51 Wrong
Chu You was shocked when the news reached the capital.
He had clearly reached an agreement with the State of Yue, and the State of Yue Emperor had also said in his letter that he would send someone to Danyang City to talk to him in detail. At this critical moment, the State of Yue suddenly fell out with him. Not only did they set fire to the city, but they even assassinated Magistrate He. It was equivalent to cutting Danyang City from his hands.
Chu Yi was also in Danyang City when it happened.
It was too much of a coincidence, but there didn't seem to be any clues as to what Chu Yi had done to verify it.
Ever since Chu Yi returned to the capital, he had not done anything out of line. He had always looked sick and rarely saw outsiders. He had only gone to Prince Jing's Manor a few days ago.
Yuan Zhe was also deep in thought. He said in a low voice, "In short, the Eldest Prince is a threat if he's alive."
Chu You nodded slightly in silence.
"Your Highness, do you want to see who the Eldest Prince's confidante is?" Yuan Zhe looked at the shadowy figure beside Chu Yi again and thought to himself, 'The Eldest Prince is already 18 years old. If he hadn't been a hostage in the State of Yue for many years, he would have long been married.'
Just as the Empress Dowager had been worried about Kang Wang's marriage, the Emperor was also considering the Eldest Prince's marriage…
Chu You wanted to say that there was no need. He did not take a mere woman seriously at all, but when the words were about to come out of his mouth, he felt that the profile he saw through the bamboo curtain seemed a little familiar.
He also looked up again, his sharp gaze directed at the hazy beautiful side profile of the girl.
The girl behind the bamboo curtain suddenly leaned forward and raised her hand to lower the half-raised bamboo curtain again.
This action allowed the side of her face to be revealed from behind the bamboo curtain, clearly reflected in Chu You's eyes below.
It was her! Chu You's eyes widened in shock.
"Your Highness, do you recognize this lady?" Yuan Zhe saw something strange in Chu You's expression.
Chu You was speechless.
This was…
Why was she with Chu Yi?!
Chu You still remembered what had happened at Prince Jing's Manor.
Originally, he could have asked his mother to betroth Rong'er to him, but Gu Yanfei ruined it.
Chu You subconsciously clenched his fists, his joints cracking. He could not help but feel uneasy.
Gu Yanfei was just a village woman who had just arrived. How did these two people, who were worlds apart, get together?!
This feeling of uncertainty disgusted Chu You. It was as if something was out of his control.
Chu You's eyes flickered. The bamboo curtain that fell closed like a door in front of him and Yuan Zhe.
The bamboo curtain blocked the sunlight from outside the window. Gu Yanfei, who was in the private room, felt much more comfortable and adjusted her sitting posture.
The shopkeeper carefully placed seven or eight wine pots and small plates on the table and bowed with a smile. "This is the wine that the lady ordered. Please enjoy."
With that, the shopkeeper nimbly retreated from the booth.
In the private room, all kinds of wine fragrance overflowed and mixed into an intoxicating smell.
Gu Yanfei looked at the table full of wine she had just ordered and rolled up her sleeves with a slight smile. Then, she skillfully mixed the yellow wine, honey water, rose syrup, and so on. After gently shaking the wine pot, she finally sprinkled some fine rose petals into the wine. This series of actions was smooth and elegant.
She poured two glasses of wine from the flask, one for herself and the other for Chu Yi. She smiled and said, "Try it. Consider it an apology in place of Qing Guang. I cut its nails when I got back that day."
She pointed to Chu Yi's cuff, indicating the last time Qing Guang had scratched his cuff.
"…" Chu Yi could almost imagine the shocked expression on the cat's face when its nails were cut and laughed softly.
His laughter was pleasant, like a stream flowing in summer. It gently rubbed against one's eardrums and made the tips of one's ears itch.
Chu Yi raised his hand and took the glass. His thin lips pursed as he took a sip and savored it, and a pleasant smile gradually warmed his originally cold eyes.
He drank very slowly, as if he was tasting tea. On the contrary, Gu Yanfei drank it all in one gulp.
Gu Yanfei left Qiongfang Shop after half an hour, looking slightly drunk and refreshed.
It was rare for her to come out, so she did not return to the Marquis Mansion immediately and wandered along Zhenhua Street.
In her previous life, although she had lived in the capital for a few years, she had almost never left the Marquis Mansion.
She had the money she had just won from the polo game. Along the way, she shopped and bought things. In addition to buying some snacks, sachets, and silk flowers, she also bought some cinnabar, talisman paper, silver needles, and medicinal herbs before slowly setting off on her way back.
When she returned to the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, it was already close to dusk.
The sun was setting in the west, and the afterglow of the setting sun burned the clouds in the sky, dyeing it with a colorful sunset glow.
The evening wind howled along the way. The parasol leaves on both sides of the street had fallen in the continuous drizzle of the past few days, leaving only barren branches reaching into the sky with bared fangs.
After entering the Marquis Mansion through the corner door, Gu Yanfei saw a two-horse carriage with jade cover and pearls parked outside.
Gu Yanfei could not help but stop in her tracks. Her gaze paused on the gorgeous carriage in front of her.
Having seen it in her previous life, she knew that it was the Duchess's carriage.
Gu Yanfei did not speak. The female guard beside her noticed her gaze and said with a smile, "Second Lady, the Duchess came an hour ago."
The guard's eyes lit up, and there was a strange excitement in her expression.
Gu Yanfei walked forward against the cold night wind, and the broken leaves and flowers greeted her.
Gu Yanfei was no stranger to the Duchess.
In her previous life, after she returned to the capital, she had once visited the British Mansion with Madam Wang. She still remembered how picky the British Duke's wife was with her and how her disdainful gaze was like a needle piercing her.
At that time, the Duchess did not say anything to Gu Yanfei. She only spoke to Madam Wang and mocked her silently.
In a moment, she said that Gu Yanfei was a country girl whose words and actions were not presentable.
Then, she said that she did not know what Gu Yanfei had experienced in the past 14 years.
In the next moment, she said that Gu Yanfei was clueless about zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She could not read or write, how would she manage the family in the future?
...
…
The other party's words had made Gu Yanfei feel ashamed. She really wanted to dig a hole and hide in it.
The past came back to her clearly, like a passing lantern.
"Second Lady!" On the other side of the door, a slightly excited female voice called Gu Yanfei back from her thoughts.
The female guard slapped her thigh and said, "Qing Shuang has been waiting for you for a while."
As she spoke, a beautiful green-robed maidservant walked towards Gu Yanfei from the outer door. She bent her knees and bowed. "Second Lady, Madam invites you over."
Gu Yanfei stopped in her tracks and looked at the extremely luxurious carriage a few feet away again. The sunset covered the carriage in a gorgeous color.
The British Mansion was a hot topic in the royal court. Their current status far exceeded the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion that did not accept anyone. It was clearly the Marquis Mansion who was in the wrong to change people at the last minute and they clearly did not like her at all. In her previous life, why did they still agree to the marriage?!
It was not until half a year later that the Fang family found an excuse and broke off the engagement with her using the excuse that she had been in the same car as a man in Danyang City.
Gu Yanfei had never understood these things.
...
52 Unknown
Seeing that Gu Yanfei did not speak, the maidservant, Qing Shuang, was a little nervous. Afraid that she would not go, she called out again, "Second Lady?"
"Lead the way," Gu Yanfei said lightly as she gently stroked her sleeve.
She would go and meet the Duchess and see what the Fang family was after.
Qing Shuang heaved a sigh of relief and quickly reached out her hand. "Second Lady, please follow me."
!
Gu Yanfei followed casually. The two of them passed through the outer door and walked past a courtyard paved with limestone bricks before arriving at the main hall of the outer courtyard of the Marquis Mansion.
The five doors of the hall were wide open. Several lanterns were lit inside, illuminating the entire hall.
Madam Gu sat at the head of the table as the host. A man and woman sat on the two rosewood chairs on the left.
The female guest at the bottom was about 35 or 36 years old. She was wearing a ginger-yellow pine crane embroidered with silk. Her figure was slightly plump, and her fair face was slender and noble. There was a distant smile on her lips and her eyes were indifferent.
It was the Duchess.
Sitting beside her was a young man in blue who was about 17 years old. He was tall and handsome.
Surprised to see Fang Mingfeng here, Gu Yanfei raised her eyebrows.
The young maidservant guarding the corridor bowed respectfully. "Second Lady."
These three words made the three people in the hall realize that Gu Yanfei had arrived. They looked at her with different expressions.
When Fang Mingfeng turned around, the other half of his face was revealed.
