Chapter 50: A Humorous Tale in the Capital

Three days after delivering the umbrella on the rainy day, Gu Yangui set off for the capital's military camp as scheduled. On the day of parting, Su Wanrou suppressed her reluctance and stuffed several pairs of soft insoles she had made overnight and a common medicine packet to prevent acclimatization problems into his luggage, and also carefully gave him many trivial instructions on "taking care of yourself".

Before mounting his horse, Gu Yangui turned back and gave her a deep look. His gaze was complex, containing both his distrust of her and his solemnity about the military life that was about to begin. In the end, it all boiled down to one sentence: "Thank you for everything in the manor."

Su Wanrou nodded emphatically, watching the figure of the man and his horse disappear at the end of the long street until they were no longer visible, before letting the tears in her eyes blur her vision. Back in the empty main courtyard, the melancholy born of his departure truly began to permeate the air. Without Gu Yangui, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion seemed even quieter and colder.

She forced herself to pull herself together and focused her energy on managing the household affairs and spending time with Mingxuan. The days were manageable, with many distractions, but every night, lying alone on the large canopy bed, the empty space beside her always made her feel a void in her heart. She couldn't help but recall the slight furrow in his brow as he held his pen, the fleeting tenderness in his eyes when he occasionally looked at her, and the touch of his warm fingertips brushing against her temple under the umbrella in the rain.

Unbeknownst to her, the man who had filled her with awe upon their first meeting had already become deeply ingrained in her life.

two

While Su Wanrou was immersed in her sorrow of parting, she was unaware that the heartwarming scene of offering an umbrella in the rain that day had, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, spread ripples in certain circles in the capital.

Initially, it was just anecdotal tale circulating among a few colleagues in the Ministry of War who were familiar with Gu Yangui.

After the court session ended that day, several officials waited for their carriages outside the palace gates and chatted idly. Minister Li of the Ministry of War recalled what he had seen that day and said with a smile to Minister Li of the Ministry of Rites beside him, "Minister Li, do you know that a few days ago, during a heavy rain, I passed by the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion and saw something quite interesting."

"Oh? What could be so fascinating to you, Lord Li?" Lord Li stroked his beard and asked with a smile.

"And what do you think? Our Duke Zhenguo, usually so shrewd and authoritative in court, was personally escorted into the mansion by his young mistress with an umbrella the other day after he alighted from his carriage!" Minister Li exclaimed vividly. "Even a man of his stature, the Duke, was willing to bend slightly to accommodate his mistress's umbrella, and the two walked side by side, the umbrella clearly tilted towards her, while he himself was soaked on one side without even noticing. Tsk tsk, what a tender-hearted tough guy, a rare sight indeed!"

Another official who was also in the carriage chimed in, "Indeed! I've long heard that the Duke of Zhenguo dotes on his second wife, and now it seems the rumors are true. Who would have thought the Duke would have such a face?"

After a few laughs and conversation, everyone found it amusing. This anecdote was harmless and added a touch of humanity to Gu Yangui's aloof image, making him seem more approachable. Thus, the story of the "cold-faced duke waiting in the rain for his beloved wife to bring him an umbrella" quietly spread within a small circle of officials. Naturally, as the story circulated, the details inevitably became exaggerated, even spawning a version portraying the duke as a henpecked husband who, upon alighting from his carriage and finding no umbrella, stood waiting in the rain until his wife brought it.

On this day, Lady Yongchang, Su Wanrou's mother, was invited to a flower banquet at a familiar household. During the banquet, several ladies who were on good terms gathered together and, somehow, the topic turned to their respective sons-in-law.

Madam Liu, who was on good terms with the Lady of Yongchang, smiled and whispered, "Sister Su, you are truly blessed. I've heard that your son-in-law, the Duke of Zhenguo, is extremely fond of our Wanrou."

Lady Yongchang was naturally pleased, but she still said modestly, "Lady Liu is too kind. The Duke is an upright man and treats Rou'er very well."

Another well-informed lady covered her mouth and laughed, "It's more than just good! Sister, you probably don't know yet, but it's all over the capital now. They say that a few days ago, when it rained heavily, the Duke came home from court, and Wanrou personally went to the gate of the mansion to bring him an umbrella and welcome him in! The two of them shared an umbrella, looking very affectionate! Everyone says that our Duke is a hero who can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman. He's a powerful and imposing general outside, but when he comes home, he's incredibly considerate to his little wife."

