Gu Jiu picked up her teacup, quietly putting some distance between herself and Liu Zhao.
Liu Zhao said, “Gu guniang must take care of yourself.”
“Thank you, Liu gongzi, for your concern.”
With that, Gu Jiu turned her gaze toward the window.
The rice shop was in chaos—there were cries, shouts, and some tried to climb the walls to escape, only to be caught and dragged back.
Liu Zhao also watched the rice shop opposite them and spoke in a low voice, “Gu daren and Xie daren of the East Palace are in-laws with a close relationship. But this time, Gu daren has acted against the norm, disregarding their relationship and ruthlessly destroying a base that Xie daren had built up over years. It seems he is determined to sever ties with Xie daren.”
After saying this, Liu Zhao observed Gu Jiu’s reaction. Gu Jiu remained expressionless, not even raising an eyebrow.
In a cold voice, she replied, “My father has his own reasons for what he does. I am just a guniang; how could I possibly understand the matters of the court?”
Liu Zhao smiled faintly. “Why must Gu guniang belittle yourself?”
Gu Jiu raised an eyebrow. “From what Liu gongzi saying, it sounds like you’re convinced that I know something.”
“Is that not the case?” Liu Zhao gazed at her, half-smiling.
Gu Jiu remained calm. “I’m afraid Liu gongzi be disappointed. I know nothing. If not for you telling me that this rice shop was a base for Xie daren’s spies in Jinzhou, I would have assumed this was just an ordinary case.”
Liu Zhao nodded. “I believe that. But surely, Gu guniang, you must know why Gu daren acted this way? The Gu and Xie families have always been close. Gu daren has long turned a blind eye to these spies, pretending not to see them. But this time, he has changed his approach entirely, aiming to uproot the spy network Xie daren spent years cultivating.
“This is a heavy loss for Xie daren, and I wonder how much he will resent Gu daren for it. The last time Gu daren targeted Xie’s businesses in Jinzhou was a drizzle compare to this. Something far more serious must have happened—ten times worse than before—for Gu daren to make up his mind to break ties with Xie Mao.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “Liu gongzi want to know why my father is targeting Xie daren?”
Liu Zhao admitted freely, “I do.”
Gu Jiu shook her head slightly. “I don’t know the reason. Even if I knew, I could not tell you.”
Liu Zhao laughed.
Gu Jiu was curious. “Why are you laughing?”
But Liu Zhao suddenly changed the subject. “Gu guniang, I owe you my gratitude for saving my life.”
Something felt off.
Gu Jiu became wary. “Liu gongzi saved my life as well. We’re even.”
“Not at all.” With that, Liu Zhao glanced at the guard, Zhao San. Zhao San immediately placed a small jar of ointment on the table.
Liu Zhao opened the lid, and Gu Jiu instantly recognised the scent—it was a wound-healing medicine made from her formula, highly effective.
Liu Zhao said, “This ointment was made using Gu guniang’s prescription and has already been put to use in the army. I did not get your permission beforehand—I ask for your understanding.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “No problem. Medicine is meant to help people.”
“Gu guniang is indeed generous.”
Gu Jiu grew even more suspicious. What exactly was Liu gongzi trying to do?
Liu Zhao said, “In a few days, I will be returning to the capital.”
Finally, this troublemaker was leaving.
“I wish you a safe journey.” She didn’t even realise that her voice carried a hint of relief and happiness.
Liu Zhao noticed and raised an eyebrow. “Gu guniang seems eager for me to leave?”
Gu Jiu was momentarily stunned. “Liu gongzi misunderstands me. It’s just that Liu gongzi has been away for so long—your family must be worried. It’s best to return home soon and reunite with them.”
Liu Zhao chuckled but didn’t expose her.
He looked outside. The arrest operation was complete. The officials had taken the rice shopkeeper and the servants into custody, leading them to the yamen.
The crowd followed, eager to witness more drama, undeterred by Ma shiye’s attempts to disperse them.
The street returned to normal, though it felt emptier after the crowd left.
“Gu guniang, I will wait for you in the capital. I hope we will meet again.”
Gu Jiu arched her brows and smiled. “I’m afraid Liu gongzi will be disappointed. I may never have the chance to visit the capital in this lifetime.”
Liu Zhao smirked. “We shall see.”
Gu guniang, you are too optimistic.
This time, how could Xie Mao let this go?
I am certain we will meet again in the capital soon.
Liu Zhao rose to leave but suddenly turned back at the door. “Gu guniang, your attire today looks quite nice.”
