Chapter 2: Hero Saves the Beauty
The incident of the startled horse at the hunting grounds was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, its ripples quickly spreading to every corner of the capital. Naturally, it did not escape the notice of the old lady who had controlled the inner quarters of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion for many years—Gu Yangui's maternal aunt, Madam Liu.
In the capital city, at the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion, Songhe Hall.
Although it was late spring, a faint scent of sandalwood still lingered in the hall, creating a slightly somber atmosphere. The elderly Madam Liu, well past sixty, sat regally in a rosewood armchair inlaid with mother-of-pearl at the head of the table. She wore an ochre-colored brocade jacket with an endless swastika pattern, her hair meticulously combed, and adorned with a set of exquisite jadeite jewelry. Her face was well-maintained, but the deep lines around her eyes and her tightly pursed lips revealed the authority of someone who had held power for many years, along with a subtle, almost imperceptible rigidity.
Seated at the lower seat was a woman of simple attire, around thirty years old, who was none other than Zhao Yueru, the elder sister of Gu Yangui's deceased first wife, Zhao. Her husband's family were civil officials of the Qingliu faction, whose status was far less prominent than that of the Duke's mansion. However, because of her connection with her deceased sister, and because she was adept at interpersonal relationships, she often came to the mansion to accompany the old lady, and thus gained some favor with Liu Shi.
“Aunt, have you heard? Yesterday during the spring hunt, Yan Gui…” Zhao Yueru held a teacup, her tone filled with just the right amount of worry and fear, “It was terrifying! That young lady from the Yongchang Marquis’s family was far too careless. If Yan Gui hadn’t been so skilled, the consequences would have been unimaginable.”
Madam Liu twirled the sandalwood prayer beads in her hand, not even lifting her eyelids, her voice calm yet tinged with coldness: "It was just an accident. Yan Gui is a military general, saving people is his duty. But..." She paused, the prayer beads stopping between her fingers, "His Majesty's words at the palace banquet are worth pondering."
Zhao Yueru's heart tightened. She had come today precisely to inquire about this matter. She put down her teacup, leaned forward slightly, and lowered her voice: "Aunt, do you mean... His Majesty truly intends to arrange a marriage? But that Miss Su's family is far too low in social standing. The Yongchang Marquis's mansion is now just an empty shell, and Miss Su is an illegitimate child... Although she is registered under the legal mother's name, she is still a step below. How can she be worthy of Yan Gui? How can she be the mistress of this Duke's mansion? Mingxuan, that child..." She paused at the right moment, picked up a handkerchief, and dabbed at the corner of her eye, "If my sister in the afterlife knew, I'm afraid she wouldn't be able to rest in peace."
Mentioning her grandson Mingxuan, Old Madam Liu's expression darkened further. A woman of strong character throughout her life, she single-handedly supported her family after her husband's early death, raising her sister's only son, Gu Yangui, and witnessing his achievements and eventual inheritance of the Duke's title. In her heart, the reputation of the Duke's mansion, her grandson Mingxuan's future, and even the control of the household were paramount. She didn't oppose Gu Yangui remarrying, but she had to oversee the selection of a suitable woman—a daughter of a prominent family, virtuous and dignified, and ideally, someone who would be of one mind with her to uphold the "legitimacy" of the Duke's mansion.
How could a concubine's daughter from a declining noble family, so young, possibly shoulder such a heavy responsibility? Moreover, how many eyes were watching yesterday's scene—a hero saving a damsel in distress—what if Gu Yangui developed feelings for her...?
"Whether he is worthy or not is not for you or me to decide, nor can His Majesty decide with a single word." Old Madam Liu flicked her prayer beads again, her tone regaining its usual calm. "We both know Yan Gui's temperament. If he is unwilling, His Majesty will not force him. Right now, let's see how the Yongchang Marquis's mansion reacts, but more importantly..." She raised her eyes, her gaze sharp as she looked at Zhao Yueru, "...the entire mansion, especially those around Mingxuan, must be watched more closely. That child is of utmost importance."
Zhao Yueru immediately understood and nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, Aunt. Mingxuan is my own nephew, and I will definitely pay extra attention to him. However... as for Yan Gui, Aunt will need to give him more advice."
Old Madam Liu said nothing more, only waving her hand to signal Zhao Yueru to leave. Sitting alone in the empty hall, she gazed at the white magnolia in full bloom in the courtyard outside the window, her eyes filled with an unfathomable darkness. The atmosphere in this Duke's mansion seemed to be brewing a storm, as if a sudden, startled horse had caused a commotion.