Lady Yongchang was both surprised and delighted upon hearing this. Her biggest worry was that her daughter, being young and a second wife, would suffer mistreatment in a high-ranking family. Now, hearing this rumor, though she didn't know if the details were entirely true, there was no smoke without fire. This at least showed that her daughter was doing well in the Duke's mansion, and that the Duke genuinely cherished her. This made her happier than any compliment she had ever heard. The worries she had felt for days due to her daughter's husband's departure dissipated considerably, and her face immediately radiated with pride.

three

However, in this world, what some people consider a good story, others find jarring.

Inside the Prince An's residence, Princess An was leisurely arranging the newly placed lotus flowers in a vase, listening to the gossip that her trusted nanny had gathered.

"Oh? Everyone says the Duke of Zhenguo is afraid of his wife?" Princess An's well-maintained face revealed a mocking sneer. "So Gu Yangui has come to this? Being controlled by a mere young girl, he has truly disgraced the noble family."

The old woman chimed in, "That's right! I've heard that many people are laughing at the Duke behind his back, saying that he's lost his senses because of his old house on fire and a young mistress."

Princess An snorted coldly: "That girl from the Su family looks so gentle and weak, but she's really good at manipulating people. She's only been married for a short time, and she's already got Gu Yangui wrapped around her little finger. Hmph, it's just offering an umbrella in the rain, is it worth making such a fuss about? How petty, she's not worthy of respect."

She recalled how Gu Yangui had shown her no mercy for Su Wanrou at the Ci'en Nunnery, and her anger simmered even more. Now, hearing that her rival was not suffering the miserable fate she had expected under such pressure, but instead enjoying a loving marriage and a rising reputation, how could she possibly swallow her pride?

She hesitated for a moment, a malicious glint in her eyes, and whispered to the old woman, "Go, find a few people and spread these rumors in a distorted way. Say that the Duke of Zhenguo is so infatuated with beautiful women that he's neglecting his duties, otherwise why would he always come home so late? And that Su Shi, seemingly gentle, is actually jealous, controlling the household affairs, and intolerant of anyone, not even the people left behind by the first wife... In short, say the worst things you can think of. I want to see how Su Wanrou can be so smug when this 'good story' turns into a 'joke'!"

"Yes, Your Highness is wise." The old woman understood and bowed as she withdrew.

Four

Rumors, like the wind, spread to every corner, and naturally, they also drifted into the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

That day, Su Wanrou was accompanying Mingxuan in the study to practice calligraphy when the butler, Gu Zhong, lingered outside the door for a moment, seemingly having something to report but also hesitant.

Su Wanrou looked up and saw him, then asked gently, "Uncle Zhong, is something the matter?"

Gu Zhong then walked in, bowed, and looked somewhat embarrassed as he carefully chose his words, saying, "Madam, recently... recently there have been some... gossip outside about the Duke and Madam."

Su Wanrou put down her book and gestured for the wet nurse to take Mingxuan to have some snacks. She looked at Gu Zhong, her expression calm: "Oh? What gossip? Uncle Zhong, please speak freely."

Gu Zhong then selectively and as tactfully as possible recounted the rumors circulating outside, such as "the Duke is afraid of his wife" and "his wife is jealous." After finishing, he added somewhat nervously, "Madam, you don't need to take these idle gossips to heart. They're just idle people with nothing better to do than spread rumors. The Duke and his wife are a harmonious couple, a blessing to our household."

Upon hearing this, Su Wanrou was first taken aback, then blushed. She hadn't expected that a simple act of delivering an umbrella that day would attract so much discussion. The "henpecked" comment made her both amused and embarrassed. As for the malicious speculations, although she was annoyed, she felt mostly helpless.

She remained silent for a moment, but instead of panicking or getting angry as Gu Zhong had expected, she quickly calmed down and sighed softly: "It was my oversight. That day I was only thinking about keeping my husband from getting wet in the rain, but I didn't consider what others thought, which caused my husband to have some criticism."

Gu Zhong hurriedly said, "Madam, you mustn't think like that! It's a good thing that you're considerate of the Duke. If the Duke knew, he would only appreciate your kindness. As for the foul words of those petty people, the innocent will clear themselves."

Su Wanrou nodded, revealing a faint yet firm smile: "Uncle Zhong is right. My husband is upright and honest, and I have a clear conscience. As for what others may say, let them talk, we can't control them. Everything in the manor will continue as usual. Just keep the servants in check and prevent them from gossiping. Especially... don't let these words reach the ears of the Old Madam, lest she be troubled."

