Chapter 11 Part 1: Shizi
Gao Ran was taken aback by this thought. Lin Wei Xi noticed the gaze from her side and asked, "What's the matter?"
Gao Ran's heart was pounding. She looked at the face that was completely different from Gao Xi and smiled secretly, she really though too much. Lin Wei Xi was not in the slightest similar to Gao Xi in terms of identity, appearance, or personality. Moreover, Gao Xi was already dead, Gao Ran even personally lit the incense in front of her tablet.
Gao Xi, who relied on her grandmother to rob someone's marriage, eventually had her own retribution. If it was not yours then it was useless to rob it. As for the woman in front of her, there was nothing desirable except for the face, she was nothing but a stepping stone for Gao Ran to be solely favored.
Gao Ran calmed down a bit, smiled and said to Lin Wei Xi: "Miss Lin must have suffered a lot on this journey right? But when you get to the mansion it will be fine. I will tell my servants to prepare a bath for Miss Lin, afterward Miss Lin will be able to rest well."
Gao Ran said that she asked people to replace the bedding with the new one for Lin Wei Xi. But Lin Wei Xi interrupted Gao Ran and said, "Shizi Consort, wait a moment, I can take care the daily necessities myself. After a while, Uncle Zhou will come over from the front yard, there is no need to trouble Shizi Consort. As for the courtyard where I will temporarily live… His Royal Highness said that he has his own arrangements, Shizi Consort doesn't need to take care of it."
Lin Wei Xi from head to toe showed uncooperative attitude, preventing Gao Ran's sisterly act. She didn't need the bedding that Gao Ran prepared, now she didn't even want Gao Ran to intervene with her living place. Although Gao Ran was still smiling, the stiffness of her mouth revealed her true mood. Tao Mama behind Gao Ran was already a bit displeased. Ever since Gao Ran came to Yan Wang Mansion, unlike the grievance in her maiden's home, she was always in charge of the house, not to mention that Shizi also loved Gao Ran very much. As the saying the tide rose, the boat floats1, Tao Mama's ambitions also gradually rose. Now for what reason an orphan girl who had just arrived dare to show her face to Shizi Consort?
Tao Mama was angry, and so she said, "Shizi Consort is the mistress that manage the household, the entire Yan Wang Mansion's affairs are under her control. Miss Lin's attitude is too excessive, even daily necessities also doesn't need Shizi Consort to get involved. It may be assumed that your family circumstances are rather great, do you have the ability to handle all the expense?"
"Tao Mama." Gao Ran softly shouted, reproaching her, "Miss Lin is a guest."
Lin Wei Xi smiled in her heart, no wonder Gao Ran as a shu daughter succeeded in marrying her sister's husband, she spoke and acted well. This sentence of her was clearly a reproach, but when she said "Miss Lin is a guest", she put Lin Wei Xi as the troublemaker, obviously from a poor family but her heart higher than the sky.
Lin Wei Xi hold a hand stove, covered her lips and coughed twice. After the cough passed, Lin Wei Xi's cheeks were stained with an abnormal blush, which made her looks even more beautiful, but her tone was completely the opposite and careless: "I can't say much. Well, my father was a first-grade Marquis Zhongyong that the emperor conferred himself, under his name is thousands of hectare of fertile fields, he has only I as the descendant. Cannot be compare with the Emperor's descendants nobility, but still do not have to worry about daily necessities"
Wan Yue was indeed worthy being carefully taught by county magistrate's madam, when she saw this she immediately moved closer to Lin Wei Xi and said, "Although our Miss lost her parent since she was young, she has the merits of marquis's daughter. Marquis Zhongyong sacrificed his life for the country. Devoted to fulfill her filial piety, our miss's conducts as Marquis Zhongyong's only daughter, also follows loyalty."
Gao Ran didn't look good when she heard this. She forgot that Lin Wei Xi nominally had a marquis father. If placed in modern era, Lin Wei Xi status as the child of a martyr would have many benefits from school to employment, in the ancient times that put more attention to reputation and clansmen it was even more so.
Marquis Zhongyong was just an honorary title, no mansion and no real power, but he died for the country. If Lin Wei Xi was a boy, relying on Zhongyong's name, if he want to enlist in the army it would be like breaking the bamboo2, even if Lin Wei Xi was just a girl, to lean on the honor left by Marquis Zhongyong was enough for a lifetime. But Tao mama just tried to intimidate Lin Wei Xi... Gao Ran's face was ugly, but she soon concealed it with her smile. She pretended to be angry and said, "Tao Mama, Miss Lin is Marquis Zhongyong's descendant, I privately very admired her. Now to meet Miss Lin I'm very happy, what are you talking about?"
Tao Mama hurriedly lowered her head, retreating behind Gao Ran. Lin Wei Xi stood like it didn't concern her, watching this scene while she caressed her sleeves, then looked up at the vermilion pillars of the mansion, and said slowly: "I just come to the capital and I don't understand the rules in the capital, so along the way I dare not say much. But looking at the behavior of the people around Shizi Consort, they don't need to be punished if they say something wrong in the capital? Even if they are mean to the guests, the master just said a word and let it pass."
Gao Ran's smile on her face were stiffened: "Miss Lin..."
Lin Wei Xi looked back fearlessly into Gao Ran's eyes: "What, what else does Shizi Consort want to teach me?"
Meeting Lin Wei Xi's challenging expression, Gao Ran was feeling suffocated. After staring at each other for a moment, Gao Ran after all didn't dare to say harsh words to the children of martyrs, and said with a sullen face: "Tao Mama, I am too indulgent with you, you even don't know the immensity of heaven and earth3? Quickly apologized to Miss Lin!"
1 To develop according to the situation.↩
2 The same as the expression 'hot knife through butter', achieve victory without hindrance.↩
3 Have an exaggerated opinion of one's own ability, or arrogant.↩
Chapter 11 Part 2: Shizi
Tao Mama was startled. Since she followed Gao Ran to Yan Wang Mansion, compared to Duke Yingguo mansion, her treatment was almost like heaven and earth. She was accustomed to the prestige of being the mistress of the house's wet nurse, and now let her apologize to a 16-year-old girl in front of many servants. This was simply tearing down her face. Tao Mama actually didn't care about Lin Wei Xi. Wasn't it just a hick? Even if her father relied on Wangye to confer him marquis title, also couldn't change the fact that Lin Wei Xi was just a village girl. Tao Mama looked at Gao Ran in disbelief. After she saw Gao Ran's expression, Tao Mama felt angry and apologized to Lin Wei Xi with a thick face: "It's this old slave who lost her sense and propriety and offended Miss Lin. Miss Lin please forgive."
Lin Wei Xi's delicate chin didn't move, but she glanced at Tao Mama with her eyelids down. The posture was condescending and her tone was not weak: "Get up. This time you just spoke rudely to me. I consider His Royal Highness's face and won't held you accountable. If next time you dare to insult the name of Marquis Zhongyong, then you will get the crime of disrespecting the court heroes, no one can take care of it for you."
After saying that, Lin Wei Xi didn't even bother to look at Tao Mama and Gao Ran, and went straight ahead. Since marrying into Yan Wang Mansion Gao Ran rarely being ignored like this. She was stunned for a moment, and anger appeared in her eyes, but in the end she pressed it down and quickly chased after Lin Wei Xi.
"Miss Lin, since you don't want me to arrange the courtyard, where are you going to settle down now?"
Lin Wei Xi paused, and her pace immediately slowed down. She almost forgot that it was the first time she came to Yan Wang Mansion, so she shouldn't know the way. Lin Wei Xi concealed it with a low cough, and said, "Troubled Shizi Consort to lead me to wait in the main hall. His Royal Highness Yan Wang gave me great kindness. I will wait for him to return and ask him to find a place for me."
Gao Ran had nothing to say. In fact, in this short moment, Gao Ran's evaluation of Lin Wei Xi could be described as falling again and again. She now understood that this was not a small white flower in the popular sense, but a figure with some tricks and a little bit of thorns. Suddenly such opponent moved in, it seemed Gao Ran still had a long way to go.
The flames in Gao Ran's heart rose more and more. She lowered her head to conceal the hostility and aggressiveness in her eyes, and when she raised her head again, she looked gentle and generous: "Miss Lin is really sentimental and righteous. When my father comes back and seeing you like this, he will definitely very pleased. Miss Lin comes with me, the hall of the inner house is this way."
Lin Wei Xi was taken aback for a moment, and realized that Gao Ran's "father" referred to Yan Wang. Lin Wei Xi felt a little complicated, and at the same time she was a little proud of herself. Was Gao Ran try to use intimate relations to demonstrate to Lin Wei Xi? Lin Wei Xi thought to herself, if it was about real closeness, it could not be said who would win.
