Chapter 73 [VIP]
Granny Sun stood there for a long time until she was sure Ji Nanke was gone, then she hurriedly picked up her bamboo basket and went back to the second house's courtyard.
“Madam.” Granny Sun smiled as usual, lifted the curtain and went in, “It was a gift from the Grand Madam.”
She placed a basket of white jade fruits on the octagonal table, along with a delicate little box, and said cheerfully, "The matriarch likes our young ladies the most, and specially asked me to fetch these after the eldest young lady and the others left."
They had already left Ronghe Hall when a maid chased after them, asking Granny Sun to come over.
“Grandmother just forgot.” Gu Zhiwei took the box, which was half full of beaded flowers and several bracelets, some made of agate, some of jade, and some inlaid with diamonds.
These things were just little trinkets for the Dowager Lady to play with; there was no need to hide them from her sisters.
Granny Sun is prone to overthinking.
"Cousin, you choose first."
Gu Zhiwei pushed the box towards Xu Ying'er's hand. Xu Ying'er was about to say no, but then she remembered what her older cousin had said about how she was just like Weiwei in this mansion, and that she shouldn't live so cautiously. If it were Weiwei, she probably wouldn't refuse, right? Xu Ying'er moved her lips and said, "Okay."
As soon as she finished speaking, she saw a look of joy and excitement appear on her cousin's face.
As if a gentle breeze had swept over Xu Ying'er's heart, her tense back relaxed, and her relaxed eyebrows and eyes gained a touch of radiant beauty.
Xu Ying'er picked out a red coral one, while Gu Zhiwei picked up a begonia flower made of agate, on which a colorful butterfly was perched, its wings appearing as if about to take flight.
This was the most exquisite of all the pearl hairpins. She picked it up and compared it to Xu Ying'er's hair, then turned to look at Madam Xu and said with a smile, "Mother, look, isn't it beautiful?"
Madam Xu was somewhat stunned, then smiled and said, "It looks good. Ying'er should still dress more brightly."
"Mom, have you noticed how much Ying'er looks like you...?"
Snap!
A soft sound interrupted everyone's attention as the fruit plate in Granny Sun's hand slipped and the white jade fruits on it rolled all over the floor.
"It was my carelessness."
Granny Sun hurriedly bent down to clean up, but accidentally pricked her fingertip with a shard of porcelain, causing a few drops of blood to seep out.
Her eyes were unfocused, as if she were in an ice cave, feeling a chill run down her spine.
We can't wait any longer; Xu Ying'er's appearance is blossoming every day.
She used to be timid and cowardly, which concealed the beauty and charm in her eyes. But after living in the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion for a long time, she now exudes more composure and grace in her every move.
If we wait any longer, we'll definitely be discovered.
Her heart pounded wildly. A moment of weakness back then had led to the theft of her child, and even after thirteen years, it still wouldn't give her peace.
"Granny Sun, your hand is injured. Go and bandage it quickly."
Granny Sun came to her senses and smiled nonchalantly: "It's nothing, I'll take care of it quickly."
Granny Sun picked up a few large pieces of porcelain and called over a maid to clean them up.
When she returned, she brought over a plate of white jade fruits. Both girls had chosen their pearl hairpins. Madam Xu restyled Xu Ying'er's hair, thinking, "I still need to thin out her bangs a bit."
Granny Sun tightened her grip on the fruit platter, forcing herself to remain calm as she placed it on the octagonal table. She smiled and said, "Second Madam, this afternoon, Aunt sent someone with a message saying that the Gong family has already presented the betrothal gifts."
Xu Ying'er's palms were ice-cold, and her heart felt as if a huge rock was pressing down on it.
She had met that Mr. Gong just over three months ago.
It was the old lady of the Gong family's birthday, and her mother took her to offer her congratulations. They brought generous gifts, hoping to use the old lady's connections to find a good job for her younger brother.
As she sat in the garden, a woman ran out in terror, crying and calling for help.
