5 more chapters to 100!
At noon, the hou fu hosted a banquet.
Everyone headed to the Flower Pavillion1.
Gu Lin approached Gu Jiu, tugging at her sleeve. “Er jiejie, I have something to tell you.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “What is it? Go ahead.”
Gu Lin glanced around. “Er jiejie, it’s not convenient to talk here. Let’s go to the corner.”
Gu Jiu raised an eyebrow but didn’t refuse, following Gu Lin to a corner of the Flower Pavillion.
“Wu meimei, you can speak freely.”
Gu Lin bit her lip and whispered, “In the side room earlier, da jiejie was speaking ill of you. I overheard her.”
Gu Jiu looked at Gu Lin calmly and asked, “Da jiejie spoke ill of me? What did she say?”
Gu Lin said, “I didn’t hear everything, but I did hear da jiejie call you a sickly person.”
Gu Jiu raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Wu meimei, do you know who da jiejie was talking to?”
Gu Lin scanned the crowd, then pointed at Gu Qin. “It was that sister, called…”
“She is Gu Qin, the shu-born daughter of the main branch.”
Gu Lin nodded repeatedly. “Yes, the person talking to da jiejie was Gu Qin.”
Gu Jiu glanced at Gu Qin a few more times, understanding the situation. She then said, “Thank you, wu meimei, for telling me this.”
Gu Lin widened her eyes, looking incredulous. “Er jiejie, aren’t you angry? Da jiejie spoke ill of you—don’t you care?”
Gu Jiu replied, “Thank you for your concern, wu meimei. I have my own way of handling things. Let’s eat first.”
“I…”
Gu Jiu pulled Gu Lin back to the table, leaving Gu Lin no choice but to swallow the rest of her words.
Everyone took their seats.
Gu Lin glanced at Gu Zhen, thinking to herself, I never expected da jiejie to speak ill of er jiejie. They never seemed to have any conflict before.
Could I have misheard?
Gu Lin shook her head. No, I definitely heard the words ‘sickly person.’
In this family, only er jiejie is called that.
Sitting beside Gu Jiu, Gu Zhen said, “Er meimei, the hou fu is truly grand and wealthy.”
Gu Jiu’s lips curled into a slight smile. “As expected of a hou fu, of course, it is grand.”
Gu Zhen lowered her voice and asked, “Er meimei, I saw you talking with Mei jiejie for a long time. Has her marriage been arranged?”
Gu Jiu looked at Gu Zhen. “It’s our first time meeting—how could I ask such a thing? Does da jiejie really want to know?”
Gu Zhen looked embarrassed. “I was just asking casually.”
Gu Jiu gave her a half-smile. “Some things shouldn’t be asked casually. Words can bring trouble—da jiejie should understand that.”
Gu Zhen awkwardly smiled and turned away without speaking further.
Hearing their conversation, Gu Qin became quite curious about Gu Jiu.
She secretly observed Gu Jiu, finding no trace of frailty in her appearance.
Could it be that the ‘sickly’ rumour was something Gu Zhen deliberately spread?
Gu Qin suppressed her doubts, deciding to observe further.
The hou fu had prepared fruit wine specifically for the young ladies.
As the eldest young lady, Gu Mei took the lead in entertaining everyone.
“Sisters, I offer you a toast. This is fruit wine—it won’t make you drunk, so you mustn’t refuse.”
Gu Yue was the first to respond. “Mei jiejie, with your hospitality, how could we refuse?”
Gu Mei then looked at Gu Jiu. “Xiao Jiu meimei, what about you?”
Gu Jiu smiled and said, “Since Mei jiejie is offering a toast, of course, I shall drink first to show my respect.”
Gu Mei laughed. “Xiao Jiu meimei is truly straightforward.”
The half-cup of fruit wine was sweet and refreshing, different from other wines.
Gu Lin, satisfied, said, “This tastes so good.”
Gu Yue reminded her, “Wu meimei, it’s still wine—no matter how good it tastes, you mustn’t drink too much.”
Gu Mei smiled. “Yue meimei is right. Lin meimei, don’t drink too much.”
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Gu Lin asked, “Mei jiejie, how many cups can I have?”