Lin Wei Xi fell ill on the road and burned up the whole night. At the time her mind was hazy, but she was extremely keen of the sounds around her. She was dizzy but she could hear some footsteps. She tried to open her eyes and saw Yan Wang sitting on the bedside, checking her forehead solemnly. His eyebrows twisted, didn't say anything and got up after a while. Soon afterwards he brought the doctor over. Lin Wei Xi laid inside the bed curtain, could only heard the faint conversation outside. Even when discussing her condition, Yan Wang made people lower their voice.
Through this show of kindness, Lin Wei Xi knew she had not chosen the wrong person when she looked up at Yan Wang as an idol for so many years. Even though planted in the middle was his son, Lin Wei Xi could not find any reason to be angry with Yan Wang himself. Lin Wei Xi was cursing people when she met Yan Wang for the first time. Then afterwards her tricks were exposed, and she was seen without washing her face, and she lose temper when she was given guidance... Lin Wei Xi thought that all of her ugliness had already been seen, so Lin Wei Xi was calm in front of Gu Hui Yan, there would be nothing worse. Even if she clearly showed that she disliked Gao Ran, Gu Hui Yan would not say much. If Gao Ran thought to file a complaint with Yan wang... Heh, then it was indefinite who would be accuse to have sinister feeling.
Lin Wei Xi actually knew where the main hall was, but she followed after Gao Ran. Gao Ran was about to lead Lin Wei Xi in when she was suddenly called away by a servant. Lin Wei Xi's years of upbringing prevented her to go around by herself without the host's presence, so she stood there and waited, her white velvet cloak draped over her shoulder. Stared boringly at the carved flowers on the window sill, a voice suddenly came from behind: "Sister Xi."
Lin Wei Xi automatically turned her head just to see a man stepped into the gate, and met her gaze. Hearing the call just now, his expression was obviously taken aback.
Sister Xi?
Lin Wei Xi's expression became stiff when she saw the incoming person, she hurriedly lowered her head to cover up the strong emotion in her eyes. At this time, Zhou Mao Cheng had already walked quickly to Lin Wei Xi's side, and said with a grin: "Sister Xi, your body coughs after two steps. Why didn't you go back to the house and just stand outside?"
Lin Wei Xi was afraid that when she relax slightly she would be exposed, so could only try hard to put an expressionless face. She glanced indifferently at the person that just arrived, and then shifted her gaze to Zhou Mao Cheng. Zhou Mao Cheng slapped his forehead and exclaimed, "Oh, I forget to introduce you. This is the only son of Wangye, our Yan Wang Mansion Shizi, Gu Cheng Yao. He's not an outsider, you don't need to be shy."
"What is not an outsider." Lin Wei Xi said jerkily, without raising her head, she respectfully and coldly saluted Gu Cheng Yao, "Shizi."
Zhou Mao Cheng was a rough man, he didn't notice Lin Wei Xi's tight body, and warmly introduced Gu Cheng Yao: "Shizi, this is the girl Wangye mentioned in the letter, the only daughter of Marquis Zhongyong, Lin Wei Xi."
According to custom woman's name should not be revealed freely, but In Zhou Mao Cheng's mind Gu Cheng Yao was the son of Yan Wang, he was certainly not an outsider, so he said Lin Wei Xi's name carelessly… Gu Cheng Yao didn't feel good until he heard Lin Wei Xi's full name.
It turned out to be Lin Wei Xi, not that Sister Xi. Gu Cheng Yao couldn't tell how he felt in his heart, but facing a guest, Gu Cheng Yao ignored the complicated emotions in his heart. Instead, he smiled politely at Lin Wei Xi: "I'm Gu Cheng Yao. Since your father gave up his life to save my father, then you are an honor guest of Yan Wang Mansion. You don't have to be restrained in the future, just live in Yan Wang Mansion freely. If you have any difficulties, just come and find me."
Lin Wei Xi's face was still cold, but she laughed in her heart, laugh that full of sadness… Gu Cheng Yao said to a completely unfamiliar woman, "If you have any difficulties, just come and find me." However, as Gu Cheng Yao's wife in the previous life, she was exhausted to the bone in order to manage the household. Afterwards, she fell ill and died because of overwork, but she had never heard Gu Cheng Yao said that sentence, 'if you are in trouble, you can come to me'.
Life encounters and comparisons are so ridiculous.
Chapter 12 Part 1: Bow Down
Zhou Mao Cheng knew nothing about the undercurrent between Lin Wei Xi and Gu Cheng Yao. He was still enthusiastically pulling Gu Cheng Yao and told him how delicate Lin Wei Xi's body was and how she was tortured in the whole journey. Yan Wang invited all the doctors in a radius of ten miles, on top of that, in order to take care of Lin Wei Xi, he went to the city to pick a maid for her.
Gu Cheng Yao was surprised when he heard this: "Father actually chose the maid himself?"
"Yes." Zhou Mao Cheng had a complicated expression. Let alone Gu Cheng Yao, even he who had been with Wangye for more than ten years felt strange when he saw this scene.
Gu Cheng Yao turned his head and glanced at Lin Wei Xi. Unlike a moment before, his eyes were much more complicated this time. Lin Wei Xi was not afraid of the other's inquiring gaze. On the contrary, she was more concerned about another thing. Why did she feel that Gu Cheng Yao's eyes just now vaguely reveal a little envy?
Lin Wei Xi thought afterwards, although Gu Cheng Yao was the only son of Yan Wang, he did not spend much time with him. Yan Wang spent half his life in the army, fighting south and north, even the children on the street could said a lot about his military successes, but he didn't spent much time in Yan Wang Mansion, and there even less time for Gu Cheng Yao.
When Zhou Mao Cheng saw Gu Cheng Yao fell silent, he realized it after another thought. He sighed in his heart, pretending to be relaxed and said: "The wars in various places have been resolved, and there will be no more troubles in the future. There's no need for Wangye to go out. This time Wangye enter the capital surely it will be peaceful for a long time."
The previous emperor was alone on his deathbed, and the new emperor was young, the capital could not be left unattended. If it weren't for the serious rebellion in the Northwest last time, and the new dynasty need to quickly put it down and deter the whole world, Yan Wang didn't need to personally lead the army for battle. However, this time after the victory over Duo Huo La Ti tribe was spread, afraid that for a long time no one dared to challenge the authority of Yan Wang and the country.
Gu Cheng Yao was relieved at the thought of this. It was really rare to be in the same house with his father for a long period of time.
At this time, Gao Ran already dealt with the matter and returned. She walked a little eagerly. When she saw Gu Cheng Yao standing in the middle of the courtyard and Lin Wei Xi was not far from him, Gao Ran's pupils suddenly shrank.
Gao Ran smiled calmly, full of laugh greeted Gu Cheng Yao, and then naturally stood next to Gu Cheng Yao with the hostess attitude. Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but sneered when she saw this, she felt disdainful in her heart, and her face inevitably became indifference and nonchalant.
Zhou Mao Cheng came in with Gu Cheng Yao. He came in mainly for Lin Wei Xi. Now he had seen her and Shizi Consort already returned. Zhou Mao Cheng, as an outside man who could not stay in the inner house, left immediately.
After Zhou Mao Cheng left, there were only three of them in the courtyard. For some reason, the servants suddenly felt an unspeakable depression.
It was strange, Shizi and Shizi Consort loved each other deeply. Although Miss Lin was an outsider, but today was the first time she came to the mansion, and she had no old grudges. Why was the atmosphere suddenly tense?
It was Gu Cheng Yao who acted first. He was a man, and today Yan Wang entered the capital, the outer courtyard had plenty matters that need his attention. Gu Cheng Yao sent the womenfolk into the house and left. Gao Ran dropped the guests and quickly chased outside. Lin Wei Xi watched Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran spoke softly to each other through the partition screen. The two stood very close, whispering, Gao Ran always looked at Gu Cheng Yao tenderly. Before he left, Gao Ran gently stretched out her hand to brush the dust off Gu Cheng Yao's shoulder.
Lin Wei Xi looked in daze. She had extremely strict management of Yan Wang Mansion when she was alive. No matter which room it should be cleaned every day, what dust would Gu Cheng Yao get when he walked in the inner house? Even if there was a demon wind today, and Gu Cheng Yao's shoulder was covered with ashes, were the servant girls behind him had no hands, they need Gao Ran to brush off the dust herself?
