“You suffered a grievance today. But don’t worry, all of this is temporary. One day, I will make sure you can hold your head high and vent all your frustrations.”
Liu Zhao tightly held Gu Jiu’s hand and solemnly made her this promise.
Gu Jiu looked delicate and beautiful.
Lowering her head, she smiled, a trace of charm blooming between her brows.
A beauty seen beneath lamplight only became more beautiful the longer one looked.
At this moment, Liu Zhao felt that Gu Jiu was more beautiful than she had ever been.
His heart stirred, but Gu Jiu interrupted him.
“If you knew I was being wronged, why did you still argue with me?”
Liu Zhao fell silent.
After a long while, Gu Jiu laughed at herself. “I knew it. You were taking your anger out on me. You saw that guifei niangniang gave me a greeting gift while Shu fei niangniang gave me nothing, and it made you unhappy. Am I right?”
Liu Zhao merely said, “Don’t let your imagination run wild.”
Gu Jiu raised a brow and smiled. “From the very first time I met Shu fei niangniang, I knew she didn’t like me.
“It’s simply because my family background is unremarkable. Unlike the Xiao family and the Pei family, we are not a great and illustrious clan. In her eyes, I am not worthy of you.”
“Don’t talk nonsense. When I chose you, it was you I valued, not your family background.”
Gu Jiu pressed her lips together in a smile. Her eyes softened as she asked curiously, “Was it really me that you valued?”
Suddenly, Liu Zhao reached out and pinched her cheek. Just as he had imagined, the feeling was excellent. Her cheeks were incredibly soft.
Gu Jiu looked at him with obvious disgust and turned her head away to stop him from pinching her. “Don’t touch me.”
“We’re husband and wife. We’ve already done everything that should be done. Why can’t I touch you?”
A faint blush appeared on Gu Jiu’s cheeks. “Don’t talk nonsense. First admit it. Were you taking your anger out on me or not?”
Liu Zhao shook his head. “Don’t overthink things. In the future, I’ll do my best to control my temper and avoid arguing with you.”
Gu Jiu did not believe him at all.
Even the happiest married couple probably had a hundred moments when they wanted to kill each other.
Between a married couple, how could everything go smoothly all the time?
There would inevitably be quarrels at the head of the bed and reconciliations at the foot of it.
They were newlyweds. They still needed time to adjust to one another.
Gu Jiu snorted. “I’m going to sleep. You should sleep early too.”
With that, she prepared to lie down.
But Liu Zhao held onto her and refused to let go.
Gu Jiu shook him off twice and failed both times. “Do you still have something to say?”
Liu Zhao gently stroked her cheek. The touch was tender and lingering, completely devoid of desire.
The tips of Gu Jiu’s ears reddened. It was difficult to imagine that Liu Zhao, who normally seemed so cold and unapproachable, could possess such a gentle side.
Even her voice trembled. “You… what exactly are you trying to say?”
She felt as though Liu Zhao’s behavior was affecting her and making her act strangely as well.
Liu Zhao shook his head. “Nothing. Sleep. We need to get up early tomorrow.”
Gu Jiu lay back down. After pondering for a while, she rolled over to face him.
“Is it because of Wu meiren? Has Wu meiren‘s matter been resolved?”
Liu Zhao first gave a quiet sound of acknowledgment before replying, “It’s been handled. The child is gone. Her maid failed in her duties and was severely punished.”
Gu Jiu said, “Wasn’t it said that she ate conflicting foods and that the source hadn’t been identified?”
Leaning against the headboard, Liu Zhao said, “The food was merely a tool. The source was still people.”
Understanding dawned on Gu Jiu. It seemed Ning wang had no intention of investigating Wu meiren‘s case further.
Whatever the cause of the miscarriage, Wu meiren‘s maids would not escape punishment.
Liu Zhao idly played with her fingers. “You’re a physician. What do you think of fuwang‘s health?”
Gu Jiu froze for a moment. “Without taking his pulse, it’s difficult to judge based on appearance alone. Is fuwang unwell?”
Liu Zhao shook his head slightly. “Not exactly. Father is getting older and spends his days indulging in women. It’s only natural to worry.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “With imperial physicians taking care of his health, you don’t need to worry too much.”
“You’re right. I really shouldn’t worry.”
Liu Zhao lowered his head and smiled. The smile never reached his eyes.
The night grew deep. The candles were extinguished. The bedchamber fell silent.
Listening to the steady breathing beside him, Liu Zhao remained awake for a long time.
He thought that he should send someone to investigate Wang taiyi.
…
A dreamless night passed.