Gu Jiu was stunned, but before she could react, Liu Zhao had already gone downstairs.
His guard, Zhao San, placed an envelope in front of her. “My gongzi asked me to give this to you as thanks for your medicine. It has been very useful. Farewell!”
Before Gu Jiu could say anything, Zhao San quickly left.
Gu Jiu leaned out of the window, watching Liu Zhao and his guard disappear into the crowd.
She frowned. Just like that? He left so easily?
He didn’t even find out the reason behind my father’s actions, yet he just walked away?
She opened the envelope and found a silver banknote—worth two thousand taels.
Shocked, she quickly scanned the streets, searching for Liu Zhao and his guard. But they were long gone.
She wondered if he was still staying at Tianmen Temple.
Holding the two thousand taels, Gu Jiu felt as if they were burning her hands.
She needed money—desperately. She had been worrying about how to secure enough funds to start her business. And now, Liu Zhao had simply handed her the money.
Two thousand taels—neither too much nor too little.
Compared to her monthly allowance of five taels, it was a fortune. But considering her ambitious plans, she could spend even more in no time.
She hesitated. Should she accept the money?
Then she recalled Zhao San’s words. Was this money meant to buy my formula?
Forget it. I’ll just take it.
I can always repay him in the future if the opportunity arises.
Having made her decision, Gu Jiu felt a weight lifted off her chest.
My, what generosity—two thousand taels just like that. Truly extravagant. No wonder he’s an imperial descendant.
Qing Mei asked, “Guniang, should we leave as well?”
Gu Jiu nodded. “Let’s go. We still need to visit Gui mama.”
With the two thousand taels she had just obtained, along with her original savings, Gu Jiu now had over three thousand taels.
With this money, she felt much more confident.
Leaving the teahouse, she searched for Li Chuan and Er Zhuang. The two were hiding in an alley. Seeing Gu Jiu, they both let out sighs of relief.
Li Chuan said, “We almost ran into Ma shiye. Luckily, we hid quickly.”
Er Zhuang added, “I was scared to death. Ma shiye had so many people with him—if we had been caught, it would have been disastrous.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “Are you both alright?”
“Thanks for guniang’s concern, we’re fine.”
Gu Jiu said, “Er Zhuang, lead the way. We’re going to see Gui mama now.”
“Got it!” Er Zhuang responded loudly.
The house they rented for Gui mama was in a small alley near the western market.
When they arrived, Er Zhuang jumped down, opened the gate, and led the ox cart into the courtyard.
“Be careful, guniang.”
Qing Mei got down first and helped Gu Jiu out of the cart.
Gu Jiu looked around the courtyard. It was very quiet.
The neighbouring houses belonged to families with a decent amount of wealth.
“Mother, er guniang is here!”
Er Zhuang called into the house. Hearing this, Gui mama hurriedly came out, her eyes filled with excitement. “I’m so glad you’re here! I’m so glad you’re here!”
Gu Jiu smiled gently. “Are you comfortable living here, mama?”
“I’m very comfortable, very comfortable. Thanks to guniang, my sons and I were able to leave the manor. Nubi never expected that in my old age, nubi would have a chance to live a good life.”
As she spoke, Gui mama began to cry.
After a few sobs, she realised it was bad luck to cry, so she quickly wiped her tears away. “How foolish of me. Nubi is crying despite living well. Er guniang, please come inside. Er Zhuang, go boil some tea.”
Er Zhuang responded and left.
Gu Jiu stepped over the threshold and said, “I know, mama, you are crying from happiness.”
Gui mama nodded repeatedly. “Er guniang is right. Nubi is truly happy.”
Gu Jiu sat in the main seat.
Gui mama examined her carefully. “Since we last met, guniang has grown taller. How have you been lately, guniang?”
Hearing that she had grown taller, Gu Jiu was delighted. “I’m doing well! If you ever have any difficulties, don’t hesitate to tell me.”
Gui mama quickly said, “My sons and nubi are doing fine. There’s no need for guniang to worry. Also, regarding the matter you instructed Da Zhuang to handle, nubi heard there’s been some progress.”
Gu Jiu quickly asked, “Is Da Zhuang home?”
Gui mama replied, “He should be back soon.”
Just as she spoke, sounds came from the front door—Da Zhuang had returned.
Upon learning that Gu Jiu was there, he quickly washed up and went to see her.
Da Zhuang was tall and strong, with an honest-looking face. He seemed reliable.