Lin Wei Xi rolled her eyes fiercely inside, it was so overdone and nauseating. Lin Wei Xi felt regret, she shouldn't give in when Yan Wang forced her to agree to come to Yan Wang Mansion. If she watched it for a long time, she would be angered to death by this slut.
Fortunately, Gu Cheng Yao after all homegrown aristocratic man. He was not used being too intimate with his wife in the presence of others. He glanced at Gao Ran gratefully, whispered something, and then strode out.
At this time, Gao Ran seemed to remember that there was a guest in the room. She walked to the inner room, her cheeks flushed, it just showed the right amount of shyness of the newlyweds: "Let Miss Lin laughed."
Lin Wei Xi smiled cooperatively, but inside she rolled her eyes greatly.
For the rest of the time, Lin Wei Xi was sitting in the magnificent room of Yan Wang Mansion, and from time to time she heard Gao Ran's inadvertently mention of the nobility of Yan Wang Mansion, the power of her family's Duke Yingguo Mansion, and that Gu Cheng Yao always worried about her and afraid of giving her 'trouble'. Had it not been for the news of Yan Wang's return to the mansion at a critical moment, Lin Wei Xi would have hit her on the spot.
As Gu Hui Yan entered the capital he was asked by the palace eunuch to go to the palace to see The Emperor and The Empress Dowager Qian. After appeasing the mother and son he went out of the palace smoothly. Even now he was standing in his mansion, still carrying the fine dust from his journey.
Since Gu Yan Hui entered door, the whole Yan Wang Mansion obviously came to life again, the servants from the front and back courtyard from the top to the bottom were no different, they were all eagerly stood and yell with joy and awe: "Wangye is back!"
Yan Wang came back after three years of absence, the tall Yan Wang Mansion finally welcomed their real master.
The inner courtyard also heard the noise outside, Gao Ran quickly stood up, unconsciously exposed her nervousness: "Yan Wang is back? Tao Mama, how do I look?"
Gao Ran and her maids rushed to stand up, Lin Wei Xi ignoring the people behind her slowly got up and stood by the door. Looking at the person that just arrived, she faced the courtyard and gave a standard salute: "Your Highness Yan Wang."
Gao Ran heard the voice and hurried out to salute. Gu Hui Yan was questioning Gu Cheng Yao. Hearing a familiar voice, he stopped and looked at Lin Wei Xi in surprise: "Why are you here?"
Lin Wei Xi asked: "Didn't you insist on bringing me to the mansion?"
Gu Cheng Yao and the old people of the mansion behind him changed their expression. They were just about to talk, when they heard Gu Hui Yan sigh helplessly and said: "I asked why you didn't go to rest. Didn't I arrange someone to send you back? Why are you standing here?"
It turns out that she was mistaken. Lin Wei Xi straightened up before Gu Hui Yan could say something, and said indifferently: "We want to pay respect to you."
"Be honest"
"Actually I don't know where am I going to live, you didn't say anything, how can I dare to walk randomly?"
Chapter 12 Part 2: Bow Down
As soon as Gu Hui Yan came out from the imperial palace, the whole journey in the capital could feel his steady imposing manner, the might of Yan Wang was fully revealed. Even Gu Cheng Yao when he saw this felt sincere and fearful, surrender wholeheartedly. But with Lin Wei Xi, just a few words could make Gu Hui Yan let out a smile, amusingly looked at her: "Even if you can talk, your body is weak and must recuperate. Jingdan Garden is suitable. Carry things there!"
Jingdan Garden? Lin Wei Xi knew the structure of Yan Wang Mansion very well. She smiled and immediately thanked Gu Hui Yan: "Thanking Yan Wang."
Gao Ran hurried out to greet Gu Hui Yan, because she positioned herself as a gentle and generous Miss Perfect (baifumei: fair skinned, rich, beautiful), so if Gu Hui Yan did not mention it, she would kept a crouching position. But who would have thought that the famous Yan Wang unexpectedly without regards to other would talk to a little girl about such trivial matters as daily life, and he did not care about such a loss of identity. Gao Ran couldn't help but raised her head, glanced forward in surprise, and found that Gu Cheng Yao also had obvious surprise in his eyes. Obviously, Yan Wang was not an easy-going person, the whole mansion met his imposing manner did not dare to rise, let alone contradict him. However, Lin Wei Xi just now according to the norm of Yan Wang Mansion was already disrespectful.
Gao Ran somewhat felt jealous, she had long been kept an eye on Jingdan Garden, and planned to leave it to her son in the future. Jingdan Garden and the courtyard where Gu Cheng Yao lived, were built symmetrically, and the significance was self-evident. It was only because there were small number of people in Yan Wang Mansion that it was left unused. Lin Wei Xi, an unknown orphan who attached herself to live in the mansion, why should she live there?
Gu Hui Yan seemed to only seen other people at this time. He glanced down, stepped into the main hall, and said flatly: "Get up."
Only then Gao Ran straightened up, just facing the other person Gao Ran felt an unspeakable pressure. She finally realized that her imagination of the real rich family was still too shallow. Yan Wang definitely was not like the rich generation she had seen in her previous life.
Gao Ran previously thought that Yan Wang was also the son of noble house, who happened to expand his own glory many times that's all. Gao Ran was full of confidence in herself before, but now she hesitated, if Yan Wang really dissatisfied with her origin... Was it really useful for her to work hard in managing the household and show off herself?
After Gu Hui Yan showed up, he obviously didn't show coldness or viciousness, but the whole hall was held in awe. He scanned Lin Wei Xi and asked, "Have you all met each other?"
"Yes." It was Gu Cheng Yao who spoke. He took a step forward and knelt down uprightly in front of Gu Hui Yan, when Gao Ran saw this she hurriedly knelt after him.
"This son is not filial, pay respect to father."
Gu Cheng Yao deeply buckled his forehead on the ground, and Gao Ran also bowed deeply. Lin Wei Xi gave way to the side to show that she avoided the kneeling ceremony of Gu Cheng Yao and his wife. But at the same time, Lin Wei Xi felt a strange sense of joy. Although this kneeling was not directed at her, Lin Wei Xi was standing now, and Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran were both kneeling, which was enough to make Lin Wei Xi felt refreshed.
Well the wood had become the boat, Gu Hui Yan did not embarrass Gu Cheng Yao and his new daughter-in-law. He stared at them with deep eyes for a while, then motioned them to get up. Gao Ran was overjoyed, her maid immediately passed over the tea. She held the teacup and put her hands across her eyebrows, and respectfully said: "Daughter-in-law serves tea to father."
Gu Hui Yan took it and lifted the lid of the tea, then put it on the table. It was just gestured, he did not mean to drink the tea. But this was enough for Gao Ran. She kowtowed to Gu Hui Yan, and then she was helped by the dowry maid to stand up.
Lin Wei Xi stood on the sidelines and watched the whole process, sneering in her heart. She suddenly heard Gu Hui Yan calling her name: "You are still ill. It is not good to stay outside for too long. Go back and rest."
Lin Wei Xi's goal was achieved, and she didn't want to stand here looking at this 'loving couple' and felt queasy. She excused herself to Gu Hui Yan. He nodded but seemingly worried, added another sentence: "Jingdan Garden hasn't lived in for a long time. If you encounter any trouble say it as soon as possible, don't bear it yourself, you understand?"
Lin Wei Xi answered with a cry "Yeah", and then couldn't help but asked: "Yan Wang, then my box..."
Gu Hui Yan obviously moved the tip of his eyebrows, did not speak, merely looked at her with clear eyes. Lin Wei Xi smiled at Gu Hui Yan, very thick skinned: "Of course I dare not doubt Your Highness Yan Wang... It's just this kind of thing, I still feel at ease to hold it in my own hand."
Gu Hui Yan retracted his gaze, still did not speak, but there was a smile in his eyes: "Your stuff is indispensable, go."
Lin Wei Xi left with satisfaction. When the servants of the mansion led Lin Wei Xi to Jingdan Garden, their expression always looked terrified.
Lin Wei Xi suddenly changed from being an exploited wife to a privileged class of exploiters, no need to mention how comfortable she was. As expected, Jingdan Garden did live up to its superior position. Lin Wei Xi took a comfortable bath and washed the dust. After taking a nap, the servants outside came over cautiously and reported, "Miss Lin, are you awake?"
The person that came thought Lin Wei Xi did not know her. In fact, Lin Wei Xi knew very well. Lin Wei Xi looked at the old servant's different attitude, and in her heart smiled sarcastically: "What is it?"