When Gu Jiu woke in the morning, she felt refreshed and invigorated.
After so many exhausting days, she had finally enjoyed a truly restful sleep.
But she hadn’t expected that Liu Zhao would be awake even earlier than she was.
The moment she opened her eyes, she was confronted by a man radiating heat. She had to admit that In the middle of winter, having a human furnace beside her was indeed pleasant.
But those wolf-like eyes of his, as though he intended to devour her whole, were genuinely alarming.
Gu Jiu instinctively swallowed. In a small voice, she said, “I’ll get up now.”
Liu Zhao wrapped an arm around her. “It’s still early. Lie down a little longer.”
Gu Jiu shook her head so hard it resembled a rattle drum.
She did not dare lie down any longer. It felt far too dangerous.
She could clearly see warning signals in Liu Zhao’s eyes.
“Don’t worry. I won’t do anything.” Liu Zhao sounded utterly sincere.
Gu Jiu became even more nervous.
If one believed what a man said in bed, then pigs could climb trees.
“I… I want to get up. Move aside first.”
Liu Zhao did not move. Instead, he pulled her closer.
Gu Jiu did not even dare move. She feared that a single movement would turn a tiny spark into a raging wildfire beyond control.
And so they remained there. He held her. She lay in his arms. Neither spoke. Outwardly, it looked as though the years were peaceful and beautiful.
In reality, it was all an illusion.
Gu Jiu’s body had nearly gone stiff.
After what felt like an eternity, long enough that her circulation seemed impaired, Liu Zhao finally let her go.
His eyes were deep. His breathing slightly uneven. “Get up.”
Gu Jiu scrambled out of bed without hesitation.
That had been terrifying.
She did not dare look into Liu Zhao’s eyes. She feared that if she did, neither of them would be getting out of bed that morning. After tidying herself up, Gu Jiu waited until Liu Zhao was fully dressed as well before pulling the bell cord at the door.
Two groups of maids filed into the bedchamber, one serving Gu Jiu and the other serving Liu Zhao.
Qing Mei was determined to compete with the opposing side.
Gu Jiu paid little attention to such matters. As long as no conflict arose, she would not interfere.
After washing, dressing, and applying makeup, she went to the dining hall.
Liu Zhao was already seated there, waiting for her to have breakfast together.
As always, breakfast was lavish and plentiful.
Liu Zhao possessed an enormous appetite. No matter how much food appeared before him, he seemed capable of finishing it all.
Today they were leaving much earlier than the day before.
As they headed out, Gu Jiu asked, “Should we first go pay our respects to mufei and fuwang?”
Liu Zhao shook his head. “No need. Fuwang has already gone to the palace. Mufei probably hasn’t gotten up yet.”
Oh?
Gu Jiu was rather surprised. She had not expected the wangfei to rise so late.
Liu Zhao said, “Paying respects at a quarter before eight is just right.”
It was only a quarter past seven now. The wangfei was probably still washing and dressing. It truly was not a suitable time to visit.
Gu Jiu smiled sweetly. “I’ll listen to you.”
If the wangfei rose this late every day, then in the future Gu Jiu could sleep longer and would not need to rush off for morning greetings.
Since there was no need to visit the wangfei first, Gu Jiu planned to head directly to the Gu residence.
Together with Liu Zhao, she walked toward the second gate.
Quietly, she asked, “How many days of leave do you have this time?”
Liu Zhao turned to look at her. “Don’t worry. I won’t return to the military camp until after the Lantern Festival.”
The two arrived at the second gate. Gu Jiu boarded the carriage while Liu Zhao mounted his horse.
This time, Liu Zhao did not climb into the carriage. Gu Jiu secretly let out a sigh of relief.
The carriage swayed gently as it traveled at a moderate pace. The motion nearly lulled Gu Jiu to sleep.
Fortunately, just as she was about to close her eyes, they arrived at the Gu residence.
The gatekeeper came out enthusiastically to greet them. “Second Miss, Second Son-in-Law has returned.
“Master and Madam are waiting.”
The carriage entered through the side gate and proceeded directly to the second gate.
An old woman hurried forward, her face full of smiles.
“Greeting er gu nainai and er guye. Laoye and taitai are waiting in the Flower Hall.”
Gu Jiu quickly said, “I’ve troubled Father and taitai to wait for me. I feel quite ashamed.”
“Er gu nainai is too courteous. Please follow nubi.”
Gu Jiu turned back and smiled at Liu Zhao. Liu Zhao nodded in return.
The two of them followed the old woman to the flower hall.
The Gu family had all gathered there.
The moment Gu Ting saw Gu Jiu, he started wiggling his eyebrows and making faces at her.
