Chapter 3: Jasmine in My Heart
The olive branch extended by the Yongchang Marquis's Mansion was like a stone thrown into a deep pool, stirring up undercurrents beneath the seemingly calm surface of the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion.
Although the message wasn't explicitly stated, the grand mansion had its own clandestine channels of communication. Within a day or two, Old Madam Liu of Songhe Hall had already received word of it. Her fingers, gripping the prayer beads, tightened slightly, her knuckles turning bluish-white. The Su family's eagerness and humble attitude made it difficult for her to react. After all, they hadn't openly proposed marriage, only "expressed admiration" and "declared sincerity." If she reacted too strongly, it would appear that the Duke's mansion was abusing its power and acting unreasonably.
"I underestimated the 'sincerity' of this impoverished Yongchang Marquis's family." Old Madam Liu sneered and said to her trusted nanny, "Go and invite the Duke to come over when he has time."
She couldn't openly oppose it, but she had to make Gu Yangui understand the "advantages and disadvantages" involved.
Meanwhile, the other key figure in the incident, five-year-old Gu Mingxuan, was caught up in a state of simple excitement and curiosity. His father's heroic act of saving someone that day was deeply etched in his mind. For several days in a row, when he went to his home school, he would boast to his classmates about how heroic his father was. In a child's world, there is little regard for social class; he simply felt that the "older sister" his father had saved (in his understanding, all unmarried women were older sisters) must be an exceptionally good person.
"Granny Zhang, will the older sister that Father saved come to our house to play?" Mingxuan asked, tugging at Granny Zhang's sleeve after dinner that evening.
Zhang Mama smiled bitterly to herself, but replied kindly, "Young master, Miss Su is the daughter of the Earl's family. How can she come to our residence to play so casually? It's against etiquette."
"Oh..." Mingxuan lowered his head in disappointment, fiddling with the hem of his clothes, and muttered softly, "But, I kind of want to see her... She must be very beautiful, like a fairy in a painting..."
The child's innocent words reached Gu Yangui's ears as he walked to the entrance of Jinmoxuan, causing him to pause almost imperceptibly for a moment.
He lifted the curtain and entered. Mingxuan immediately forgot his slight disappointment and rushed over with joyful cries. Gu Yangui picked up his son, but his gaze seemed to casually sweep over Zhang Mama. Zhang Mama understood and quietly withdrew, leaving the father and son alone.
"Father! Aren't you busy today?" Mingxuan asked affectionately, hugging his father's neck.
"Hmm." Gu Yangui sat down on the tatami by the window, holding his son. The warm glow of the spring sunset shone through the windowpane, bathing the father and son in a gentle light. Looking into his son's bright eyes, he suddenly asked, "Why do you want to see her?"
Mingxuan tilted his head and thought about it seriously: "Because my father is a hero, and the people a hero saves must be good people too! And... she must be terrified. I want to tell her not to be afraid, my father is the best, and he will protect her!" The child's logic was simple and direct, full of unconditional admiration for his father and a pure kindness.
Gu Yangui remained silent, a soft spot in his heart, lingering because of Mingxuan's early mother's death, gently stirred. Mingxuan needed a mother, needed a woman who could offer him tender care. And that Su Wanrou… when she looked at him, her clear eyes, aside from fear, seemed devoid of the obsequiousness or scheming typical of noblewomen meeting him. Perhaps, her pure kindness was just what Mingxuan needed?
Once this thought arises, it grows quietly like a vine.
Just as various forces in the capital were secretly observing and rumors were quietly spreading, an imperial edict suddenly came from the palace: three days later, the Empress Dowager would hold a "Spring Appreciation Banquet" in the Imperial Garden, inviting the families of officials of the third rank and above in the capital to come to the palace to enjoy the festivities. She specifically mentioned that the Duke of Zhenguo and Miss Su Wanrou, the daughter of the Earl of Yongchang, should be invited to attend.
This imperial decree was like a drop of cold water into a boiling pot of oil, instantly causing a huge uproar!
