Chapter 54: Wearing it Close to the Body
Gu Yangui wore a purse embroidered by Su Wanrou to court, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples to spread quietly.
In the Zichen Hall, all the officials stood solemnly. As the Grand Secretary read the border military report, some sharp-eyed officials in the front row noticed the unusual color on the Duke of Zhenguo's waistband. The sapphire blue background, with a gold-embroidered horse, shimmered faintly in the morning light. Especially striking was the bright red sun outlined in deep crimson thread in front of the horse, a stark contrast to Gu Yangui's usual calm and understated style.
Some of the old ministers who were familiar with the Gu family, such as Minister of Personnel Li, took advantage of the moment before His Majesty spoke and whispered to the Marquis of Yongchang beside him: "Did you see that? The purse that Yan Gui has today is quite novel."
Marquis Yongchang squinted, scrutinizing the garment, and chuckled softly, his voice barely audible: "More than just novel, the stitching doesn't look like the work of the Imperial Workshops; it's more like... the work of a young lady from a noble family." The two exchanged a knowing glance, both seeing a hint of surprise and understanding in each other's eyes. It seemed that the young Duchess held a much heavier place in the cold-faced Duke's heart than they had imagined.
After the court session, officials walked out of the main hall in twos and threes. Some officials of the same or slightly lower rank as Gu Yangui, seeing that although his expression was still stern, his brows seemed to have lost some of the usual fierce coldness, mustered up their courage and stepped forward to strike up a conversation, and the topic naturally turned to the new purse.
"Your Excellency's purse is exquisitely embroidered and carries a wonderful meaning: a fine horse and a bright sun, a promising future!" A vice minister from the Ministry of War complimented with a smile.
Gu Yangui didn't stop walking, only giving a faint "hmm" in response. He neither displayed his usual coldness that made him unapproachable, nor did he say much more. But this "hmm" was a rare sign of easing in the ears of those around him. You see, in the past, if anyone dared to discuss the Duke of Zhenguo's clothing and accessories, they would likely have been frozen away by his icy gaze.
Several more nobles gathered around, their words laced with good-natured teasing.
"Brother Yan Gui, could it be that the embroiderer in your household has been replaced? Her skills have become much more refined."
"I don't think so. The stitches are so fine; it must have taken a lot of care. Perhaps... someone else is behind it?"
Gu Yangui's gaze swept over the crowd, taking in all the curious, inquisitive, and even slightly envious looks. He didn't directly admit that it was a gift from his wife, but when his well-defined fingers unconsciously touched the purse at his waist, his fingertips lingering on the red sun for a moment, that subtle movement and the fleeting tenderness in his eyes spoke volumes.
Everyone present was shrewd; seeing this, they immediately understood. They smiled, cupped their hands, and repeatedly said, "Congratulations, Duke!" and "Your Madam is intelligent and kind." Gu Yangui accepted the compliments without denial. This silent acquiescence was a more powerful declaration than any praise, demonstrating how much he valued this sentiment.
two
Upon returning to his residence from the palace, Gu Yangui went straight to his study to handle official business. His attendant, Gu Qing, while tending to his master's writing materials, also noticed the change in his master's appearance. Having served the Duke for over a decade, he knew his habits well; his clothes and accessories were always kept neat and presentable, never concerned with novelty. This suddenly appearing new purse, clearly imbued with a lady's air, was truly eye-catching.
Gu Qing was surprised but dared not ask any questions, and served him even more carefully. When it was time for the midday break, Gu Yangui took off his court robes and changed into a set of dark-colored casual clothes. He picked up the old purse and naturally took out the silver notes, small seals and other odds and ends, and then solemnly put them into the brand-new purse embroidered with a galloping horse and a red sun, and then tied it back to his waist.
The whole process was smooth and natural, as if it were something that should be taken for granted.
Watching from the side, Gu Qing felt a sudden sense of relief and joy. Finally, the Duke had someone who cared for him and was someone he could hold dear. He silently put away the worn-out old purse, thinking that perhaps he should find an opportunity to ask his wife what to do with this old item.
In the afternoon, Gu Yangui inspected the soldiers at the drill ground. He was dressed in a smart riding and archery uniform, his posture upright as a pine tree, his movements full of power. The purse swayed gently with his movements, the sapphire blue brocade shimmering delicately in the sunlight, creating a strange harmony with the solemn atmosphere on the field.
Some of the guards noticed it too and whispered among themselves:
"Did you see the Duke's new purse? It looks very smart!"
"It must have been given by the madam! Who would have thought that our Duke would be in this situation..."
"Hehe, this shows that the Madam and the Duke have a good relationship. It's a blessing for our household!"