"The evening meal will be serve soon, Wangye said if miss wakes up, let this slaves ask miss to front room to have dinner"
Yan Wang came back, the regulation of evening meal naturally could not be sloppy. Lin Wei Xi's clothes and hair accessories were all ready. There was no need to dress up again. She stood up and said, "I see, lead the way."
When they arrived to the place, everyone stood while holding their breath, even Gao Ran stood on one side and couldn't sit down. Lin Wei Xi calmly saluted Gu Hui Yan, and then calmly walked to the side and sat down. The posture as if she was a member of this family.
Lin Wei Xi sat comfortably, while Gao Ran had to stand and serve the elders. This contrast really made people felt uncomfortable. Gu Hui Yan didn't care. He frowned slightly when he saw Lin Wei Xi changed her clothes, and asked, "Does your head still hurt today?"
Obviously this was a problem for Lin Wei Xi on the road. She was weak and would have a headache after being blow by the wind. After freshening up still need to be careful. Lin Wei Xi shook her head and said, "It's nothing big, there's no need to worry."
Gu Hui Yan frowned again after hearing this, but it was not the occasion to talk about it at the moment so he didn't say much. The dishes passed by the hands of many maids, and they were quietly delivered into the main hall one by one. Gao Ran took the serving chopsticks and served them to everyone, inevitably also took care of Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi was upset in her heart, and on the surface she still declined: "Thanking Shizi Consort. Shizi Consort is really polite."
Gao Ran smiled stiffly: "As a married woman, I have to assist my husband, educate the children, and manage family affairs. This is what I should do." During meal times unmarried women could sit, but daughter-in-law could not. It was also a rule for brides to serve their elders. But who was Lin Wei Xi? Gao Ran really wanted to vomit to death.
Gu Hui Yan glanced at Lin Wei Xi faintly, and said, "There are no outsiders, you don't need to be like this. Sit down."
Gao Ran declined as usual. Gu Hui Yan had an indifference expression, and Gao Ran suddenly felt a sudden shock in her heart, remembering what the old servant had said before: Yan Wang never said it for the second time.
Gao Ran didn't dare to use her usual tune anymore, when Gu Cheng Yao looked at her, Gao Ran immediately sat down next to Gu Cheng Yao.
The meal was silent, when Gu Hui Yan stopped, the others immediately put their chopsticks down. There were still many specialty in the mansion after dinner. After Lin Wei Xi rinsed her mouth and washed her hands, she heard Gu Hui Yan questioning Gu Cheng Yao. The voice neither happy nor angry, but there was a surging power hidden: "I heard from Gu Mingda. These months the mansion and Grand Princess Shou Kang Mansion were distanced, what's the matter?"
Chapter 13 Part 1: Justice
After Gu Hui Yan's said the words, the atmosphere in the room obviously became stagnant.
Grand Princess Shou Kang was the grandmother of the former Shizi Consort Gao Xi. Duke Yingguo Mansion treated their daughters the same regardless of their status, but Princess Shou Kang might not.
Wei shi was the princess's daughter, back then married to Duke Yingguo Shizi was also a well-known strong alliance, it was an appropriate match. But Wei shi and Duke Yingguo Shizi were not getting along. Wei shi had princess's daughter arrogance, and Duke Yingguo Shizi also preferred weak beauty. This marriage was noble, but the party involved Wei shi had a bad life. After Han shi regained her favor and became the apple in Duke Yingguo Shizi's eyes, the relationship between Wei shi and Duke Yingguo Shizi even became tensed.
Wei shi since she was young was proud and arrogant, how could she endure being pressed down by a lowly concubine. In the first month of the ninth year of Jianzhao, barely finished the year, Han shi came out again to provoke things, and Wei shi many years of grievances were aroused. She immediately flared up and made Han shi kneel down in the ancestral hall. When Lin Wei Xi thought about this incident later, she always felt horrible by the coincidences. At that time, Han shi did not dare to violate the order of the mistress, feeling wronged and went to kneel in the cold ancestral hall. The weather in the first month of that year was so cold that Han shi did not kneel for long before she saw red. When Duke Yingguo Shizi heard this he hurried back, he saw his favorite concubine's face like a paper, bleeding from her belly.
Han shi was actually pregnant, the ice cold floor tiles stimulated it and immediately caused the bleeding. The family always put importance on heirs. The Shizi was furious. The ancestor, Duke Yingguo old madam was also angry when she heard Wei shi's unreasonable jealousy. Disregarding the decorum, Wei Shi and her mother-in-law lashed out on each other and Shizi was also let out many harsh words. Wei shi had been depressed for many years, since childhood her cycle had already been irregular. She didn't even know that she was pregnant, her anger already pressing down her heart and during the conflict she directly miscarried. Pregnancy already hurting women's body, and to had miscarriage was even more harmful. As a result, Wei shi fell gravely ill. Within a few months, she prematurely passed away.
That year, Wei shi's only daughter, Gao Xi, was only ten years old, and the child that Wei shi had shed was a boy. Wei shi looked forward to it for many years, and finally ended up like this. The irony was that Han shi, who was punished in the ancestral hall and rumored could not save her fetus, gave birth to a son after nine months.
This was Gao Ran's brother. If the book that Lin Wei Xi saw before was correct, later this eldest shu son would become Duke Yingguo Shizi. After all, the di mother already died, the child from official wife was only Gao Xi a daughter, and Duke Yingguo Shizi especially partial to the children of Han shi. Because the official wife didn't have a son it was reasonable to establish the eldest son as the heir.
The only daughter was killed by the concubine, when Grand Princess Shou Kang heard this she definitely could not forgive. However, Wei shi was also wrong in this matter. In this ethical society that emphasized women's loyalty and obedience, Wei shi punishment lead the concubine to have a bleeding. She also quarreled with her mother-in-law and husband, but in the end she was so angry that she had a miscarriage. Princess Shou Kang, as Wei shi's mother, was of course angry to death. Princess Shou Kang couldn't get justice for her daughter, and Duke Yingguo mansion also was not a small household that others could easily bully. Princess Shou Kang could only endure this rage and took her granddaughter Gao Xi and raised her carefully.
Shou Kang was a noble princess, but she and her husband relationship was indifferent for a lifetime, and she had no son or grandson. Her only daughter died a long time ago. Her granddaughter Gao Xi was the only pillar for Grand Princess Shou Kang. But who would have imagined that the tragedies of the previous two generations would be repeated again. Gao Xi was excellent in everything. But after marrying, the marriage was not going well. She could not even compared with Wei shi. She only married for a year and died in depression.
Grand Princess Shou Kang was hit hard, but the other party was the eldest son of Yan Wang Mansion. Gu Cheng Yao's father had the power to dominate the world. What could Princess Shou Kang said? What really made Princess Shou Kang unbearable was what happened afterward. It was only a month after Gao Xi died, and Duke Yingguo Mansion already proposed to let Gao Ran marry him as the second wife.
Who was Gao Ran? Han shi's daughter. That slut Han shi that killed Princess Shou Kang's only daughter, now she still wanted to take over her granddaughter's position? Princess Shou Kang immediately had fell out with Duke Yingguo Mansion, and the relationship with Yan Wang Mansion, which had been close for many years, also faded.
Grand Princess Shou Kang did not like Gao Ran and that shu son was a well-known thing in the capital. Gu Cheng Yao finally married his heart's white moonlight and cinnabar mole. Now his sweetheart was targeted by Grand Princess Shou Kang, Gu Cheng Yao was not happy. He was born as a Shizi, and his family's background was superior. For many years, only had others yield to him. When had he need to look at other people's faces? Now that Princess Shou Kang made a hard stance, Gu Cheng Yao also would not cherish the past favor. Grand Princess Shou Kang mansion was nothing but an empty shell, with no successors. Anyone could see that their family was going downhill, but because Princess Shou Kang's seniority was high, she used Grand Princess's position to support the facade. But if she want to confront Yan Wang Mansion, how could Gu Cheng Yao be afraid of her?
So after Gao Ran entered the door, Yan Wang Mansion and Grand Princess Shou Kang Mansion inevitably became cold. Gao Ran was happy to see it, and Gu Cheng Yao didn't care. Suddenly Gu Hui Yan mentioned it, Gu Cheng Yao only paused for a while, and said: "Grand Princess Shou Kang seems to have some misunderstanding about Shizi Consort, the son made a special trip to explain to the princess, but the people in the princess's house looked coldly on Shizi Consort. Since being husband and wife is like having the same body, their disrespect to the consort is disrespectful to me. If that the case, then I don't need to stay any longer."