The wounds on the left side of his face that had been pierced by the flower thorns had already healed and dislocated, but the new skin was different from the surrounding skin color. It was flesh red, dense, and a little terrifying.
No matter how handsome his face was, it could not be considered good-looking under such circumstances.
As soon as he saw Gu Yanfei, Fang Mingfeng couldn't help but remember what had happened in Prince Jing's Manor. The killing intent that he had suppressed for several days surged in his heart again. If not for Gu Yanfei, he and Gu Yunrong would have been together long ago!
His dark eyes revealed strong ruthlessness and killing intent as he glared at Gu Yanfei.
Gu Yanfei did not stop walking. She calmly carried her skirt and crossed the high threshold of the hall.
As soon as she entered the house, she felt that the atmosphere in the hall was a little off. Madam Gu and the Duchess both had cold expressions. The few young maidservants at the side had their heads lowered and looked like they were keeping quiet out of fear.
The Duchess glanced at Gu Yanfei disdainfully and lowered her head to drink her tea. It was obvious that she did not take Gu Yanfei seriously, just like in her previous life.
Gu Yanfei ignored the strange atmosphere and calmly walked up to Madam Gu. She casually bowed. "Madam."
Madam Gu, who was sitting at the head of the table, remained silent with a cold expression. Gu Yanfei did not mind and sat down after greeting her.
Ever since Gu Yanfei returned to the Marquis Mansion, Madam Gu had never asked her to come to the morning and evening province. She deliberately treated her coldly to let the entire Marquis Mansion know that she disliked Gu Yanfei.
However, Gu Yanfei had been unmoved these days.
Since Madam Gu did not allow her to pay her respects, Gu Yanfei naturally did not go.
Just like now, Gu Yanfei did not care about Madam Gu's coldness and disregard at all. She sat elegantly and was at ease in this stiff atmosphere.
Whether it was Madam Gu's indifference, the Duchess's disdain, or Fang Mingfeng's resentment, they all seemed to have nothing to do with her.
After taking two sips of tea, the Duchess put down the tea cup in her hand and broke the silence. "Is Madam Gu really going to break the engagement?"
Her tone was controlled, but she could not hide the aggressiveness in it.
"…" Madam Gu pursed her lips.
She naturally did not want to break the engagement. Breaking the engagement meant that the Gu family had completely offended the Fang family. Not only would the decades of friendship between the two families no longer exist, but they would also become enemies. However, she was even more unwilling to marry Gu Yunrong to Fang Mingfeng.
Although Fang Mingfeng was outstanding, he could not be compared to Kang Wang. Moreover, offending Kang Wang was clearly more serious than offending the Fang family.
Originally, Madam Gu could use Gu Yanfei to brush off the Fang family. However, with Empress Dowager Yuan's golden words, even if Madam Gu insisted on using Gu Yanfei to replace her, it would not do.
As she was thinking, Madam Gu glanced at Gu Yanfei from the corner of her eye with a throbbing forehead.
Gu Yanfei was simply a jinx!
First, she jinxed her biological mother to death the moment she was born. 14 years later, as soon as she returned to the Marquis Mansion, she jinxed the Gu family, causing everything to go wrong for the Gu family and almost ruining Rong'er's future.
Madam Gu's eyes were deep as she suddenly tightened her grip on the prayer bead bracelet. The thoughts that had been circling around her for the past few days came to a conclusion at this moment.
If these two girls had not been secretly exchanged back then, the Marquis Mansion might have been ruined by Gu Yanfei for the past 14 years.
Madam Gu suppressed the frustration in her heart and lowered her status. She sighed at the Duchess and said, "Sigh, it's my granddaughter's fault for not being blessed…" She wanted to belittle Gu Yanfei, but after taking a look at Gu Yanfei, she felt that it was unlucky to mention her name. She bit the tip of her tongue and let the salty taste spread in her mouth. "Let's forget about this marriage."
Madam Gu's heart was bleeding as she said the last sentence with difficulty.
Usually, unless they wanted to deliberately disgust the other party, even if one of the parties discussing the marriage withdrew halfway, for the sake of the other party's reputation, the male party would not make a big deal out of it. Most of the time, they would quietly withdraw the marriage and try not to attract the attention of others. In this way, it would be better for both parties.
Now, Madam Gu's attitude was clearly agreeing to let the man push all the blame to the woman. Implying that it was the woman who was unlucky could be considered to be avenging the man.
"…" The Duchess's expression was like dark clouds. Her delicate red hands were clenched in her sleeves, and her eyes flickered with a mixture of resentment, embarrassment, and hesitation.
This was simply a great humiliation to the Fang family! The Duchess wished she could just brush her sleeves and leave, but she still restrained herself.
Of course, Gu Yanfei could tell what Madam Gu meant. Catching the righteous anger and hesitation in the eyes of the Duchess, she fell deep in thought.
Gu Yunrong's background was unknown now. With the status of the Duchess, she would not be unwilling to let go of this daughter-in-law. As for herself, from her experience in her previous life, the Duchess looked down on her.
Therefore, since things had come to this, logically speaking, the Duchess could just cancel the engagement.
So what was she hesitating about?!
In her previous life, she was really blind. She turned a blind eye to these unreasonable places and sealed herself in a small world…
53 Whip
Gu Yanfei pursed her lips into an ambiguous smile and suddenly stood up. As a result, the other three people's gazes focused on her again.
Gu Yanfei said indifferently, "So the Duchess is visiting to cancel the engagement between the Crown Prince and my Third Sister. Then it's not convenient for me to stay here."
As she stood up, her dress flowed down like water, and her plain clothes fluttered.
"…" Madam Gu frowned and her expression changed.
Gu Yanfei tilted her head and smiled. She asked innocently, "I heard that my Third Sister has already signed a marriage contract with the Crown Prince, right?"
"Since Grandma agreed to His Highness Kang Wang's marriage proposal, it's only right for her to break off the engagement."
Gu Yanfei said shocking words in all seriousness. To Fang Mingfeng, these words were like lightning striking down from the clear sky.
Fang Mingfeng's expression changed drastically. He lost his composure and stood up, his body hitting the chair with a thud.
Marriage proposal?!
"What did you say?!" Fang Mingfeng asked sternly. His usual nobility and arrogance were gone, as if someone had poked his sore spot.
Madam Gu's expression darkened further as she berated, "Gu Yanfei!" What nonsense was this girl spouting again!
Gu Yanfei stopped and only said, "I'll take my leave first."
The moment she turned around, Fang Mingfeng could no longer hold it in. He rushed forward like an angry lion and blocked Gu Yanfei's path.
"Make yourself clear!"
Fang Mingfeng was more than half a head taller than Gu Yanfei. He glared at her from above, his handsome face twisted with anger.
He attacked at lightning speed, wanting to grab Gu Yanfei's wrist, but Gu Yanfei dodged it easily.
To Fang Mingfeng, this was no different from adding fuel to the fire. For a moment, new and old hatred surged together and burned his rationality.
He took off the whip at his waist and whipped Gu Yanfei…
The whip lashed out, breaking through the air like a viper flicking its tongue. There was a crisp crack.
The Duchess ignored him and picked up the teacup indifferently. She also wanted to take the Gu family down a notch.
Letting her son marry such a wild girl was already making her son suffer. This girl actually didn't know how to appreciate favors!
The expressions of the surrounding maidservants changed drastically as they gasped. Their beautiful faces turned pale as they watched the black whip quickly whip at Gu Yanfei's tender skin. A few of them could not bear to look anymore.
However, something even more shocking happened.
Gu Yanfei only took a step to the side and avoided the whip. Her posture and steps were light, agile, and as graceful as a dragon.
She gently snatched the horse whip from Fang Mingfeng's hand and raised it.
"Crack!"
The sound of the whip hitting flesh exploded in the air. It was not loud, but everyone else felt that even their eardrums had been shaken.
Another blood-red whip mark appeared on the left side of Fang Mingfeng's face. The old injury had yet to heal and a new one had been added. It was a shocking sight.
The surroundings fell into an abnormally strange silence and everyone was dumbfounded.
The Duchess lost her composure and rose from her chair. She had not expected such a thin and weak country girl to be so feisty.
Her body trembled with anger. There was not only shock, disgust, anger in her expression, but also heartache for her son. She only had a son and daughter, who were both her precious babies.
Fang Mingfeng was speechless.
Fang Mingfeng glared at Gu Yanfei fiercely like a hungry wolf hunting its prey. The burning pain on his face told him that everything that had happened just now was not a dream.
Blood trickled down his cheek, dripping onto the mirror-smooth ground.
