Chapter Four: Deep Within the Red Mansion
At the maid's soft reminder, she realized she must have arrived "home." Huairou strode forward, stepping onto the smooth, mirror-like bluestone steps, towards the vermilion gate that symbolized power and status. Moments later, the gate quietly opened, and servants were already waiting respectfully. Passing through winding doorways and screens, a breathtaking view unfolded before her: pavilions and towers, with their soaring eaves and intricate brackets, nestled among ancient trees and exotic flowers, their winding corridors stretching as far as the eye could see. The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees, mingled with a faint aroma of sandalwood, tranquil and solemn.
Before they had gone far, a lady, surrounded by a group of maids, hurried toward them. The lady appeared to be around forty years old, dressed in a deep purple brocade dress with a peony scroll pattern, over which she wore a honey-colored gauze vest. Her dark hair was adorned only with a single translucent jade hairpin and a few small pearl flowers, giving her an elegant yet dignified appearance. Her face was kind and beautiful, her skin was very well-maintained, and her features bore a resemblance to Huairou's, yet at this moment, she wore an undisguised expression of anxiety and concern.
"Huairou! My darling, why are you so late leaving school today? I've been waiting so long!" The lady smiled before speaking, her voice gentle and naturally affectionate. She quickly stepped forward, naturally reaching out to tidy Huairou's not-so-disheveled temples, then gently brushing her shoulder with tender, loving strokes. "The whole family is waiting for you to start the feast! Your father and brother are both back today; it's a rare reunion, and we're only missing you, our little princess! Go quickly, change into something comfortable, don't keep them waiting."
Looking at the woman before her, whose eyes were filled with love for her, Huairou felt a gentle touch on the softest part of her heart. This was Guo Huairou's mother, Lady Xiang. Instinctively, she slightly curtsied, wanting to offer a greeting, but the word "Mother" stuck in her throat, impossible to utter. In the real world, her own mother, also a mother, had mostly given her urging and judgments like "seize the time, don't waste your life" and "be proactive, don't be lazy." She had never received such tender, warm concern. A slight tingling in her nose, she lowered her eyelashes to conceal the surging emotions, and softly said, "I...I'm sorry to have worried you. I'm fine. I just ran into an old friend at the academy today, which delayed me for a moment. I'll tell you the details when I have time."
Upon hearing this, Lady Xiang's eyes flashed with surprise. She felt that her daughter's tone was different from usual, but she didn't delve into it. She simply patted her daughter's hand affectionately, saying, "Go quickly. Your father and brother are probably waiting to see you in the front hall." Then, she carefully examined Huairou's complexion and said softly, "My child, you look quite well today. This blue robe makes you look very energetic. Studying is important, but don't overwork yourself. Look how cold your hands are." As she spoke, she took off a warm jade bracelet from her wrist and slipped it onto Huairou's wrist without further ado. "This is something I wear all year round; it's very warm. Wear it so you don't catch the chill of the night."
A warm touch spread across her wrist, a gentle warmth coursing through her veins. Huairou's heart swelled, and she almost wept. This meticulous care was something she had never experienced before. She decided to take it one step at a time. She was very curious about what her father and brother, whom her mother had described, looked like and what kind of people they were. This urging likely stemmed from a deep longing for their arrival.
Looking at her "mother's" gentle smile, Huairou was overwhelmed with emotion. This warm, nurturing maternal love was a luxury she had never received from her real mother. She recalled her home in that small, fifth-tier city. Her father was always taciturn at home, his concern for her a rigid, responsible one. Only when he was engaged in his work did he become energetic and vibrant, as if he had come alive. Her mother, on the other hand, was like a wound-up clock, always anxious about not meeting her work standards, her daily life a hectic frenzy with no moment of joy. As a child, when she wanted to sleep in on weekends, she was always met with nagging, "Why aren't you up yet? Sleeping is a waste of life." As an adult, when she was tired from work and wanted to rest, she was met with complaints like, "You're so young, why do you need so much sleep? You're not focused on anything." Yes, she was simply a child, a burden her parents had to bear after they were expected to marry, a tool for her to live a life of excellence and efficiency.
Home was suffocatingly oppressive. She studied with all her might, hoping to escape. After years of struggling in the city, she had seen too many women like herself, without parental support, struggling to survive on their own, trying to find a balance between "being themselves" and "being a useful member of society." But perhaps some people are born with choices: she envied those girls from privileged backgrounds, born with advantages, who were respected and cherished every day, envying their ability to make the choices they liked with ease. She never imagined that one day she too could have a moment of peace without the anxiety of survival.