Seeing Su Wanrou's calm and composed demeanor and her proper handling of the situation, Gu Zhong secretly admired her and respectfully replied, "This old servant understands, Madam, please rest assured."

After Gu Zhong left, Su Wanrou sat alone by the window, gazing at the lush courtyard outside. Her heart, however, was not as calm as it appeared. She could ignore the malicious slander, but she couldn't help wondering what Gu Yangui would think if these rumors reached the capital's military camp and Gu Yangui's ears. Would such a dignified and composed man feel his reputation was damaged? Would he… blame her for her inconsiderate actions?

A subtle worry, mixed with a touch of longing, quietly lingered in my heart.

five

Inside the main tent of the commander-in-chief at the capital's military camp.

Gu Yangui had just finished discussing matters with several deputy generals, and after everyone took their leave, he was left alone in the tent. He rubbed his temples; he was indeed somewhat exhausted from supervising the training of the new formation for several days. He casually picked up a private letter from the capital on the table; it was from his friend, the Marquis of Jing'an.

The first half of the letter, as usual, recounted the happenings at court and interesting anecdotes in the capital. However, upon reaching the second half, the Marquis of Jing'an's tone shifted, taking on a playful tone:

"...Upon returning from the banquet, my esteemed brother, there is another matter I have heard that I find quite amusing, and I wish to inform you of it. Recently, rumors have been circulating in the capital that you are so henpecked that on a rainy day, you stood foolishly at the gate of your residence, waiting patiently for your wife to bring you an umbrella before you would even step inside. Some even say that you are returning home later and later because your wife is so strict with you… Haha, brother, do not be offended. I certainly do not believe such nonsense. As a dignified Duke of Zhenguo, a veteran of countless battles, how could you be troubled by matters of the heart? However, for your wife to have such a reputation for 'fearing' you, she must be clever and charming, deeply pleasing to your eye. I hereby congratulate you in advance on finding a good match, and that your marital life is now harmonious…"

Gu Yangui looked at the letter, his brows furrowing at first, then slowly relaxing, and finally shaking his head helplessly, a barely perceptible smile curving his lips.

Fear of one's wife? What kind of nonsense is that? He just happened to run into her giving him an umbrella that day, and they walked back together. These people's imaginations are running wild.

He put down the letter and his gaze fell on the new purse on the table, its stitches not particularly fine, but clearly made with care—it was made for him by Su Wanrou. He recalled that rainy day when she ran towards him, lifting her skirt, her cheeks flushed as she handed him the umbrella, her clear almond-shaped eyes filled with pure worry and joy at his return.

Where was she restraining him? It was clearly him... who was simply indulging in the warmth of having someone waiting for him when he returned home.

As for returning home late, it was because he had many official duties to attend to before leaving. This little girl was probably still worried about whether he was tired, but she was unjustly given a reputation for being "jealous and controlling her husband."

Thinking of this, Gu Yangui's displeasure caused by the rumors strangely vanished, replaced by a feeling of pity for his young wife. She was young and easily embarrassed; hearing these rumors would probably make her secretly sad again.

He picked up his pen, spread out the letter paper, pondered for a moment, and then wrote a short letter home. The letter made no mention of any rumors, only routinely inquiring about the old lady's well-being and Mingxuan's studies. Finally, he added a seemingly ordinary sentence at the end:

"Everything is fine in the camp, don't worry. Ignore the gossip from idle people in the capital, just relax."

He thought that with her intelligence, she should understand what he meant. He had never paid attention to these pointless rumors, and she didn't need to worry about them either. His approval and protection were all contained in these few words.

six

A few days later, Su Wanrou received the first letter from Gu Yangui, delivered from the capital's military camp. When she saw the last sentence, "Ignore the gossip among the idle people in the capital, just relax," her heart, which had been hanging in suspense for days, finally settled down.

He didn't blame her; in fact, he knew and used this method to tell her that he was on her side.

A warm current flowed through her body, and all her worries and grievances vanished in that moment. She carefully folded the letter, pressed it to her chest, and a bright, relaxed smile, like that of someone recovering from a rainstorm, appeared on her face.

It turns out that being firmly trusted and protected is such a reassuring feeling.

The gossip in the capital continued, but whether it was good-natured teasing or malicious slander, it no longer mattered to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, which was at the center of the rumors. The wall built of trust and understanding had kept the storms out. Su Wanrou managed the affairs of the mansion with greater composure, awaiting her husband's return. She knew that no matter how stormy the outside world was, as long as they were of one mind, they had nothing to fear.

End of Chapter 50