Gu Mei said, “Lin meimei is still young—three cups should be enough.”
Hearing that she could only have three cups, Gu Lin was a bit disappointed.
This fruit wine tastes amazing. There’s no trace of alcohol in it. I think I could drink an entire bottle.
Drinking a whole bottle would be impressive.
Gu Jiu savoured the taste—it reminded her of the low-alcohol wines from her past life.
However, in her previous life, due to her poor health, her family never allowed her to drink. She had only secretly tasted alcohol after turning eighteen.
So she wasn’t sure how to compare this fruit wine with the low-alcohol wines she remembered.
Rather, it felt more like a sweet beverage.
Filling her cup, Gu Jiu stood up and offered a toast on behalf of her family.
“I am delighted to meet all of you sisters today. I offer this toast to everyone—may all our wishes come true, and may we find success in all that we do.”
“Xiao Jiu meimei is too polite.”
Everyone raised their cups and drank.
However, Gu Yue secretly glared at Gu Jiu. Once again, she stole the spotlight—so infuriating.
What annoyed Gu Yue even more was that Gu Jiu acted as if she were the leader among the sisters.
And what made her even angrier was how the hou fu’s young ladies valued Gu Jiu more—seeking her opinion on everything.
Why?
We are both di daughters. I am only half a year younger than her. Why should she be the one leading, while I am ignored?
What’s even worse—Gu Jiu’s maternal family, the Su family, has long since fallen into decline. Everyone knows this.
But my maternal family, the Xie family, is thriving. My eldest uncle is an official in the Eastern Palace, highly regarded by the Crown Prince. My second uncle is a wealthy merchant with a fortune in the tens of thousands.
The Su family is declining, while the Xie family is rising. By all logic, I should be the one receiving more attention, and she should be the one being overlooked.
Yet reality was the complete opposite of what she had imagined.
This filled Gu Yue with resentment.
Back in the northwest, when attending gatherings, everyone surrounded her. She was always the centre of attention among her sisters.
She had assumed things would continue the same way upon returning to the capital.
But on her very first visit to the marquis’ residence, reality gave her a harsh slap.
Gu Yue drank in frustration. She had always been the star of social gatherings—never a supporting character.
And now, for the first time, she was the supporting character—worse, to Gu Jiu.
Unacceptable!
No matter how good the fruit wine tasted, it was still alcohol.
After drinking five or six cups in a row, Gu Yue began feeling tipsy.
Gu Shan, worried, said, “San jiejie, drink less. Don’t get drunk.”
“I’m not drunk. Who said I’m drunk?” Gu Yue snorted, clearly displeased.
Gu Shan frowned. “San jiejie, Mother told me to watch over you today. You can’t drink any more. Don’t forget the promise you made before leaving home.”
Gu Yue rolled her eyes. “I told you, I’m not drunk. I’m perfectly clear-headed—I know exactly what I’m doing.”
But looking at her, Gu Shan knew she was obviously drunk.
Gu Yue had dressed beautifully today, easily drawing attention.
Gu Mei asked, “Yue meimei, are you drunk? Someone, take her to rest.”
“Thank you for your concern, Mei jiejie, but I’m not drunk. I just want to sit here with everyone—I’m very happy.”
Gu Mei looked at Gu Shan.
Gu Shan shook her head slightly—better not to force Gu Yue.
Gu Yue had a strong temper. If they insisted on taking her away, she might make a scene.
Gu Mei then ordered, “Bring a bowl of sobering soup. Sisters, don’t overdrink.”
Gu Jiu smiled. “Thank you for your care, Mei jiejie.”
The sobering soup arrived, and Gu Shan, along with a maid, helped Gu Yue drink it.
The soup tasted terrible, and Gu Yue stopped drinking after two sips.
She then fixed her gaze on Gu Jiu, filled with resentment.
Gu Jiu didn’t want to acknowledge her, but Gu Yue’s stare clung to her like a leech.
Gu Jiu tilted her head and looked at Gu Yue. “San meimei, do you need something?”
Gu Yue nodded. “Yes.”
Gu Jiu asked, “What is it?”
“I…”
“San jiejie.”
