Cough, cough!
Gu Mei lightly coughed twice and glanced at the girls from the hou fu.
The girls, who had been secretly laughing just moments ago, immediately put on serious expressions when Gu Mei’s gaze swept over them, as if nothing had happened.
Gu Mei said, “Ah, I just remembered. Meimei, all of you read poetry, don’t you? Why don’t we play a poetry game?”
Gu Jiu smiled and nodded, “I’ll follow Mei jiejie’s lead.”
Gu Mei quickly ordered the maids to bring ink, brushes, paper, and various poetry collections.
She then gathered everyone to play the poetry game, using it to smooth over the earlier conflicts.
Whether the people involved could truly let go of what had happened was not something Gu Mei could control.
Gu Jiu was fully engaged in the game.
To her, the situation with Gu Yue was just a minor amusement—something to brush off as easily as a passing breeze.
She never took such things to heart.
But Gu Yue wasn’t as easygoing as Gu Jiu. Neither was Gu Shan.
Only Gu Lin, who was young and carefree, seemed completely unaware of the consequences of her words.
She happily followed Gu Jiu, watching her play the poetry game with the girls from the hou fu.
Every now and then, Gu Lin would try to write a couple of lines herself, only to be dismissed by the others.
Gu Shan, on the other hand, watched Gu Yue anxiously and let out a silent sigh. Gu Yue clearly resented her now—Gu Shan could see it.
Gu Shan was also a little annoyed. Gu Lin had absolutely no sense of tact. She said whatever came to mind, without a shred of awareness.
As for Gu Yue, her temper was too foul, and she couldn’t tolerate even the slightest grievance.
Back in the northwest, she had been the centre of attention, surrounded by admiration.
Now that they were in the capital, Gu Jiu was receiving more attention than her.
With Gu Yue’s competitive nature, how could she possibly accept this kind of shift?
The fact that she hadn’t erupted into a full-blown tantrum was already a testament to her self-restraint.
Gu Shan shook her head and stepped forward to join the poetry game.
No matter what, she had to keep up appearances. Since Gu Mei had given her an out, she had to take it and not appear ungrateful.
As for Gu Yue, she’d have to figure things out on her own.
Gu Zhen hesitated but ultimately decided not to stay by Gu Yue’s side. Instead, she followed Gu Shan and joined the game.
Gu Jiu glanced at them and smiled knowingly.
Gu Shan whispered, “Er jiejie, you really got me into trouble today.”
Gu Jiu lowered her voice and replied, “Si meimei, I’ve already told you before—I have nothing against you. In fact, I quite like you. You could’ve stayed out of this today.”
Gu Shan shook her head slightly. “How could I stay out of it? Mother instructed me to watch over san jiejie. At that moment, she was completely defeated by you, and I had the ability to help her. I had to step in. Who knew that wu meimei would…”
Be so tactless.
Gu Jiu chuckled and said with amusement, “Wu meimei is an honest person.”
Gu Shan’s lips twitched. Honest people were the worst!
She lowered her voice and asked, “Er jiejie, what should we do next?”
Gu Jiu glanced at Gu Yue, who was still sulking in her seat, and said, “Just let her be. She’s had a smooth life for over a decade—it’s about time she experienced some setbacks.”
Gu Shan looked worried. “I’m afraid she’ll make a scene.”
“Let her. If she does, it’ll only embarrass her, not you. Si meimei, if you keep worrying about things like this, you’ll never stop fretting your entire life.”
Gu Shan smiled bitterly. “When we get back, Mother will surely punish me.”
Gu Jiu understood. Between her two daughters, Xie shi favoured Gu Yue. Everything revolved around her.
As for Gu Shan, Xie shi only thought of her when she had time. Most of the time, Gu Shan was overlooked.
Gu Jiu said to her, “If taitai asks, just tell her the truth, si meimei. Everything that happened today was started by san meimei. She first got da jiejie to spread rumours about me being sickly. Then at the banquet, she nearly caused a scene with me.
“In the Flower Pavillion, she was also the one who provoked me with ill intent. In the end, I merely responded a little. If I had truly wanted to scheme against her, she wouldn’t just be sitting there sulking—she’d be regretting ever being born.”