The woman was covered in blood, her face was bruised and swollen, and her arms were twisted unnaturally. Xu Ying'er was terrified. Seeing that the woman was about the same age as herself, she couldn't help but go over and give her a handkerchief to wipe the blood from her mouth.
The woman stared at Xu Ying'er without moving, then mouthed: "Go quickly."
Before Xu Ying'er could leave, Admiral Gong barged into the inner courtyard, where guests were numerous, and personally dragged the girl away. During the struggle, the woman's sleeve was pulled up, and Xu Ying'er saw bloody marks on her arm, some fresh and some old.
She kept calling for help, but no one came to her rescue.
Before leaving, Admiral Gong glanced at Xu Ying'er, his sinister gaze sending chills down her spine.
Later, Xu Ying'er overheard some women around her saying with pity that the woman was Master Gong's second wife.
Later, I heard that the woman had died. My mother told me happily that Admiral Gong had taken a liking to me, and that it was my good fortune that he had chosen me, given his high position and power. For my younger brother's future, I should happily marry him and serve him well.
But she refused!
Xu Ying'er still remembered that she told her mother what she saw at the Gong residence that day. She thought her mother would at least reconsider, but her mother didn't care at all.
Mother said that she lived for her younger brother.
Otherwise, why raise her for so long?
They said she only cared about herself and not her brother, that she was heartless and had no gratitude whatsoever, and that raising her was not as good as raising a dog.
From childhood, Xu Ying'er knew that she was less important to her parents than even a finger of her younger brother. Even her name "Ying'er" was given to her because her mother did not give birth to a son in her first pregnancy.
But is her life less important than finding a job for her younger brother?
Unable to understand, Xu Ying'er did the boldest thing she had ever done in her life—she ran away from home and knocked on the door of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.
If we absolutely have to make her go back...
Xu Ying'er shuddered. She recalled the look in Admiral Gong's eyes that day, and that amused smile, as if to him she was nothing more than a weak prey, easily stripped of its bones.
Her fingertips were taut, as if a merciless hand were choking her, making it hard to breathe.
"Cousin, don't be afraid."
Gu Zhiwei grabbed her cold hand: "Big sister said no one can take you away. My big sister is amazing!"
After saying that, Gu Zhiwei got angry again and said, "Granny Sun, stop saying such things. What business is it of ours who they marry? If they're worried about no one being able to marry, then let their precious son marry. Anyway, I heard that the Gong family doesn't abstain from meat."
Gu Zhiwei didn't quite understand what "not abstaining from meat" meant. It was what her brother-in-law said, and it certainly wasn't a compliment. She just said it casually.
"Gu Zhiwei".
Xu shouted in rebuke.
Gu Zhiwei quickly stood up straight, her eyes lowered, her hands placed in front of her, her movements swift and practiced. She obediently said, "Daughter knows she was wrong."
"You're getting more and more outrageous! At such a young age..." saying such lewd things.
Madam Xu said coldly, "And you, Granny Sun, you're always talking about the Xu family. Otherwise, I'll just send you back to my sister-in-law's place."
Granny Sun looked embarrassed and said, "That's not what I meant. I was thinking that if Commander Gong really put down the deposit, what if things get out of hand and it reaches the Duke's Mansion? After all, our second branch of the family will be left with no one to rely on if the Second Master is gone."
"Second Madam," a maid announced from outside, "Miss Qiongfang has arrived."
Madam Xu's eyes flashed with cold light as she angrily said, "Do you truly not understand how the household treats our second branch, or have you lost all conscience?!"
Granny Sun knelt down in a panic: "This servant...this servant misspoke."
Xu did not look at her, nor did she call her to get up.
These days, when Xu looks at Xu Ying'er, it's like seeing her former self.
Once upon a time, I almost got sent away to be a concubine because of a wool deal.
She even considered asking the Grand Madam to let the Xu family adopt Ying'er. The Xu family was greedy; if enough benefits were offered, they would surely agree.
Madam Xu composed herself and softened her tone, saying, "Let Qiongfang in."