Gu Shan was nearly scared to death, afraid that Gu Yue would cause a scene and argue with Gu Jiu regardless of the occasion. That would be utterly humiliating.
She signalled to a maid to quickly report to their mother while holding onto Gu Yue’s hand. “San jiejie, I feel a little dizzy. Will you accompany me to the side room to rest?”
Gu Yue was displeased. “Go by yourself. I don’t want to go to the side room.”
“Then… then I’ll stay with san jiejie.”
Gu Yue snorted. “Who cares if you stay?”
The hou fu’s young ladies were quietly observing the girls from the Gu family.
Gu Qin noticed that Gu Jiu had drunk several cups of wine without any sign of discomfort. She thought to herself, How does Gu Jiu look like a sickly person? Could a frail person drink like this?
Clearly, Gu Zhen had been talking nonsense, fabricating rumours about Gu Jiu.
Gu Qin’s disdain for Gu Zhen grew.
A minor conflict between sisters, yet Gu Zhen had gone so far as to spread falsehoods about Gu Jiu being sickly.
Had Gu Zhen never considered that if such a reputation spread, whether true or not, it would affect Gu Jiu’s marriage prospects?
Gu Zhen clearly harboured ill intentions toward Gu Jiu.
In her mind, Gu Qin firmly labelled Gu Zhen as a petty villain.
Gu Zhen never expected her scheme to backfire.
She had tried several times to drink with Gu Qin, but Gu Qin’s attitude had become indifferent and distant—coldly polite.
But back when they were chatting in the side room, they had been so close. How had Gu Qin’s attitude changed so quickly?
Gu Zhen muttered to herself, these young ladies are so temperamental, always quick to give the cold shoulder.
At that moment, most of the young ladies’ attention was on Gu Yue.
Gu Shan and Gu Yue’s tug-of-war made it impossible not to attract notice.
Just as Gu Shan was growing increasingly anxious, Chun He arrived.
Gu Shan immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
Chun He approached Gu Yue and said, “San guniang, taitai sent nubi to check on you. You’ve had too much to drink and are unwell. You shouldn’t force yourself. Nubi will take you to rest now.”
“I’m not going.” Gu Yue was visibly annoyed.
Without any expression, Chun He leaned close to Gu Yue’s ear and whispered, “Taitai said that if san guniang insists on making a fool of herself at the hou fu, then don’t blame her for being unsympathetic.”
The words weren’t particularly harsh, but they still sent a shiver down Gu Yue’s spine.
“I…”
Chun He quickly smiled and said, “Since san guniang is feeling unwell, please follow nubi to rest.”
Gu Yue lowered her head and nodded slightly. “I’ll listen to Chun He jiejie.”
She held onto Chun He’s hand as she stood up, giving Gu Jiu a fierce glare before saying loudly, “Er jiejie, your health isn’t great, so you should drink less. Don’t make Mother and Father worry about you. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to be drinking medicine all day, would you?”
Gu Jiu smiled slightly. “Thank you for your concern, san meimei. Since you’re feeling unwell, you should go rest with Chun He. Taitai specifically sent her for you, so don’t disappoint her good intentions.”
Gu Yue snorted. “My matters don’t concern er jiejie.”
With that, she turned and walked away.
She was indeed somewhat drunk, her steps unsteady. If not for Chun He supporting her, she would have stumbled.
Gu Yue shook her head. Her mind was perfectly clear—how could she be drunk?
If Gu Jiu wasn’t drunk, then how could she be?
She glanced at Chun He, whose face remained stern and emotionless.
Gritting her teeth, Gu Yue relented. She would follow Chun He to avoid angering her mother.
Once Gu Yue left, Gu Shan visibly relaxed.
That was terrifying.
Fortunately, she had stopped Gu Yue in time and didn’t disappoint their mother.
Gu Shan turned to Gu Jiu and said, “Er jiejie, san jiejie was drunk. Please don’t take it to heart.”
Gu Jiu chuckled softly. “Si meimei is overthinking. I’ve always understood san meimei. No matter what she does, I’m never surprised.”
Gu Shan was momentarily speechless and forced a smile, feeling awkward.