The Empress Dowager has long since distanced herself from worldly affairs, devoting herself to Buddhism. Why then did she suddenly have this refined interest? And why did she "specifically mention" the Duke of Zhenguo and Miss Su? The implication is self-evident—His Majesty's joke that day was probably not just a joke! The Empress Dowager's actions clearly indicate that she intends to personally inspect them, or even deliberately facilitate the process!
Inside the Yongchang Marquis's residence, Madam Wang, upon receiving the imperial decree, wept with joy, her hands trembling as she grasped Su Wanrou's: "Rou'er! Rou'er! The opportunity has arrived! The Empress Dowager herself is taking notice—this is an immense honor! If you can win the Empress Dowager's favor, this marriage will be more than halfway done!"
Su Wanrou, however, was more flustered than joyful. The Empress Dowager's Spring Appreciation Banquet? What a scene that would be! All the noble ladies and young ladies of the capital would gather together. How would they view her, this impoverished daughter who "dreamed of marrying into the Duke's family"? And the Empress Dowager... would she despise her for being timid and cowardly? Moreover, she would have to see that cold-faced Duke again... Just thinking about being scrutinized by everyone in front of him made it hard for her to breathe.
"Mother...I...I'm scared..." Her voice trembled.
"What are you afraid of!" Madam Wang gripped her hand tightly, her eyes gleaming with a desperate light. "This is our Su family's, and your only chance! You must live up to expectations! I'll go prepare your clothes and accessories right away, and make sure you make a name for yourself at the banquet!"
Compared to the excitement and trepidation at the Yongchang Earl's Mansion, the atmosphere at the Songhe Hall of the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion was as heavy as ice.
After hearing the more detailed news from the palace eunuchs, Old Madam Liu's face darkened considerably. The Empress Dowager herself had intervened! This carried far more weight than His Majesty's casual remark that day! If that little girl from the Su family had truly gained favor with the Empress Dowager, even if she was unwilling, she would likely find it difficult to stop her.
"Aunt, what should we do?" Zhao Yueru, who rushed over upon hearing the news, was even more anxious. "If the Empress Dowager gives the order, then...won't that Su family girl be able to ride roughshod over us? What will happen to Mingxuan?"
Madam Liu took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down: "What's the panic! The Empress Dowager will only consider whether Su Wanrou has the fortune and ability to make a decision! Disrespectful behavior and inappropriate words and actions in front of the Emperor are major taboos!" A cold glint flashed in her eyes, "Besides, Yan Gui's mind is still undecided."
She immediately ordered, "Go and invite the Duke over. Tell him I have something important to discuss with him."
However, the maidservant who was sent quickly reported back: After receiving the news from the palace, the Duke left the mansion for the camp in the suburbs of the capital, saying that military affairs were urgent and he might not return to the mansion tonight.
Upon hearing this, Old Madam Liu slammed her prayer beads heavily on the coffee table, making a dull thud. Was Gu Yangui's departure at this crucial juncture a coincidence, or... a deliberate avoidance?
The Imperial Guards' training ground on the outskirts of Beijing.
As dusk settled, banners fluttered in the evening breeze. Gu Yangui, dressed in military attire, sat upright on a high platform, expressionless as he watched the soldiers drill below. The deafening shouts and clashing of weapons seemed unable to dispel the turmoil in his heart.
Chang Sui Gu Qing stood quietly to the side, understanding the situation perfectly. The Duke had no urgent military business to speak of; he was clearly using this quiet place to ponder his next move. The Empress Dowager's decree had disrupted everything and pushed him to a critical juncture where he had to make a decision.
"Gu Qing." Gu Yangui suddenly spoke, his voice sounding somewhat ethereal in the noisy martial arts arena.
"Your servant is here."
"What do you think is the Empress Dowager's intention in doing this?" he asked, his gaze still fixed on the audience below the stage.
Gu Qing carefully considered his words and said cautiously, "In my humble opinion, Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager may feel sorry for Miss Su's fright and also want to help her achieve a beautiful love story... Of course, in the end, it still depends on Your Majesty's decision."
"What I mean?" Gu Yangui chuckled softly, a hint of self-mockery in his voice, "When has my meaning ever been entirely up to me?"