Looking at the disheveled Fang Mingfeng, Gu Yanfei said clearly, "Fang Mingfeng, in terms of status, you can't beat Kang Wang."
"In terms of appearance…"
Her half-smile swept across Fang Mingfeng's old and new injured face. She ended with a sigh, which was equivalent to stabbing him twice in the heart.
Fang Mingfeng was speechless.
"What do you plan to use to compete with Kang Wang?" Gu Yanfei stared into his eyes and said word by word.
Fang Mingfeng gritted his teeth, his eyes spitting fire as if to say that it was all her fault.
"Gu Yanfei, are you crazy?!" The Duchess was almost driven crazy by anger. She wished she could drag Gu Yanfei down and punish her with 30 whips. A mere girl from a declining Marquis Mansion actually dared to whip her son!
Gu Yanfei's response was to whip Fang Mingfeng's face accurately.
"Crack!"
Fang Mingfeng's bun was pulled loose, and his hair was scattered messily over half of his face, mixing with the blood on it. A few strands of hair fluttered to the ground.
The Duchess's heart twitched again, and her face turned pale. She ordered the servants sternly, "What are you waiting for?! Hurry up and take her down!"
The two old women from the Fang family responded nervously and wanted to go forward to snatch the whip from Gu Yanfei's hand.
Unfortunately, they could not get close to Gu Yanfei at all. Another whip curled up with a whoosh, scaring the two old women so much that they took two steps back. Then, they heard another slap.
Gu Yanfei's third whip ruthlessly struck Fang Mingfeng's left calf.
Fang Mingfeng grunted in pain and staggered to the ground.
He looked up at Gu Yanfei, who was a few steps away, and met the girl's dark and clear pupils.
The light gently outlined the girl's exquisite eyebrows. Under her long eyelashes, there was a faint sharp glint in her eyes. She was like an unsheathed sharp sword.
The servants of the Marquis Mansion were dumbfounded. They did not expect so many people to be helpless against their Second Lady.
Gu Yanfei looked at the Duchess again with a clear gaze and asked indifferently, "Duchess, are you going to do it yourself?"
As she spoke, Gu Yanfei calmly flicked her whip. Her movements were agile, revealing a hint of flaunting and intimidation.
...
The Duchess was speechless. Her breath was stuck in her throat and she did not dare to move.
She had no doubt that if she dared to step forward, Gu Yanfei would whip her son again!
"Then I'm leaving." Gu Yanfei smiled, shrugged, and turned to leave.
After stepping out of the threshold of the hall, she threw away the whip in her hand and left without looking back.
Fang Mingfeng's hatred surged. The storm and waves on that rainy night wished they could tear everything apart.
The moment Gu Yanfei's first whip landed on his face, Fang Mingfeng clearly understood a fact: Gu Yanfei was not pretending. She really did not want to marry him.
Besides that, she was still using him… to take revenge on Gu Yunrong. She would do anything to vent the anger she had suppressed for the past 14 years.
Not only was this woman vulgar, but she was also scheming. To achieve her goal, she even acted with unexpected madness and stepped on him time and time again.
He told himself that he could not fall for this viper beauty's ploy and could not let her get what she wanted.
However, even though he knew in his heart that Gu Yunrong would marry Kang Wang, Fang Mingfeng's heart felt like it was being roasted by fire.
...
54 Seriously Ill
After Gu Yanfei left, the atmosphere became even more awkward.
"Drip, drip."
The blood on Fang Mingfeng's face was still trickling down, especially loud in this silent house.
Suddenly, in silence, he lifted his legs and walked out too.
The sky had darkened a little. Under the evening light, his straight back was stubborn and lonely, and two or three fallen leaves flew into his robe.
Madam Gu and Madam Fang looked at each other.
Madam Fang wanted to stop her son, but in the end, she did not say anything. Her expression became even uglier.
After another moment of silence, Madam Fang's cold gaze met Madam Gu's awkward eyes. She said indifferently, "Madam, this marriage was decided when our two families' elders were still alive. It's not something the Gu family can destroy just because they want to."
As soon as she finished speaking, Madam Fang stood up and turned to leave.
As Madam Fang walked further and further away, Madam Gu's eyes were surging with emotions. Her chest heaved violently, and her heart seemed to be in an abnormally difficult battle.
She was acutely aware that the British public would never let this go.
The sun was setting in the west, and the sky became even darker. The evening wind carried some remnant leaves and dust into the hall, covering the place with a faint haze.
That night, Madam Gu fell ill. The housekeeper anxiously left the residence and invited a doctor to visit her, alerting the entire residence. News that Madam Gu had fallen ill spread throughout the entire residence.
The news had also reached Yuheng Garden. Juan Bi hurriedly reported it to Gu Yanfei and then asked slowly, "Miss, the Marquis Madam has already gone to the Benevolent Harmony Hall. The Eldest and Third Lady have also gone. Do you want to go over and take a look?"
Gu Yanfei was sitting cross-legged on the beauty couch and meditating. Hearing this, she opened her eyes and said calmly, "No."
"If I go, Madam Gu's condition might worsen!" Gu Yanfei's words almost sounded mocking.
The curled-up kitten raised its furry little head and shook its white whiskers on both sides. It meowed, as if echoing Gu Yanfei.
Gu Yanfei really did not go.
Every day, she stayed in the house to meditate, draw talismans, or play with the cat. Her days were very peaceful, and she did not care about anything outside Yuheng Garden.
However, Juan Bi paid attention and reported to her about the Marquis Mansion every day.
For example, Madam Gu seemed to be getting sicker and sicker, and Doctor Zhuang came twice to examine her.
Granny Li personally went to the storeroom in the outer courtyard to take out a hundred-year-old ginseng.
Madam Wang and Gu Yunrong served Madam Gu every day.
For example—
"Miss, Shangqing Spiritual Master of Wuliang Temple was just invited to treat Madam Gu." Juan Bi ran into the house with a food container and sparkling eyes.
Back then, during Emperor Taizu's uprising, not only did the black dragons descend as a warning, but he was also lucky to have the help of a group of extraordinary people. Among them, the outstanding one was the Celestial Rectifier Spiritual Master.
Legend had it that the Celestial Rectifier Spiritual Master was a natural genius. All the philosophers who saw him for the first time said that he could be "the ruler of the world".
The Celestial Rectifier Spiritual Master's medical skills were brilliant. Once, Emperor Taizu was seriously injured on the battlefield and his life was on the line. It was the Celestial Rectifier Spiritual Master who pulled him back from the gates of heaven.
After Emperor Taizu ascended the throne, he bestowed upon him the title of State Master and created a legend that spread throughout the future.
When people were sick, they would either hire a doctor, pray to God, or invite a Taoist priest who was proficient in Taoist medicine.
Juan Bi put down the food container and continued with admiration. "I heard that his medical skills are even more amazing than those imperial physicians in the Imperial Hospital…"
"My Lady, it seems that Madam Gu is quite sick this time. However, with Shangqing Spiritual Master's help, she'll definitely be brought to life." As she spoke, Juan Bi was also a little excited. "I heard that Shangqing Spiritual Master is a sage and a living immortal. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see him when I went to Wuliang Temple."
Gu Yanfei put down the book in her hand and smiled. "Don't worry, there will be a chance."
As soon as she finished speaking, a calm and respectful female voice sounded from outside the curtain. "My Lady, Granny Li from the Benevolent Harmony Hall is here."
Gu Yanfei smiled gently and gestured to Juan Bi, who quickly understood and personally went out to welcome Granny Li in.
Granny Li was Madam Gu's trusted aide, but she was amiable and never put on airs. When facing Gu Yanfei, she was also polite. "Second Lady, Madam Gu wants you to go over."
Juan Bi slowly blinked as a thought circled in her mind.
The lady was right. She could really see Shangqing Spiritual Master!
Juan Bi secretly pinched herself in disbelief… When she arrived at the Benevolent Harmony Hall, she still felt like she was in a dream. She pinched her thigh again, and tears seeped from the corners of her eyes in pain.
The Taoist in front looked to be about 40 years old and was holding a snow-white horsetail whisk. He was of medium height and had a crane-like bone structure. There was not a single silver strand in his black hair. He had a goatee under his chin and exuded an extraordinary bearing while dressed in a yellow robe with big sleeves.
Sandalwood fragrance curled around him, making him seem even more immortal.
Madam Gu was lying sickly on the bed with her eyes closed. She wore a two-finger-wide black embroidery pattern on her forehead.
Gu Yanfei's gaze darted to Madam Gu's pale face and she thought to herself, 'Her skin is slightly sallow, her eyebrows are dull, and her lips are purple. She's indeed quite sick.'
