Note: I’ve changed ‘magistrate’ to ‘prefect’ – I’ve retrofitted this to Hezhong Magistrate too, in the earlier chapters. Prefect is two syllables… and sounds better, I think. Now that Prefect of Jingcheng is appearing more often, this is more convenient.
The steward asked, “Is laoye really recommending Gu daren for the position of Jingcheng’s prefect?”
Xie Mao let out a cold snort. “Of course! If Gu Zhili stays in the northwest, he will only hinder my plans. Doesn’t he want to return to the capital? Benguan will give him a helping hand and make his wish come true. However, since he wants to enter the Six Ministries, benguan won’t let him have his way.”
The steward looked concerned. “Laoye, wouldn’t Gu daren’s appointment as the Prefect of Jingcheng interfere with the East Palace?”
Xie Mao smiled smugly. “He wouldn’t dare, and he doesn’t have the ability. With the Empress gravely ill, knowing Gu Zhili as I do, he wouldn’t make any reckless moves now. On the contrary, he will be more obedient than ever.
“Even if the Empress passes away one day, benguan has my ways to get him on the East Palace’s side. By then, he will be at benguan’s mercy. What he owes benguan, he will have to repay with interest.”
The steward immediately said, “Laoye is wise. In xiaode’s opinion, the best way to keep him in check is through marriage.”
Xie Mao narrowed his eyes slightly. “Marriage is not urgent for now.”
Deep down, Xie Mao did not want to arrange a marriage alliance with Gu Zhili. If it were the Pingnan hou fu, however, he would be willing.
The Pingnan hou fu was far stronger than the Gu family, and the Pingnan hou himself had great influence in the court.
After a moment of thought, Xie Mao smiled again. “Once Gu daren’s family returns to the capital, we should have more interactions. After all, relatives should grow closer.”
The steward looked puzzled.
Xie Mao didn’t explain, but in his mind, he was already planning—once his younger sister returned to the capital, he would have his wife and sister visit each other often to build ties with the Pingnan hou fu.
When the time came, he would figure out a way. Perhaps he really could form a marriage alliance with the Pingnan hou fu.
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
Everyone was paying close attention to Zhang daren’s case, as it implicated many people.
Speculations were rampant about who would replace him.
No one expected the Kai Yao Emperor to suddenly issue an edict appointing Gu Zhili, the Governor of Jinzhou, as the new Prefect of Jingcheng.
Many were baffled by the news.
Who was Gu Zhili?
After some explanation, people learned that he was a direct descendant of the Pingnan hou’s family—Pingnan hou’s nephew. Suddenly, everything made sense.
So he was the Pingnan hou’s nephew! No wonder His Majesty appointed him as the prefect.
Looking at Gu Zhili’s credentials, he was indeed qualified for the position.
When the news reached the Pingnan hou fu—
The Pingnan hou flew into a rage in his study.
His eldest son, Gu Zhiwen, quickly tried to calm him. “Father, please don’t be angry.”
He silently thought to himself that his father, despite his age, still had such a fiery temper. He didn’t take care of his health at all. Anger harmed the liver—he would have to call an imperial physician–a taiyi–to check on him later.
The Pingnan hou, still furious, exclaimed, “How can I not be angry? Which bastard schemed behind our backs? Why would His Majesty suddenly appoint Zhili as Prefect of the Capital?
“The Prefect of Jingcheng—hah! It sounds prestigious, but it’s a position that pleases no one. He won’t be able to offend anyone, yet he will be the first to take the fall if something goes wrong. If Zhili encounters a difficult case and handles it poorly, it could implicate the entire family. Whoever came up with this idea is clearly trying to harm our Gu family!”
Gu Zhiwen coughed lightly. “Father, be mindful of eavesdroppers. From what I understand, when His Majesty inquired about the position, Li shizhong offered a recommendation. After that, His Majesty made the decision to appoint Zhili tangdi.”
The Pingnan hou frowned. “Which Li shizhong?”
Gu Zhiwen whispered, “The master of the inner palace.”
The Pingnan hou suddenly understood.
Li shizhong was loyal to the Empress. If he advocated for Gu Zhili’s appointment, then it was obviously the Empress’ intention.
And behind the Empress stood the East Palace.
Thinking of the East Palace, the Pingnan hou couldn’t help but recall Xie Mao. Could this matter be connected to Xie Mao?
Considering how the previous prefect, Zhang, was arrested by the Imperial Guards, the East Palace was likely in a state of panic.
The Pingnan hou gritted his teeth. “This could very well be Xie Mao’s doing.”
Gu Zhiwen was surprised. “Xie Mao? That can’t be. He knows the prefect’s position is a thankless one, yet he still pushed his meifu into it? Doesn’t he fear that Zhili tangdi will resent him?”
The Pingnan hou snorted. “You underestimate Xie Mao. That man will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Given his position, placing Zhili in the role of prefect is the most beneficial move for him. He is truly shameless.”
Gu Zhiwen frowned. “Father, how should we explain this to Zhili tangdi?”