A moment later, Qiongfang walked in with a beaming smile. She didn't look at anyone else and said that Gu Zhizhuo wanted to borrow a pattern from Madam Xu: "Our young lady is very envious of the new tassels you made. She sent me to ask her."
Madam Xu went inside to fetch it for her, and Qiongfang followed her in. She quietly told her about Granny Sun scalding Xu Ying'er, and added, "Miss Ying'er promised not to tell anyone."
In other words, Xu Ying'er had promised not to file a complaint, and no matter how Xu Shi dealt with the matter, she should try her best not to embarrass Xu Ying'er.
When Qiongfang returned to Lingxiao Courtyard, she was still carrying the tassel that Xu had given her.
"The young lady is still in the study."
Qingmei made a shushing gesture.
Qiongfang nodded and quietly pushed open the study door.
Gu Zhizhuo sat on the ground, holding a small compass in his hand. There were several counting rods and a large Bagua diagram on the ground.
She sat in front of the Bagua diagram, lightly tapping the counting rods scattered around her with her fingers, muttering words that Qiongfang couldn't understand at all.
Qiongfang: You're amazing, girl!
Qiongfang waited quietly. After Gu Zhizhuo raised his hand to put away the counting rods, she reported, "This servant has already informed the Second Madam."
Gu Zhizhuo nodded.
After scalding her master, instead of admitting her mistake, she begged her master not to tell anyone. To avoid punishment, she even secretly applied incense ash to Ying'er's wound. Granny Sun's behavior was truly despicable.
If she hadn't seen it today, Xu Ying'er's shoulder wound would have festered within two or three days, leaving a scar.
Granny Sun was the dowry maid of Second Aunt, so it was inconvenient for her to question her directly. Therefore, Gu Zhizhuo only asked Qiongfang to secretly pass on a message after she left.
"When I went in, it seemed that the Second Madam was scolding Granny Sun, and it seemed that the Second Miss was also being scolded."
Gu Zhizhuo nodded. Her second aunt was disciplining the servants, and she, a niece from a different room, didn't need to interfere.
She fiddled with the counting rods and cast another divination.
Great fortune.
"Perfect."
Gu Zhizhuo was satisfied.
She put the counting rods and compass back into her sleeve pocket, carefully put away the Bagua diagram, and then went to check the apprenticeship gift she had prepared in advance, waiting to see her master tomorrow.
In her previous life, when the young master was on the verge of death, the abbot of Taiqing Temple helped him invite the True Man Wuweizi. It was his golden needles that helped the young master survive that ordeal. From that moment on, she decided to learn medicine from her master.
After the young master died, she followed her master for a year, traveling around. Later, when she decided to return to the capital, her master sighed for a long time, but in the end, he did not stop her.
"Foolish child."
Her master always said that to her, and would stroke the top of her head.
Gu Zhizhuo tossed and turned, feeling a kind of trepidation, as if he were approaching home with trepidation.
She didn't sleep well all night. As soon as it was light, she had breakfast, took her apprenticeship gifts, and happily went out the door.
Xie Yingchen's carriage was already waiting at the ceremonial gate.
Gu Zhizhuo didn't need to use pedals; she simply stepped onto the carriage's rafters and easily hopped on.
Qin Chen and Qingmei rode alongside him.
Throughout the journey, Gu Zhizhuo was somewhat absent-minded, especially as they approached Taiqing Temple, where he felt extremely uneasy, frequently lifting the carriage curtain to look outside.
Xie Yingchen peeled a mint and held it to her lips. Gu Zhizhuo bit it without thinking, her full lips brushing against his fingertips.
She made these mints herself; when you eat them, a cool sensation goes straight to your head.
"Young Master," Gu Zhizhuo said with a pained expression, resting his chin on his right hand, "would you believe me if I told you that my master doesn't even recognize me?"
Forehead?
Xie Yingchen's gaze was indulgent, and his thin lips curled into a slight smile: "My master must have calculated that we have an extra little disciple."