There was already a crowd in the inner room. Both old and young men and women filled the room.
The Marquis of Dingyuan, Gu Jian, the Marquis Madam, Madam Wang, the Third Madam, Madam Yan, and the masters and madams of the fourth and fifth branches were all present. In addition, Gu Yunzhen, Gu Yunrong, and the other grandchildren were also present.
When Gu Yanfei and Juan Bi arrived, everyone looked at her in unison with subtle gazes.
Madam Gu had been sick for three days, so everyone from the various families in the Marquis Mansion had come to visit Madam Gu. Although not everyone attended to her illness, they at least served her tea and water to show their filial piety. Only Gu Yanfei had never appeared.
In particular, Madam Gu's illness came at the right time. That day, Gu Yanfei had just quarreled with the Fang family in the hall when Madam Gu fell sick that night, most probably out of anger towards Gu Yanfei…
At the thought of this, many members of the Gu family looked at Gu Yanfei with dissatisfaction.
In her previous life, Gu Yanfei had been afraid of such gazes.
Back then, she had felt inferior and weak. She had always wanted to do the best in everything and obtain the recognition of the others in the residence. However, even if she tried her best, she was still like an outsider, out of place in this Marquis Mansion. It was as if everything she did was wrong. Therefore, in the past, she was afraid of this gaze and felt that she had been rejected time and time again.
And now, these comments from others no longer affected her at all.
When Madam Wang saw Gu Yanfei, her first sentence was sarcastic. "Yanfei, you're finally here. Your grandmother was so sick that we were worried sick!"
55 Spiritual Master
Gu Yanfei walked over calmly.
Compared to the room full of women dressed in jewelry, she was dressed in simple clothes, but she was dazzling and had a noble temperament. She was like the legendary snow lotus on a heavenly mountain, making people not dare to blaspheme her.
After choosing a chair and sitting down, she looked up slightly at Madam Wang, who was standing by the bed.
Her starry eyes were as clear as water.
!
Madam Wang: "…"
It was obvious that she was looking down at Gu Yanfei from above, but Madam Wang felt inexplicably pressured. She was extremely awkward, as if she was reporting to her superior.
"…" Madam Wang originally had a lot to say. She wanted to say that Gu Yanfei was unfilial and cold, but she suddenly could not continue. It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head.
Madam Wang cleared her throat and forced herself to continue. "Your grandmother hasn't recovered from her illness for a few days. Today, we specially invited the Shangqing Spiritual Master over to treat your grandmother."
Gu Yanfei smiled faintly and sat upright. Under so many gazes, she did not feel uncomfortable at all and was calm instead.
Seeing that she did not answer, Madam Wang's expression turned a little stiff and she could only continue dryly, "Shangqing Spiritual Master said that your grandmother is seriously ill. Not only does she need to use medicine, but she also wants everyone in the family to sincerely pray for her. Your eldest brother is not in the residence, so you're the only one in the eldest branch."
As the saying went, there were nine doctors out of 10 Taoist doctors.
Taoist doctors had a history of thousands of years. The King of Medicine Sun Simiao, the Medical Sage Zhang Zhongjing, the Miracle Doctor Bian Que, and other well-known medical doctors were all Taoist priests.
Taoist medicine was divided into three parts: form, health, and divine treatment. Among them, divine treatment included Tao, Virtue, Talisman, Divination, Marking, Curse, Fasting, Sacrifice, and Prayer.
A brilliant Taoist doctor was like a living immortal in the eyes of the believers. The best among them was the legendary Celestial Rectifier Spiritual Master.
The Shangqing Spiritual Master had shone in the capital all these years. Not only was his Tao technique profound, but his medical skills were also exquisite. The commoners in the capital said that he was the reincarnation of the Celestial Rectifier Spiritual Master.
Madam Wang wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with a frosty white handkerchief and looked at Shangqing Spiritual Master not far away. "Shangqing Spiritual Master, everyone is here."
"The Heavenly Lord Tai Yi of Salvation from Misery." Shangqing Spiritual Master flicked the silver horsetail whisk in his hand. His expression was extraordinary and had a hint of pity for the world.
The Shangqing Spiritual Master flicked his wide sleeves and slowly walked to the big table by the window. The incense burner, talismans, ink, teacups, and so on had long been placed on the table.
The old scullery maids in the house set up prayer mats on the ground. The others all knelt down, wrapping their left hands in their right and cupping their hands respectfully.
Gu Yunrong knelt behind Madam Wang and glanced at the empty seat beside her. She saw Gu Yanfei still sitting there, calm and composed.
Gu Yunrong frowned slightly and thought to herself, 'Gu Yanfei angered Grandma to this extent. Does she still not have any intention of reflecting?'
She was about to speak when Shangqing Spiritual Master moved in front of her and gently flicked his silver horsetail whisk. His eyes lowered as he first calculated with his fingers, then his lips moved slightly as he muttered something.
There was clearly no wind, but his wide sleeves seemed to be blown up by something, as if they were about to soar away.
Gu Jian, Madam Wang, and the others all looked at him with bated breaths.
The others could not see it, but Gu Yanfei could clearly see a faint airflow surging between Madam Gu's eyebrows and lingering around her glabella…
Gu Yanfei raised her eyebrows in interest.
Interesting.
The spiritual energy in this small world was so weak, but this person could still mobilize it. He was quite capable.
A moment later, Taoist Shangqing Spiritual Master suddenly opened his eyes. His wise eyes shone brightly, as if he could see through everything in the world.
He raised his hand and dipped the brush in ink, then drew winding and complicated runes on the talisman paper. In one go, his wrist moved like a swimming dragon.
After drawing the talisman, Shangqing Spiritual Master sandwiched the talisman between his fingers and chanted again. A corner of the talisman spontaneously combusted without fire and an orange flame appeared…
Gu Jian and the others watched this scene in awe, not daring to disturb him at all.
Gu Yanfei leaned forward slightly and rested her right elbow on the armrest. Her fingers supported her small and exquisite chin, and the interest in her eyes intensified. This Healing Talisman was not bad.
The burning talisman paper quickly burned to ashes, which fell into a white porcelain teacup beside it, emitting a faint fragrance of plants.
"Give this cup of talisman water to the First Madam of your residence," Shangqing Spiritual Master said calmly. His figure was as straight as a pine tree, and his voice was neither fast nor slow. His entire body exuded an unfathomable aura.
"Thank you for your gift, Shangqing Spiritual Master." Madam Wang quickly agreed and personally went to hold the cup of talisman water. Her attitude towards Shangqing Spiritual Master was very obedient.
Madam Wang ordered someone to help Madam Gu sit up from the bed. The unconscious Madam Gu's lips were tightly sealed, so Madam Wang could only open her mouth and feed her the talisman water.
Gu Yunrong looked at the cup of talisman water and hesitated. She sighed silently and held one of Madam Gu's hands.
The talisman water was poured into Madam Gu's mouth bit by bit. A servant would stroke her chest from time to time, but some tea mixed with talisman dust still could not help but spill from the corner of her mouth…
It took half a cup of tea to barely feed Madam Gu most of the talisman water.
Suddenly, Gu Yunrong held Madam Gu's hand and said in surprise, "Grandma's hand seems to have moved!" She looked at the unfinished cup of talisman water in Madam Wang's hand in surprise.
Madam Wang took a closer look and realized that Madam Gu's eyelashes were fluttering. Her eyes trembled under her eyelids and she moaned softly, her voice weak.
"Mother, Mother…" Madam Wang handed the teacup to the servant and shouted excitedly.
The others also surrounded the bed.
Gu Yanfei still did not move. Her gaze landed between Madam Gu's eyebrows again. The black aura that had originally lingered between her eyebrows had already dissipated.
She thought to herself, 'As a mortal, Taoist Shangqing Spiritual Master does have some tricks up his sleeve.'
If the spiritual energy in this small world was more abundant, he might have the opportunity to draw spiritual energy into his body and step onto the Great Tao.
As she was thinking, Gu Yanfei looked at the Shangqing Spiritual Master, who was standing by the window. She saw that his originally bright eyes were now laced with visible fatigue.
When the wind blew, his Taoist robe fluttered like clouds and fog.
Amidst everyone's cries, Madam Gu finally slowly opened her eyes. Her turbid eyes were still a little blurry, as if she did not know where she was.
Gu Jian was overjoyed. "Mother, you're finally awake!"
56 Mother Su
"Ah Jian, I…" Madam Gu whispered in a hoarse voice, her expression and voice weak.
"Mother, don't speak first. Rest well." Gu Jian comforted Madam Gu gently.