Lin Wei Xi knew after hearing this sentence Gu Hui Yan would be angry. The expression on Gu Hui Yan's face was the same as before, and his voice was also the same as before: "You also know that husband and wife are of the same body, and Gao Xi, the granddaughter of Princess Shou Kang, is not your wife?"
Translator's note:
Ah it's such a depressing chapter to translate.
Chapter 13 Part 2: Justice
Gu Cheng Yao turned towards Gao Ran, Gao Ran originally felt gratified. She felt very relieved that the old princess who was disliked by men even her husband, did not like her and she didn't even want to enter the gate of the princess mansion. The old princess couldn't even give birth to a son, only knew how to oppress others with her princess's status. Gao Ran deeply felt that Shou Kang deserved it, back then Wei shi and now Gao Xi both had their karmic retribution. Gu Cheng Yao broke the contact with the princess mansion because the people in the princess mansion gave her cold-face. Gao Ran felt the hero's aura was very useful. But now Gu Hui Yan laid out such things... Gao Ran's face was stunned, and for a while, she didn't know what was wrong. Could Yan Wang dissatisfied with her because of this? Why is that?
Gu Cheng Yao was different from Gao Ran. He knew his father better. Hearing Gu Hui Yan's tone, he knew that his father was angry. The angrier Gu Hui Yan became, the calmer he was. Now this situation was obviously the latter.
Gu Cheng Yao didn't dare to sit any more, stood up immediately, lowered his head and said, "Son doesn't mean that... But Grand Princess Shou Kang is too domineering. Shizi Consort already become my official wife. The elder was not compassionate why the son need to be filial? She is unwilling to respect Shizi Consort, if the son still obeys her as always, wouldn't it be a lowering the face of Yan Wang Mansion?"
Gao Ran also quickly stood up and quickly glanced at Lin Wei Xi, pouting her mouth and lowering her head: "It's this daughter-in-law that is wrong, not Shizi's fault. Please father don't be angry at Shizi."
Lin Wei Xi certainly understood the meaning of Gao Ran's glance. This was family matters of Yan Wang Mansion. No matter what, Lin Wei Xi as an outsider should not listen to this. Normally Lin Wei Xi would have found an excuse to leave the table, but it was Gu Cheng Yao who stood in front of her. Lin Wei Xi's years of upbringing told her to respect the private affairs of her host family, and she should politely turned away, but... she really wanted to watch Gu Cheng Yao get scolded. Lin Wei Xi finally decided to submit to her own will, sitting steadily, trying to minimize her sense of existence, but continued to listen with awe-inspiring righteousness.
When Gu Hui Yan heard Gu Cheng Yao's words, the anger in his heart grew stronger. There was no joy or anger on his face, but everyone could feel the pressure from his words: "If the princess really ignores the face of Yan Wang Mansion, she will not let you in."
Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran both bowed their heads, their breathing deliberately light. Gu Hui Yan calmed down for a while, and when he spoke again, he reverted to being the rigorous Yan Wang: "If you didn't keep your wife mourning period and insist to remarry, this is your fault. Grand Princess Shou Kang just gave a cold attitude, if she let people bar the door from you that is also right. At the beginning, you personally wrote to marry the granddaughter of the grand princess, who was the only bloodline of the grand princess, but died within a year in the mansion without a clear reason. Princess Shou Kang had opinions on you, do you still dare to disagree?"
"Father." Gu Cheng Yao couldn't help but look up, "The person I was looking for was not her, she and the princess..."
Under Gu Hui Yan's look Gu Cheng Yao's voice gradually disappeared. He lowered his head obediently, and Gu Hui Yan chuckled lightly, put the tea cup on the table with a bang: "Are you the person who wrote the letter in the beginning? Is it you the person who exchanged eight-characters card to settle the marriage?"
Gu Cheng Yao looked sullen, after enduring and restrained himself, still reluctantly said: "Yes."
"That's enough, no one will listen to your reasons. You are already so old. If you do something wrong, then you are wrong. You don't want to take responsibility, but make excuses for yourself?"
Lin Wei Xi's eyes were sour when she heard this. She quickly opened her eyes and forced her tears back. For so long, that heavenly book, Duke Yingguo Mansion, and even many old servants in Yan Wang Mansion had been saying that she reap what she sown and that she deserves it. Among so many people, unexpectedly only Yan Wang that redressed her grievances and ruthlessly criticized Gu Cheng Yao… Yan Wang was even Gu Cheng Yao's father, one hundred percent her husband's family.
Originally, it was Lin Wei Xi who carelessly replaced Gao Ran's life-saving grace, but who was to blame? It was Gu Cheng Yao who confessed to the wrong person, and Gao Ran was behind the tricks. Why should she be burdened with someone else's mistake? Even if it discovered that it was a mistake that made the wrong relationship, but Gu Cheng Yao married her after all, why didn't Gu Cheng Yao think about his husband's responsibility?
Gu Cheng Yao who was reprimanded felt embarrass, Gao Ran wanted to say something, but when she came in contact with Gu Hui Yan's line of sight, she was so scared that her throat was blocked, unable to say anything.
This was Gu Hui Yan's rare anger, the hall was silent inside and outside. Even the old people that used to serve the old wangye did not dare to speak at this moment. In this extremely quiet house, suddenly there were burst of irritable coughing, and the person seemed to want to suppress the movement. However, the more she want pressed it down the worse the coughing became, Lin Wei Xi covered her mouth, frowning, and taking the time to say to Gu Hui Yan with difficulty: "Sorry, I too don't want to disturb you and Shizi. It's just...cough cough..."
Lin Wei Xi's cheeks were flushed from coughing, her eyes were tearful, actually it was just to hide her excitement. Gu Hui Yan initially was angry but seeing Lin Wei Xi coughing so pitifully, he sighed and said, "Why are you coughing again? Did you drink medicine today?"
Lin Wei Xi was speechless, and Wan Yue hurried forward and carefully replied: "This slave already served Miss to drink it, but the weather is dry these few days, it always doesn't work."
"Tomorrow, I will call the imperial physician from the palace to change your medicine."
Lin Wei Xi thanked Gu Hui Yan with difficulty, and Gu Cheng Yao looked helplessly at group of people rushing to Lin Wei Xi's side, handing tea and pat her back, let this Shizi seemed to be forgotten.
But fortunately, with this, the matter just now also was turned over, and the people who was serving Gu Cheng Yao was very relieved. When Lin Wei Xi thought that she once again helped Gu Cheng Yao out of predicament, she was so angry that she couldn't stop the itch in her throat.
With great difficulty Lin Wei Xi finally stopped coughing, everyone in the hall breathed a sigh of relief. Gu Hui Yan still frowning when he looked at Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi on the other hand took a look at Gu Hui Yan while carefully obedient: "Your Highness, are you still angry?"
Gu Hui Yan helplessly looked at Lin Wei Xi, without moving his eyebrows, gently raised his hand to Gu Cheng Yao: "There will be no other time."
Gao Ran was overjoyed when she heard this. Gu Cheng Yao's face was tense. He gave Lin Wei Xi a complicated look and bowed his head to Gu Hui Yan. For a while everyone looked at Lin Wei Xi's eyes with gratitude, and Lin Wei Xi smiled stiffly, with misery.
Actually, she didn't mean that...
Chapter 14 Part 1: Grudge
Lin Wei Xi sadly found that she always accidently helped Gu Cheng Yao, when obviously what she want was to stir up some troubles. What even more annoying was that the people around her misunderstood her actions, affectionately thought that Lin Wei Xi was kind-hearted, couldn't stand watching Shizi being criticized by Wangye, so she found a way to get him out of the predicament.
Before broken up that damn predicament, Lin Wei Xi looked forward to Yan Wang scolding Gu Cheng Yao for two more hours.
Lin Wei Xi went back to Jingdan Garden with anger. After taking off her cloak she sat down, Wan Xing brought hot tea to Lin Wei Xi. Seeing Lin Wei Xi's cold face, she smiled and said, "What's wrong with Miss? Could it be some people in the mansion dare to make Miss angry?"
Wan Xing was the maid that Yan Wang bought to take care Lin Wei Xi after she fell ill on the journey. Lin Wei Xi followed Wan Yue's name and named her Wan Xing1. These two maids were now all her staff.
Wan Yue put away Lin Wei Xi's cloak, when she came back she heard this sentence, she replied: "Today Miss coughing again outside, but it was also lucky, otherwise Shizi and Shizi Consort will not be able to come out from their spot."
"What's wrong?"
Wan Yue said a few words about the dinner, Wan Xing sighed for a while, and praised: "Miss is so kind. Shizi Consort deliberately asked her wet nurse to intimidate Miss, and Miss willing to help them break up their predicament."
