Gu Jiu moved to the farm where she came with her dowry.
After renovating the house and changing the beds, it was actually quite good, and there was definitely no problem living there. It just wasn't as comfortable as the palace.
Apart from the not-so-good environment, it is quite pleasant to travel around the mountains and rivers every day.
At the Gu Mansion in the capital, Lord Gu sighed and was extremely worried.
They quarreled so much that they had to move out of the palace. What's going on?
Can we still live like this?
Lord Gu was afraid that Gu Jiu would be divorced by Liu Zhao, and he was extremely worried.
He wanted to ask Xie to visit Gu Jiu, but he was worried that Gu Jiu would not listen to Xie.
After thinking about it, he simply asked Hu to visit Gu Jiu.
"You are her sister-in-law. Please go there on my behalf and see how she is doing. Try to persuade her. Tell her to move back to the palace immediately. It's not right to move out of the palace just because of a quarrel."
Hu bowed and accepted the order.
When Mrs. Xie learned that Mrs. Hu was going to visit Gu Jiu, she called her over and asked, "Have you thought about what to say when you go to see Gu Jiu?"
"My daughter-in-law plans to observe the situation first and then make a decision."
Mrs. Xie laughed sarcastically. "No one knows Gu Jiu's temper better than me. She's a stubborn ass, and she won't change. It's no use trying to persuade her."
Mrs. Hu said, "Whether it's useful or not, as a member of her family, I should at least try to persuade her. Besides, no one knows why Second Sister quarreled with Young Master Zhao, so how can I not try to persuade her?"
Mrs. Xie raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Go ahead. Bring something with you, don't go empty-handed, or people will laugh at us for not knowing etiquette. If she says something unpleasant, don't argue with her. She's a sharp-tongued person who won't give in to anyone. She could piss anyone off to death."
The corners of Hu's mouth twitched, and she wondered in her heart how much loss Xie had suffered at the hands of Gu Jiu that she had such a great resentment.
Moreover, Gu Jiu has been married for two years, but the resentment has not yet dissipated.
This shows how deep the resentment is.
Mrs. Hu prepared gifts and prepared to go out of town to visit Gu Jiu the next day.
…
Prince Ning blocked Liu Zhao in a separate courtyard in the city.
Liu Zhao reeked of alcohol, and no one knew how much he had drunk.
Prince Ning looked at him with great disdain.
"Look at you now, you're willing to die for a woman, what a loser!"
Liu Zhao rolled his eyes, said nothing, and continued drinking.
Prince Ning snorted, "Please remove the wine and bring two pots of tea. I want to have a good tea with the eldest young master today."
The servants hurriedly cleared away all the food and wine on the table.
Two pots of tea were served quickly.
Prince Ning personally poured a cup of tea for Liu Zhao and placed it in front of him. "I heard that you haven't been to the Ministry of War for several days."
Liu Zhao laughed at himself, "My son asked for leave, and the Minister approved it. I bet the Minister would rather I never set foot in the Ministry of War again."
"Coward!"
Prince Ning made a sharp criticism.
Liu Zhao lowered his head and said, "My Royal Grandfather intends to suppress me. Father, do you think I can fight him? If you can't do it yourself, don't embarrass your son."
Prince Ning bared his teeth. "You stinky boy, you keep exposing my shortcomings all day long. Tell me, what's going on between you and Gu Jiu? Do you plan to keep going like this?"
Liu Zhao frowned, his expression painful and tangled, "Father, please don't get involved in what happens between me and her."
Prince Ning snorted coldly, "I don't want to care about you, but I have to. Today in the palace, the old man asked about you and Gu Jiu. I guess he's anxious about the money. Gu Jiu is dragging his feet, and there's still no news after so many days. Hurry up and coax him back."
Liu Zhao remained silent, obviously unhappy.
Prince Ning's anger suddenly rose. He thought, "You little brat, I don't know whose temper you inherited, why are you so stubborn?"
Prince Ning cursed, "You chose this person and married her, but now after a quarrel you move out of the palace. How disgraceful!
I have argued countless times with your mother over the past few decades. If I were to act like you every time, moving out of the palace after a fight, that would be disastrous.
What conflict did the couple have? They couldn't just talk it out, but had to make it this far. Even the palace was alarmed.
I'm going to be frank with you, but if you continue like this, the Queen will have to intervene in your affairs personally. You'll have to figure it out for yourself."
Liu Zhao picked up the teacup and drank it in one gulp.
"I still need some time."