The Pingnan hou said, “Tell him the truth. Zhili has been played by Xie Mao. You must warn him to stay away from that man. Even his second wife, Xie shi, is not to be trusted. It’s a pity—years ago, no one expected Xie Mao to rise so high, and Zhili was blinded by beauty. The seeds sown then have led to today’s consequences.”
Gu Zhiwen said, “Father is being too pessimistic.”
The Pingnan hou waved his hand. “Enough of this. Go write a letter. Since His Majesty’s edict has already been issued, tell Zhili to prepare to return to the capital before the New Year. I haven’t seen him in years—I wonder if his experiences outside have made him wiser.”
Gu Zhiwen chuckled. “Father, don’t worry. Zhili tangdi has matured greatly. Becoming a regional governor in the northwest is no small feat.”
The Pingnan hou burst into laughter. “Our Gu family’s sons are all exceptional.”
The Pingnan hou’s letter arrived in the northwest three days before the official decree.
After reading the letter, Gu daren’s expression changed repeatedly.
Ma shiye and Liu shiye, his advisors, stood by his side.
Seeing his furrowed brows, Ma shiye asked, “Laoye, what troubles you?”
“See for yourselves.”
Gu daren placed the letter on the table.
Both advisors stepped forward to read.
What? How could this be? They frowned as they read.
After finishing, Ma shiye said, “Since the hou fu has sent this letter, it must be true. Laoye, since the official decree is already on its way, you must start making preparations.”
Liu shiye stroked his beard. “The Prefect of Jingcheng is a rank-three official. In terms of rank, this is a promotion. However, it is a treacherous position.”
Gu daren was well aware that the role of Jingcheng’s prefect was a hot potato that wasn’t easy to hold.
In Jingcheng, there were as many nobles as dogs, many of whom thought themselves above the law.
Technically, the prefect had the authority to prosecute them, but in reality, every case was a political minefield.
And now, with the battle for the throne intensifying, every faction was on edge. As the Empress grew gravely ill and could no longer rise, all sorts of demons and monsters emerged from the shadows.
A single misstep could cost him not just his career but his life—and his entire family’s as well.
The more he thought about it, the more sweat gathered on his forehead. That scoundrel Xie Mao had outmanoeuvred him again.
Gu daren clenched his jaw. He had underestimated Xie Mao. But there was no turning back now.
He gave orders to his advisors to begin preparing for the transition. Then, he went to inform his wife, Xie shi—Xie Mao’s sister.
After more than half a month of recovery, Xie shi’s health had greatly improved. Her once gaunt cheeks had filled out again, giving her a healthy and auspicious appearance.
When Gu daren arrived at the main house, Xie shi rose to greet him.
“Why has laoye come so early today?” she asked.
Gu daren’s expression remained indifferent as he said, “I received a letter from the hou fu and learned of something.”
Xie shi smiled. “Could it be good news?”
Gu daren gave a faint, detached smile that did not reach his eyes.
“It is indeed good news—weifu am being promoted.”
“Ah! Congratulations, laoye! This is wonderful news!” Xie shi was momentarily stunned before breaking into joy.
She quickly asked, “May I ask what position laoye has been promoted to?”
Gu daren replied, “The Prefect of Jingcheng.”
Xie shi was momentarily taken aback, then overjoyed.
Jingcheng! After more than ten years, they were finally returning to the capital.
Xie shi beamed. “This is excellent! Laoye has fulfilled his long-cherished wish and can finally return to the capital.”
Gu daren’s expression remained unreadable as he said, “For this, weifu must thank Xie da jiuge. If not for his efforts, I would not have been able to return.”
Though his tone was calm, Xie shi was sharp enough to detect the gritted teeth behind his words.
At once, her smile faded. She asked cautiously, “Is laoye not pleased to return to the capital?”
Gu daren gave a half-smile and asked instead, “Tell me, why do you think da jiuge is so eager to help me return?”
Xie shi shook her head. “Qieshen do not know.”
“Then, do you know what the role of Jingcheng’s prefect entails?”
Xie shi hesitated before replying, “The prefect of Jingcheng should be similar to the governor of Jinzhou, overseeing the entire capital region.”
Gu daren chuckled. “Furen is correct. Now, let weifu ask you again—who holds the greatest power in the capital?”
Without thinking, Xie shi answered, “Of course, it’s His Maj—”
Before she could finish her sentence, she suddenly realised the implications.
The title of the Prefect of Jingcheng sounded grand, but it was by no means an easy post.
A trace of unease crept into Xie shi’s expression. “Is my lord dissatisfied with this position?”
Gu daren raised an eyebrow with a smile. “My da jiuge has gone out of his way to help me. How could I possibly be ungrateful?”
Naturally, Xie shi did not believe him.
She quickly said, “Laoye, this matter has nothing to do with qieshen.”
Gu daren’s expression turned cold as he said, “Of course, I know this has nothing to do with you. However, furen, why don’t you think carefully—why is your brother so eager to help me?”
Xie shi paled. She knew the answer, but she dared not speak it.