Meanwhile, inside the Yongchang Earl's residence, a completely different scene unfolded.
The Earl's residence was located in the western corner of the capital. The mansion was not large, and the furnishings exuded a sense of decline and antiquity. But at this moment, a strange excitement and unease permeated the entire mansion because of yesterday's events.
Madam Wang, the legal mother, was a middle-aged woman with a slightly haggard face but shrewd eyes. She sat in her daughter Su Wanrou's boudoir, holding her hand and wiping away tears with a mixture of heartache and lingering fear: "My child, you scared me to death! If anything had happened to you, how could I live!" She carefully examined her daughter's still somewhat pale face, "Is there anything else that feels uncomfortable? Are you dizzy? Is your heart palpitating? Have you drunk the calming soup prescribed by the imperial physician?"
Su Wanrou leaned against the soft couch by the window, a thin brocade quilt covering her. She seemed much calmer than yesterday, though a trace of weariness from the shock lingered in her eyes. She softly reassured her mother, "Mother, I'm really alright. It's just...it's just that I still feel a little scared when I think about it." The terrifying scene from yesterday involuntarily surfaced in her mind, especially those strong, powerful arms and that person's deep, steady voice...
"It's good that you're alright, it's good that you're alright!" Madam Wang patted her chest, then changed the subject, lowering her voice with barely suppressed excitement, "Rou'er, do you know what His Majesty said at the palace banquet yesterday, in front of so many princes and ministers?"
Su Wanrou raised her clear almond-shaped eyes and looked at her mother with a hint of doubt.
Madam Wang leaned closer and lowered her voice: "His Majesty said that the Duke of Zhenguo's heroic rescue of the beauty was the will of Heaven, and it might just be a beautiful love story!" After she finished speaking, she stared intently at her daughter's reaction.
Su Wanrou's face flushed crimson, the color spreading to her ears. She instinctively lowered her eyelids, her long eyelashes trembling like butterfly wings, her fingers unconsciously twisting the corner of the blanket: "Mother... His Majesty... His Majesty might be joking. The Duke... what a figure he is, how could I... how could I possibly presume to be worthy of him..."
"How can this be considered marrying above your station!" Madam Wang exclaimed hastily, then realized her mistake and quickly lowered her voice, "My silly daughter, this is a golden opportunity! The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion! That's a family that our Su family could never hope to befriend for generations! Although the Duke is his second wife and is older than you, he holds a high position and great power, and his mansion is peaceful with only one adopted son... If you can marry into that family, you will be a proper first-rank duke's wife! In the future, our Su family and your brother's future will be secured!"
Listening to her mother's words, Su Wanrou's heart pounded like a deer's, a mixture of panic and an indescribable flutter. The man's figure—cold, imposing, and powerful—was like a towering mountain, inspiring instinctive awe in her. But the moment she was held in his arms yesterday, that unprecedented sense of security, and that deep glance he gave her before leaving… stirred ripples in her heart.
“But… Mother,” she said in a voice barely audible, “Would the Duke… be willing? Besides, there’s the old lady in the mansion, and that young master…” Although she was young, she knew that being a wife in a high-ranking family was not easy, especially being a second wife.
"Whether you're willing or not, you'll only know after you try!" Madam Wang's eyes gleamed. "Your father went out early this morning to gather information. Although our family can't compare to the Duke's mansion, you are, after all, the legitimate daughter of the Earl's family (though nominally born of a concubine, you are publicly referred to as legitimate). Your looks and temperament are both top-notch, and yesterday it happened in front of everyone... Given the opportunity, it's not impossible to succeed!"
Just then, a maid came to report that the lord had returned to the manor.
Madam Wang immediately rose and hurried to the front hall. Su Wanrou remained alone in her room, her mind troubled. She walked to the window, pushed open the lattice window, and saw a jasmine plant in the courtyard with small buds, its fragrance faint. She stared at the buds, lost in thought. Her future destiny seemed shrouded in a fog, and the Duke of Zhenguo, Gu Yangui, was the only clearly visible yet unattainable figure within that fog.
The outer study of the Duke of Zhenguo's residence.
Gu Yangui removed his court robes and changed into a black casual outfit, which made him appear even more upright. He dismissed his attendants, leaving only his personal servant Gu Qing to attend to him with writing materials.
The study was simply furnished, with shelves full of military and historical books and a map of the territory hanging on the wall. The air was filled with the scent of ink and a faint aroma of pine, quite different from the perfume and cosmetics of the inner quarters.