He is the Duke of Zhenguo, a pillar of the Great Zhou Dynasty. His marriage is never just a matter for him alone. It concerns the balance of power in the court, the future of the Duke's mansion, and Mingxuan's growth. He has far too many things to weigh.
But when he closed his eyes, trying to calmly analyze the pros and cons, what always appeared in his mind was that delicate figure in pale yellow, and those clear, almond-shaped eyes that reflected his image. And Mingxuan's expectant words: "I want to tell her not to be afraid, my father is the strongest, he will protect her!"
Protect……
This word touched the deepest chord in his heart. As a military general, protecting his country and the weak was almost an instinct etched into his very bones. The helpless appearance of the girl named Su Wanrou under the frightened horse truly aroused his strong protective instincts. And this feeling had not been felt in his cold and hardened life for a long time.
Is it a responsibility, a weighing of options, or... a spontaneous act following a fleeting impulse?
He himself couldn't tell the difference.
He suddenly stood up, his black cloak billowing in a sharp arc in the wind.
"Return to the manor!"
Three days later, in the Imperial Palace, in the Imperial Garden.
Spring was in full bloom, and a hundred flowers were vying for attention. Amidst the winding streams, pavilions, and towers, elegant ladies and charming women gathered, their clothes jingling and their ornaments tinkling. The capital's most distinguished women had come together, each dressed in their finest attire, laughing and chatting merrily. However, a closer look revealed that many eyes were drawn, intentionally or unintentionally, towards the entrance, filled with barely concealed curiosity, scrutiny, and even a hint of barely perceptible envy.
They were waiting for today's real protagonist—Su Wanrou from the Yongchang Marquis's Mansion.
Su Wanrou was following behind her mother, led by a palace eunuch, step by step towards the imperial garden, which resembled a fairyland. She wore the new clothes her mother had spared to buy for her: a light blue brocade dress with intricate lotus patterns embroidered in silver thread on the hem, shimmering with light as she moved. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, adorned with kingfisher feather and pearl hair ornaments, which made her small face appear even more radiant.
This outfit was the best the Yongchang Marquis's mansion could offer, but amidst the dazzling jewels of the garden, it still appeared somewhat plain. The gazes from around her felt like fine needles, making her extremely uncomfortable. She could sense the scrutiny, comparisons, and undisguised contempt in those eyes.
Madam Wang's palms were sweating with nervousness, but she forced herself to remain calm and whispered to her daughter, "Rou'er, straighten your back and don't be afraid. Remember the manners I taught you: speak less and smile more."
Su Wanrou took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She couldn't bring shame to the Su family, and even more so, she couldn't... let that person look down on her. The thought of possibly seeing Gu Yangui made her heart pound.
Finally, they arrived before the Empress Dowager. The mother and daughter knelt in obeisance. The Empress Dowager sat on the phoenix throne at the head of the table, dressed in a bright yellow robe adorned with phoenixes and peonies. Her face was kind, but her eyes revealed a wisdom and majesty born of experience. Her gaze fell on Su Wanrou, and she smiled gently: "Raise your head and let me see you."
Su Wanrou looked up as instructed, trying her best to remain calm, but her slightly trembling eyelashes betrayed her inner tension.
After examining her for a moment, the Empress Dowager smiled and said to the Empress beside her, "Indeed, she is a well-behaved child, with a beautiful appearance and a pure temperament. No wonder she has won the favor of the Duke." Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, but it was enough for the noblewomen around who were listening to hear her clearly.
The crowd reacted with a variety of expressions: some agreed, some sneered, and many noble ladies even showed signs of jealousy.
Su Wanrou blushed and quickly lowered her head: "Your Majesty is too kind. I am unworthy of such praise."
"Rise, there's no need for formalities. Today is a spring appreciation banquet, everyone should be at ease." The Empress Dowager spoke kindly, gesturing for the palace servants to offer seats.
Su Wanrou and her daughter were seated towards the back. As soon as they sat down, Su Wanrou felt a particularly sharp gaze. She instinctively looked up and saw an elderly woman, dressed in elegant attire and with a stern demeanor, coldly scrutinizing her with undisguised judgment and displeasure. Su Wanrou was startled, vaguely recognizing the woman—the old lady of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, Gu Yangui's aunt, Madam Liu.
