Belated wishes on the Chinese New Year! 新年快乐！
In the evening, Gu daren went to shangfang for dinner.
After some casual conversation between the husband and wife, Gu daren asked, “I heard the prefect’s furen sent an invitation?”
Xie shi smiled faintly and replied, “Indeed.”
Gu daren said casually, “Take all the girls along. They’re getting older, and it’s time for them to go out and gain some experience.”
Xie shi froze momentarily and then asked softly, “Are you suggesting we bring all the children?”
Gu daren nodded.
Xie shi felt displeased.
Gu Jiu, that despicable brat, and Gu Lin, that little nuisance—why should they be allowed to go? Gu Jiu constantly opposed her. As for Gu Lin, her mother, Bai yiniang, was a thorn in her side, constantly making her uncomfortable.
From the beginning, Xie shi had no intention of taking these two along.
She planned to leave them behind, letting them waste away in the inner residence and grow up ignorant.
By the time their marriages were arranged, people would see how foolish they were. Who would be willing to have them as daughters-in-law? Eventually, they’d have no choice but to marry into some insignificant family and be sent away.
Everything had been planned so well—until laoye spoke up. Xie shi frowned slightly.
After a moment’s thought, she said gently, “Laoye, er yatou is frail, and with this heat, she might fall ill if we take her out. As for wu yatou, she’s just a child and knows nothing. I’m worried she might embarrass herself and tarnish laoye’s reputation.”
Gu daren took a sip of wine and said, “It’s fine! The children are growing up, and they can’t be confined to the house without any exposure. Better to lose face now than when we return to the capital.”
The mention of the capital made Xie shi‘s heart skip a beat. She cautiously asked, “Is laoye planning to return to the capital?”
Xie shi had long dreamed of returning to the capital. Jinzhou was too remote, unbearably hot in summer and cold in winter.
More importantly, the people she encountered were either rough soldiers or local tycoons—hardly any respectable noble families.
How could this compare to the capital, where every interaction was with prestigious aristocrats? Occasionally, one could even enter the palace and make an impression in front of her majesty, the empress.
Gu daren smiled and replied, “Returning to the capital is inevitable. For now, this matter is settled. Take this opportunity to prepare new clothes for the children.”
Xie shi gritted her teeth but eventually smiled, agreeing. “I’ll listen to laoye. Perhaps we should also bring the boys. They’ve been studying hard and could use a break.”
Gu daren nodded. “You can arrange it.”
Xie shi’s smile deepened, but inwardly she was calculating who had been whispering in laoye’s ear. Her answer came with Gu daren’s next statement.
“As for Bai yiniang, I think she shouldn’t have to perform morning greetings anymore. She has served me faithfully for so many years and deserves some face.”
Xie shi’s face briefly froze in shock before she quickly composed herself. Sure enough, it was that bitch Bai.
Biting back her anger, Xie shi responded sweetly, “Laoye spoke correctly. Starting tomorrow, Bai yiniang can be excused from the morning greetings.”
Inwardly, she seethed. Even if Bai yiniang no longer needs to perform greetings, she would find other ways to deal with her.
The day before the banquet, a timely rain cooled the summer heat, leaving the weather refreshingly pleasant.
Early the next morning, the rear courtyard of the governor’s fu buzzed with activity as preparations were underway. Both the girls and boys were preparing to go out.
Gu Jiu, still groggy, let her maids Qing Mei and Qing Zhu dress her and apply a delicate layer of makeup.
“Guniang, does this look alright?” Qing Mei asked.
Gu Jiu glanced in the mirror. Her fair, rosy face was exquisitely made up, hinting at an extraordinary elegance despite her young age.
She nodded. “It’s good, but a bit too attention-grabbing.”
Qing Mei smiled. “Guniang is naturally beautiful. Even the slightest touch draws all eyes to you.”
Gu Jiu’s eyes twinkled as she looked at her reflection. She smiled. “It’s getting late; let’s go.”
“Be careful, guniang,” Qing Mei said as she helped her out.
After months of meticulous care, Gu Jiu finally saw results. Her once sallow complexion and brittle hair had given way to radiant skin, glossy black hair, and a healthier figure. She was taller and had more meat on her cheeks. Her beauty had begun to bloom.
At the second gate, da jiejie and wu meimei were already waiting.
Gu Lin was brimming with excitement. Thanks to Bai yiniang, not only could she attend the banquet, but she also had a brand-new dress to wear.
Blushing with joy, she asked Gu Jiu, “Er jiejie, do you think I look good in this?”
