Gu Jiu’s potential ally was none other than Pei Yun, the daughter of the Zhengxi General, Lu hou Pei Ren.
In the entire northwest, Lu hou held the highest power and status, wielding military authority.
No one dared to play tricks under his watchful eye, let alone touch his daughter’s business ventures. Whoever tried would be courting death.
If Gu Jiu could secure Pei Yun as an ally in the wool-weaving industry, it would be an absolute advantage for her.
Once developed, the scale and profits of the wool-weaving industry would shock the world.
Such a massive venture was beyond what Gu Jiu could shoulder alone—nor did she dare to.
As a mere young lady of the inner courtyard, she was no match for the powerful figures in the empire. If they wanted to deal with her, they wouldn’t even need to lift a finger—just a few words could crush her completely.
However, if Pei Yun agreed to cooperate, the wool workshop would have a formidable backer. With such protection, even in the capital, Gu Jiu would have the confidence to stand her ground against the elites.
Gu Jiu wrote a letter and asked Da Zhuang to deliver it to the manager of the tavern, requesting that he pass it on to Pei Yun.
She had no direct means of contacting Pei Yun. The only connection she had was through the winery manager, whom she had met once when she sent Jiang Yan there. She could only hope the manager wouldn’t refuse her request.
Two days later, Da Zhuang sent word through Li Chuan: Pei Yun had agreed to meet in seven days at Tianmen Temple.
Tianmen Temple?
Gu Jiu frowned. Why had Pei Yun chosen Tianmen Temple as the meeting place?
If it were in the city, she could still find a way to slip out.
But Tianmen Temple? A single day wouldn’t be enough—she would need at least two. Leaving home for two days without returning was simply impossible.
This was a major dilemma for Gu Jiu.
This was a rare opportunity that she couldn’t afford to miss. No one else carried enough weight to meet Pei Yun on her behalf.
Just as Gu Jiu was worrying over this, someone unexpectedly solved her problem.
SHANGFANG
The maids were busy packing chests and trunks.
Today, Gu daren had received official documents from the capital and had begun preparing for the handover of his duties.
On Xie shi’s side, preparations for their return to the capital were also in full swing.
Clothes not needed for the time being, along with quilts, were being packed into chests.
Decorative items, utensils, and paintings were also carefully wrapped.
Even the expensive custom-made furniture was to be transported back. Every single item had to be packed—moving was truly a massive undertaking.
Crash!
A maid named Guo Taohua accidentally broke a teacup.
Her face turned pale with fear, unsure of what to do.
Chun He quickly glanced at Xie shi before scolding Guo Taohua, “Clumsy! What are you standing there for? Clean it up immediately!”
Guo Taohua hastily knelt down, gathered the shards, and used a handkerchief to wipe away the stains on the carpet before bowing and retreating.
Chun He then turned to Xie shi. “Taitai, did that startle you?”
Xie shi replied, “It’s a trivial matter. No need to fuss over it. How is the packing coming along?”
Chun He bowed. “Taitai, there are quite a few things to sort through. It will take a few more days to finish.”
Xie shi nodded. “Take your time. There’s no rush. The official handover at the yamen won’t be completed so quickly.”
As she spoke, her eyelids twitched.
Frowning, she muttered, “My eyelids have been twitching all day. I feel uneasy. Could it be a bad omen?”
Chun He almost blurted out, ‘Left eye twitching means fortune, right eye means disaster.’ But she stopped herself in time.
Xie shi had said both eyelids were twitching—meaning both fortune and disaster?
If she voiced this thought, Xie shi might get angry.
After thinking for a moment, Chun He suggested, “Taitai, before heading back to the capital, would you like to visit a temple to pray?”
Xie shi paused.
Chun He continued, “We could pray for a smooth journey and everyone’s safety.”
Xie shi nodded. “You’re right. We should visit a temple.”
She took out an almanac and picked a date. Seven days later was an auspicious day—perfect.
If any temple was known for its spiritual efficacy, it was Tianmen Temple.