She grabbed Gu daren’s hand and said, “Laoye, why are you so certain that da ge was behind this? Perhaps it’s a misunderstanding. Da ge is merely an official in the East Palace; he shouldn’t have the authority to decide the appointment of this post.”
Gu daren nodded. “You’re right, da jiuge indeed doesn’t have the authority to decide the appointment. But don’t forget—behind him stands the Crown Prince, and behind the Crown Prince is the Empress. Is that weight enough for you?”
Xie shi suddenly burst into tears. “Laoye, please quell your anger. Though the post of the prefect is difficult in many ways, at least it means we’re returning to the capital. For eight long years, our entire family has been eating dust in the northwest. The children are growing up day by day and have reached the age for marriage. I’ve been terribly anxious.
“We can’t just arrange their marriages here in the northwest, can we? Laoye, once we return to the capital, please beg da bo and the elders to find a way to transfer you away from the prefect’s post, would that be possible?”
Gu daren let out a cold snort. “At this point, that’s the only option. There’s still some time before we leave for the capital, so handle everything that needs to be taken care of. Also, for the sake of the children, I hope that after we return to the capital, you will distance yourself from your brother’s family.”
Xie shi nodded repeatedly. “Laoye, don’t worry. I have already seen da ge’s true nature. For the sake of our children and your future, I will never do anything for him again. Aside from necessary formalities during holidays, I will cut off all contact with him and not bring you any trouble.”
Gu daren fixed his gaze on Xie shi. “I hope you mean what you say and don’t disappoint me. Otherwise, for the sake of the children’s future, I will have no choice but to act ruthlessly.”
Xie shi shuddered. “Qieshen will remember laoye’s words.”
Gu daren rose to his feet. “Prepare well for our return to the capital. Weifu will visit again another day.”
“Qieshen wouldn’t dare delay laoye’s official business.”
Xie shi escorted Gu daren to the main gate before turning back into the house.
As soon as she entered her room, her strength gave out, and she collapsed onto the soft couch, feeling utterly drained.
Chun He brought over a bowl of nourishing soup. “Taitai, please have some.”
Xie shi waved her hand. “Set it aside. I’ll drink it later.”
Chun He placed the soup on the table and whispered, “Taitai, don’t worry. Laoye’s attitude has already improved significantly compared to before.”
Xie shi smiled bitterly.
How much laoye used to respect her. But because of her brother, his attitude toward her had fallen to rock bottom.
She felt deeply bitter. How much effort would it take to mend this rift?
And all of it—was her brother’s fault.
The words she had told Gu daren about cutting ties with Xie Mao were half sincere. She truly had suffered because of him. Inside, she was both furious and resentful. She had indeed resolved never to help Xie Mao again.
But now that they were returning to the capital…
Once they were there, meeting him would be unavoidable. And once they met, there would inevitably be entanglements.
She rubbed her temples. “Chun He, give the orders. We’ll be leaving for the capital in a few days, so everyone should start preparing early. Have them pack up everything that needs to be taken. Also, tell the sewing room to speed up the making of winter clothes. We don’t want anyone freezing on the way back to the capital.”
“Nubi obeys. Does taitai have any other instructions?”
“Sell off the shops in the city and the farmland outside. Everything must be dealt with as soon as possible.”
Chun He was shocked. “Why isn’t taitai keeping any of the shops and land? Selling them now won’t fetch a good price.”
Xie shi shook her head. “There’s no need to keep anything in this wretched place. We’ll take the money and buy new estates and shops once we’re back in the capital. Also, send someone to the academy to inform liulang that he should return home early.
“Since we’re leaving for the capital, there’s no need for him to continue studying there. The capital has better academies and teachers. Until we leave, he can stay home and review his lessons.”
Chun He nodded. “Nubi will send someone to the academy right away. Taitai, should we inform the prefect’s furen about our departure?”
Xie shi nodded. “Wait until the official decree arrives before notifying her. But by then, she will likely have already heard the news from the prefect.”
With everything mostly arranged, Xie shi let out a sigh of relief.
Finally, they were leaving the northwest and returning to the capital.
Even though there was now conflict between Gu daren and Xie Mao, she still felt delighted.
She had been waiting for this day for so many years.
The news of their return to the capital spread quickly through the fu.
Some were happy, some were sad.
Since Gu daren’s family was moving back to the capital, not all of the servants would be taken along.
Some would undoubtedly be dismissed. Most of these servants were contract workers. Once Gu daren’s family left, they would have to find new employment.
But the Gu family’s bondservants were all overjoyed. After enduring for so many years, they were finally returning to the capital.
Just thinking about the lively world of the capital made their hearts race with excitement.
“Guniang, good news! Good news!”
Xiao Cui ran excitedly into Zhilan Yuan. “Guniang, great news! We’re going back to the capital!”
Gu Jiu was taken aback. “Going back to the capital? Explain properly.”
Xiao Cui took a deep breath and said, “Nubi heard that laoye has been promoted to an official post in the capital. We’ll be returning soon.”
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