Who was willing! Lin Wei Xi replied angrily in her heart. In the mansion, Gao Ran after all the daughter-in-law of Yan Wang Mansion, Wan Xing and Wan Yue didn't have much to say, so they drop the subject. Wan Yue went on to say: "Exactly, Wangye's anger today is really scary. I didn't dare to raise my head in fright. That is to say, Wangye is easier to talk to with Miss, but Wangye is really strict with Shizi. In front of many people can reprimand without any feelings."
"Because of what?"
"It's for Grand Princess Shou Kang. I didn't expect that Yan Wang seems unreasonable, but is filial to the princess."
Lin Wei Xi heard this indifferently added: "It's not that he is filial to Grand Princess Shou Kang. Although Grand Princess is Yan Wang's aunt, how many princesses must be in the royal family? With so many uncles, nephews and aunts, I don't see him all coming close. Yan Wang was really filial to old Yan Wang. Back then when old Yan Wang has not move to his fief, Emperor Shizong was suspicious and jealous of him. It was with Princess Shou Kang's guarantee that old Yan Wang could go out the country smoothly. Because of this matter, Yan Wang treated Princess Shou Kang Mansion very courteously. Gu Cheng Yao grew up in the fief. He was born when Yan Wang Mansion at the peak of its power, and everything was smooth sailing. How can he understand the relationship of the previous generations."
"It turns out there is this kind of relationship." After Wan Xing listened to it, she inadvertently asked, "Miss, how do you know about Emperor Shizong's matter?"
Lin Wei Xi's hand that took the tea immediately paused, she knew this naturally because of what Princess Shou Kang had personally said. But Lin Wei Xi, a lone weak woman, shouldn't know this. Lin Wei Xi inwardly alarmed, but she still casually replied: "When I was ten years old, my dad brought me to the capital to see a doctor. I stayed in the capital for almost half a year and listened to what the old men in the alley said."
Both Wan Yue and Wan Xing came to Lin Wei Xi's side halfway and didn't know anything about Lin Wei Xi's past. They believed Lin Wei Xi's explanation. Seeing that she managed to fool the two maids, while Lin Wei Xi feel relieved, she also secretly warned herself not to be so careless.
If the person who heard this was Yan Wang, it would be over.
Both Wan Yue and Wan Xing came to the capital for the first time, and they were also in the Royal Mansion. The two of them were different from Lin Wei Xi's former maid, chattering lively. Now Lin Wei Xi's identity was no longer the same, let alone the two maidservants. Wan Xing and Wan Yue were full of curiosity about the famous Yan Wang Mansion, and now they both actually live with Lin Wei Xi in the place, which was so remarkable. They lowered their voices and said that Yan Wang Mansion only exposed the tip of the iceberg, but it was already a wonderful enough family's affair: "I heard that the current Shizi Consort is the second wife, and the lady before her is also surnamed Gao, it's Shizi Consort's older sister!"
Wan Yue covered her mouth in surprise: "Her sister?"
"Yes."
Wan Yue showed an expression of surprise: "Shizi looks very young, unexpectedly already married a second wife."
"Wangye looks only in his twenties. If you don't know in advance, who would have guessed that Wangye's son is already seventeen."
"Yes. Shizi is only seventeen, he married early."
"It's not him getting married early, it's the former Shizi Consort that died too fast." Lin Wei Xi took in the conversations, even put on a smile, "At the first month of the year got married, at the end of the year the wife died, in February after the new years the younger sister entered the door, it was all as not to delay Shizi's time."
Wan Xing and Wan Yue didn't expect Lin Wei Xi would suddenly participate in the conversation. The two of them didn't think too much, but sighed: "The previous Shizi Consort was too pitiful."
Pitiful? Lin Wei Xi smiled and said, "Perhaps. But Yan Wang is right. The world only looks at the results and no one will ask the reason. She has lived her life like this, I am afraid she only has herself to blame. Shizi and the new Shizi Consort have an affinity with each other, their feelings deep and righteous, it's good to vacate the position early."
Wan Yue and Wan Xing looked at each other, not knowing why Miss Lin suddenly had such a pessimistic emotion. Wan Xing was lively person, only in one day's work she already inquired a lot of news from the mansion: "In fact, it's not necessarily the fault of previous Shizi Consort. This slave today heard people say that the previous Shizi Consort was extremely strict with the mansion at that time. Each have separate regulations, not allow to gossip, no laziness, and no petty theft in the kitchen. Yan Wangfei has passed away for many years, and Yan Wang has been fighting outside all year round. It is inevitable that many rules in the mansion were slack. When the former Shizi Consort has just arrived she made the drastic rectifications with good intentions, but unfortunately it was offended many people."
Wan Yue and Wan Xing were outsiders, so they could objectively evaluate the situation of Yan Wang Mansion. However, for the old servants who had deep roots in Yan Wang Mansion, what Gao Xi did was like to disturb their territory. So in the eyes of these people, Gao Xi was of course no good at all, waiting for Gao Xi to deal with the accumulated bad habits. When it was over, she herself was tired and fell down. After Gao Ran entered the door, the foundation had already been laid, and once she took over naturally it was very easy. What Gao Ran used was superficial skills, she had the benefit, and the rules became a little lax. Compared with Gao Xi's strictness, Gao Ran immediately became a gentle and kind new hostess. The whole mansion also said that she was good.
This led to the current situation. Wan Xing and Wan Yue as newly arrived servant girls could say "the previous Shizi Consort was good at heart", but Gu Cheng Yao, who was wrapped by the old servants and slaves, couldn't see it.
1 Yue means moon, Xing means star.↩
Chapter 14 Part 2: Grudge
Lin Wei Xi didn't expect to hear such words from these two girls. She laughed mockingly, it was really rare for someone to see her kindness. Lin Wei Xi didn't want to talk about these bad things anymore. Now she saw that Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran's love was really crooked, and Gao Ran's dowry maid was preaching everywhere with a proud face. God knows previously these servants had not even dare to lift their heads in front of Lin Wei Xi, but now they could even raise their tails.
Lin Wei Xi stood up and said faintly: "This is their family affair after all. It is not good to talk about personal matters behind their back, later don't talk about it anymore."
Wan Yue and Wan Xing looked at each other, and both noticed the contradiction in Lin Wei Xi's body. Miss Lin obviously relied on Yan Wang very much, but uncharacteristically indifferent when mentioning Yan Wang's family. Was it not to love the house and its crow, why Miss Lin had such a contradictory attitude? Wan Yue and Wan Xing didn't know, and didn't dare to mention it anymore. Instead, they carefully served Lin Wei Xi and changed her clothes: "Miss, today Yan Wang is angry with Shizi because of Grand Princess Shou Kang, and said he will take Shizi to visit Grand Princess in a few days to apologize. Do you think this is true?"
"Why is it not true." Lin Wei Xi sneered, with sarcasm in her tone, "How dare they despise the grand princess mansion because the lack of children, where did they get the courage from? Even if the princess mansion really has no successor, as long as the eldest princess still alive, no one in the capital will dare to neglect. Even Yan Wang still wants to call Princess Shou Kang aunt, she a shu daughter who was itching to jump up, think that she can behave atrociously in the princess mansion's territory, truly funny."
"Miss..."
Lin Wei Xi also noticed her agitated emotions. She took a deep breath and said, "Prepared the clothes these days, I am going to visit the princess mansion with Yan Wang."
Wan Yue was stunned. Lin Wei Xi was still in her filial piety period, usually stayed behind close door and declined visitors. Why did she think of going to the princess mansion? But these weren't her things as a maid to worry about. Wan Yue responded with a low voice, and went to prepare Lin Wei Xi's clothes to visit people.
Gu Hui Yan didn't say anything after learning about it, nodded and agreed. After he finally freed himself, he personally took the people from Yan Wang Mansion to visit Grand Princess Shou Kang.
Yan Wang's presence was of course regarded as distinguished guest and immediately welcomed into the mansion. When Grand Princess Shou Kang heard that Yan Wang was visiting, she had her body supported to greet him herself.
When Gu Hui Yan saw Grand Princess Shou Kang, he quickly got up to support her arm: "Auntie, the dog son is stubborn and has failed your painstaking efforts. Now I trouble you to come out in person. This is really my sin."
"Don't say that. You are now a Qinwang that emperor heavily rely on for your assistance. How dare I, an old lady who already has one foot on the grave, dare to accept your apology."