Gu Shan shuddered, looking at Gu Jiu in shock.
Gu Jiu gave a serene smile, appearing as gentle and harmless as ever. “Si meimei, do you remember what I said?”
Gu Shan mechanically nodded.
Gu Jiu smiled. “Good. We are family, after all. I don’t want to blow things out of proportion and make everyone look bad. So, try to persuade san meimei to stop provoking me.”
Gu Shan hesitated before asking, “Er jiejie, how did you know that da jiejie was spreading those rumours?”
Gu Jiu chuckled. “Da jiejie wasn’t very discreet when she was gossiping. Someone overheard and told me.”
Gu Shan understood.
She suddenly remembered that when she had gone to the side chamber to check on Gu Yue earlier, Gu Yue had quickly found an excuse to send her away.
At that time, only Gu Yue and Gu Zhen had been in the room, whispering to each other. When Gu Shan walked in, she had clearly seen the guilty look on Gu Zhen’s face.
Gu Shan glanced at Gu Zhen. She hadn’t expected that san jiejie had already planned to ruin er jiejie’s reputation at that point.
Taking a deep breath, Gu Shan thought to herself: Those who try to harm others often end up hurting themselves.
She turned to Gu Jiu and said, “Er jiejie, I apologize on behalf of san jiejie. She was wrong today. When we return, I’ll talk to her properly.”
Gu Jiu replied, “I’ve told you before—if it’s not your fault, you don’t need to apologise for Gu Yue. Just try to reason with her, though I doubt she’ll listen.”
Gu Shan let out a small sigh. She understood everything Gu Jiu was saying.
But at the end of the day, she and Gu Yue were full-blooded sisters. She couldn’t just stand aside and do nothing.
As for convincing Gu Yue, Gu Shan didn’t hold out much hope.
At the very least, she would do what she could.
Songhe Hall.
The ladies of the household were gathered, accompanying Wei lao furen in conversation.
A maid quietly approached behind da furen, Wei shi, and bent down, whispering a few words in her ear.
Wei shi raised an eyebrow and glanced discreetly at Xie shi, who was seated across from her. Then she nodded slightly to the maid, saying, “I understand.”
After delivering the message, the maid withdrew silently.
Zhang shi noticed this exchange and signalled to her maid, Shaoyao, with a glance.
Understanding the cue, Shaoyao discreetly followed the departing maid.
Sensing something was amiss, Xie shi called over Chun He and asked in a low voice, “Has anything happened outside?”
Chun He shook her head. “Nothing unusual.”
Xie shi frowned, feeling uneasy.
She thought of Gu Yue’s fiery temper—could it be that Gu Yue had caused trouble again?
Hurriedly, Xie shi asked, “Where are the guniang right now?”
“They are in the Flower Pavillion, chatting over tea.”
Xie shi instructed, “Go to the Flower Pavillion and check on them. Find an opportunity to remind Yue’er to behave properly.”
“Nubi obeys.”
Chun He took her orders and left.
Zhang shi watched Xie shi with an amused smile before feigning concern. “Is dimei worried about the children?”
Xie shi remained expressionless. “Does dasao not worry about her children?”
Zhang covered her lips with a hand and laughed. “They’re just a bunch of unruly boys, all tough as oxen—I have nothing to worry about. As for Jun’er, she’s still young and not at an age where she can cause trouble.”
The first branch of the Gu family was dominated by sons, with Gu Jun as the sole daughter.
Although she was shu-born, Zhang shi treated her as if she were a di daughter, ensuring she lacked nothing in terms of food, clothing, and status.
Xie shi felt displeased.
She couldn’t ignore the implied meaning in Zhang shi‘s words. What did she mean by “not at an age to cause trouble”? Was she suggesting that Gu Yue and the others were already at an age where they would certainly stir up trouble?
Feeling irritated, Xie shi stopped engaging with Zhang shi.
Zhang shi, however, did not mind. She was only here to watch the drama unfold, nothing more.
Meanwhile, Wei lao furen was discussing Gu Mei’s marriage prospects with Wei shi.
Gu Mei’s match had been more or less decided; it was just a matter of finalising the arrangements.