Although the murmurs were low, a few inevitably reached Gu Yangui's ears. He didn't reprimand him as harshly as usual; his gaze simply swept over them, and the murmurs immediately ceased. The soldiers straightened their backs and trained even harder. However, a careful observer might have noticed that the Duke's tightly pursed lips seemed to have softened by a barely perceptible curve compared to usual.
three
Inside the Qiwu Courtyard, Su Wanrou was somewhat uneasy.
Since Gu Yangui left home that morning wearing the new purse, she outwardly went about her chores and spent time with Mingxuan as usual, but a nagging worry lingered in her heart. She couldn't help but wonder: what would his colleagues think of him wearing that purse to court? Would they laugh at him? Would they think her needlework was clumsy and unpresentable? Would the red sun he had personally mended look strange to others?
A jumble of thoughts swirled in her mind, making even her lunch taste bland.
"Mother, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Mingxuan noticed her absent-mindedness, put down his spoon, and asked with concern.
Su Wanrou snapped out of her daze and quickly smiled as she placed a piece of crab meat lion's head meatball, which Mingxuan loved, on her plate: "Mother is alright, Xuan'er, eat quickly, you still need to take a nap after you finish eating."
After putting Mingxuan to sleep, Su Wanrou returned to her room and stared blankly out the window. Yunbin brought in tea and snacks, and seeing her like this, smiled and asked, "Is Madam thinking about the Duke?"
Su Wanrou's face flushed, and she scolded, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Yuebai, being perceptive, softly replied, "Madam, are you worried about that purse? I think that since the Duke was willing to wear it, he must really like it. Didn't you see the expression on his face this morning when he put it on?"
Su Wanrou recalled that although he hadn't said anything praising, his eyes were gentle and his actions were very solemn. However… “After all, we were in the palace, with so many important figures watching…” she still felt somewhat insecure.
“Madam, you are overthinking it,” Yunbin said quickly. “What kind of person is our Duke? If he doesn’t want to, who can force him to wear it? Since he has worn it, he is telling everyone that this is your wish, Madam, and that he is happy to wear it!”
These words were like a ray of light, dispelling the gloom in Su Wanrou's heart. Yes, he was Gu Yangui, the Duke of Zhenguo, whom even His Majesty had to show deference to. Why should he care about the opinions of others? If he didn't like it, he would never force himself to wear it. The fact that he wore it every day was the best recognition.
Thinking of this, the unease in her heart was gradually replaced by a sweet feeling, and she began to look forward to the scene of his return home.
Four
At the end of Shenshi (3-5 PM), news came from the front courtyard that the Duke had returned to the mansion. Su Wanrou was playing the nine-linked rings game with Mingxuan in the warm pavilion when she heard the news and subconsciously adjusted her clothes and hair.
A moment later, footsteps sounded, and Gu Yangui's tall figure appeared at the door. He first removed his court robes and changed into a casual dark blue straight-cut robe, with the sapphire blue pouch prominently displayed at his waist.
"Father!" Mingxuan dropped the nine-linked rings and ran over happily.
Gu Yangui bent down to pick up his son, but his gaze naturally fell on Su Wanrou, who had stood up. His eyes lingered on her face for a moment, then slid down, sweeping over the purse at his waist, before returning to her eyes.
Su Wanrou's heart skipped a beat. She tried to remain calm, stepped forward, and slightly curtsied: "My husband is back."
"Hmm." Gu Yangui responded, put Mingxuan down, and asked casually, "How is everything at the manor today?"
"My lord, all is well," Su Wanrou replied, her eyes involuntarily glancing at the purse at his waist. Even after a whole day, the purse remained perfectly flat and crisp, showing how much care its owner had taken of it.
Gu Yangui followed her gaze and looked down, then raised his hand and casually flicked away non-existent dust from the purse with his finger, the movement perfectly natural. He said nothing, but this subtle gesture caused Su Wanrou's cheeks to blush. He noticed her concern and used this method to tell her that the purse was fine and that he always wore it.
The atmosphere at dinner was warmer than usual. Mingxuan chattered excitedly about the interesting things that happened at the family school, and Gu Yangui, though not very talkative, would respond occasionally. Su Wanrou ate her meal quietly, and every time she looked up, she could see the purse hanging quietly at his waist, like a silent promise that made her feel incredibly at ease and content.
five
In the days that followed, Su Wanrou discovered that Gu Yangui was indeed as she had hoped. Whether he was attending court, working, receiving guests, or living at home, he almost never took off the purse that she had embroidered herself.
When he changed out of his court robes, he would personally put the purse back on his everyday clothes; when he went to the military camp in his military uniform, he would immediately put the purse back on upon his return. It was as if it had become more than just an ordinary accessory for carrying odds and ends; it had become an indispensable part of his daily life.