Led by a maid, Huairou returned to her room. The room was spacious and bright, elegantly furnished. A rosewood desk stood by the window, upon which sat the Four Treasures of the Study (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper). The display cabinet held exquisite jade artifacts and antiques, all shaped like adorable little animals—her parents must have gone to great lengths to collect these delicate trinkets to please their daughter. A faint fragrance of lilies filled the air. Outside the window, a corner of a refined garden could be seen, with artificial hills, flowing water, and lush flowers and trees. She removed her slightly formal blue robe and walked to the large rosewood wardrobe. Opening the doors, she found it filled with dresses of all colors—silk, satin, gauze, and brocade—categorized by color and season, a complete collection. She chose a soft, flowing, lake-green embroidered lotus-patterned ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), its soft, silky texture feeling like a second skin. After changing into her new dress, she sat down at her dressing table. The tabletop was made of smooth rosewood, and on it sat an exquisite tortoiseshell vanity case. When she opened it, she found it filled with pearl hairpins, ornaments, cosmetics, and perfumes. A maidservant stepped forward and skillfully restyled her hair, adorning it with several pearl hairpins that matched her dress and a kingfisher feather butterfly hair ornament.
Huairou gazed at the gleaming bronze mirror with its lotus-patterned design. Reflected in it was a face both familiar and unfamiliar. The features were still Ji Moli's, but there were no traces of time or weariness from toil. Her skin was full, radiant, and delicate; she was about sixteen or seventeen, beautiful and charming. Her long, flowing black hair was skillfully styled into an exquisite bun, accentuating her long, jade-like neck. The person in the mirror's eyes sparkled with a hint of bewilderment and surprise, adding to her innocent charm. She gently touched her cheek, the delicate touch so real. No premature gray hair, no dull complexion, no fine lines from long nights and anxiety… Moli thought, stunned: So this is how beautiful I am without gray hair. A small, long-lost joy, like a spring stream, quietly melted the ice in her heart. Today's events were bizarre and breathtaking, but the youthful face reflected in the mirror and the exquisite, comfortable surroundings stirred within her a joy that, though not real, had long been anticipated. This was perhaps the only thing since she had experienced a dream that felt truly pure and beautiful.
Just as she was staring blankly at herself in the mirror, a series of hurried, forceful footsteps and a hearty male voice called out from outside the door: "Huairou! Where have you been hiding, you little rascal? Look what new gadgets your brother brought you! If you don't show up soon, I'll give this treasure to the Zhang family's young lady next door!"
Before the words were even finished, a tall figure swept into the room like a whirlwind. The newcomer was upright and imposing, dressed in a dark blue, patterned, close-fitting outfit, a rhinoceros horn leather belt around his waist, and black boots. Broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his movements carried a swift, powerful air, clearly indicating he had just returned from outside, still bearing the aura of travel-worn traveler, yet unable to conceal his vibrant energy. He was handsome, with sword-like eyebrows that slanted sharply towards his temples, bright, piercing eyes, a high nose, and full lips, bearing a striking resemblance to the Prince of Xiang, but with a touch more of the battlefield-hardened, heroic spirit and untamed spirit in his features. At this moment, a smile played on his lips, his bright eyes brimming with undisguised joy, making him like a warm, dazzling ray of sunshine, instantly illuminating the entire room. He mysteriously placed his hands behind his back, tilting his head to look at Huairou, a mischievous glint in his eyes: "Guess? A reward if you guess right, and if you guess wrong… well, you won't get any of this good stuff!"
Huairou was infected by his joy. Although she had no memory of this "brother," she couldn't help but feel a little expectant. She tilted her head and asked cooperatively, "What is it? Is it some strange trinket brought from the border? Or... some kind of delicacy that even the capital doesn't have?"
"Haha, you glutton, all you know is food!" Guo Qiyu laughed loudly, no longer keeping her in suspense, and suddenly raised his hands, which had been hidden behind his back, to her face. Those large hands, with distinct knuckles and calloused fingertips typical of martial artists, carefully cradled a fluffy, snow-white little thing—it was a tiny rabbit, pure white without a single blemish, with ruby-like eyes peeking out timidly, and long ears trembling slightly!
"It's a rabbit! A white rabbit!" Huairou blurted out, her eyes instantly drawn to the soft, snow-white fur. She couldn't help but reach out and gently touch its soft downy fur.