Xie shi perked up her ears to listen.
The initial match for Gu Mei was Dai hou fu’s1 gongzi.
Wei lao furen nodded approvingly. “I’ve met that young man before. He is a good child. But since this is a lifelong matter for Mei’er, as her parents, it’s wise for you to consider carefully.”
Wei shi nodded. “Lao furen is right. We should take our time. A few days ago, I also met the Lu hou furen. From her words, it seems she is interested in forming an alliance with our family.”
Upon hearing the name “Lu hou,” Xie shi‘s heart skipped a beat.
Lu hou’s eldest son, Pei Meng, was already married with children and currently serving in the military in the northwest.
Among Lu hou‘s three di sons—the second and third remained unwed.
Xie shi felt a surge of excitement.
If they could form a marriage alliance with Lu hou fu, not only would it fulfill her beloved daughter Gu Yue’s dream of marrying into a prestigious family, but it might also help resolve some of her elder brother’s difficulties.
Then, another thought struck her—Wei shi’s natal family, the Zhu guogong fu.
Initially, Xie shi had set her sights on arranging a match with Zhu guogong fu.
On her way to the hou fu today, she had even worried whether Wei shi might already be planning such a match.
But now, it seemed that Wei shi had no such intention.
Thinking about it, it made sense. The Gu family had already formed marriage ties with Zhu guogong fu for two consecutive generations. If they continued for a third, it would be highly inappropriate.
No respectable family would intermarry for three straight generations.
Hearing that the Lu hou fu was considering an alliance, Wei lao furen‘s expression changed ever so slightly, a faint frown appearing on her face.
“That Lu hou…”
Wei lao furen wanted to say that Lu hou was not a kind person but a dangerous one, and marrying into the Lu hou fu might entangle them in the struggle for the throne.
However, with so many people present, she swallowed her unfinished words.
She changed her tone and said, “Let’s observe the Lu hou a bit longer. You should discuss it with laoda and make a decision together.”
Wei shi nodded. “Erxi will follow lao furen‘s guidance.”
Wei lao furen continued, “There’s no rush in arranging the child’s marriage. We should take our time to choose carefully. Our daughters don’t need to climb too high; finding a match that is well-matched in status and has good character is the most important.”
Wei shi smiled and said, “Lao furen is right. That is erxi’s thought as well.”
Xie shi secretly sighed—this was indeed the difference between a hou fu and other households.
Gu Mei was already sixteen or seventeen years old, yet Wei lao furen still said there was no rush and they should take their time.
If it were Gu Yue in that situation, and her marriage wasn’t settled by sixteen or seventeen, Xie shi couldn’t imagine how anxious she would be.
Xie shi shook her head—such was the advantage of being part of a hou fu. A noble girl would never lack suitors. Just in this regard alone, the Gu family could not compare.
A lineage that started from the same ancestors, by the third generation, already showed differences. By the fourth, the gap would only widen.
Xie shi suddenly made up her mind—no matter what, Gu Yue must marry the eldest di son, not the second son.
Comparing the hou fu and the Gu family, it was clear that the second di son was at a disadvantage, with each generation becoming weaker.
If Gu Yue married the second son, she would only receive limited benefits from the hou fu. She wouldn’t even be able to visit as a daughter of the hou fu; she would only be regarded as a relative of the main branch.
A bitter feeling arose in Xie shi’s heart. At this point, she could only try her best.
Chun He entered quietly and approached Xie shi.
She whispered, “San guniang cried in the side room for a while before going to the Flower Pavillion. There, she quarrelled with er guniang again. San guniang was humiliated and mocked. When nubi arrived, she was sulking. Nubi had to persuade her for quite some time before she finally joined in playing the word-guessing game with the others.”
Xie shi frowned. “Yue’er quarrelled with Gu Jiu? Do you know why?”
Chun He hesitated before replying, “It seems that san guniang provoked er guniang first, implying that er guniang was weak and sickly. In response, er guniang swiftly and sharply countered, leaving san guniang unable to retort.”
Xie shi’s brows furrowed tightly. Inwardly, she cursed both Gu Yue and Gu Jiu.