She hurriedly lowered her head, her heart pounding even faster. The old lady seemed to dislike her very much.
The banquet officially began, with pleasant music and singing and dancing filling the air. The ladies of the court exchanged pleasantries and laughed, but the atmosphere always carried a subtle and eerie undertone. Many people were secretly observing Su Wanrou, noticing that her demeanor was quite proper, but she remained silent throughout, and some began to whisper among themselves.
"He seems honest, but he's a bit too stingy."
"After all, they come from a poor family and are not respectable."
"I heard she's just a concubine's daughter in a nominal position. How much insight could she possibly have?"
"What kind of person is the Duke? How could he possibly be interested in her? It's just that the Empress Dowager is giving him face."
Though the whispers were low, they buzzed into Su Wanrou's ears like flies, making her feel extremely uncomfortable, and even the delicate pastries in front of her lost their flavor. She gripped the handkerchief in her hand tightly, her knuckles turning white.
Just then, a small commotion arose at the entrance. A palace attendant announced loudly, "The Duke of Zhenguo has arrived!"
In an instant, the entire Imperial Garden seemed to fall silent. All eyes turned to the entrance.
Gu Yan has returned.
He was still dressed in his usual black robes, without any deliberate attempt at dressing up, but his imposing aura, born of long holding a high position, and his strikingly handsome appearance naturally made him the center of attention the moment he appeared. He walked steadily toward the throne and bowed to the Empress Dowager and the Empress.
Su Wanrou's heart suddenly raced, almost leaping out of her throat. She dared not look up, only staring at the silver lotus flowers on her skirt, feeling that familiar yet unsettling gaze linger on her for a moment.
After Gu Yangui bowed, the Empress Dowager smiled and asked him to sit in a seat not far from the throne. His arrival made the already somewhat delicate atmosphere of the banquet even more complicated.
The singing and dancing continued, but the crowd's minds were clearly no longer on the music and dance.
The Empress Dowager seemed oblivious, smiling as she said to Gu Yangui, "Yangui, you've come at the perfect time. I was just talking with the ladies about how the spring scenery in the garden is rather monotonous if we only admire the flowers and listen to music. How about we have the young ladies showcase some of their talents to add some elegance to the occasion?"
The Empress smiled and chimed in, "Your Majesty's suggestion is excellent. I have long heard of Miss Su's gentle and quiet nature; her talents must also be extraordinary. Why don't we have Miss Su go first and let us broaden our horizons?"
The spearhead instantly pointed directly at Su Wanrou!
All eyes were once again on her, with a sense of anticipation. Who didn't know that the Yongchang Marquis's mansion was in decline, and how much resources could they possibly have to cultivate their daughter? Her skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were likely mediocre at best. Making her perform first was clearly a way of humiliating her in front of everyone!
Madam Wang's face turned pale as she looked at her daughter with anxiety.
Su Wanrou froze, her mind going blank. She did have some knowledge of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but in this setting, under the watchful eyes of so many discerning people, how could she dare to show off her limited skills?
She subconsciously looked up, gazing in that direction—the direction where Gu Yangui was—as if seeking help.
Just then, Gu Yangui was also looking at her. Their gazes briefly met in the air.
Su Wanrou's eyes were filled with helplessness, panic, and pleading, like a frightened fawn.
Gu Yangui's deep eyes were calm and still, but his fingers, resting on his knees, tapped almost imperceptibly.
Just as Su Wanrou mustered her courage and prepared to get up, a deep and magnetic voice rang out, breaking the suffocating silence:
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, Your Majesty the Empress."
It was Gu Yangui.