When Gu Hui Yan saw this he also could not say anything. He lightly looked at Gu Cheng Yao, his hand pointed at him. Gu Cheng Yao understood his father's meaning, could only reluctantly walk and give a salute to Grand Princess Shou Kang: "This junior was confused a few days ago and offended grandaunt. Please forgive this junior."
Gu Cheng Yao was the son of Yan Wang. Even if Grand Princess Shou Kang hated his negligence of Sister Xi, but she couldn't ignore Yan Wang's face. Yan Wang took his son to apologize in person. From the perspective of etiquette and morals, Yan Wang's sincerity had been fully satisfied. Princess Shou Kang could only nod her head and said lukewarmly: "There is no overnight hatred in the family, since you understand that's good. Get up quickly."
Gu Cheng Yao got up, Gao Ran followed up and saluted: "Maternal grandmother."
Princess Shou Kang snorted obviously, not even looking. Gao Ran showed an aggrieved look, Gu Cheng Yao felt distressed. But Gu Hui Yan was still calmly sit, even if Gu Cheng Yao was angry, he did not dare to move.
It was also at this time that Princess Shou Kang realized that there was one more person. She looked at the exquisite girl like a New Year picture in the hall, and she was slightly stunned: "This is..."
Lin Wei Xi stepped forward and knocked her head three times to Princess Shou Kang: "This little girl is Lin Wei Xi, pay respect to Grand Princess."
Princess Shou Kang looked at the woman on the ground, her eyes unconsciously widened. Gu Hui Yan saw this gave an explanation: "When quelling the Northwest rebellion, I was careless. It was her father who fought hard to cover for me. You should have an impression of Marquis Zhongyong a while ago. After the Northwest rebellion was subsided, I met this young girl who had lost her mother since she was young, and now her father also dead. It is not a way to live alone, so I took her to the capital. Today, I brought the juniors to greet you, and she also come along."
After Princess Shou Kang listened to this, the inexplicable throbbing in her heart became more and more obvious. She asked someone to help Lin Wei Xi up, and beckoned her to move closer and looked at her for a while, warmly covering the back of Lin Wei Xi's hand with her rough hands, and asked: "Your name is Lin Wei Xi, what is your nickname?"
"This little girl had no mother since she was born, and she didn't have a baby name. Everyone in the family called me Sister Xi."
"Sister Xi." Even the name was exactly the same, Princess Shou Kang's eyes suddenly became wet, "Okay, just call Sister Xi. When were you born?"
"At maoshi (5-7 am) of fifteenth of the first lunar month."
Hearing this Gao Ran's eyes widened, and Gu Cheng Yao's face was also a little strange. When Gu Hui Yan saw this his eyebrows slightly moved, he asked calmly: "What's the matter?"
Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao didn't speak, the old woman in the princess mansion wiped her tears and said, "Reporting to Yan Wang, the birthday of our eldest miss is the fifteenth of the first lunar month, only in youshi (5-7 pm)."
Gao Xi had been close to their family since childhood, and the people in princess mansion directly called her eldest miss.
Gu Hui Yan was also surprised when he heard this: "It's such a coincidence."
The same nickname, the same last syllable, and even the same birthday. That strange feeling came again, and Gu Cheng Yao looked at Lin Wei Xi who was standing at the front, suddenly felt a sense of trance.
For a split second, Gu Cheng Yao almost felt that the one standing in front of him was his deceased first wife, his former resentful spouse, Gao Xi.
The author has something to say:
Lin Wei Xi will not recognize the princess. She is a pure ancient woman. Modern people must consider self-protection when encountering such things. She is influenced by ancient etiquette and will not take the initiative to expose her own identity, even if it was her grandmother.
Lin Wei Xi's current thinking is that she doesn't need to recognize each other, but she still respects her grandmother. After all, Gao Xi really died, and the grief left to the living cannot be erased.
Chapter 15 Part 1: Against
"This Xi girl and I have a destiny." Princess Shou Kang was still depressed when she first came out, but now her eyes burst with light again. The telepathy between relatives were really indescribable. Lin Wei Xi did not dare to tell her grandmother the truth, but Princess Shou Kang still followed the calling in her blood that brought an unspeakable closeness to Lin Wei Xi. Princess Shou Kang stubbornly felt that this was her granddaughter, and her Sister Xi was back.
Princess Shou Kang couldn't help crying. She wiped away the tears with her fingers, and smiled at everyone: "Let you laugh, it's easy to be sentimental when you are old, everything you see can make you recall the memories."
Everyone in the room whispered their comfort, Gu Hui Yan He also said, "Auntie, what are you talking about? Lin Wei Xi's blood relations are also thin. If looking at her can make you happy then you can talk more to relieve your sorrow, it will be really great."
After Grand Princess Shou Kang cried, her heart was obviously much lighter. She looked at Lin Wei Xi, she indeed really pleasing to her eyes: "You were born during Lantern Festival1 maoshi (5-7 am), this time is good. I always felt that Gao Xi's birthday was too noisy, I am afraid I can't hold it down. She was born on the 15th day of the first lunar month at yaoshi (5-7 pm). When it's time to light the lanterns, the whole city was full of fireworks. Although festive, but it was too noisy, afraid it would weakening the good fortune. Your hour is just right, when the sky started to brighten, all living things just waken up, just like your name, Xi (dawn), shining and bright!"
"Thanking Grand Princess."
"Why do you sound so distant. Your life also has thin blood relations. You lost your parents at such a young age, even don't have uncles and cousins. Although I was born in the royal family, but the brothers and sisters each have their own family, even the half already down on the ground. There was only one daughter under my knees, and she passed away a long time ago. Even the only granddaughter... I have the fate of the white-haired person who sends the black-haired person."
This was Grand Princess Shou Kang's wound that made her extremely hurt. An old mama from the princess mansion saw this and said: "Miss Lin to be orphaned since young, and our princess is also empty under her knees. It would be good for Miss Lin to call the princess grandmother, right! Then Miss Lin will have a relative that can protect her, and our princess also has been wishing about it for so many years."
The most regrettable thing in Grand Princess Shou Kang's life was her poor blessing in children. Lin Wei Xi had been educated by Princess Shou Kang for many years. In her heart, Princess Shou Kang was much closer and more qualified than her nominal grandmother, Duke Yingguo Madam. Unfortunately, the character 'outside'2 divided the closeness. Lin Wei Xi looked at the expectant eyes of Princess Shou Kang, smiled lightly, and said crisply, "Grandmother."3
Princess Shou Kang's eyes were hot, and she made a heavy "hey" as an agreement, afterward Princess Shou Kang wanted to cry again. The old servants that were standing on the side also one after another turned their faces to wipe their tears.
At the front Grand Princess Shou Kang and Lin Wei Xi were enjoying themselves, as they acknowledged each other as grandparents and grandchildren. The few people standing at the back looked stiff, all kinds of thoughts flashed through their minds.
Gu Cheng Yao felt even more dazed, and his gaze at Lin Wei Xi was also clouded. Gao Ran silently looked at Gu Cheng Yao. After seeing his expression, Gao Ran bit her lip, her hatred for Gao Xi became even more obvious.
Originally it was Gao Xi who grabbed her position. Gao Xi relied on being a di daughter and collude with her grandmother to distort the facts and deceive Yan Wang and Gu Cheng Yao into marriage. God knows how shocked Gao Ran was when she saw Gu Cheng Yao at the wedding. Back then Gu Cheng Yao was injured and didn't see Gao Ran's face, but Gao Ran remembered Gu Cheng Yao's appearance. Combining with the rumors that Gao Xi vaguely passed on a fish jade pendant, Gao Ran finally understand everything. Just like the vicious princesses in the fairy tale who replaced the life-saving grace, Gao Xi shamelessly stole the credits that did not belong to her, and snatched away the prince.
How desperate and hated Gao Ran during that time, don't even mention it, but fortunately the prince and the princess who replaced the kindness did not have a happy marriage. This was the happiest thing for Gao Ran.
Later, the fake princess died, and Gao Ran finally married her prince charming as she wished, and as soon as she entered the door, she won the love of the entire palace. Gao Ran thought that her story would continue happily like a fairy tale. It didn't matter even if Gu Cheng Yao had a close servant girl and tongfang. Sooner or later, she will capture Gu Cheng Yao's heart. But now Gao Ran saw Gu Cheng Yao's gaze on another woman, and that woman had an unparalleled beauty, suddenly Gao Ran couldn't bear the jealousy in her heart.
Gao Ran finally regained her marriage, she will not allow anyone to destroy it. Lin Wei Xi's character was too standard, she arrived after Gao Ran getting married, when she just came she won the favor of the villain Princess Shou Kang, her attitude was noble and her body was delicate. Every label proves that this was Gao Ran's female enemy in life, the one 'little white flower'.