Gu Jiu nearly failed to hold back her laughter.
Together with Liu Zhao, she stepped forward to greet Gu daren and Xie shi, then paid her respects to her da bofu and da bomu.
Gu daren was in an excellent mood. “Good, good, good.”
His gaze was full of admiration as he looked at Liu Zhao.
“Come, sit down and talk.”
Gu Jiu and Liu Zhao took seats below them.
Gu daren asked, “Are wangye and wangfei well?”
Liu Zhao replied, “In answer to Father-in-law, fuwang and mufei are both very well. Thank you for your concern.”
Gu daren laughed heartily. “Our Xiao Jiu hasn’t been mischievous, has she?”
Liu Zhao first glanced at Gu Jiu before saying, “Xiao Jiu is very good. Father-in-law need not worry.”
Gu daren stroked his beard, greatly comforted. “Xiao Jiu, in the *wang fu( you must observe the rules in all things, understand?”
Gu Jiu respectfully agreed. “Thank you for Father’s instruction.”
Xie shi wanted to speak several times, but she was intimidated by Liu Zhao. Every time Liu Zhao’s gaze swept over her, she felt her heart tremble with fear.
And when she thought about Liu Zhao’s noble status as an imperial grandson, she simply lacked the courage to put on the airs of a mother-in-law.
In the end, she remained silent.
Everyone sat together, chatting awkwardly.
In the final analysis, they were still wary of Liu Zhao’s status.
Even though Gu Jiu had married Liu Zhao and the Gu residence and the wang fu had become relatives by marriage, they still could not treat him with complete ease.
The moment they spoke with Liu Zhao, they thought of his identity as an imperial grandson, and naturally became cautious and careful.
After exchanging a few casual remarks with Liu Zhao, Gu daren said, “You should first go pay your respects at the hou fu. Afterward, the two of us, father-in-law and son-in-law, can have a drink together.”
Liu Zhao nodded. “I will do as Father-in-law says.”
Gu Jiu and Liu Zhao rose and prepared to leave for the hou fu.
The moment they left, everyone in the flower hall let out a collective sigh of relief.
Xie shi muttered, “This is his first visit back after the wedding, yet er guye is far too cold.”
Gu daren softly rebuked her. “Watch your words! Er guye is an imperial grandson. Naturally he must possess dignity.”
Xie shi curled her lips in disapproval.
Gu Jiu brought Liu Zhao to the hou fu to pay his respects.
At Songhe Hall, laughter and cheerful conversation filled the air.
Everyone there was far more at ease around Liu Zhao than the Gu family had been.
Wei lao furen even instructed him, “You must treat our Xiao Jiu well. She’s a good child. You mustn’t let her suffer any grievances.”
Liu Zhao bowed and agreed. “Please rest assured, lao furen. I will always treat Xiao Jiu well.”
Wei lao furen chuckled happily. “With those words from you, this old woman can rest easy. Come, I’ve prepared gifts for you young couple. Don’t dislike them.”
“A gift from an elder must not be declined. How could I possibly dislike it?”
Liu Zhao respectfully accepted the gifts and then said several auspicious things, making Wei lao furen laugh heartily.
Afterward, Wei lao furen took Gu Jiu’s hand and quietly asked, “Has Gongzi Zhao treated you well?”
Gu Jiu smiled shyly. She first nodded before quietly saying, “Quite well.”
Wei lao furen asked again, “Did the wangfei or Shu fei make things difficult for you?”
Gu Jiu shook her head. “They did not.”
Some things were better known only to herself. There was no need to tell everyone and make them worry.
Wei lao furen breathed a sigh of relief. “In the wang fu, always keep an extra eye open. Don’t cause trouble, but don’t fear trouble either. After all, you are the wang fu‘s da furen, the eldest di daughter-in-law. Your status itself is your confidence.”
“Thank you for your instruction, Grandniece will remember it.”
Wei lao furen smiled and patted the back of her hand. “The important thing is to give birth to the wang fu‘s eldest great-grandson as soon as possible. You and Gongzi Zhao need to work hard.”
Gu Jiu responded with a quiet sound of acknowledgment, blushing as she nodded.
“All right. Laoshen won’t keep you any longer. Hurry back. Your father is still waiting to drink with you.”
“Grandniece takes her leave.”
After bidding farewell to everyone at the hou fu, Gu Jiu and Liu Zhao returned to the Gu residence.
They had only just arrived at the second gate when Gu Ting dragged Liu Zhao away, insisting that he come drink in the outer courtyard and declaring that they would not stop until someone was drunk.
