Chapter 40: The First Signs of Unity
As night deepened, the lanterns under the eaves swayed gently in the breeze, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Inside, candlelight shone brightly, and a faint scent of wine lingered in the air, mingling with the delicate jasmine fragrance emanating from Su Wanrou, creating a unique and tranquil atmosphere.
Su Wanrou gently pressed her fingertips on Gu Yangui's temples, and she could feel his tense forehead gradually relax as she patiently massaged it. The warmth of his palm seeped through the skin of her wrist, soothing her with a reassuring strength.
"Today... does the Qin family have anything else to say?" Gu Yangui asked suddenly with his eyes closed, his voice carrying a hint of drunken languor, yet still clear.
Su Wanrou continued working with her hands and replied softly, "In the afternoon, the Qin family sent someone to deliver some writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, saying they were for Xuan'er's early education, and they didn't mention the teacher again." She paused, her tone calm, "I accepted them as courtesy and returned a dignified gift, leaving no room for complaint."
"Hmm." Gu Yangui responded indifferently, "They are quite sensible."
His words were spoken calmly, yet they revealed a profound understanding of everything. Seeing his series of forceful measures, the Qin family knew they couldn't change the situation, so they immediately changed tactics, offering gifts to curry favor and maintain a superficial relationship. This ability to adapt to changing circumstances was typical of noble families.
"What about Grandma?" he asked again.
"Grandmother is very understanding. Hearing that my husband and the Grand Master of Ceremonies both approve of Mr. Du, she simply said yes and asked me to take extra care to make sure everything was arranged properly." Su Wanrou recounted the old lady's reaction in detail, omitting Liu Yiyi's brief awkwardness. Some things are better left unsaid; there's no need to spell everything out and add unnecessary trouble.
Gu Yangui slowly opened his eyes, took the hand that was massaging him, and gently pulled her in front of him. Su Wanrou was caught off guard, let out a soft cry, and fell onto the couch beside him, where he held her in his arms between the couch and the table.
"Husband?" She looked up, meeting his deep eyes. In the candlelight, his hard features seemed much softer, and his eyes held a complex mix of emotions she couldn't quite decipher—concern, scrutiny, and even a hint of...appreciation?
"You did a great job on this." Gu Yangui looked at her calmly. "You handled it with composure, without being arrogant or servile. At the last moment, you knew when to advance and when to retreat, and you knew how to leverage the situation."
He was referring to her insistence on going to visit Du Yulin, and later, in front of the Dowager Lady, how she skillfully used his decision and the attitude of the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy as the final basis, thus saving face for the Dowager Lady and completely securing the overall situation. This series of actions already demonstrated the demeanor of a matriarch.
Su Wanrou was a little embarrassed by his praise and lowered her eyelashes slightly: "I was just thinking that I shouldn't cause trouble for my husband, nor should I let Xuan'er suffer. If it weren't for my husband's efforts in the court, even if I had a lot of ideas, it would be useless." She meant it sincerely. After this incident, she realized more deeply how important Gu Yangui's support was in this high-ranking family, like a pillar of stability.
"Don't underestimate yourself." Gu Yangui raised his hand, his fingertips gently brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek, the movement carrying a tenderness he himself was unaware of. "The affairs of the inner quarters are your battlefield. I can shield you from the wind and rain, but how to establish yourself in this mansion, how to gain the trust of those above and below, ultimately depends on yourself. You... have done better than I imagined."
His fingertips, calloused and slightly rough, brushed against her delicate skin, sending a subtle shiver down her spine. Su Wanrou's heart quickened involuntarily, and her cheeks flushed slightly. He rarely spoke at such length, and even less so had he affirmed her so directly. This pleased her more than any precious jewel.
"My husband..." she murmured, her eyes glistening with tears, filled with dependence and emotion.
Seeing her like this, the hardened part of Gu Yangui's heart seemed to soften a little. He recalled that earlier that day at the Imperial Academy, the old Chancellor had initially been quite dismissive when he heard that he wanted to invite a young scholar to be the tutor of the heir apparent, his words implying that he was perhaps not mature enough because his wife was young. How had he responded then?
He remembered putting down his teacup, looking at the old chief priest, and speaking in a calm but unquestionable tone: "Although my wife is young, she is sensible and reasonable, and has particularly insightful views on raising children. Choosing Du Yulin was a mutual decision between my wife and me. If the chief priest feels it is inappropriate, he may as well examine her himself before making a judgment."
The old chief priest was taken aback by his attitude, but upon hearing that it was a joint decision between husband and wife, his expression softened somewhat. After a conversation with Du Yulin, he indeed found the young man to be quick-witted and insightful, and only then did he truly nod in approval and write that letter of encouragement.
Looking back now, his decision to push Su Wanrou forward without hesitation and "jointly" make the decision with her was perhaps not only to persuade the old chief minister, but also because deep down he had already recognized her status and ability as the mistress of the Duke's mansion.