As Gu Qing ground the ink, he carefully observed his master's expression and said cautiously, "Lord Duke, today in court, several officials subtly inquired about yesterday's hunting grounds incident..."
Gu Yangui's hand, still holding the pen, continued to review a document from the Ministry of War regarding the allocation of provisions for the border troops, his voice indifferent: "Oh? What does it say?"
"They were simply praising your skills and saying that Miss Su was very lucky..." Gu Qing carefully chose his words, "However, two imperial censors hinted that since His Majesty had granted your request, it would be a wonderful story if you were interested..."
With a soft "crack," Gu Yangui unintentionally cracked the handle of his purple-tipped brush. He paused, put the brush down, and raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Gu Qing with icy indifference.
Gu Qing trembled in fright and quickly bowed, saying, "This servant has spoken out of turn! This servant deserves to die!"
Gu Yangui withdrew his gaze, looked out the window, and remained silent for a moment. He hadn't wanted to dwell on yesterday's events. To him, rescuing someone from danger was no different from saving a soldier on the battlefield. However, the Emperor's joke, the court officials' probing, and even his aunt's seemingly concerned but actually scrutinizing gaze upon returning home, all made him realize that this matter was unlikely to be easily resolved.
That girl named Su Wanrou… His pale, delicate face and those clear, almond-shaped eyes that reflected his own image reappeared in his mind. Indeed… she was different from those affected noble ladies in the capital. Especially that lingering fragrance of jasmine, it seemed to still be on his nose.
"What's going on at the Yongchang Marquis's residence?" he suddenly asked, his voice devoid of emotion.
Gu Qing hurriedly replied, "Reporting to you, sir, it seems that the Earl of Yongchang visited several old friends today, but the specifics of the visit are still unclear. However... it is said that Miss Su has been recuperating at home since returning to the manor and has not gone out."
Gu Yangui hummed in response and stopped talking. He picked up a pen again and continued reviewing documents, as if his question had been just a casual remark.
But Gu Qing, who had followed him for many years, keenly sensed that his master seemed somewhat absent-minded today. He was reviewing documents at a slightly slower pace than usual.
As night deepened, the inner courtyard of the Duke's mansion, where Mingxuan lived, was brightly lit.
Five-year-old Gu Mingxuan finished his bath and wore a snow-white nightgown, but refused to go to bed obediently. Instead, he pestered his wet nurse, Granny Zhang, to tell him stories.
"Granny, tell me another one! Tell me the story of Father's great battle against the Northern Di Wolf Lord!" Mingxuan grabbed Granny Zhang's arm and shook it.
Granny Zhang, around forty years old, had a kind face. She was the wet nurse Gu Yangui had carefully chosen for his son, and she was loyal and reliable. She patted Mingxuan's back with a smile: "Little darling, how many times have I told you that story? It's getting late, you should rest. You have to go to school tomorrow."
"No, no!" Mingxuan pouted. "Father didn't come to see me today..." The little guy's tone was aggrieved. In the past, if his father returned home early, he would always come to see him, test his studies, or play with him for a while.
Granny Zhang sighed inwardly. Today, the household was in turmoil because of the hunting ground incident. After returning home, the Duke was summoned by the Old Madam for a talk, and later went to his study to handle official business. He probably wouldn't be able to attend to the young master for the time being. Just as she was thinking of how to appease him, a maidservant announced from outside, "The Duke has arrived."
Gu Yangui, dressed casually, walked in, bringing with him a touch of the night's chill. His expression remained stern, but seeing his son standing barefoot on the carpet, he frowned slightly: "Why aren't you asleep yet?"
Upon seeing his father, Mingxuan immediately abandoned Zhang Mama and rushed over like a little cannonball, hugging Gu Yangui's leg. He looked up at his father with bright, sparkling eyes and exclaimed, "Father! You've finally come! Xuan'er has been waiting for you! Father, you were so amazing yesterday! Like a great hero in a play!" Although the little guy was frightened yesterday, children forget things easily, and today, recalling his father, he only felt that his father was incredibly brave.
Gu Yangui bent down and picked up his son. Mingxuan naturally wrapped his arms around his neck, pressed his little face against the crook of his neck, and asked softly, "Father, the sister you saved... was she pretty? Was she terrified?"
Gu Yangui's arm holding his son stiffened almost imperceptibly. He walked to the bedside and sat down, letting Mingxuan sit on his lap, and said evasively, "Yes. She's alright."