Gao Ran looked at Lin Wei Xi's back with strong hostility in her eyes. From the previous life to transmigrating into this life, she had never lost a struggle with women. Gao Xi's family could not beat her, an orphan with only a beautiful face, how could she be her opponent.
1 Spring lantern festival celebrated on 15th day of the first month of Chinese calendar.↩
2 Ok this one is slightly confusing, so Princess Shou Kang is Lin Wei Xi's maternal grandmother, the pinyin for is 'Waizumu' while paternal grandmother is 'Zumu', the wai in waizumu means 'outside' or 'foreign'. So basically Lin Wei Xi feels uncomfortable with the addition 'wai' or 'outside' when calling the princess 'Waizumu' as she feels much closer to her 'outside grandma' then the actual zumu/grandma. I hope it's not too confusing. ↩
3 In here she said 'Zumu' which means paternal grandmother. ↩
Chapter 15 Part 2: Against
Gao Ran just took a glance and then retracted her gaze, restraining her eyes to think about the next tactics. Lin Wei Xi was emotional and did not notice the movement behind her. She finally saw her grandmother, even after separation from death. Lin Wei Xi couldn't tell Princess Shou Kang the truth without talking about her strange power. She couldn't take the risk, but it didn't affect her filial piety to her grandmother. Anyway, she didn't plan to marry anymore, she would spend all her time being filial to Princess Shou Kang, even if they were no longer real grandparents and grandchildren.
Gu Hui Yan watched Lin Wei Xi and Princess Shou Kang became familiar with each other at first sight. He sat and watched quietly for a while, and then said to Lin Wei Xi, "It's a good thing that you and auntie have a relationship with each other. It's a good day, there is no need to cry. Go outside and wash your face first. Your face is a mess."
Lin Wei Xi was shocked when she heard this, her face was a mess? Oh my God, she was so ugly again in front of Yan Wang.
Lin Wei Xi's cheeks flushed. She really thought that her appearances were completely ruined, and couldn't care about anything else, hurried down to get her make-up fixed. After Lin Wei Xi left, Gu Hui Yan found an excuse to send Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran out. Grand Princess Shou Kang had foreseen this since Gu Yan Hui said Lin Wei Xi's face was a mess, she leaned against the pillow while smiling and asked: "Yan Wang deliberately sent everyone out, what you wish to say to this old person?"
"Aunt should already guess it, I want to talk about Lin Wei Xi's matter." Gu Hui Yan said, "Her father died to save me. After Lin Yong passed away, she has no relatives in her hometown. It is I who let her down, that's why I have to take care of her in place of Lin Yong, at any rate I want to find a reliable husband for her."
Grand Princess Shou Kang nodded: "Yan Wang is thoughtful. She is a little girl who has no support, it's hard to avoid people from bullying. In any case it's good to find her a good marriage, so that she can have someone to rely on in the future."
"That's what I meant." Gu Hui Yan sighed helplessly. "But she is very resistant to being married for some reason. I mentioned it twice before and she was reluctant, finally even annoyed me."
"Oh?" Princess Shou Kang was very surprised, Lin Wei Xi, a little girl, dare to get angry with Gu Hui Yan? When did Gu Hui Yan's temper get better?
Gu Hui Yan didn't want to say more about it. He dropped it and said to Princess Shou Kang: "I personally wrote to you to seek marriage with the eldest daughter of the Duke Yingguo Mansion. It's a pity that that dog son was stubborn and has let Gao Xi down, and also failed to live up to your expectation. I know that I will have no face to mention this to you, but Lin Wei Xi has not come out of the boudoir after all, even if her father and I have a life-saving friendship, living in the Yan Wang Mansion for a long time will end up being unjustified. It will be detrimental to her reputation. So I can only shamelessly raise this request to you."
Grand Princess Shou Kang had already understood: "You want me to find a good marriage for her."
"Yes." Gu Hui Yan, he didn't expect that one day he would worry about this kind of thing, but Lin Wei Xi's body was not strong but her temper was fierce. Gu Hui Yan had no choice but to entrust it to other people. "If she knows that I mention this matters again she will certainly explode, I saw that she and Aunt are close, it is better for you to mention it."
"When her filial piety period will be over?"
"May this year."
Not long, only two months left. Princess Shou Kang thoughtfully nodded, readily agreed. Old people always worry about the marriage of younger generations. She saw Lin Wei Xi as if she had seen her own granddaughter, and she would choose a good husband for her granddaughter. There was no reason to refuse this kind of thing. Gu Hui Yan secretly felt relieved when he saw Princess Shou Kang's condition. Since Gao Xi's death, Princess Shou Kang's condition has deteriorated day by day. She had nothing to anchoring her this world, had no vitality, and her body was naturally deteriorating. Now he could find something for Princess Shou Kang to do, and could also solve Lin Wei Xi's marital affairs. It was like killing two birds with one stone, so why not do it?
Gu Hui Yan achieved his two purposes today. There were many things waiting for him outside. He didn't have much time, so he got up and left. Lin Wei Xi had just returned from fixing herself up, and she was forcibly taken away by Yan Wang without even sitting. Lin Wei Xi reluctantly bid farewell to Grand Princess Shou Kang and boarded the carriage of Yan Wang Mansion.
This visit was of great significance. Yan Wang used his actions to smash the rumors in the capital about the discord between Yan Wang Mansion and Grand Princess Shou Kang Mansion, and clearly stated his position. Gao Xi this previous Shizi Consort was still the daughter-in-law admitted by Yan Wang, and all the rumors in the capital were complete nonsense.
The atmosphere inside Wang Yan's Mansion also quietly changed. Yan Wang's high-profile visit to Princess Shou Kang Mansion was to restore Gao Xi's name, but it was also felt like a slap in the face for Gao Ran. Even if the relationship between Gao Xi and Gu Cheng Yao was a mess, Gao Xi was still the daughter-in-law that Yan Wang accepted, the original consort of Yan Wang Mansion, Gao Ran's inexplicable sense of superiority can take a rest.
Gao Ran was not happy, but she immediately told herself, day by day seeing people's heart and after a long time Yan Wang would definitely be able to see her good point and then he would acknowledge her. But before that, Gao Ran needs to deal with the other threats first.
The weather was getting warmer, the winter clothes were gradually put away, and all girls who loves beautiful things immediately put on light spring clothes. Lin Wei Xi had been living in Yan Wang's Mansion for nearly a month. At first, everyone only treated her as a guest, with Gao Ran fanned the flames in the back. However as time passed, Lin Wei Xi was like a fish back in the water in Yan Wang Mansion, and the people in the mansion were more and more used to Lin Wei Xi's existence. Because of Lin Wei Xi's detached status, some people even regard Lin Wei Xi as a backer, and there was no shortage of flattering people.
Gao Ran was inexplicably frustrated during this period of time. It was obvious that there was only one mistress in the mansion, but suddenly there was Lin Wei Xi who annoyingly Gao Ran could not admonished, Gao Ran even had to hold this person like a sister-in-law. The more respected Lin Wei Xi in the mansion, the more Gao Ran's heart suffered.
One afternoon, Gao Ran invited Lin Wei Xi to the garden to enjoy the flowers and talk. In her words, the mansion now has two female relatives, and they were close like sisters. Lin Wei Xi in that instance got goosebumps all over her body. She was bored and passed the time by pulling the petals, when suddenly she saw Gao Ran let people brought out a lot of fruit plates, and chess games, embroidery sheds, and all kinds of entertainments. Lin Wei Xi raised her eyebrows, while Gao Ran smiled gently, and said to Lin Wei Xi: "Today is a good spring day, it is a good time to go for a hike. It's just a pity that we can't go out of the house, so let's take a walk in the garden and chat for fun. "
Gao Ran acted like she accidentally picked up a chess piece, and said: "Miss Lin, do you know how to play chess? The sun is so good today, how about we also play the chess elegantly in the middle of these flowers?"
Lin Wei Xi looked at the black stone in Gao Ran's hand, and smiled softly, "Alright."
Lin Wei Xi generously sat down across Gao Ran. Gao Ran was picking out the misplaced chess piece, her wrist swing gracefully and slowly, with a smile on her lips, casually said: "Miss Lin, chess is boring, why don't we change to a new game."
"Oh, what a new game?"
"Gomoku."
TN: Gomoku or Gobang or five in a row, is an abstract strategy board game, usually played with Go pieces in a Go board. The rule is to get five stones in a row, column, or diagonal.