Guo Qiyu watched his sister's delighted expression with a beaming smile, his heart filled with satisfaction. Before Huairou could react, he naturally extended his strong arms and gave her a firm, warm, and sunny hug. Then, he bent down and quickly planted a kiss on her smooth forehead, carrying the fresh scent of outdoor grass and trees. The movements were fluid and seamless, full of the unrestrained boldness of a military family and his unreserved doting affection for his sister. "How is it? Do you like it? I saw it on the way, thinking you would definitely like it, so it took a lot of effort to bring it back safely. This little thing is quite timid; it gave me quite a bit of trouble on the way."
Huairou froze instantly at his sudden act of intimacy, her cheeks flushing uncontrollably. She had no memory of this "brother," and a sense of unfamiliarity and shyness instinctively rose within her. However, Guo Qiyu's smile was too bright and sincere, his embrace too warm and strong; his affectionate gesture was devoid of any impurities, only pure love and care. The faint scent emanating from him, a mixture of sunshine, dust, and horse breath, wasn't unpleasant; instead, it gave her a reassuring sense of security. The icy wall of unfamiliarity that had built within her heart cracked quietly under this unpretentious, sun-like warmth. She carefully took the shivering, warm, and soft little rabbit; the fluffy touch spread from her palm to her heart, tickling and warm. Her childlike innocence naturally surfaced in the face of such unburdensome affection. She no longer needed to pretend to be the all-powerful office worker, nor the strong mother and wife she had to be at home. At this moment, she was just a young girl cherished by her family, her heart and eyes only filled with the fluffy little life in her arms. Watching it gently wriggle in her hands, the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up, revealing a genuine smile: "I love it! Thank you, brother! It's so cute."
"Guo'er, my precious daughter, let your father see you! Have you grown taller again? What are you whispering to your brother in the room?" A loud and loving voice, like the deep and warm tolling of a bell, passed through the carved wooden door. The voice arrived before the person, carrying an undeniable presence and deep affection.
Huairou looked up and saw a burly, broad-shouldered middle-aged man stride in. He wore a dark blue brocade robe with bat patterns, without armor, yet his gait still exuded the composure and authority of a seasoned warrior. His face was resolute, his skin a bronze hue from years of wind and sun, deep wrinkles etched at the corners of his eyes and forehead, adding to his fortitude. His piercing eyes, sharp as an eagle's, were now filled with an almost clumsy, gentle smile, the fine lines at the corners of his eyes giving him an exceptionally kind appearance. This was his father, Guo Shichang.
"Father," Huairou quickly and gently placed the little rabbit on the cushioned embroidered stool. Relying on her vague memory and Wang Shi's reminder, she awkwardly performed a curtsy and said shyly, "Your daughter greets you."
Guo Shichang laughed heartily, his voice echoing through the roof tiles. He paid no heed to his daughter's slight awkwardness in manners, patting her shoulder firmly with his large, warm, calloused hand—a force that was full of pride and affection: "Good! Good! Like father, like daughter! My Guo'er has indeed become much more energetic! Look at her complexion, rosy and healthy, even more beautiful than your mother was in her youth!" His voice was booming, making one's eardrums buzz, yet it carried immense warmth. He then turned to Guo Qiyu and jokingly scolded, "You brat, you've been clinging to your sister as soon as you got back, not letting her rest!" But there was no reproach in his tone. He carefully examined Huairou, his gaze gentle. "How is she at the academy? Has anyone bullied my daughter? If so, tell your father, and your father will stand up for you!"
"Don't worry, Father, everything is fine at the academy, and the classmates are all very kind," Huairou replied softly, feeling a sense of peace in her heart as she felt the warmth and strength emanating from that broad, warm hand.
"That's good! Come on over, everyone!" Guo Shichang waved his hand, beaming with pride. "It's a rare treat that Qi Yu is back today too. Our whole family is reunited; it's a joyous occasion! The food and drinks are all ready. Your mother even cooked a few of your favorite dishes herself. Let's all go to the backyard for a few drinks and a chat! We won't leave until we're drunk! Qi Yu, bring out the good wine you brought back from the border!"