When the others in the room saw that Madam Gu had woken up, they looked at each other in relief. As long as Madam Gu could wake up, she should be fine.
The Great Jin Dynasty ruled the world with filial piety. If anything happened to Madam Gu, be it her legitimate son or daughter, they would have to observe filial piety for three years. It would delay their future and even affect their marriage.
The air around them relaxed, so they looked at Shangqing Spiritual Master with even more reverence.
Shangqing Spiritual Master continued, "Marquis, Madam Wang, fortunately Madam Gu has already passed the crisis. She still has to rest well. When I go back, I'll refine a furnace of pills for her. After taking the medicine, Madam Gu will be fine."
"Now that this matter is over, I'll take my leave first."
He flicked his whisk and bowed again, his lean face expressionless.
Gu Jian bowed solemnly to Shangqing Spiritual Master. "Fourth Brother, send the Taoist priest off personally."
Fourth Master Gu nodded repeatedly.
"I'll take my leave." Shangqing Spiritual Master turned around and left. His wide sleeves flew up, making him look like a God from heaven.
The curtain was lifted and Shangqing Spiritual Master left with the lingering sandalwood scent still in the air.
Everyone looked at the trembling curtain with surprise on their faces and someone sighed. "Shangqing Spiritual Master is indeed a God."
"When I recover, I'll definitely go to Wuliang Temple to thank you personally," Madam Gu said gratefully.
She looked a little better than when she had just woken up, and her eyes were clearer.
Gu Yanfei could tell that Madam Gu must have suffered from liver loss due to her lack of ambition and was depressed. Perhaps it was because she had taken the wrong prescription that her illness became worse.
Now, her symptoms have eased a lot.
"Mother, Rong'er and I will accompany you," Madam Wang hurriedly said.
As she spoke, Madam Wang glanced at Gu Yanfei, who had been sitting in the corner without moving, and her eyes turned cold.
Madam Wang coughed lightly and said arrogantly, "Yanfei, your grandmother is so sick. Your sisters have been taking turns to treat her for the past few days, now it's time for you to be filial."
Gu Yanfei stood up from her chair and gently stroked her sleeve. She smiled faintly and said, "Madam Wang, if Madam Gu looks at me, she might get even sicker. For the sake of Madam Gu, I think we should forget it."
As she spoke, she smiled. In her beauty, there was a hint of elegance and immortality. She was like a river of spring water written by a famous artist, clear and refined.
Since she had already seen the master, it was time for her to go back and take an afternoon nap.
"…" Madam Wang was so angry that her face turned green and she barely maintained her composure.
Gu Yunrong frowned again and pursed her cherry lips as she looked at Gu Yanfei's back without any attachment. Already blinded by hatred and resentment, Gu Yanfei really did not regret it at all.
"Mother," Gu Yunrong said to Madam Wang as she pinched her handkerchief, "I'd better stay and take care of Grandma."
Her appropriate tone that was as gentle as a spring breeze gave Madam Wang a way out. Madam Wang's expression softened as she said, "Our Rong'er is still the most filial."
Gu Yunrong smiled gently as Gu Yanfei's figure disappeared behind the curtain.
Gu Yanfei walked leisurely through two curtains, crossed a threshold, and stepped out of the main room of the Benevolent Harmony Hall.
From the corner of her eye, she saw a plump figure hiding furtively behind a nearby parasol tree. The woman stuck half of her beautiful face out from behind the trunk and looked in her direction.
An oval face, watery eyebrows, a hump nose, and the corners of her lips… These familiar facial features formed a face that was engraved in Gu Yanfei's heart.
It was her! Gu Yanfei narrowed her eyes and immediately recognized her.
It was Mother Su!
In her previous life, before she was brought back to the capital, she had only seen Mother Su twice. At that time, she thought that Mother Su was her mother and was filled with admiration for her.
It was not until her background was revealed that she knew why that family had disliked her since she was young and either hit or scolded her. Only then did she know why Mother Su had abandoned her in Huaibei for 14 years without asking about her.
It was Mother Su's greed that caused the tragedy of Gu Yunhua's life in her previous life, causing her short life of more than ten years to be dark and tragic. In the end, she died with regret and grievances.
Gu Yunhua's life should not have been like this. She should have grown up under the care of her father and brother…
In an instant, an invisible monster seemed to crawl out of Gu Yanfei's heart, baring its fangs and brandishing its claws. An intense shadow flashed across her eyes.
She knew her mental demons were acting up again, just as they had so many times in the Bright Spirit Realm.
Every time she made a breakthrough in her cultivation, everything in her previous life would turn into mental demons that would bite her crazily, affecting her cultivation again and again.
A strong smell of blood rose in Gu Yanfei's throat, and her fingers hidden in her sleeve trembled uncontrollably.
The moment she met Gu Yanfei's eyes, Mother Su's eyes darted around in panic, but she calmed herself down and raised her chin.
Things were different now as Gu Ce and Madam Xie were no longer around. Gu Yanfei was just an orphan without parents, who had just returned to the Marquis Mansion. She had yet to gain a foothold and could not do anything to her!
Gu Yanfei's dark eyes were like a deep pool with unfathomable depths.
It had been the same in her previous life.
After the truth was revealed, Mother Su also stayed in the Marquis Mansion. At first, she would avoid her. Later, Empress Dowager Yuan issued a decree for Gu Yunrong and Kang Wang's marriage. After that, Mother Su straightened her back and acted like a high and mighty benefactor to her.
Filled with hatred, she had begged Madam Gu to deal with Mother Su.
In the end, Madam Gu reprimanded her instead. "Sister Hua, do you want Mother Su to die?"
"Mother Su was indeed in the wrong, but back then, Yangzhou was in chaos. She was the one who fought her way out of the sea of blood and brought you out of Yangzhou…"
"You're too hostile and don't know how to be magnanimous."
Madam Gu's words were like knives stabbing into her heart. In her previous life, she did not dare to resist Madam Gu.
As she thought about it, the madness in Gu Yanfei's eyes grew and surged… It almost occupied her entire eyes, but she quickly calmed down. Her eyes were like the dark and vast sea at night. It seemed calm, but the undercurrents were surging.
She moved forward unhurriedly.
As she passed Mother Su, a faint glint of hatred appeared in the corner of her eye, but she did not stop.
...
It was clearly winter, but cold sweat still broke out on Mother Su's forehead. She quickly wiped her sweat with a handkerchief, feeling a faint sense of unease.
57 Impeachment
Seeing Gu Yanfei walk straight out of the courtyard without stopping, Mother Su's heart finally relaxed.
The corners of her lips curled up smugly as she comforted herself, 'Gu Yanfei really can't do anything to me!'
However, her heart was still beating violently.
Thump thump thump!
She gripped her handkerchief tightly and looked eagerly toward the central room at the back. The room was in chaos as familiar figures walked out of the east room one after another.
Her burning gaze fixed on Gu Yunrong's slender and graceful figure.
Gu Yunrong summoned an old woman from the Benevolent Harmony Hall and whispered to her to go to the backyard to see if Madam Gu's medicinal tea was ready.
As she spoke, Gu Yunrong also saw Mother Su outside the house. Their gazes met and time seemed to stop for a moment.
Gu Yunrong was slightly stunned. She saw Mother Su take half a step towards her, but she quickly shrank back behind the parasol tree and secretly looked in her direction, as if she seemed to have suddenly realized something. Her eyes were filled with anticipation and timidity, as if she wanted to approach Gu Yunrong but did not dare to.
They were the eyes of a mother.
Gu Yunrong clenched the handkerchief in her hand, feeling a little upset. Her eyes flickered and she turned around to instruct her maidservant, "Xia Lian, I'm going to stay here tonight to attend to Grandma's illness. Get someone to prepare salted osmanthus duck."
"Yes, My Lady." Xia Lian immediately understood and walked out of the central room. She loudly conveyed Gu Yunrong's intentions to a little maidservant in green under the corridor. Her voice was just loud enough for Mother Su, who was hiding behind the parasol tree, to hear.
Saltwater osmanthus duck was one of Gu Yunrong's favorite dishes and was also Mother Su's best dish.
Mother Su was delighted to hear this and smiled.
She wanted to walk over and say something to Gu Yunrong, but she restrained herself in the end and only stared after her.
Gu Yunrong saw the change in her expression. She watched as Mother Su, who was originally listless, suddenly perked up as if she had eaten a miracle pill.
Gu Yunrong sighed faintly in her heart. Everything Mother Su did was for her.
After a maidservant brought over steaming medicinal tea, Gu Yunrong returned to the inner room with Xia Lian following behind her.