He stood up, bowed slightly, and said in a calm and composed voice, "When I entered the palace just now, I saw that the jasmine flowers by the Taiye Pond had already formed buds, and their fragrance was delicate and subtle. I suddenly recalled the ancient saying, 'A lotus emerges from clear water, naturally beautiful without adornment.' Miss Su was frightened yesterday and is still unsettled. Forcing her to perform her talents would be inhumane. It would be better to let her quietly appreciate the flowers, so as not to disturb the Empress Dowager's refined enjoyment. As for adding to the entertainment, there are many talented women in the capital. How about we ask Princess Anping to play a tune on the zither? Her zither skills are unparalleled in the capital, and we can also enjoy the pleasure of hearing her."
His words were neither humble nor arrogant. He pointed out that Su Wanrou was still recovering from her shock, and cleverly defused the embarrassment of her potential lack of talent by saying that she was "natural and unadorned." Finally, he recommended Princess Anping, who was truly skilled in playing the zither, thus giving the Empress Dowager enough face and quelling any potential awkwardness.
For a moment, the entire room fell silent.
Everyone was stunned!
Duke Gu Yangui actually... actually came to Su Wanrou's rescue?! And in such a direct and watertight way!
The Empress Dowager looked surprised, then smiled meaningfully: "Oh? Yan Gui is indeed chivalrous and thoughtful. In that case, so be it. Anping, play a piece called 'Spring River Flower Moon Night'."
Princess Anping smiled and accepted the order.
The crisis is over.
Su Wanrou sat there, stunned, watching the figure in black who had sat down again. A surge of indescribable warmth and immense shock welled up within her. He… he actually spoke up for her? In front of so many people, he protected her so fiercely…
Sitting opposite her, Old Madam Liu's face was extremely grim. Gu Yangui's actions were tantamount to stating his stance in front of everyone!
Zhao Yueru gripped the handkerchief tightly, her nails almost digging into her palm.
At the ensuing banquet, Su Wanrou remained silent, but her state of mind had completely changed. The whispers and scrutinizing gazes no longer seemed so unbearable. Occasionally, she would steal a glance in that direction, feeling that the figure in black was like a pillar of strength, giving her a strange sense of peace.
Halfway through the banquet, the Empress Dowager, understanding that the young people could not sit for long, allowed everyone to freely stroll and enjoy the spring scenery in the Imperial Garden.
Following the crowd, Su Wanrou unknowingly walked to a relatively secluded jasmine flowerbed. White jasmine buds dotted the landscape, their delicate fragrance refreshing and invigorating. She took a deep breath, her tense nerves finally relaxing slightly.
Just then, steady footsteps sounded behind me.
She subconsciously turned around and saw that Gu Yangui had also come to the flower garden at some point.
The golden rays of the setting sun bathed him, softening his hard features. He stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the jasmine buds, not looking at her.
The surroundings were quiet, with only the fragrance of flowers wafting in the air.
Su Wanrou's heart raced again. She hurriedly lowered her head and curtsied, saying, "This humble woman... greets Your Excellency the Duke."
Gu Yangui did not immediately tell her to get up. He was silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke, his voice low and clear, particularly distinct in the tranquil flowerbed:
"Although jasmine is small, its fragrance is delicate and far-reaching. It does not compete with other flowers for beauty, but has its own unique character."
Su Wanrou looked up abruptly, meeting his deep eyes. Was he talking about her?
Gu Yangui finally shifted his gaze from the jasmine flowers to her slightly parted cherry lips, which were trembling with surprise. He lingered there for a moment before looking away, his tone returning to its usual calm: "It's windy in the Imperial Garden. Miss Su is not well, so please return to your seat early."
After saying that, he didn't linger, turned around and left, his dark figure quickly disappearing at the end of the flower path.
Su Wanrou stood alone, gazing in the direction he had left, motionless for a long time. Her cheeks were burning, but her heart was pounding like a rabbit's.
What did he mean by what he just said?
Though small, the jasmine's fragrance is delicate and far-reaching; it does not compete with other flowers for beauty, but possesses its own unique elegance...
Also, he remembered that she was "in poor health"...
A spring breeze blew by, carrying the sweet fragrance of jasmine that lingered around her and seeped into her heart.
At this moment, social class distinctions and rumors seemed to become distant and unimportant.
She could only clearly feel that something had quietly taken root and sprouted in her heart, which had originally been throbbing with awe and gratitude.
End of Chapter 3
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