"You're a grown man, what do you need time for? Why didn't I see before that you're even more pretentious than a woman?"
Liu Zhao's eyebrows twitched, he turned his head away and said nothing.
If you don't agree, there's no need to talk too much.
It was clear that he didn't want to continue chatting with Prince Ning.
Prince Ning was furious. He gave him a sour look as if he was a bad boy.
Prince Ning pointed at him and said, "She's your own wife, you can coax her back by yourself. If you can't coax her back, then you can just break up."
As soon as he finished speaking, King Ning flicked his sleeves and left.
…
Mrs. Hu took the gifts, got on the carriage, and drove out of the city.
Gu Jiu's dowry farm is located on the bank of a tributary of the Wei River. The land is fertile and produces a lot every year.
The Zhuangzi is not big, with only two entrances. After renovation, it looks quite decent from the outside.
Mrs. Hu got off the carriage and was welcomed in by Nanny Fang.
"How is your wife doing lately?"
"I'm so worried about you, Sixth Young Madam. My wife is doing fine."
When Mrs. Hu heard this, she felt a little strange.
The couple quarreled to the point of moving out of the palace. Wasn't Gu Jiu sad at all? Wasn't she anxious and worried that Gongzi Zhao would change his mind?
Nanny Fang led Hu to the backyard and sat her down. "Sixth Young Madam, please wait a moment. I've sent someone to notify my wife. She'll be back soon."
"Why, your wife isn't home?"
"My wife is out fishing."
"In that case, I'll go find her myself. I also want to see how Second Aunt lives on the farm."
Without saying anything, Mrs. Hu walked out the door.
Nanny Fang had no choice but to lead the way, taking her out of the farm, through the fields, and to a lotus pond.
The lotus has withered.
An old farmer was driving a small boat to clean up the fallen lotus leaves.
Gu Jiu sat on the shore covered with lush aquatic plants, holding a fishing rod and reading a book attentively.
There was another person sitting next to her, a man.
When Mrs. Hu saw it, her heart skipped a beat.
I wonder if Gu Jiu has someone else outside? Could this be the reason for the quarrel with Gongzi Zhao?
If this is really the case, then, what can I do?
When I got closer, I saw what a gentle and handsome young man he was.
Gu Jiu saw Hu and smiled, "Sister-in-law is here, come and sit down. I was busy fishing, so please forgive me for any impoliteness."
"No problem!"
Mrs. Hu looked at the young man sitting next to her curiously. She was very curious about his identity.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Let me introduce you, sister-in-law. This is Su Zheng, the cousin of the Su family. This should be the first time that sister-in-law and cousin Su have met."
Hu suddenly realized and blamed herself for her wild thoughts, but at the same time she felt relieved.
It turned out to be Su Zheng, not some wild man.
Mrs. Hu laughed, "So it's the young master of the Su family. I've heard of your great name for a long time."
Su Zheng greeted Hu with a smile, but did not participate in their conversation.
Mrs. Hu sat down on the small stool. "Master and Madam are very worried about Second Aunt, so they asked me to come and see her. Life is very hard on the farm, is Second Aunt doing well?"
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "You live quite well. I feel really bad for making my father and my wife worry."
Mrs. Hu sighed, "I heard that you and Gongzi Zhao had a fight. Why did you move out? Isn't Second Aunt worried about Gongzi Zhao?"
Gu Jiu smiled softly, "Sister-in-law, don't worry about me. I want to go out and relax, so I'm staying at the farm for a few days."
"So you will return to the palace?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "Yes! After all, Gongzi Zhao and I are husband and wife, and we will have to go back sooner or later."
"That's good, that's good."
Mrs. Hu was finally relieved.
Getting Gu Jiu's affirmative answer was equivalent to completing the task.
Mrs. Hu accompanied Gu Jiu fishing, and the two chatted casually.
"Don't think I'm too nosy, Second Aunt. Quarrels are inevitable between husband and wife. Be a little softer and more submissive. Men will fall for it."
Gu Jiu shook his head and smiled, "Thank you sister-in-law for thinking of me. I know what's going on between Liu Zhao and me, so you don't have to worry about me."
Mrs. Hu said hurriedly, "How can I not be worried? The master is almost dying of worry at home, sighing all day long. If possible, he would like to come here in person to ask you what your plans are."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Tell the master not to worry, I'm fine. I just went out to relax, there's no need to make a fuss."