The hou fu’s young ladies exchanged knowing smiles.
They had long heard about the situation in the second branch of the Gu family.
One sister was born of the first wife, while the other two were daughters of a concubine who was later promoted.
There was bound to be conflict between them.
And judging by what they had just witnessed, the conflict was quite deep.
After lunch, the hou fu’s young ladies invited everyone for a stroll in the garden.
It was winter, and the trees in the garden were barren. They hadn’t expected much of a view—until they discovered that the hou fu had built a greenhouse.
Inside, flowers were in full bloom, and vegetables were even being grown. One side of the greenhouse was entirely made of transparent glass.
Everyone was astonished, standing outside the glass and marvelling at it.
The hou fu was indeed wealthy.
The Gu family had no such thing.
Unlike the other girls who eagerly rushed forward to see the novelty, Gu Jiu remained where she was.
She was merely surprised—she hadn’t expected this era to already have transparent glass, and of such good quality, without visible impurities.
The capital truly was a place of wealth and luxury, where all sorts of rare and curious things could be found.
Back in the northwest, she hadn’t just never seen glass—she had never even heard of it.
That region was too remote and harsh, yet Gu daren had endured eight or nine years as an official there.
Such patience was rare.
Now that Gu daren had been promoted to Prefect of Jingcheng, if he could stay composed, he might accomplish something.
The position of prefect seemed difficult, caught between various pressures and often subject to mistreatment.
But where there was crisis, there was also opportunity.
If Gu daren could seize the right moment, he might stand out in the Emperor’s eyes. Advancing further wouldn’t be impossible.
From just a piece of glass, Gu Jiu’s thoughts had wandered so far—her ability to make mental connections had certainly improved.
“Xiao Jiu meimei, how come you aren’t with everyone else?”
Gu Mei walked over and asked with concern.
Gu Jiu replied, “There are too many people, so I didn’t want to crowd in. This greenhouse is wonderful.”
Gu Mei smiled. “So Xiao Jiu meimei also thinks it’s great? Lao furen has weak teeth and can’t chew meat, so she mostly eats vegetarian food. But fresh vegetables and fruits are scarce in winter, and every year during this season, lao furen always feels unwell.
“Later, Third Uncle came up with the idea of building a greenhouse. He had travelled to many places and heard that workshops in the south had started producing transparent glass, though it couldn’t be mass-produced yet.
“Third Uncle pulled some strings and even sent people south personally to bring back transparent glass and the techniques to build a greenhouse. That’s how this one was built in our garden.”
Gu Jiu was genuinely impressed. “Third Uncle is truly remarkable.”
Gu Mei added, “My father also says that Third Uncle is the smartest person in the family.”
Gu Jiu was intrigued—she really wanted to meet this smart Third Uncle.
After touring the greenhouse, everyone prepared to return to the Flower Pavillion to rest.
Though the greenhouse was warm, it wasn’t a place suitable for leisure activities.
Gu Mei said to Gu Jiu, “If there is anything Xiao Jiu meimei would like to eat, just let me know. I’ll have someone send it to you.”
Gu Jiu smiled and replied, “Thank you, Mei jiejie. At home, the meals are all taken care of by da bomu and taitai.”
Gu Mei understood and did not bring up the matter again.
As they returned, a maid approached Gu Shan and whispered, “Si guniang, san guniang is crying in the side room. Taitai is occupied right now and asks that you check on her.”
Gu Shan was shocked. “San jiejie is crying?”
Was the sun rising in the west today?
Why would Gu Yue suddenly cry?
The maid solemnly nodded. “San guniang is indeed crying. Nubi doesn’t know why.”
Hearing this, Gu Shan said, “I’ll go now.”
Gu Zhen, having noticed the commotion, walked over and asked, “Si meimei, are you going to check on san meimei? I’ll go with you.”
Gu Shan hesitated.
Gu Zhen continued, “I’m also worried about san meimei. She drank so much earlier—she must be feeling terrible now. If I come along, I can help share your burden.”
Gu Shan nodded. “Alright. Da jiejie, come with me.”
- Reception hall. It seems like the reception hall in every mansion is called huating – or Flower Pavillion. ↩︎
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