Granny Zhang chuckled from the side, "Young master is kind-hearted; he still thinks about that young lady. He's asked me about her several times today."
Mingxuan blinked his big eyes, his childlike voice innocent: "Father, will that older sister, like in the stories, offer herself to him in marriage?"
Upon hearing this, Granny Zhang's expression changed slightly, and she quickly said, "Young Master, please don't talk nonsense!"
Gu Yangui did not scold him, but looked at his son's innocent face, a complex emotion flashing in his deep eyes. He gently patted his son's back, his voice low: "Don't talk nonsense. Marriage is a serious matter, not child's play."
He tucked Mingxuan into bed, making sure the blankets were pulled up, and his tone regained its usual sternness: "Close your eyes and go to sleep."
Mingxuan obediently closed his eyes, his long eyelashes still trembling, but a sweet smile appeared on his lips, as if he was very proud that his father's heroic deeds were related to him.
Gu Yangui sat by the bed for a while until he heard his son's even breathing before getting up and leaving.
Stepping out of Jinmoxuan, a night breeze caressed his face, carrying the fresh scent of spring flowers and grass. He stood with his hands behind his back on the veranda, gazing up at the starry sky. The vast expanse of the sky, dotted with countless stars, could not illuminate his slightly troubled mind.
Mingxuan's words were like a pebble thrown into his already turbulent heart.
Offering yourself in return?
He never thought of it.
His life had long been filled with responsibilities to his country, the safety of the borders, and the rules of his household. Romantic love had faded from his life after his first wife, Zhao, passed away five years ago. For him, remarrying was more of a responsibility—to find a suitable mother for Mingxuan and a qualified mistress for the Duke's mansion.
The girl named Su Wanrou was delicate, fragile, and inexperienced, like a jasmine flower that needed careful nurturing. Could she... be a suitable mother and mistress?
He didn't know.
But undeniably, yesterday's hug, that glance, and that faint fragrance did indeed carve a tiny crack in his frozen heart.
Perhaps His Majesty's seemingly joking words, the probing glances of the court officials, and even his aunt's worries were not unfounded.
This matter is unlikely to end easily.
He needs to think about it carefully.
In the following days, the capital city appeared calm on the surface, but behind the scenes, rumors about the "romantic tale" between the Duke of Zhenguo and the daughter of the Earl of Yongchang grew stronger. Some said that the Duke had fallen in love with Miss Su at first sight, some said that the Earl of Yongchang wanted to use this to climb the social ladder, and many others scoffed, believing that the difference in their social standing made it impossible.
That afternoon, Gu Yangui was handling official business at the Ministry of War when his attendant Gu Qing hurriedly entered and whispered a few words in his ear.
Gu Yangui paused, his hand holding the pen stopped, and he raised his eyes, a hint of surprise flashing in them before turning into deep thought.
Gu Qing reported that: Yongchang Earl Su Wenyuan had today sent a message through a retired Hanlin scholar to a powerful eunuch in the palace. The message implied that he hoped to arrange a marriage between the two families. He also said that if the marriage could be arranged, the Su family would do everything in its power. Although the dowry would not be generous, the family would ensure that their daughter would uphold the virtues of a wife, serve the Duke and the old lady wholeheartedly, and raise the young master.
The Su family actually extended an olive branch. Moreover, they adopted an extremely humble attitude.
Gu Yangui put down his pen, walked to the window, and looked at the ancient tree with lush foliage in the courtyard outside.
The Yongchang Marquis's move was within his expectations, yet it was more...urgent, and more humble than he had anticipated. It seemed the Su family truly saw an opportunity to change their fate, and were willing to gamble everything.
And what about him?
Should he accept this olive branch?
Could that delicate young girl, as gentle as a jasmine flower, truly integrate into his Duke's mansion, a place filled with rules and responsibilities? Could she treat Mingxuan, who was not his biological son, kindly? Could she bear the immense pressure that came with the identity of "Lady of the Duke of Zhenguo"?
Countless considerations and weighing of pros and cons were racing through his mind.
However, when he closed his eyes, what appeared before him was not those complicated schemes, but rather those clear, tearful almond eyes in the hunting grounds, and the faint, cool fragrance of jasmine lingering around his nose.
Perhaps the answer had already quietly sprouted in his heart.
However, he still needs an opportunity, a legitimate opportunity that is enough to convince himself and to deal with all the doubts from the outside world.
And this opportunity soon arrived.
End of Chapter 2
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