After everyone left, the inner room was empty and quiet. The sandalwood incense in the corner had burned out, leaving only the lingering smell of medicine in the air.
Madam Gu sat alone on the bed. Her face was haggard and vaguely yellow. Her old age could not be concealed, and she looked lonely and desolate.
"Grandma, how do you feel?" Gu Yunrong sat on the edge of the bed and greeted her with concern.
Hearing her gentle words, Madam Gu felt that it was exceptionally appropriate. For the umpteenth time, she sighed in her heart. Why was Rong'er not her biological granddaughter?!
Thinking of how Gu Yanfei refused to even serve her and only knew how to make sarcastic remarks, Madam Gu's anger began to rise.
Gu Yanfei must have come to collect debts in her previous life. She did not have her in her heart at all, nor did she care about the Gu family!
Madam Gu's eyes were uncertain, and her already weak expression darkened. She raised her hand and rubbed her temples.
When she faced Gu Yunrong, her expression became loving. She gently patted Gu Yunrong's hand and said, "Good child, Grandma is fine. My head just hurts a little."
Gu Yunrong's tone was softer and more considerate. "Grandma, I'll get His Highness Kang Wang to invite an imperial physician over to take a look at you, okay?" She frowned slightly, feeling that drinking talisman water was a little unreliable.
"There's no need to trouble His Highness Kang Wang! Grandma has really recovered." Madam Gu enjoyed it even more and smiled. "Shangqing Spiritual Master is indeed worthy of his reputation and is talented in medicine. No wonder everyone says that he's a living immortal!"
At the mention of Shangqing Spiritual Master, Madam Gu perked up and her eyes lit up.
Gu Yunrong stopped persuading her and sighed faintly. "Grandma, you scared me this time…" As she finished speaking, she choked slightly and the corners of her eyes turned red.
Madam Gu reached out and hugged Gu Yunrong, letting her head rest on her shoulder. "Good child, I haven't seen you marry off in glory. How can I bear to leave!"
At the mention of Gu Yunrong's marriage, Madam Gu frowned. Madam Fang's threat sounded in her ears again, and her expression turned cold.
She stroked Gu Yunrong's shoulder and said, "With Grandma around, I won't let Gu Yanfei harm you."
Rong'er had been raised by her personally and she had protected her from suffering any grievances since young. However, ever since Gu Yanfei returned, Rong'er had been stepped on repeatedly in just a few days.
Gu Yanfei was really a jinx!
Leaning on Madam Gu's shoulder, Gu Yunrong felt warmth in her rippling heart. Actually, blood ties did not mean everything, right? Grandma's kindness to her was real…
After calming herself down, Gu Yunrong straightened up and took the pot of medicinal tea from Xia Lian. She blew on it gently before handing it to Madam Gu. "Grandma, drink some nourishing medicinal tea."
People who had just recovered from a serious illness did not have enough energy. Madam Gu had only said a few words, but her breathing was already a little rapid. She took the tea bowl from Gu Yunrong and was about to lower her head to drink when hurried footsteps came from outside.
"Madam Gu!"
The curtain was drawn from the outside and Granny Li hurried in, looking worried.
"Madam Gu, the Marquis just sent someone to pass a message that…" Granny Li swallowed and reported stiffly, "The British Monarchy sent a memorial this morning to impeach His Highness Kang Wang for wanting to snatch the British Crown Prince's wife."
Madam Gu's hand trembled and the white medicine bowl with blue flowers fell from her hand.
"Smash!"
The tea bowl shattered, and brown medicinal tea flowed on the ground. A few drops of scalding tea splashed onto Gu Yunrong's frosty white skirt, forming a shocking contrast.
Madam Gu pursed her lips tightly, her expression extremely ugly. Her heart suddenly constricted, and she felt a sharp pain in her chest.
"Cough, cough, cough…" Madam Gu felt an itch in her throat and started coughing violently. Her body trembled, and her eyes were sinister.
The British Monarchy actually really did this!
How dare they!
The British Monarchy had written an impeachment letter to impeach Kang Wang for snatching the British Crown Prince's wife. This news was like a thunderclap on the ground, shocking the court.
For the next few days, the British Duke sent a memorial to the palace every day. Three days later, the Emperor finally summoned Kang Wang, Chu You, to the palace.
In the East Warm Pavilion, a white jade dragon's ear three-legged incense burner was placed in the corner with a wisp of green smoke curling up. Golden sunlight shone through the transparent glass window doors, making the room as warm as spring.
"Brother," Chu You naturally would not bow down and admit his guilt. He argued logically, "Both I and the Third Lady of the Gu family are unmarried. Most importantly, we're in love with each other. How can it be called taking away someone else's wife!"
"My imperial grandfather once said that marriage can't only be decided by parents, but also by mutual consent!"
...
58 Imperial Uncle
In the Great Jin Dynasty, everyone knew that Emperor Taizu was wise and mighty. The only thing that people criticized was his flirtatiousness. Not only did he have a harem of 3,000 beauties, but he also had many flirtatious affairs when he visited the commoners incognito.
As a result, many romantic stories about Emperor Taizu spread in the streets and were even adapted into various novels and plays.
However, despite being a playboy, Emperor Taizu only found women who were willing, and would never seize a woman by force.
Whether it was a love affair or bringing them into the harem, he would treat those women who had slept with him well. The women got along harmoniously in the harem and were as close as sisters.
!
Emperor Taizu had even added many regulations to safeguard the power of women in marriage.
Chu You looked straight at the emperor sitting on the brick bed with a determined gaze.
The Emperor, who had just passed his prime, was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe with a white jade belt around his waist. His skin was fair, his facial features handsome, his expression warm, and his bearing noble. However, he was thin, and the whites of his eyes were slightly yellow. The fingers protruding from his sleeves were thin and bony.
Looking thoughtful, the Emperor picked up the Cloisonne cup with "Double Dragons Playing Pearls" on the coffee table and took a sip. His movements were soothing and elegant.
The half-brothers were very different in appearance and temperament.
Seeing that the Emperor did not immediately object, Chu You felt even more confident. He said firmly and seriously, "If two people are in love, they desire to be together day and night. Brother, you can't have forgotten Grandfather's 'reminder', right?!"
"Brother, you promised Grandfather." The threat in his words was obvious.
"…" The Emperor did not say anything for a while.
Emperor Taizu had indeed said such a thing when he was only six years old. Emperor Taizu had watched a play called "The Peony Pavilion" about a man and woman who had feelings for each other but could not be together because of the feud between the two families. After watching it, he had lamented, "Should this love last for all eternity, would a day or a night really matter?" In the end, both lovers died.
When Emperor Taizu was in high spirits, he had called him over and sighed with emotion. "If two people are in love, they desire to be together day and night." He even said that when he becomes Emperor in the future, he could not be so pedantic and insist on breaking up two people in love.
At that time, he was still young and did not know anything about love. However, Emperor Taizu insisted that he agree, so he could only agree.
After a while, the Emperor put down the teacup in his hand. His eyes were gentle and he was about to speak when a clear male voice on his right spoke first. "Seventh Imperial Uncle."
After receiving a look from his son, the Emperor fell silent and pretended to feed a multicolored parrot on the brass bird rack beside him.
Chu You turned to look at Chu Yi beside him. His face was expressionless, but his eyes turned cold.
Chu Yi was still dressed in snow-white clothes and had a calm temperament. He looked out of place in this dazzling palace, like a pale white ink added to a carefully drawn painting of hundreds of flowers.
"What do you mean?" Chu Yi asked with a smile.
"What do you mean?!" The colorful parrot flapped its wings on the bird stand and imitated his words. Its exaggerated high voice was extremely ironic under the circumstances.
"…" Chu You maintained his composure, and the haze in his eyes deepened.
His thin lips tightened and a strange look flashed across his eyes.
The Empress Dowager refused to agree to his marriage with Rong'er.
After the incident at Prince Jing's Manor, he had gone to look for the Empress Dowager and had tried his best to persuade her, but the Empress Dowager, who had always doted on him, refused no matter what. In fact, after knowing that he had gone to the Dingyuan Marquis Household to propose marriage, she had flown into a rage and had even thought of killing Rong'er.
Chu You had begged for a thousand times, and they had quarreled in Shou'an Palace, using both soft and hard methods. However, Empress Dowager Yuan had only reluctantly agreed to let Rong'er be his secondary consort.
She knew as well as Chu You did that Rong'er would definitely not agree to be his secondary consort.
Rong'er was different from ordinary women and had always been tenacious on the outside, tough on the inside. How could she lower her head?!