"Today at the Imperial Academy," Gu Yangui suddenly spoke, his voice low, "I told the Chancellor that choosing Du Yulin was a decision we both shared."
Su Wanrou's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at him. He... he actually stated so clearly, in front of a great Confucian scholar like the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, that this was a joint decision made by him and his wife? This was tantamount to legitimizing her position within the highest circles of intellectuals, acknowledging that she had equal say with the master of the Zhenguo Duke's mansion in important matters!
A surge of warmth and indescribable excitement washed over her, making her nose sting and her eyes instantly redden. He had done far more than she knew! He had not only cleared obstacles for her in action, but also built a solid fortress for her in terms of status and reputation.
"What's wrong?" Seeing her eyes redden, Gu Yangui frowned slightly and gently wiped the corner of her eye with his fingertip. "Do you think I was being presumptuous?" He thought she was unhappy that he had said such things in front of outsiders without consulting her.
“No, no…” Su Wanrou quickly shook her head, her voice choked with emotion, “I am… I am happy.” She took his hand that was wiping away her tears and held it tightly, looking up at him with a smile through her tears, “My husband trusts me so much, I… don’t know how to repay him.”
Seeing her tear-streaked face yet radiant smile, Gu Yangui's heart stirred, and a long-suppressed emotion quietly welled up. He took her slightly cool hand in his own, pulling her closer until he could clearly see his reflection in her eyes and feel her warm breath brushing against his chin.
“We are husband and wife,” he gazed into her eyes, repeating what he had said before, but his tone was much deeper, “Why should we talk about repayment?”
His gaze was so deep, carrying an unmistakable heat. Su Wanrou's heart pounded like a drum, her cheeks flushed, and she instinctively tried to look away, but he trapped her within a small space, leaving her nowhere to escape. She trembled slightly, closed her eyes, and her long, curled eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings, betraying her inner tension and anticipation.
The expected kiss didn't come. She only felt a warmth on her forehead as his slightly cool lips gently pressed against hers. A cherished and restrained kiss moved her more than any passionate entanglement.
"Wanrou." He called her name softly, no longer the distant "Madam," but her given name. The two words, spoken by him, carried a magnetic huskiness that struck her heart.
"Hmm?" she responded softly, still not daring to open her eyes.
"In the future, there will be many complicated matters both inside and outside the manor. You and I should work together as we have done this time." His voice rang in her ears, a statement, but also a promise and expectation.
"Okay." Su Wanrou opened her eyes and looked into his deep eyes, where her image was clearly reflected. She nodded firmly, her tone firm yet gentle, "When husband and wife are of one mind, their strength can break metal. Although I am weak, I will do my utmost to protect our home with my husband."
“Our home…” Gu Yangui repeated these words softly, his hardened heart filled with an unfamiliar warmth. He had thought that after losing his parents, experiencing the battlefield, and even losing his nominal wife, home was merely a place to rest. Until this little girl entered his life, bringing her gentleness, her resilience, and the child who depended on him, this cold Duke's mansion regained the warmth of “home.”
He said nothing more, simply reaching out to gently pull her into his embrace. Su Wanrou nestled obediently against his strong chest, listening to his powerful and steady heartbeat, feeling the warmth and security of his embrace. All the previous anxiety, grievances, and today's excitement and joy gradually settled in this silent embrace, transforming into a tranquil harbor.
The candlelight crackled softly, and the gentle night enveloped the two embracing figures. No words were needed; a profound understanding and bond had already taken deep root in their hearts. From the initial thrill of their first meeting at the hunting grounds, to the estrangement on their wedding night, to the tender moments of daily life, and finally to their mutual understanding after facing challenges together… their relationship, at this moment, had finally transcended the initial trials and tribulations, truly stepping into a new stage—unity of heart.
After an unknown amount of time, Su Wanrou finally lifted her head slightly from his embrace and said softly, "My husband has drunk wine and worked hard all day. Shall I help you rest?"
Gu Yangui looked down at her. In the candlelight, her features were exquisite, and she possessed the shyness and tenderness of a newlywed. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and his voice was low and husky: "Okay."
That night, within the red silk tent, the lovers' necks intertwined, no longer a perfunctory obligation, but a tender embrace imbued with affection. His movements remained somewhat forceful, yet imbued with an indescribable patience and gentleness, while she gradually shed her initial awkwardness and fear, attempting to offer a hesitant yet sincere response. For them, the conjugal act, for the first time, truly held a meaning beyond mere ritual—a union of body and soul.
The next morning, Su Wanrou woke up in Gu Yangui's arms. As soon as she opened her eyes, she met a pair of deep eyes. He had been awake for some time and was quietly looking at her.
Su Wanrou's cheeks flushed, and she instinctively tried to dodge, but his arm tightened around her, rendering her unable to move.