Xie shi said, “Seven days from now, we’ll go to Tianmen Temple to offer incense. Also, send an invitation to the magistrate furen and ask if she would like to join us.”
Chun He smiled. “Nubi will send someone with the invitation right away.”
The news of Xie shi’s upcoming visit to Tianmen Temple quickly reached Gu Jiu’s ears.
The timing was exactly in seven days.
Gu Jiu couldn’t help but smile. Giving a sleepy person a pillow—what a stroke of luck.
She turned to Xiao Cui. “Did taitai say who she’s taking with her?”
Xiao Cui shook her head. “She didn’t mention it. Does guniang wish to visit Tianmen Temple too?”
Gu Jiu chuckled. “Of course. It’s a rare chance to go out—I can’t let it slip by. The last time I visited Tianmen Temple, I made a wish. This time, I should return to fulfil it.”
Qing Mei hesitated. “Guniang, do you think taitai will take you with her?”
“That depends on how I handle it.”
Gu daren returned home after a long day at the yamen.
After washing up, he sat at his desk and asked the steward, Gu Quan, “Anything of note today?”
Gu Quan bowed. “Laoye, nothing major. But san shaoye heard that taitai will visit Tianmen Temple in seven days, and he’s been making a fuss about going too.”
Gu daren snorted coldly. “Ridiculous. Lao san is getting more and more out of control.”
He was tempted to give Gu Ting a stern lecture but, seeing how late it was, decided to put it off until tomorrow.
Gu Quan, seeing his master’s anger subside slightly, continued, “San shaoye has been confined to bed for too long. He’s grown restless and often vents his frustration on the servants. He also claims that his misfortunes are due to not praying at the temple.
“He insists on visiting Tianmen Temple to offer incense. He even threatened that if he’s not allowed to go, he’ll burn his room down.”
“That brat is completely out of control!”
Gu daren was furious. Ignoring the late hour, he stormed towards the Siguo Courtyard.
The yard gate was already locked for the night. Hearing loud knocks, a sleepy guard yelled impatiently, “Who is it? Can’t you let people sleep?”
Gu Quan shouted, “Laoye is here! Open the gate at once!”
The guard panicked and scrambled to unlock the door. “Laoye,” he greeted respectfully.
Gu daren snorted and strode inside.
He didn’t care whether Gu Ting was asleep or not—he marched straight into his room.
Inside, Gu Ting was bored out of his mind and had forced Li Chuan to read to him.
Li Chuan, only semi-literate, stumbled over the words, earning endless complaints from Gu Ting.
“You’re even dumber than me.”
Li Chuan replied matter-of-factly, “Shaoye, you are the master, and I’m the servant. Of course, you’re smarter. If xiaode were smarter than you, wouldn’t that be embarrassing for you?”
Gu Ting’s mouth twitched. “You little brat, you’re getting too cheeky. Just wait till my leg heals—I’ll deal with you.”
Li Chuan didn’t mind in the slightest and grinned. “San shaoye, your leg will take at least a few more months to heal. For now, you’ll just have to make do. It took xiaode a great deal of effort just to read through a single book, so don’t be too picky.”
Gu Ting rolled his eyes. Just as he was about to make Li Chuan continue reading, the curtain was suddenly lifted.
Gu daren stepped inside, his face stern and imposing.
Gu Ting immediately felt guilty.
“Father… why are you here?”
Gu daren sneered, “You threatened to burn the house down—how could I not come?”
Gu Ting chuckled awkwardly. “So… you heard about that, a?”
Gu daren sat down, expression dark. “How’s your leg?”
Gu Ting mumbled, “It’s fine.”
“I heard you’re clamouring to go out.”
At this, Gu Ting immediately pleaded, “Father, your son is suffering! Being bedridden every day, relying on servants to pee and shit—it’s driving me crazy!”
“Keke…”
Gu Quan coughed slightly, reminding Gu Ting to speak properly in front of laoye, and not speak vulgarly.