Gu Zhizhu blinked her big, dark eyes, chuckled softly, her eyes crinkling with laughter, and casually leaned on his arm.
That's right!
Master's divination skills are unparalleled; with his abilities, he must have known she was coming long ago.
With that thought, Gu Zhizhuo immediately felt relieved.
However, it was all for nothing. When they arrived at Taiqing Temple, they learned that their master hadn't come.
Gu Zhizhuo: "..."
"I didn't see him either." Qingping had specially changed into a clean Taoist robe in preparation for seeing her master today. "Master's little Taoist disciple brought word that Master is going to take a look and won't be coming over for now."
As for what they were looking at, Qingping didn't know, and the little boy couldn't explain it either.
All right.
Gu Zhizhuo hung her head, even though her divination had clearly indicated great fortune.
Has she become so unfamiliar with divination that she can't even accurately predict good or bad fortune?
Gu Zhizhuo was extremely shocked.
It's agonizing! Not seeing her master feels like being guilty but never getting her sentence. Well, maybe not. Aside from randomly recognizing a master, she hasn't committed any other crimes in this life, has she?
Lost in thought, he descended the mountain, and by the time he returned to the capital by carriage, it was almost noon.
Gu Zhizhuo rested his hand on the car window, looking at the bustling streets of the capital, and said with a sudden thought, "Young Master, shall we go see a play?"
"They say that the new female lead at the Xiangxi Pavilion is quite charming, which has captivated Princess Zhaoyang, who is openly competing with Admiral Gong for the beauty."
Xie Yingchen's eyes darkened, and he asked casually, "Who said that?"
"It seems to be Zheng Si." After leaving the Prince of Jin's mansion last time, Zheng Si invited them to see a play. "Zheng Si also said that a betting platform had opened in the capital, where people could bet on who would win the heart of a beauty. Zheng Si asked Gu Cancan to place a bet, but Gu Cancan beat him up and made him run away with his head in his hands."
Gu Zhizhuo spoke lightly, and Xie Yingchen smiled silently, gently brushing aside the stray hairs on her cheek.
"Then let's go."
Xie Yingchen lifted the carriage curtain and gave an order, and the carriage turned directly towards the Xiangxi Tower.
After stopping at the entrance, a waiter immediately came out to greet them and led them to a private room on the second floor.
Xie Yingchen ordered some snacks and tea, and handed her a play script.
Gu Zhizhuo flipped through it casually.
The play that was about to start was one she had never seen before, and her excitement grew even stronger.
Before long, the tea and snacks were served, and Xie Yingchen raised his hand to pour her some tea.
The Xiangxi Tower was doing quite well; the lobby on the first floor was packed with people and bustling with noise.
Some people come specifically to see the Qingyi (a type of female role in Peking Opera).
But most of them are just casual spectators.
Gu Zhizhuo listened to the lively discussions below, which ranged from the imperial court to private matters and right and wrong. But when he thought about how this place was actually a stronghold of the Eastern Depot, Gu Zhizhuo felt terrible.
No wonder she set up a base in the theater. She only sat there for a short while, and she already knew that the Vice Minister of War's brother-in-law had stolen his concubine.
A loud gong sounded from the direction of the stage, indicating that the performance was about to begin.
Gu Zhizhuo was looking down at the stage with great interest when suddenly he heard the waiter's loud voice.
"Mr. Song, please!"
Huh?
He was the Grand Secretary of the Song Dynasty.
He came with Xie Jing, and following the waiter's directions, they went up to the second floor.
Gu Zhizhu stared at Chief Minister Song's face for a long time, her delicate eyebrows furrowing deeply, and she raised her hand to make a few hand seals.
She gestured for Xie Yingchen to be quiet, then leaned back to avoid being noticed. Soon, Prime Minister Song and his entourage passed through the private room and headed to the back.
"Young master."
Gu Zhizhuo sat up straight and solemnly began to speak slowly: "Chief Minister Song will suffer a bloody disaster."
"It's a death knell, and it's happening right now."
A note from the author:
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