"You can't blame the master for making such a fuss. It's all over the place. It's said that you and Gongzi Zhao had a big fight, and they even got physical. The two of them got angry, and Gongzi Zhao moved out of the palace, and you moved out too. Everyone is worried about you and Gongzi Zhao, and whether Gongzi Zhao will write a letter of divorce."
As she spoke, Mrs. Hu's voice became softer and softer.
Gu Jiu, however, looked calm and nonchalant as he said, "If he really writes a letter of divorce, I will take it."
"You can't say that. It was just a quarrel, why is it so serious? Second aunt, listen to my advice, calm down, find a chance to be humble, apologize, and this hurdle will be over."
"Thank you for the reminder, sister-in-law. I'll think about it. Hey, there's movement!"
Is there a fish on the hook? Gu Jiu was very excited.
Su Zheng dropped the book in his hand and stepped forward quickly, "I'll do it!"
He snatched the fishing rod from Gu Jiu's hand and pulled it upwards.
Ha ha……
Sure enough, there was a harvest, a grass carp weighing two kilograms.
"Sister-in-law, don't leave. Stay and eat fish."
Gu Jiu said happily.
Mrs. Hu said, "I'll stay and have lunch with you at noon. After lunch, I'll rush back to the capital."
"Okay! I'll have someone prepare lunch now."
The servant came forward, picked up the fish basket and left, returning to the farm to prepare lunch.
Gu Jiu continued to sit on the shore and fish.
Hu asked, "There are already fish, do you still want to fish?"
Gu Jiu nodded. "What a wonderful time! Fishing is so relaxing. It's boring to go back to the manor, so sister-in-law, why don't you accompany me to fish here?"
Mrs. Hu nodded in agreement.
Basking in the autumn sun, I feel comfortable and warm.
Gu Jiu was wearing a straw hat and looked calm and at ease.
She likes the prosperous life in the capital, and also likes the idyllic life now.
During the days she lived in the manor, her heart felt unprecedented peace.
It also allows her to examine her own heart more calmly and rationally.
Hu chatted with her about Gu Yue.
Hu felt that Gu Yue was really capable of making trouble. Without making a sound, she managed to get herself to the position of Consort Liang in the palace.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Third sister got what she wanted. She wanted wealth and honor, fine clothes and delicious food, and status. Even if it meant being the prince's concubine, she would be happy with it."
Mrs. Hu shook her head. "The master was furious and threatened to disown Third Aunt. But Madam was kind enough to arrange a dowry for her. Large pieces of furniture, porcelain vases, and ornaments were all converted into silver and sent to Third Aunt to take to the palace."
"It's been over half a month since the Third Aunt entered the palace, and there's been no news at all. She hasn't even sent someone back to tell me if she's doing well."
Gu Jiu laughed, "Don't blame the third sister, sister-in-law. She has no choice. Don't forget, there is a concubine above the King of Chu. It is impossible for the third sister to do whatever she wants after entering the palace like before."
When Mrs. Hu heard this, her heart skipped a beat. "Is the Concubine Dowager really that powerful?"
Gu Jiu said softly, "The Concubine Dowager used to be the Crown Princess and has been in the harem for decades. Do you think she is powerful?"
Mrs. Hu felt sympathetic, "I wonder if Third Aunt will be tortured by the Concubine Dowager."
Gu Jiu said lightly, "If she behaves herself, the Concubine will naturally not deliberately cause trouble for her. If she stirs up trouble, you can't blame the Concubine for personally dealing with her."
"Hearing what Second Aunt said, is the Prince Chu's Mansion a den of dragons and tigers?"
"About the same."
Is there any fuel-efficient lamp in the Prince of Chu’s Palace?
Of course not.
The Concubine Sun and the Junior Supervisor Fang are both difficult people to deal with.
Just rely on Gu Yue's little cleverness and gain some more experience.
Near noon, we caught two crucian carps weighing half a pound, which we could use to make crucian carp soup.
I packed up my fishing rod and went back to eat.
There are fish, chicken and duck at noon.
They are all raised on the farm, very fresh.
Qingzhu’s cooking skills are impeccable.
Mrs. Hu was very satisfied with the meal and ate half a bowl of rice more than usual.
After eating, she and Gu Jiu sat under the shade of a tree and drank tea to help digest the food.
She couldn't help but persuade Gu Jiu to return to the palace as soon as possible and reconcile with Gongzi Zhao. Don't let everyone worry too much.
Gu Jiu listened with a smile, put down his teacup, and continued, "Sister-in-law, how do you think I'm living on the farm?"