"Husband... why didn't you call me when you woke up?" she whispered, burying her face in his chest, not daring to look him in the eye.
Gu Yangui looked at the red tips of the girl's ears in his arms, and chuckled softly, his chest heaving slightly. "Today is a day off."
He meant that he didn't need to attend court and could rest a little longer. Su Wanrou then remembered that today was his day off.
The two lay there for a while longer until Yunbin cautiously asked from outside if they should get up for breakfast. Only then did Su Wanrou hurriedly push him away and sit up. Gu Yangui watched her frantically getting dressed, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Mingxuan came over during breakfast. The little guy seemed to sense the unusually harmonious atmosphere between his parents and became especially excited, chattering incessantly.
"Father, Mother, when is the master coming? Xuan'er's new schoolbag is all ready!"
Su Wanrou smiled and wiped the porridge stains from the corner of his mouth: "Mr. Du's arm is slightly injured, so he can only come after it heals. Xuan'er, please be patient and wait. When the time comes, you can study hard with your teacher, okay?"
"Yes!" Mingxuan nodded vigorously, then asked curiously, "Father, is the master as skilled as you? Can he wield a sword?"
Gu Yangui rarely answered his son's question with such patience: "The teacher has read more books than your father and is very knowledgeable. What your father knows is how to protect our country. Xuan'er, if you learn well from the teacher, you will become a wise and responsible person in the future."
Mingxuan seemed to understand but not quite, but he was delighted to hear his father affirm that the teacher was "amazing".
Watching the interaction between the father and son, Su Wanrou maintained a gentle smile. This peaceful and warm morning was a happiness she had never dared to hope for before.
After breakfast, Gu Yan went to his study to handle official business. Su Wanrou then began to arrange the day's affairs. She first went to the residence prepared for Mr. Du to do a final check, confirming that everything was complete and the furnishings were elegant and quiet. She then went to the storeroom to select a few landscape paintings with a profound artistic conception and had them sent to decorate the study.
As he came out of the warehouse, he ran into Liu Yiyi, who was on her way to Songhetang.
Today, Liu Yiyi was wearing a light green dress that accentuated her slender figure, but her complexion seemed a little pale, and there were faint dark circles under her eyes. When she saw Su Wanrou, she paused for a moment, then forced a smile and stepped forward to greet her: "Greetings, Cousin-in-law."
“No need for such formalities, cousin.” Su Wanrou’s expression remained unchanged, and her tone was gentle. “Are you on your way to pay your respects to Grandmother?”
"Yes." Liu Yiyi looked up, her gaze sweeping over Su Wanrou's radiant face, especially the undisguised spring in her eyes and brows, and her heart ached as if pricked by needles. She forced a smile, her tone carrying a barely perceptible probing, "Sister-in-law, you look radiant today. It seems yesterday's matter was resolved satisfactorily, and you are in a great mood."
Su Wanrou could easily detect the sourness in her words, but she only smiled slightly and said calmly, "Finding a good teacher for Xuan'er has relieved a worry, so it's naturally a relief. But cousin, you seem a bit tired. Did you not get a good rest last night? Although accompanying Grandmother is important, cousin should also take care of her own health."
Her answer was impeccable, clearly stating that her happiness stemmed from the child's situation, while also subtly showing concern for Liu Yiyi, displaying an extremely superior attitude.
Liu Yiyi was so choked up that she couldn't breathe, and could only say dryly, "Thank you for your concern, sister-in-law. I understand."
"That's good. I still need to check tomorrow's shopping list, so I won't chat with my cousin any longer." Su Wanrou nodded with a smile, her hair now white as moonlight, and walked calmly past Liu Yiyi.
After walking a few steps, she could still feel the tangible gaze behind her, but she kept her back straight and walked with composure.
Back in the main courtyard, after finishing a few household chores, Su Wanrou thought for a moment, then spread out some stationery and began writing to her mother, the Lady of Yongchang. She didn't elaborate on the turmoil involved in choosing a tutor, only reporting the good news that she had found a virtuous and talented teacher for Mingxuan—a top scholar from Jiangnan—whom her husband and the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy highly approved of, and who would soon be coming to the manor. Her words conveyed a sense of peace and contentment.
She knew that her mother was always thinking of her back home, and this letter was enough to put her mother's mind at ease.
After writing the letter, she sealed it with sealing wax and handed it to a maid to deliver. Su Wanrou walked to the window and looked at the blooming crabapple blossoms in the courtyard. The warm sunlight shone on her, and a sense of peace and tranquility filled her heart.
Having weathered this storm, she was even more convinced that as long as she and her husband were of one mind, the sky over the Duke's mansion would not fall. And though there might be more challenges ahead, she was no longer afraid.
Because she wasn't fighting alone. Behind her was her husband, a man who seemed cold and hard, but who would always be there to protect her in the most crucial moments.
With shared goals and a promising future, we are ready to embark on a new journey.
End of Chapter 40
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