Gu Jiu nodded. “You look good.”
The peach-pink outfit suited Gu Lin’s youthful charm, complementing her petite stature.
Gu Lin smiled shyly. “Thank you, er jiejie. You look amazing too.”
Gu Zhen scoffed at Gu Lin’s excitement, looking disgusted. Wu meimei was really ignorant. Getting so thrilled over a new dress—she was bound to make a fool of herself at the banquet.
Soon, Xie shi arrived, accompanied by Gu Yue and Gu Shan. Both had been dressed meticulously, especially Gu Yue, who was tall and already exuded a trace of feminine allure.
Xie shi scanned the group, her gaze lingering on Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu’s attire and demeanor stood out, her once sickly appearance now replaced by stunning beauty. Xie shi’s expression briefly tightened, but she quickly masked her displeasure.
She hadn’t expected Gu Jiu to shine so brightly with just a little dressing up.
At that moment, liu shaoye, Gu Cheng entered, saying, “Mother, everything is ready.”
Xie shi glanced at him, her eyes filled with complicated emotions. Gu Cheng’s face was impassive.
Xie shi smiled again. “Since everyone’s here, let’s set off.”
The group boarded carriages and headed to the banquet at the general’s fu.
As they left the governor’s fu, Gu Jiu peeked out the curtain and saw her elder brother, Gu Ting.
Gu Ting was seated in another carriage. He winked at her and gestured subtly toward Er Zhuang who was behind him.
Er Zhuang was Gui mama’s youngest son.
A few days ago, Gu Ting had arranged for Gui mama and her family to settle in the city. Today, he had brought Er Zhuang along as a servant. No one would pay attention to a little servant. With Gu Ting’s protection, Er Zhuang easily joined the entourage.
Gu Jiu smiled at her brother in acknowledgment.
The carriages swayed gently as they finally reached the general’s fu. Entering through the side gate, they disembarked at the entrance to the rear garden.
“Be careful, guniang!” Qing Mei and Qing Zhu alighted first, helping Gu Jiu down.
Gu Jiu’s feet touched the ground, and she looked around, taking in the surroundings. Even outside the garden, the scenery was exceptional, hinting at the splendour within.
She felt a trace of anticipation for the banquet. Beautiful scenery and good food always lifted her spirits.
Gu Ting approached. “Meimei, are you tired?”
Gu Jiu smiled. “Gege doesn’t need to worry. I’m fine.”
She glanced at Er Zhuang behind him and asked softly, “Has Gui mama settled in, living in the city?”
Er Zhuang bowed and replied, “Many thanks for guniang’s concern. My mother is doing well. She is always thinking and concerned about guniang.”
Gu Jiu nodded. “Tell Gui mama to live in peace. Everything else will be taken care of.”
Er Zhuang hesitated before speaking. “Guniang, my mother isn’t used to being idle. With nothing to do all day, she feels uneasy. Before I left, she told me to ask guniang if there’s any work she can take up. My mother is excellent at sewing, weaving, and spinning. If you don’t dislike it, perhaps you can assign us some tasks. Otherwise, we will feel guilty.”
Gu Jiu laughed. “Don’t worry, there will be plenty to do soon. There are several errands waiting for you. You’ll all be busy before long.”
Er Zhuang beamed. “Thank you, guniang. If guniang ever needs anything, my dage and I will give it our all.”
“That’s good to hear,” Gu Jiu said, nodding.
Qing Mei whispered, “Guniang, taitai is looking over here.”
Er Zhuang quickly ducked behind Gu Ting.
Gu Jiu turned to Gu Ting. “Let’s head inside.”
“Meimei, go slowly.”
Liu shaoye, Gu Cheng lingered at the back, lost in thought. Xie shi glanced back at him several times, worry flickering in her eyes.
Gu Jiu noticed Xie shi’s gaze and discreetly looked at Gu Cheng. His distracted demeanor suggested something was on his mind.
Quietly, she asked her brother, “Gege, has something happened to liu ge?”
Gu Ting looked puzzled. “Not that I know of. He’s doing well. Just yesterday, the teacher praised him, and even Ma shiye said he has great talent.”
His tone betrayed a hint of jealousy. Gu Ting wasn’t academically inclined, and he couldn’t help envying Gu Cheng’s talent for studying.
Still, Gu Ting didn’t resent Gu Cheng. Although not particularly close, the brothers had no conflicts.
Gu Jiu glanced at Gu Cheng again, her thoughts churning.
Was something going on between Xie shi and Gu Cheng, this mother-son pair? Their expressions and behaviour seems unusual.
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