“Greetings, guniang. The task you assigned—xiaode did not fail you. Xiaode finally has some results.”
Saying this, he took out a piece of paper with some crooked handwriting. He handed the paper to Gu Jiu. Gu Jiu examined it carefully.
Da Zhuang explained, “As guniang instructed, xiaode visited all the private horse farms outside the city. Three of them meet your criteria, but only one—Xiaohe Valley Horse Farm—is willing to sell.”
Gu Jiu pondered for a moment and then asked, “What is the situation with Xiaohe Valley Horse Farm?”
Da Zhuang replied, “I worked there for half a month as a labourer and gathered all the details. A few years ago, the farm was quite profitable, so the owner bought another pasture. But five years ago, the government changed its horse policies, and Xiaohe Valley Horse Farm has been losing money ever since. The owner is struggling and is eager to sell so he can return to his hometown and retire.”
Gu Jiu kept a calm expression and asked, “How big is the farm? What is the location like? How many horses are there? How many mares, stallions, and foals? What is the condition of their teeth?”
Da Zhuang answered each question thoroughly. It was clear that his half-month of work at the farm had not been in vain.
Gu Jiu had some money and wanted to invest in a business to make it grow. After careful consideration, she set her sights on the horse industry.
Due to the government’s horse policies, horse farms were struggling. But Gu Jiu had a secret advantage.
The problem plaguing the industry—she had the key to solve it.
Without hesitation, Gu Jiu said to Da Zhuang, “The morning after tomorrow, you will take me there. I must see the farm for myself.”
Da Zhuang hesitated. “Guniang, the road to the farm is not easy.”
Gu Jiu smiled slightly. “That’s not a problem.”
This was the first business deal of her life—she had to inspect it personally to feel at ease.
After discussing the horse farm, Gu Jiu turned to Gui mama. “Mama, I heard you know how to weave. Have you ever woven wool fabric?”
Gui mama was confused. “Guniang, I have never woven wool fabric before.”
“I want to use wool for weaving. Can you help me?”
Gui mama looked at Gu Jiu. “Guniang, how did you come up with this idea?”
Gu Jiu smiled. “Because, as of now, no one else is doing this. I want to be the first.”
After finishing her discussion with Gui mama‘s family, Gu Jiu left.
As before, Li Chuan and Er Zhuang drove the ox cart, swaying back toward the back alley of the governor’s fu.
Qing Mei helped Gu Jiu change into a maid’s outfit.
“Is guniang really going out again the day after tomorrow? Nubi worries that leaving so frequently will raise suspicion.”
Gu Jiu said, “While taitai is currently keeping a low profile, not managing the fu or interfering, we must seize this opportunity to get things done. Such a chance may not come again.”
Qing Mei was curious. “Guniang, do you mean that taitai will regain her influence?”
Gu Jiu chuckled. “Don’t forget, taitai is pregnant. She will eventually regain her status.”
“But didn’t laoye capture all of Xie daren’s spies in Jinzhou? Doesn’t that mean he has completely offended Xie daren? How can taitai regain her power?”
Gu Jiu replied, “Xie daren is one person, and taitai is another. Taitai belongs to the Gu family, not the Xie family. Understand?”
Qing Mei half-understood.
Gu Jiu laughed. “Just remember, taitai has already given birth to two sons and two daughters. Including the one she is carrying, that’s five children. Five children—aren’t they more important than Xie daren?
“Besides, liu ge is talented in his studies. No matter what, laoye will ensure he has a bright future. For his sake, laoye will always give taitai some respect.”
Qing Mei nodded. “I understand. Before, taitai relied on the Xie family. Now, her bargaining chip is her own children.”
Gu Jiu pinched Qing Mei’s cheek. “My Qing Mei is so smart. You figured it out so quickly.”
Qing Mei giggled. “It’s because guniang taught me well.”
The ox cart swayed into the quiet back alley of the governor’s mansion. The back alley was quiet and there was no one on the street.
The back alley was quiet, with not a single person in sight.
Li Chuan knocked on the carriage door. “Guniang, you can come down now.”
Gu Jiu opened the door, glanced around, and then decisively jumped off the ox cart.
This gave Qing Mei quite a scare. “Guniang, be careful!” She was terrified that Gu Jiu might twist her ankle or injure herself.
Gu Jiu smiled. “I’m fine.”
She then gave instructions to Er Zhuang. “When you return, look into the wool weaving business. Ask around, especially those coming from the west. Also, visit every fabric shop in the city and find out if they’re interested in buying woollen cloth.”