Gu Ting chuckled sheepishly and said, “Father, please let me go out. I promise I won’t cause any trouble. I just want to pay my respects to the Bodhisattva and pray for a speedy recovery so I can get back on my feet.”
Gu daren snorted. “Utter nonsense! Your leg hasn’t healed yet, and you’re already thinking about going out. Do you want to be a cripple for the rest of your life? Stay put and behave yourself! If you dare bring this up again, I’ll break your other leg.”
Gu Ting shuddered, scared like a quail.
But he still mustered up the courage to say, “Father, your son fell off my horse this time—it’s clearly bad luck. This son wants to get rid of this misfortune and seek the Bodhisattva’s blessing. Is that wrong?”
Gu daren remained expressionless. “Seeking the Bodhisattva’s blessing is a small matter. Someone else can take care of it for you. You don’t need to concern yourself with it.”
Gu Ting replied, “I don’t trust anyone else. They won’t sincerely pray to the Bodhisattva for me.”
Gu daren frowned. “Then what do you suggest?”
Gu Ting immediately said, “Other than er meimei, I don’t trust anyone. Only she would sincerely pray for me before the Bodhisattva.”
Gu daren stared at Gu Ting with disdain. “You want Xiao Jiu to go to Tianmen Temple and pray for you?”
Gu Ting nodded repeatedly.
Gu daren snorted. “Fine, as you wish. Let Xiao Jiu go with taitai to Tianmen Temple. As for you, stay in your room. If you dare to make a fuss again, I won’t spare you.”
Gu Ting lowered his head and obediently replied, “This son will listen to Father. I won’t cause trouble again.”
Gu daren turned to Li Chuan and said, “Take good care of san shaoye. If he doesn’t behave, report him to the steward.”
Li Chuan bowed. “Yes, laoye.”
Gu daren rose and left, with Gu Quan following closely behind.
Phew!
As soon as Gu daren left, Gu Ting let out a long sigh of relief.
He had been scared to death just now.
Fortunately, he had not failed in his mission—he had accomplished the task his sister had given him.
Gu Ting beamed with joy and asked Li Chuan, “How did I do just now?”
Li Chuan gave a thumbs-up. “Shaoye performed exceptionally well, far beyond expectations.”
Gu Ting laughed heartily. “Of course! Do you even know who I am? I am the loyal and righteous sanlang!”
Early the next morning, Gu Quan arrived at shangfang with a message.
“Xiaode greets taitai.”
Xie shi sat at the head seat. “Gu Quan, you’re here so early. Did laoye give any instructions?”
Gu Quan nodded. “Taitai guessed correctly. Laoye heard that you plan to visit Tianmen Temple in a few days to offer incense. He asked xiaode to convey his request that all the guniang accompany you to the temple.”
Xie shi frowned. “Did laoye truly give this order?”
“It is absolutely true. Laoye will visit shangfang tonight, and taitai may ask him yourself.”
Xie shi nodded. “I understand. Our family is leaving the northwest soon, returning to the capital. Once we leave, we may never return. It makes sense to go out and take one last look before we depart. Laoye is indeed thoughtful.”
Gu Quan bowed and said, “Xiaode has delivered the message and must return to attend to laoye, so I take my leave.”
“Chun He, see Steward Gu out.”
Chun He escorted Gu Quan to the door, just as the young ladies arrived for their morning greetings.
Gu Jiu noticed Gu Quan coming out of shangfang so early and had a hunch—had her brother succeeded in his request?
Last night, it had been too late, and the second gate had already been locked.
This morning, after freshening up, Gu Jiu had come straight to shangfang for greetings.
Thus, she had not yet received any news from Gu Ting.
“Taitai, the guniang have come to greet you.”
“Let them in.”
The Gu sisters entered the main residence in an orderly manner.
After greeting Xie shi, they sat according to their birth status.
Xie shi said, “In a few days, I will be going to Tianmen Temple to offer prayers. You will all accompany me.”