Moreover, he would not allow anyone to stand on Rong'er's head and lord over her, let alone watch her lower herself in front of the main consort!
This time, the British Monarchy had sent a letter to impeach him, catching Chu You off guard. He was angry that Fang Mingfeng still had designs on Rong'er, but he felt that this was an opportunity.
He wanted the Emperor to stand in front of him and let him come forward to confirm his marriage with Gu Yunrong. At the same time, he could take advantage of the situation to put the British Monarchy in their place.
The Emperor had always respected Emperor Taizu. Chu You was originally 80 to 90% confident, but…
With a warning aura, Chu You narrowed his eyes at Chu Yi, who was only seven or eight feet away from him.
Without a change in his expression, Chu Yi smiled warmly and continued, "The Empress Dowager once said that she would find a good marriage for the Seventh Imperial Uncle. She even asked Father to promise in front of the Emperor that he would not interfere in the marriage."
"Father has always been filial. How can Father go against the late Emperor's last wish!"
"Seventh Imperial Uncle, don't let the Empress Dowager down."
Chu Yi spoke at a moderate pace and at the right time. These words came from him without any aggressiveness.
Chu You stared deeply at Chu Yi, a storm brewing in his eyes.
He could not figure out if Chu Yi had done it on purpose, just as he could not figure out if Chu Yi was behind the incident in Danyang City.
There was a moment of silence in the East Warm Pavilion. Only the noisy parrot shouted "marriage" one moment and "last wish" the next.
The Emperor just watched from the sidelines. Without a word, he teased the parrot with his fingers and looked at Chu Yi with a smile, as if he couldn't get enough of it.
Seeing that the Emperor did not fall into the trap, Chu You's heart sank bit by bit. He was frustrated, and his eagle eyes were as sharp as knives.
Chu You had always looked down on his eldest brother.
The late Emperor's Empress Liu came from a poor family. As a lowly commoner woman, she was not worthy of being the mother of the country at all. On the other hand, Chu Qi only had his current status because he was the eldest son of the late Emperor. Otherwise, his literary talent and martial arts skills were too ordinary.
When Emperor Taizu was still alive, he had acknowledged Chu Qi as his grandson.
When the late Emperor was in power, he wanted to abolish the Crown Prince a few times, but he was stopped by the ministers on the grounds that he could not abolish the Crown Prince for no reason. This allowed Chu Qi to naturally advance from the grandson of the Emperor to the Crown Prince and to the dignified Emperor of the Great Jin Dynasty.
Chu You clenched his fists. The lines of his arms and fists tensed, suppressing his irritation.
He simply ignored Chu Yi and said to the Emperor again, "Brother, is this your idea?"
The Emperor pursed his lips and smiled faintly. He still did not speak and left it to Chu Yi to handle.
59 Jade Pendant
"Your idea!" The colorful parrot beside him repeated as it stomped its feet.
The Emperor reached out and casually scratched the parrot's chin twice.
Chu You's body tensed even more, and hideous veins popped up on his neck.
Ever since the Emperor ascended the throne at the beginning of the year, he had adopted a series of benevolent governments. To put it nicely, his attitude was benevolent and magnanimous. To put it bluntly, he was indecisive and soft-hearted.
!
Unexpectedly, things did not go as he expected this time!
Chu You held his breath. Anxiety, worry, and uneasiness intertwined in his chest like a huge spider web.
He was not afraid of the Emperor, let alone the British Monarchy. However, he was afraid that Gu Yunrong would think that she had implicated him. For his sake, she might not hesitate to agree to the marriage with the British Crown Prince.
Chu Yi slowly took a sip of hot tea and said, "Seventh Imperial Uncle is really thoughtful to the Third Lady of the Dingyuan Marquis Household. However, no pain, no gain. Imperial Uncle, what do you think?"
Chu Yi's lips curled into a faint smile.
"…" Chu You's eyes turned colder as he shot a cold gaze at Chu Yi.
Of course, he understood what Chu Yi meant.
"Cough, cough…" Chu Yi looked away and lowered his eyes. His plain white handkerchief covered the corner of his mouth and he coughed lightly. His trembling shoulders could not hide his exhaustion.
His cough only subsided after a long time, after which he picked up the teacup and took a few shallow sips, his cheeks slightly flushed.
Chu You narrowed his eyes and stared coldly at Chu Yi for a long time…
There was silence in the East Warm Pavilion for a moment. Only the parrot flapped its wings occasionally on the bird stand, making rustling sounds.
After a long while, Chu You, who had stood frozen for a long time, finally moved. He bowed dryly to the Emperor. "Brother, I'll take my leave first."
Without waiting for a response, he flicked his sleeve and strode away, his back as straight as a pine.
Without waiting for the eunuch to lift the curtain for him, Chu You roughly lifted it himself.
The curtain lifted high and fell heavily, swaying violently in midair.
Along the way, a few eunuchs and palace maids bowed to him, but Chu You completely ignored them and briskly walked out of the East Warm Pavilion.
He was greeted by a familiar figure.
It was a man who looked to be 37 or 38 years old. He was wearing a straight green robe with dark patterns. There was a rhinoceros horn belt at his waist, and he had a chicken blood stone seal and a sky-blue pouch. His hair was trimmed, and his appearance as a whole was dignified and imposing.
"Greetings, Your Highness Kang Wang."
The man stopped five steps away and bowed respectfully to Chu You.
There was nothing wrong with the other party's words and actions, but Chu You's face darkened visibly.
Of course he recognized this person. He was Fang Mingfeng's father, the current British Duke.
It was obvious that the British Duke had entered the palace at this time to make Fang Mingfeng's proposal to the Emperor.
Chu You gave the British Duke one sidelong glance before storming off without a word.
After passing through a courtyard, Chu You stopped and could not help but turn around. He happened to see the British Duke walking into the East Warm Pavilion with the eunuch's guidance.
The door was empty except for a broken leaf that had been blown over by the wind and fluttered down.
Chu You's heart sank bit by bit with this lone leaf.
From the Emperor's attitude just now, with the Empress Dowager's words, the Emperor might really agree to such delusions.
Chu You gritted his teeth so hard that they almost shattered. Chu Yi's words rang in his ears again. "… No pain, no gain. Imperial Uncle, what do you think?"
Even if Chu Yi did not explain just now, the meaning behind his words was very clear. It was fine if he wanted to fulfill his wish today, but what could he repay the Emperor for standing up for him?!
If he wanted to marry his Rong'er, he had to have something to offer in exchange.
So, what could he offer?!
Thinking of this, Chu You's eyes darkened. It was as if an irritable beast was roaring and going crazy in his heart.
The cold wind howled and the weather was cold. Chu You had a lot on his mind as he walked faster and faster.
He wanted to see Rong'er as soon as possible!
When he arrived outside the palace gate, he could see from afar that his personal attendant was holding the horse's reins and craning his neck to look around.
"Your Highness." The attendant hurriedly went forward to welcome him and reported anxiously, "I just heard that the British Duchess has gone to the Dingyuan Marquis Household."
Chu You's eyes suddenly widened, and two flames lit up in his pupils. The fire in his heart rose, and there was only one thought in his heart. The British Duke had come to see his brother, and the British Duchess had gone to the Gu family at this time…
Could it be that they were trying to force Rong'er?!
The British Duchess had indeed gone to the Dingyuan Marquis Household.
Over the past few days, Gu Jian and his wife had sent a post to the British Monarchy, but it was like a stone sinking into the sea and he received no response from the Fang family.
The more Madam Gu waited, the more anxious she became. She instructed her trusted aide to personally make a trip to the British Manor before inviting the British Duchess over.
This matter naturally could not be hidden from Gu Yanfei's ears. At this time, the British Duchess must have made some kind of promise.
Madam Gu would not give up on Kang Wang, her "grandson-in-law", so there was a high chance that she had raised other conditions to silence the British Monarchy…
Hence, she ordered Qing Guang to go to the Benevolent Harmony Hall again.
It was not the first time Qing Guang had sneaked to the Benevolent Harmony Hall It was familiar with the place and walked back and forth without alerting anyone.
After only half an hour, the cat returned with a pair of sparkling cat eyes and a stomach full of words.
The kitten jumped from the window to the desk and meowed non-stop at Gu Yanfei. Its expression was obviously one of showing off and taking credit. Its proud little appearance blatantly implied, "What will you do without me?"
"Meow, meow…"
"Meow, meow, meow…"
...
It had been talking dryly, but seeing that Gu Yanfei was not grateful to it, it slowly realized something that Gu Yanfei did not understand.
The cat froze for an instant, its fur visibly wilting.