Er Zhuang nodded. “Xiaode understands.”
Gu Jiu reminded him of a few more things before heading toward the back entrance of the Governor’s residence with Qing Mei.
The back gate was silent.
Qing Mei led Gu Jiu through a secluded path, and they successfully returned to Zhilanyuan.
As soon as they stepped inside, Qing Zhu jumped up from the bed.
“Guniang, you’re finally back! I was worried sick!”
Gu Jiu laughed, but before she could speak, Xiao Cui rushed in, breathless. “Bad news, guniang! Taitai… taitai…“
Gu Jiu calmly asked, “What happened to taitai? Speak slowly.”
The maid took a deep breath and said, “Taitai… taitai has had a miscarriage.”
What?!
Gu Jiu was shocked. Xie shi had miscarried?!
Was it really just a coincidence?
Wait a moment.
Gu Jiu closed her eyes and focused her thoughts.
The series of recent events all seemed to carry a sense of careful orchestration.
When Pei Yun’s drugging incident was exposed, it just so happened to coincide with the discovery of Xie shi’s pregnancy.
Now, as Gu daren was conducting a city-wide hunt for Xie Mao’s spies in Jinzhou, Xie shi conveniently suffered a miscarriage.
Why was everything so coincidental?
Of course, one could argue that Xie shi’s pregnancy was already unstable, and the emotional distress simply made the miscarriage inevitable.
However, Gu Jiu didn’t believe in coincidences of this magnitude.
One time could be called a coincidence.
Two or three times—this was no longer coincidence but deliberate intent.
In short, Gu Jiu did not hesitate to assume the worst about Xie shi.
Taking a deep breath, Gu Jiu said, “Qing Mei, Qing Zhu, help me dress. I am going to shangfang to visit taitai.”
Qing Mei hesitated, “Guniang, are you sure you want to go?”
Gu Jiu smiled and said, “Taitai’s miscarriage is a major event. As a junior, it is only right for me to be there.”
Xiao Cui looked flustered.
Gu Jiu instructed her, “Xiao Cui, go to the main hall and keep an eye on things. Report back to me immediately if anything happens.”
“Yes, guniang,” Xiao Cui replied before hurrying out.
Gu Jiu changed into a simple, elegant outfit to avoid provoking Xie shi’s ill temper. She applied no makeup, her bare face looking exquisitely delicate. Checking herself in the mirror, Gu Jiu was satisfied with her appearance.
She nodded and said, “Let’s go to shangfang.”
Upon arrival, she saw people constantly coming and going.
Her da jiejie, Gu Zhen, and si meimei, Gu Shan, stood anxiously at the doorway, looking flustered.
“Er meimei is here,” Gu Zhen called out.
Gu Jiu gave a slight nod and stepped forward to ask, “How is taitai now?”
Gu Shan stammered, “There’s been so much blood… Doctor Xu is inside. I don’t know what’s happening.”
Gu Jiu asked curiously, “How did this happen so suddenly?”
Gu Zhen and Gu Shan both turned their gazes toward Bai yiniang, who was kneeling in a corner of the courtyard.
Oh?
Could it be Bai yiniang’s fault again?
Hearing the commotion, Bai yiniang looked up at Gu Jiu. Her delicate face was filled with helplessness and fear, appearing more terrified than anyone else present—as if the sky itself was about to collapse.
One basin after another of bloodied water was carried out from the room by the maids.
Gu Shan covered her mouth, her face pale with fear.
Gu Jiu furrowed her brows. Had Xie shi truly lost the child?
Gu Zhen was deeply worried. “Could it be that taitai’s child really cannot be saved?”
“Mother!” With this cry, Gu Yue rushed in.
She had been under house arrest but ran out upon hearing about Xie shi’s miscarriage.
Seeing the maids carrying out the bloodied water, Gu Yue was first shocked, then furious. “Mother was fine! How could this happen all of a sudden? Who harmed her?”
As soon as she spoke, all the servants turned their gazes toward Bai Yiniang.
Gu Yue’s anger flared, and she charged at Bai yiniang.
“It’s you again! You wretched woman!”
“San jiejie, be careful with your words,” Gu Shan, quick-witted, hurriedly held her back.
Gu Yue was furious.
Just then, someone called out, “Laoye has arrived!”
The entire courtyard fell into silence in an instant.
T/N:
And our male lead exits stage for a dozen chapters. We are that many chapters away from returning to the capital, courtesy Xie Mao.
Do you have any thoughts about the translation – or any suggestions?
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