The banquet was held in the warm pavilion in the back garden, its windows open on all sides, letting in a gentle breeze and the fragrance of lotus blossoms. The pavilion was brightly lit, illuminating the exquisite cups, plates, and bowls. While the dishes weren't extravagantly luxurious, each one was refined and delicious, clearly prepared with care. Lady Xiang personally served the food and poured the wine, her eyes gentle, frequently urging Huairou to eat more of the tender fish sashimi, and placing Qi Yu's favorite roasted mutton on his plate, her voice soft and caring. Guo Shichang was in high spirits, repeatedly raising his glass, chatting with his son about the frontier scenery and anecdotes from the court, his voice loud and clear, occasionally bursting into hearty laughter. Qi Yu, on the other hand, enthusiastically recounted the vast landscapes beyond the Great Wall, the unique customs of the tribes, and the hilarious anecdotes from the army, eliciting continuous laughter from his mother and Huairou. He also specifically mentioned, "I saw this rabbit at a tribal market. The old woman there said it was a blessed rabbit bestowed by the moon goddess, and keeping it would bring peace. I thought Huairou would definitely like it, so I traded it for a jade pendant I always carried with me."
Huairou listened quietly, savoring the delicious dishes. The jade bracelet on her wrist felt warm and smooth, while the little rabbit in her arms dozed peacefully on her lap. In this warm and harmonious atmosphere of clinking glasses, she gradually relaxed and pieced together a clearer picture of her family from their unguarded chatter: Her father, Guo Shichang, was a descendant of a founding hero. His ancestors had fought alongside the founding emperor, achieving great military exploits and being granted hereditary titles. Now, he himself held the position of Minister of War, in charge of the troop movements nationwide. He enjoyed the emperor's deep trust and was a crucial pillar in the court's military system. Her elder brother, Guo Qiyu, was already a renowned general in the army at a young age. He was brave and skilled in battle, yet also meticulous despite his rough exterior. He had served alongside their father on the border for many years, repeatedly achieving military merits and becoming a leading figure among the younger generation of generals. Guo Huairou, at the tender age of sixteen, was studying at Qingshan Academy, a school exclusively for the sons of princes and nobles. Her elder brother had also been a top student there, excelling in both literature and martial arts. Her mother, Lady Xiang, came from a collateral branch of the imperial family. Although not a direct descendant, she was still a relative of the emperor. Gentle and virtuous, she managed the household impeccably and was a capable assistant to her father. Today, she had met a classmate at the academy, Lu Binghui, who turned out to be the eldest son of the current prime minister, Lu Xian. The two families were old friends, with a close relationship, and it seemed… there was some unspoken understanding between them. During their conversation, they also mentioned the princes in the palace, especially the seventh prince, Yunji, whom Huairou had met briefly that day. She had heard that Yunji had lost his mother at a young age, his mother's identity was a mystery, and he was helpless and alone in the palace. Although a prince, his mother's family was weak, making his situation among his brothers quite difficult, and he was often ostracized.
Listening to these words, Huairou silently chewed her food, her mind filled with countless thoughts. The saying "a mother's status rises with her son's" was often mentioned, but a child also needs a mother's protection to grow up safely, and the support of their maternal clan to go further. How lonely and helpless must a child who has lost his mother be in this deep palace, facing open and hidden dangers? Thinking of Yunji's face, so similar to her son's, yet carrying a calm and aloofness beyond his years, a strong feeling of pity and protectiveness welled up within her. She gently tightened her grip on her chopsticks, her fingertips turning slightly white, and silently resolved: since fate had given her another chance to meet "her own child" among the vast sea of humanity, given her a distinguished family background and a warm and loving family, then in this life, she would do everything in her power to protect that child who resembled her own flesh and blood, and let him have a beautiful life.
The banquet continued for a long time in a warm and harmonious atmosphere until the moon began to set. Huairou, holding the warm little white rabbit, returned to her exquisite and cozy boudoir accompanied by her maids. The moonlight outside the window was like water, spilling onto the delicate window frames; the courtyard was filled with the fragrance of flowers and the swaying shadows of trees. She settled the little white rabbit in a bamboo basket lined with soft cloth, gently stroking its soft fur. Everything that had happened today felt like a dream. From the modern world, filled with sorrow, pressure, and alienation, she had suddenly fallen into this seemingly perfect ancient noble family, possessing everything she had once longed for but could never have—youth, beauty, a noble family background, and an unbreakable bond of kinship. All of this was so beautiful it seemed unreal, yet she was truly experiencing it now. And that young man she had glimpsed in the brocade palace had further bound her tightly to this unfamiliar era. The road ahead may still be unknown, but at least for now, in this solid and warm harbor, she feels a long-lost peace and happiness called "home".
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