Gu Yanfei opened a box at the side and a fragrant smell of dried fish immediately floated out.
The listless cat's eyes immediately widened, sparkling with desire for dried fish.
Feeling energetic again, it bit Gu Yanfei's sleeve and tried its best to pull her towards the dressing table.
It jumped onto the dressing table in a few moments and rummaged through the jewelry box with its claws. Finally, it hooked out a jade pendant with the tip of its curved claws and scratched it excitedly.
Qing Guang: "Meow, meow, meow…"
Gu Yanfei took the jade pendant from the cat's paw in confusion.
It was an ordinary round jade pendant with a circle of cloud patterns carved on the edge and a butterfly pattern in the center.
Gu Yanfei was not the only one who had this jade pendant. Everyone in the Gu family had it, but the patterns were slightly different. Some were dragonflies, some were swallows, and some were skylarks…
Gu Yanfei gently shook her index finger, and the jade pendant hanging on it swayed back and forth.
...
Qing Guang was immediately attracted to it. Its green cat eyes moved back and forth with the jade pendant, and it let out a mewling sound.
Of course, Gu Yanfei would not think that the British Duchess wanted this jade pendant.
It should be a jade pendant that was so "precious" that the British Duchess would do anything to obtain it.
She recalled that in her previous life, the British Monarchy clearly did not like her, but they gritted their teeth and accepted this marriage. Thinking back to a few days ago, the British Duchess came to visit with her son because of this marriage… Gu Yanfei instantly understood something. Could it be that it was because of the jade pendant that the British Monarchy let their son lower himself to marry a substitute like her?!
Or rather, to the Fang family, it did not matter if it was Gu Yunrong or Gu Yanfei who was engaged to Fang Mingfeng. What was important was that jade pendant.
60 Dowry
Gu Yanfei smiled with interest, her eyes curving slightly.
Only the bride's dowry would follow her into the marriage with the Fang family. In other words, the Fang family was certain that the jade pendant would appear in the bride's dowry.
"Meow, meow, meow!" The cat meowed a few more times, urging her. It meant that it had completed its mission according to her instructions, so where was its reward?
Gu Yanfei casually pushed the box containing the dried fish to it. The cat lowered its head and ate, making satisfied sounds.
Gu Yanfei sat down in front of the desk again and casually propped her elbows on the window sill. She clenched her right fist under her chin and looked at the withered flowers and trees outside the window in a daze, recalling what had happened in her previous life.
At that time, not long after she returned to the Marquis Mansion, her marriage with Fang Mingfeng was officially set. In February of the following year, her dowry was sent to the British Monarchy.
Later, the Fang family broke off the engagement on the grounds that she was chaste and flawed. Even her dowry was returned by the Fang family.
After the engagement was broken off, Madam Gu pushed all the blame on her and sent her to the nunnery to reflect on herself. She never even had the chance to count her dowry again.
In her previous life, did she have a jade pendant in her dowry?
Yes!
Half of her dowry was a public dowry, and the other half was her mother's dowry. It was considered decent and had everything necessary, including jade pendants and all kinds of jewelry.
In her memory, the Gu family's daughters were all equipped with ordinary items that were basically bought from jewelry shops in the capital.
So—
At this point, the answer clearly appeared in Gu Yanfei's heart. The jade pendant that the Fang family wanted at all costs was most likely from her mother's dowry.
"Meow?" Qing Guang finished the dried fish in the box and looked up. It licked its mouth with its pink tongue, then squatted in front of Gu Yanfei and meowed at her a few more times.
Even if Gu Yanfei did not understand cat language, she understood that this glutton had not eaten enough!
"Go away." Gu Yanfei flicked the cat's forehead with her finger.
As if it had suffered a heavy blow, the cat fell to the ground on all fours, revealing its snow-white and soft abdomen in front of Gu Yanfei. It curled its four claws and tried its best to act cute.
Gu Yanfei pretended not to see it and took out a booklet from the drawer.
This was the dowry list given to her by her mother, Madam Xie. It was given to her by her eldest brother, Gu Yuan, before he returned to the military camp.
Since she had nothing to do, it was time to count her mother's dowry.
The greedy kitten refused to give up. One moment, it licked the back of Gu Yanfei's hand, the next moment, it rubbed its cheek against her calf, and the very next moment, it twisted around on the desk like a caterpillar…
Gu Yanfei remained unmoved and flipped through the dowry booklet in front of her.
The Xie family was a military family and was not from a prestigious family. Therefore, her mother's dowry was not considered generous, but it was very thorough. There were all kinds of gold, silver, and jewelry, silk, antique calligraphy, furnishings, farm houses, and so on.
In her previous life, Big Brother had also given her this dowry list. However, as soon as Big Brother left, the list was forcefully taken away by Granny Xu, who kept saying, "Second Lady, you don't understand these things. Let Madam Gu keep this dowry list in case you're deceived."
Back then, she felt inferior and had an introverted personality, so she did not dare to say no to Granny Xu at all. Since she really did not understand common affairs, she thought that Granny Xu was right.
Gu Yanfei casually flipped through the dowry booklet and skimmed through it. Only when she reached the category of gold, silver, and jewelry did she become focused.
There were five jade pendants mentioned in the book. The first was a Pixiu jade pendant, the second was a Qilin cloud-patterned white jade pendant, and the third…
Closing the dowry booklet, Gu Yanfei stood up and smoothed her skirt. As she walked out, she asked Juan Bi, "Is Gu Yunrong still in the Benevolent Harmony Hall?"
Juan Bi hurriedly said, "Miss, after the British Duchess arrived at the Benevolent Harmony Hall, the Third Lady was sent back to Cai Ling Courtyard by Madam Gu… Just now, the British Duchess had already left. The maidservant guarding the Benevolent Harmony Hall said that she didn't look too good when she left."
Gu Yanfei looked at the calico cat on the table and smiled with interest. "Let's go to Cai Ling Courtyard." After saying this, she walked out of the house.
Juan Bi hurried after her.
Outside, the sky had turned a dull dark blue. A white crescent moon could be vaguely seen between the clouds. Lanterns hung everywhere in the Marquis Mansion, flickering in the air like fireflies.
Juan Bi held a palace lamp and led the way for Gu Yanfei.
Cai Ling Courtyard was not far from Yuheng Garden. The master and servant shuttled through the courtyard in the evening breeze and arrived at Cai Ling Courtyard in about half a cup of tea's time.
The maidservant guarding the courtyard reported Gu Yanfei's arrival and guided her to Gu Yunrong's small study.
Under the sparkling candlelight, Gu Yunrong sat on a pear blossom wooden chair with her long hair half draped over her shoulders. She had changed into a water-red gown that was neither new nor old, and it was difficult to hide her exhaustion.
For the past few days, she had been attending to Madam Gu's illness at the Benevolent Harmony Hall and had not rested well. She was really tired now.
"Second Sister." Gu Yunrong bowed as a form of greeting. As she spoke, she no longer had her usual smile and instead looked at Gu Yanfei with dissatisfaction.
Gu Yanfei was too cold to her biological grandmother, Madam Gu.
Indeed, bloodline was not the most important.
Gu Yanfei did not stand on ceremony with Gu Yunrong and said with a smile, "I heard that Madam Gu gave you the key to my mother's small storeroom. I specially came to get it."
Gu Yunrong raised her eyebrows. She did not expect Gu Yanfei to come for this.
Gu Yanfei stood three steps away and looked at Gu Yunrong.
Her lips were naturally curled up, and there was a hint of a smile when she pursed her lips.
Looking at Gu Yanfei's matter-of-fact expression, other than dissatisfaction, Gu Yunrong also felt uncomfortable.
As early as when she was 10 years old, Madam Gu had solemnly handed her the key to the storeroom and even told her, "Rong'er, this storeroom is filled with your mother's dowry. Everything inside is for you. As for the farmland and silver in the dowry, you and your eldest brother will split it equally. Now, Grandma will take care of it for you first. When you reach marriageable age, I'll give it to you."
At that time, Gu Yuan also treated her as a pearl in his palm and said with a smile, "Rong'er, I'll give you all of Mother's dowry. I still have to earn more dowry for you."
Madam Gu and Gu Yuan's loving voices at that time rang in her ears, but…
A hidden corner in the depths of Gu Yunrong's heart throbbed slightly. She felt empty, as if she had lost something, or as if everything that once belonged to her had been taken away bit by bit.
She retreated step by step, but Gu Yanfei did not care about her at all and pressed on.
The flickering candlelight reflected in Gu Yunrong's eyes, as if an unknown flame was burning in her pupils.