"comfortable!"
Gu Jiu nodded. "I live here just to be free. Sister-in-law, there's no need to persuade me anymore. I'll go back when it's time."
"But people can't always be at ease; they must always take on responsibilities. That's why there's the saying 'seek freedom.'"
"Sister-in-law, what you said makes sense. Right now, right now, all I want is freedom. As for when I should take on my responsibilities, figuring that out means I'll have to say goodbye to freedom. Anyway, right now, right now, let me be free for a while longer. What do you say, sister-in-law?"
Mrs. Hu smiled helplessly, "Okay, I won't try to persuade you any more. I also hope you can figure it out as soon as possible."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, sister-in-law. I will keep it in mind."
"I should go back now. When you return to the capital, we'll get together again if we have the chance."
"OK."
Gu Jiu personally sent Hu to the carriage and watched her leave.
She stood at the gate and didn't look back.
Su Zheng stepped forward and asked softly, "Cousin Xiaojiu, do you want to go back?"
Gu Jiu shook his head slightly, "No!"
Su Zheng sighed, and then he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Since you're not going back, do you want to go up the mountain?"
Gu Jiu turned around and looked at him. "Thank you for your hard work these past two days, cousin. Next year is the year of the big exam, and I won't let it interfere with your studies. Why don't you go back to the capital first, cousin?"
"I've already memorized those books. Even if I don't study for three or five days, it won't affect next year's competition. Don't worry about me, little sister Jiu."
Gu Jiu lowered his head and said, "How can I waste my cousin's time?"
Su Zheng said solemnly: "It's just a little while, it won't matter. How can I stand idly by when my cousin Xiaojiu is in trouble? Gu Ting is not in the capital. If he were, he would definitely be by your side."
Gu Jiu nodded, "Okay. If you're willing, you can continue to live here. It's just that this place is simple, so please don't mind it."
"You're welcome, cousin."
Gu Jiu took some time to take care of the two farms that the palace had entrusted to her.
Everything that needs to be checked has been checked.
Afterwards, those who should be punished will be punished, those who should be chased away will be chased away, and those who should be beaten will be beaten.
In the two huge farms, everyone from the head to the manager was wiped out.
These people who were taken away were not just one person, but a complex network of relationships behind them.
They filed the complaint directly with Princess Pei.
Pei didn't expect that what Gu Jiu said before leaving, that he would take time to take care of the farm, turned out to be true.
Seeing the village manager kneeling on the ground, Pei was annoyed and left one person behind while driving everyone else out.
"There's something wrong with your account books. The eldest lady has seized upon you and is taking the opportunity to punish you. There's nothing wrong with that. What's the matter? Do you still want me to stand up for you?"
"I dare not! I have something else important to report."
"Go ahead." Pei didn't care much.
Once these servants' interests were affected, they became like mad dogs, biting whoever they caught.
"Your Majesty, the eldest lady has a strange man on the farm. This is absolutely true. Someone saw it with their own eyes."
"Stop talking nonsense."
Pei picked up the teacup and threw it at the village head. "Are you looking for death? You even dare to say such things. Do you really think the reputation of the palace can be trampled on at will?"
"This old slave deserves to die. This old slave deserves to die."
The head of the village kowtowed repeatedly, "But every word I said is true. There really is a man on the farm, and he goes in and out with the eldest lady every day. I heard the servants in the farm call him "cousin young master."
"Your Highness, something's not right. The eldest lady said she'd move out of the manor to relax, but for no apparent reason, why is there this man around?"
Pei's face turned pale. "Is there really a man on the farm, coming in and out with the eldest lady?"
"I dare not lie to you, Your Majesty. This is absolutely true. Someone saw it with their own eyes. If Your Majesty does not believe me, you can send someone to check the manor now. They will definitely find something."
Pei's expression kept changing.
"You said that the servants in the manor all call that man "Cousin Young Master"?"
"Exactly!"
Pei snorted coldly, "If I remember correctly, the Gu family's cousins, besides the Xie family, are the Chen family and the Su family. I wonder which cousin is so close to the eldest lady of the palace."
The village head said cautiously: "No matter which cousin it is, the eldest lady's behavior is too indecent, it is really..."
Bang!
The teapot lid hit the village head directly on the head.
The village head was confused.
Pei pointed at him and cursed, "Who do you think you are? How dare you speak nonsense in front of this princess? The reputation of the palace is ruined by people like you. Come, drag him out and gag him. Don't let him say a single word."
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