anyone?”
“Wangye is stabbing me in the heart!” Pei shi immediately burst into tears, dabbing at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief.
“I hope you live to a hundred years and remind you to take care of your health. Yet you stab me in the heart and accuse me of hoping your body will be drained dry. Do you have any conscience at all?”
Every word dripped with grievance. Every sentence was an accusation. She condemned Ning wang as a heartless scoundrel.
Ning wang‘s head immediately began to ache.
“All right, all right. Benwang spoke incorrectly. I apologize. Benwang is returning to his room to rest. We’ll dine together tonight.”
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