She secretly scolded Gu Yue for being foolish, unable to remember lessons. Of all the things she could say, why did she have to call Gu Jiu a sickly weakling? Despite all the teachings, she still didn’t know what should and shouldn’t be said—truly as stupid as a pig.
Then she turned her scorn to Gu Jiu. That girl was becoming more cunning, deliberately humiliating Gu Yue. Clearly, she had bad intentions. Gu Jiu just wanted to embarrass Gu Yue—she was nothing but a walking disaster, stirring trouble wherever she went.
After silently cursing them both, Xie shi finally felt slightly relieved.
She then instructed Chun He, “Have someone keep an eye on Yue’er. If she causes trouble again, don’t give her any face—just take her away immediately.”
Chun He hesitated for a moment, but seeing that Xie shi wasn’t changing her mind, she nodded and withdrew.
Zhang shi cast a glance at Xie shi.
When Chun He was speaking just now, Zhang shi had overheard bits and pieces.
She found the situation amusing.
Gu Yue’s personality was clearly one that refused to be outdone and couldn’t stand being wronged or ignored.
Earlier, when they paid respects to Wei lao furen, just because she hadn’t received special attention, Gu Yue had already felt upset.
Although Gu Yue tried to conceal her emotions, she couldn’t fool Zhang shi’s sharp eyes.
Zhang shi had seen many such self-centred young girls over the years. Each of them had been spoiled at home, believing everyone should revolve around them. Girls like that were bound to face setbacks sooner or later.
Just wait—today was only the beginning for Gu Yue. There would be more hardships waiting for her in the future.
Xie shi, preoccupied with her concerns over Gu Yue, was no longer paying attention to the conversation.
After dinner, Xie shi and Zhang shi took the young ladies back to the Gu residence in a carriage.
The hou fu and the Gu residence were close, so they arrived quickly.
As soon as they got off the carriage at the second gate, Xie shi’s face darkened. “Everyone, come with me.”
Zhang shi chuckled. “Dimei, don’t frighten the children.”
Xie shi snorted coldly, ignoring her, and walked away.
Gu Zhen felt uneasy and wanted to find an excuse to slip away. But in such a short time, Xie shi had already walked far ahead.
If she wanted to find an excuse, she had clearly missed the best opportunity.
Zhang shi smiled at Gu Jiu and the others. “Take care of yourselves. If you run into trouble, just send word to me, and I’ll help you figure something out.”
Gu Jiu remained composed and unafraid. She replied calmly, “Thank you for your concern, da bomu. Let’s go to Mother’s courtyard.”
Xie shi lived in Furong Yuan.
The layout was similar to the shangfang of the provincial governor’s fu, but larger and more luxurious.
The floors were covered with thick carpets. Stepping on them, one’s footsteps became soundless.
Xie shi sat in the main seat, her face stern and imposing. She swept her gaze over each person’s face, then let out a cold snort.
“Shan’er, you start. What exactly happened at the hou fu today?”
Gu Shan lowered her head, reluctant to be the first to speak.
But since her mother had called on her directly, she had no choice but to step forward.
Gu Shan cleared her throat and hesitantly said, “Mother, when we were in the Flower Pavillion, san jiejie had a brief debate with er jiejie. Nothing else happened.”
Smack!
Xie shi slammed her hand onto the table, her face burning with anger. “The entire hou fu knows about today’s events! You’ve all become laughingstocks, yet you dare say nothing happened? Shan’er, are you trying to deceive me as well?”
Gu Shan lowered her head and quickly replied, “Nü’er wouldn’t dare.”
Xie shi scolded, “I think you’re daring enough! Your behaviour at the hou fu today was utterly disappointing—I feel ashamed for you. Yue’er, especially you. What did I tell you before we left this morning? Yet you forgot it all in the blink of an eye! Do you have any regard for my painstaking efforts?”
Before Gu Yue could react, Gu Shan suddenly started crying.
Seeing this, even Xie shi was momentarily stunned.
In her memory, Gu Shan hadn’t cried for many years. The last time she cried—was it when she was three? Or five?
- Dai marquisate, like the Pingnan marquisate or the Lu marquisate. ↩︎
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