Liu Zhao looked at Gu Ting with a half-smile. “Third Brother-in-law is certain he wants to drink until someone is drunk? Don’t end up making a drunken scene again.”
Gu Ting looked embarrassed. The last time, during the wedding procession, he had intended to get Liu Zhao drunk, only to be the one who ended up drunk himself. It had been extremely humiliating.
But this time was his home turf. He was not afraid in the slightest. “Of course we’re drinking until someone is drunk. What, are you afraid?”
Today all the brothers would join forces. He refused to believe they couldn’t get Liu Zhao drunk.
Liu Zhao smiled. “How could I refuse an invitation from Brother-in-law? Please lead the way.”
“Let’s go, let’s go drink!”
Gu Ting dragged Liu Zhao away. Before leaving, he secretly turned around and made faces at Gu Jiu, signaling that she shouldn’t worry.
Gu Jiu laughed.
She truly wasn’t worried. With Liu Zhao’s alcohol tolerance, most people were no match for him.
Even if Gu Ting gathered all the brothers together and took turns challenging him until he got drunk, it wouldn’t matter. They could simply have the servants carry Liu Zhao back.
In any case, Gu Jiu wasn’t worried at all.
Gu Jiu made her way to Furong Yuan.
At this moment, all the women of the Gu family were gathered there chatting.
As soon as Gu Jiu arrived, Zhang shi waved her over. “Xiao Jiu, come here quickly.”
Smiling, Gu Jiu stepped forward. “Greetings, da bomu.”
“Why be so formal? Did anyone in the wang fu make things difficult for you?”
Taking a seat, Gu Jiu gently shook her head. “No one made things difficult for me.”
Zhang shi relaxed. “That’s good, that’s good.”
Xie shi set down her teacup. “Let’s hope you’re not putting on a brave face. Perhaps you’ve suffered grievances and don’t even dare speak of them when you come home.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “Thank you for your concern, taitai. But the person you’re describing is probably san meimei. She truly suffered grievances and didn’t dare speak up. If si meimei hadn’t noticed something was wrong, all of us would still be in the dark.”
Gu Shan lowered her head and secretly smiled.
Xie shi stiffened her face. “Gu Yue is Gu Yue. You are you. Don’t mix the two together. I refuse to believe everyone in the wang fu treats you politely.”
Gu Jiu chuckled softly. “Everyone is someone who follows the rules, so naturally things are done according to the rules. Taitai is concerned about me and wishes to worry on my behalf. Naturally I’m grateful. But the people of the wang fu are not ferocious beasts. They aren’t as difficult to get along with as taitai imagines.”
Xie shi narrowed her eyes. “I hope things are truly as you say, and everyone in the wang fu is easy to get along with. If one day I hear you’re having a miserable time there, I shall certainly laugh at you.”
Gu Jiu nodded. “Please feel free to laugh at me, taitai. I won’t mind. Just like san meimei. She was beaten, yet she doesn’t seem to mind either.”
Xie shi was furious. As expected, Gu Jiu was her nemesis. Constantly bringing up Gu Yue was clearly intended to embarrass her.
Suddenly, Gu Lin spoke up. “Er jiejie, do you know that the day before yesterday, after your wedding banquet ended, liu ge took some people and beat up Zhao jiefu?”
Ah?
Gu Ting had really been right. Gu Cheng had indeed led people to beat up Zhao erlang.
Xie shi glared. “Gu Lin, watch your words. You dare say anything at all. You have no sense of propriety.”
Gu Lin shrank back fearfully and dared not speak again.
Zhang shi said, “Speaking of Gu Yue and Zhao erlang‘s affairs, it truly has been troublesome. That day after the banquet ended, Gu Yue clearly didn’t want to return to Haixi bo fu. The scene became quite ugly. No wonder liulang wanted to vent Gu Yue’s anger and beat up Zhao erlang.”
Just how ugly had the scene become?
Gu Jiu was very curious.
She looked toward Gu Shan.
Gu Shan secretly pursed her lips and shook her head, signaling that they would talk about it privately later.
Gu Jiu understood.
She asked Zhang shi, “San meimei wasn’t seriously hurt, was she?”
Zhang shi shook her head. “With us there to stop things, nothing major happened. But the scene was extremely embarrassing. There were still other guests present at the time, and it was quite humiliating. Now all the relatives and family friends know about it. Everyone has heard that Gu Yue suffered grievances in Haixi bo fu. Dimei, yesterday Haixi bo furen sent a servant woman to visit. Did she say anything?”
Xie shi kept a stern face and looked thoroughly displeased. “She didn’t say anything. Dasao, don’t ask about it.”
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