Sometimes, when Su Wanrou woke up in the morning, she would see him already up, standing by the bed tying his purse. The morning light shone through the window, gilding his tall figure with a golden edge and illuminating the bright red sun on the purse. The sight captivated her.
Sometimes, when he was reviewing official documents in his study late into the night, Su Wanrou would bring him a late-night snack. She would see him occasionally pause writing, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the patterns on his purse, as if deep in thought, or perhaps just a habitual touch. Whenever this happened, an indescribable warmth would well up in her heart.
This "closely worn" sentiment is more powerful than any sweet words in the world. It is silent, yet carries immense weight. It carefully places her heart in the closest place to him, accompanying him day after day.
The servants in the manor were all clever, and seeing this, they held the young mistress in even greater awe. As a result, Su Wanrou felt more at ease and comfortable handling household chores and assigning tasks than before. She knew that this intangible feeling largely stemmed from Gu Yangui's constant "affirmation."
six
That day, Gu Yangui was on leave and had a rare moment of leisure, so he was reading in the pavilion in the courtyard. Su Wanrou brought over some freshly brewed tea and sat down beside him.
The early summer sunlight filtered through the gaps in the vines, creating dappled patterns. Gu Yangui put down his book, took the teacup, and his gaze fell on the purse at his waist. He suddenly said, "This purse is very useful."
Su Wanrou was pouring tea when she heard this, her hand trembled slightly, and she almost spilled the tea. She looked up and met his deep eyes. This was the first time he had mentioned the purse so clearly.
She smiled shyly, "I just hope my husband doesn't mind my clumsy cooking skills."
Gu Yangui looked at the shallow dimples on her cheeks, reached out, and instead of holding her hand, gently pinched her fingertips, which had been pricked by needles and were now almost healed.
"Does your hand still hurt?" he asked in a low voice.
Su Wanrou's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly shook her head: "It doesn't hurt anymore."
His calloused fingertips brushed against her delicate skin, sending a tingling sensation through her. This simple gesture touched her more deeply than any words of care. It turned out he had always remembered her injury.
“In the future…” Gu Yangui paused, seemingly considering his words, “there’s no need to do these things anymore, it’s too exhausting.”
Su Wanrou sensed his heartache in his words. She mustered her courage, gently grasped his fingers in her hand, and said softly, "I am willing to do these things for my husband, and I do not feel that it is exhausting."
The sun shone warmly, and the aroma of tea wafted through the pavilion. He looked at his reflection clearly in her eyes, and at the unreserved affection in them. The long-frozen wasteland in his heart seemed to melt completely under the warm sun, bursting with life.
He didn't speak again, but simply closed his fingers, tightly enveloping her soft hand in his palm. The two sat quietly in the pavilion, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility. The purse at his waist and the jade bracelet he had given her years ago shimmered in the sunlight.
seven
The story of "wearing it close to the body" did not end within the Duke's mansion.
Soon, the capital's elite circles all knew that Duke Gu Yangui cherished the purse given to him by his new wife to the point of being inseparable from it. This even subtly sparked a trend, with ladies from various families following suit, personally making purses, sachets, and other personal items for their husbands or sweethearts to express their affection.
Those who had previously looked down on Su Wanrou because of her young age and less prestigious family background have completely abandoned their ulterior motives. The Duke of Zhenguo has declared his protection and love for his young wife in the most direct way. Now, who would dare to underestimate this pampered young lady from the Yongchang Earl's Mansion? She has firmly established herself as the mistress of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion and is deeply loved by the Duke.
Su Wanrou had occasionally heard these comments from the outside world, but she simply smiled and ignored them. For her, what mattered most was never the opinions of others, but the sense of peace and happiness she felt every day when she could see him wearing the gift she cherished.
In the quiet of the night, she sometimes wondered if fate had ordained her marriage. That unexpected horse accident was both a curse and a blessing. It brought her to the side of this aloof and dignified man. From her initial unease to their growing intimacy, every step felt like walking on clouds, yet being steadily supported by his broad, kind hands.
And Gu Yangui, in the weary late nights of reviewing official documents, or during the quiet moments in the military camp, would feel his hardened heart soften when his fingertips touched the warm brocade and fine stitches at his waist. That small figure, buried in embroidery under the lamp, her fingertips covered in scratches, had unknowingly been deeply etched into his heart, becoming the softest yet strongest armor and refuge in his life of battle and conquest.
What you wear close to your body is more than just a purse. It's a person you've carefully placed into your life, accompanying you day after day, year after year.
End of Chapter 54
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