Hearing this, Gu Jiu was not surprised—her brother had indeed succeeded.
Now, she would have the opportunity to meet Pei Yun at Tianmen Temple.
The other sisters were delighted as well.
It was rare to go out, and Tianmen Temple was a beautiful destination. Rumour had it that the maple leaves there had turned red, creating a breathtaking view.
Now was the perfect time to visit.
Gu Yue was already thinking about what to wear on the trip.
Xie shi continued, “I have also invited the magistrate furen. She will be bringing the guniang and shaoye of her fu to Tianmen Temple as well. When you meet them, be graceful and do not embarrass yourselves.”
Gu Zhen immediately lowered her head. Xie shi’s words, “Do not embarrass yourselves,” felt like a direct warning to her.
Last time, at the magistrate furen’s banquet, she had made a fool of herself—it was utterly humiliating. Now, she had to interact with the magistrate’s daughters again.
Gu Zhen wanted to avoid it but couldn’t bear to miss this rare opportunity. If all her sisters went while she stayed behind, wouldn’t that be even more embarrassing?
She hesitated but ultimately said nothing as they left shangfang.
The days passed quickly.
When the day to visit Tianmen Temple arrived, everyone woke up early, freshened up, and dressed in their finest attire.
Gu Jiu was heading to Tianmen Temple specifically to meet Pei Yun.
She said to Qing Mei, “This one is too festive. Find a simpler outfit.”
Qing Mei rummaged through the wardrobe and pulled out a light blue dress. “Guniang, how about this one?”
Gu Jiu nodded.
This colour was difficult to pull off. On most people, it would be overwhelming.
But on her, it looked just right, making her skin appear as fair as snow.
Qing Mei admired her and said, “Guniang is getting more beautiful.”
Gu Jiu chuckled softly. “Don’t flatter me. I have no money to reward you.”
Qing Mei laughed. “Nubi isn’t flattering you—it’s the truth. Qing Zhu, don’t you think guniang is becoming more and more beautiful?”
Qing Zhu nodded repeatedly. “Guniang has grown taller and more graceful. She looks even more stunning.”
Gu Jiu looked at herself in the mirror, tilting her head slightly before blinking at her reflection. “This set will do. Let’s go.”
At the second gate, Gu Jiu was surprised to see several carriages—not just one, but many.
She wasn’t the only one curious; Gu Yue and the others were just as intrigued.
When Xie shi arrived, Gu Yue clung to her and asked, “Mother, where did these carriages come from?”
Xie shi smiled. “Li daren of Qingping Horse Ranch heard that we are returning to the capital. Since their ranch is also sending a batch of horses to the capital, they offered us carriages for the journey. These carriages are for you to use in advance to get accustomed to them. That way, when we travel to the capital, you won’t find the ride uncomfortable.”
Everyone was delighted to hear this. Compared to ox carts, carriages were undoubtedly better, faster, and more fitting for their status.
Gu Yue cheered, “That’s wonderful!”
Xie shi continued, “Er yatou, Yue’er, Shan’er—you three will each have your own carriage. Zhen’er and wu yatou will share one.”
Gu Zhen was immediately displeased—she did not want to share a carriage with Gu Lin.
Gu Lin was equally unwilling.
Gu Zhen approached Gu Shan. “Si meimei, may I share a carriage with you?”
Gu Shan replied, “It’s fine, but the carriage is small, and it might be a bit cramped.”
Gu Zhen whispered, “I don’t mind, as long as I don’t have to share with wu meimei.”
But I mind.
Gu Shan opened her mouth to say this but held back. Instead, she simply said, “Da jiejie, please get on.”
Gu Zhen was overjoyed. Gu Lin, seeing Gu Zhen take a seat in Gu Shan’s carriage, was equally happy. Now, she could have a carriage all to herself.
If Gu Zhen hadn’t acted first, Gu Lin would have tried to share a carriage with Gu Jiu.With everyone seated in their carriages, they joined the shaoye of the fu and set off for Tianmen Temple.
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