Chapter 128 Wicked Stepmother and Poor Child 21
Shen Ci didn't deliberately make things difficult for her, nor did she leave her hanging. She readily accepted the gift and took a small sip.
She wanted to solidify Zhou Jingxuan's status as a concubine, letting all the neighbors know that she, Zhou Jingxuan, was nothing more than a concubine, a noble concubine brought in with great fanfare.
Sure enough, the onlookers outside the mansion were buzzing with discussion.
"Tsk tsk, so she was just a concubine after all!"
"With such a grand display before, I thought they had a lot of face to show for it, but it turns out they can't even get through the main gate!"
"That's hilarious! She thought she'd be the principal wife, but she turned out to be a concubine who serves others!"
"But if you ask me, this Madam Gu is too virtuous, allowing her husband to take a concubine."
"They're so naive! What's the benefit of spending so much money like that?"
"That's right, that's right! Madam Gu has only just recovered from a serious illness, yet she already has such a grand vision!"
"Lord Gu is truly blessed to have married such a virtuous wife. She is such a kind person."
These words were later relayed to Zhou Jingxuan by the servants, and they almost made her die of anger.
After tasting the tea she offered, Shen Ci gave a few perfunctory instructions on being well-behaved and having many children, and then gave orders to the servants.
"Take Aunt Zhou to Qiutang Courtyard for resettlement."
Zhou Jingxuan had stayed at the Gu residence for several days and had been entrusted with an important task by Gu Hongjian, managing the affairs of the residence. She was quite familiar with the Gu residence. She knew Qiutang Courtyard, so she was not going there!
"Qiutang Courtyard? Why not Shuyu Pavilion, where I used to live?"
Qiutang Courtyard is secluded and cramped; it hasn't been inhabited for who knows how long. How can anyone live there!
She had even thought that after Shen Ci died, she would let Shen Ci's two children go to live in Qiutang Courtyard!
Make room in the nice courtyard for her own child.
Shen Ci raised an eyebrow, her tone surprised.
"You still want to stay at Shuyuxuan?"
That's where guests stay. Now that you've become a concubine, everything should naturally be done according to the rules for concubines.
"Shuyu Pavilion is such a fine courtyard; how could a concubine be worthy of it?"
Zhou Jingxuan's vision went black; she was so angry!
But she was powerless to refute it, and was led by the servants, unwillingly towards the desolate and secluded Qiutang Courtyard.
There was nothing she could do; she was only a concubine, while Shen Ci was the legal wife.
On their wedding night, Zhou Jingxuan wasn't as happy as she had imagined. She was finally able to stay with her beloved and be together legitimately, but she felt suffocated inside.
At this moment, Shen Ci was in a great mood, enjoying a delicious meal and drinks at Tianxiang Restaurant with her two children, contributing to her family's business.
Stepping into Tianxianglou again felt completely different from before.
Looking at the ornately decorated buildings and the bustling scene of guests, Shen Ci became more and more satisfied. This was truly a treasure land that could bring in money every day!
It's her treasure trove! The furnishings here used to seem luxurious and extravagant, but now they're just pleasing to the eye.
She sent Dan Gui to meet with the manager to explain that future earnings would be settled periodically and delivered to the Gu family's matriarchal residence.
The manager had already received the news and knew that this Madam Gu was now the second owner of Tianxiang Restaurant, so he was very respectful.
He personally went to serve them, arranging the best private room and dishes in the restaurant.
Shen Ci was in a good mood. Watching the newly arrived Hu woman performing an exotic dance on the stage downstairs, he couldn't help but ask her a question.
"Manager, I sent my subordinates to buy this share; I haven't even paid a visit to the owner yet."
I wonder who exactly the owner of this Tianxiang Restaurant is? I'll definitely have to pay them a visit and express my gratitude someday.
Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper showed a hint of awe on his face. After hesitating for a moment, he lowered his voice and told him the truth.
"In response to the Second Master, the head of our Tianxiang Restaurant is His Highness the Prince of Qin."
The fact that the second owner was able to buy half of Tianxianglou from the first owner suggests that he is no ordinary person.
...
At night, in Qiutang Courtyard, red candles burned brightly, but Zhou Jingxuan still felt a sense of desolation and a lingering chill in her heart.
She sat alone on the edge of the bed in her pink wedding dress for a long time before she heard heavy footsteps outside the door.
Gu Hongjian pushed open the door and came in. He was alone, and his face did not show much joy. He did not feel any happiness about taking a concubine. Instead, he looked very tired.
In the past few days, he has lost count of how many doctors he has seen, but the results have been almost the same.
It is said that he is suffering from depleted kidney essence, making it difficult for him to conceive and impotent.
He's ruined at such a young age. What good is marrying a beautiful concubine if he's already ruined? What can he do besides spit on her face?
"Gu Lang!"
When Zhou Jingxuan saw that he had finally arrived, all her grievances welled up and she complained.
Why are you taking so long? You've been waiting for me!
And that Shen Ci, she's really gone too far! She actually made me live in this dilapidated courtyard.
This is no place for a human to live! I don't care, I'm moving back to Shuyuxuan!
She instinctively wanted to snuggle into Gu Hongjian's arms and act coquettishly, but found that his body was somewhat stiff.
And instead of immediately coaxing her with gentle words as before.
Gu Hongjian was already annoyed, and hearing her incessant complaints only made him more annoyed.
But as his gaze swept over Zhou Jingxuan's stomach, and thinking of the Zhou family behind her, he realized he still needed this connection.
He forced down his anger and patiently comforted her.
"Jingxuan, please be patient for now."
She is, after all, the mistress of the house, and now that she has recovered from her illness, she insists on doing so, so I cannot go against her wishes too much.
Don't worry, I'll definitely find a chance to get you a better house in the future.
Seeing that his attitude had softened, Zhou Jingxuan immediately seized the opportunity to bring up what she really wanted.
"Gu Lang, it's nothing for me to suffer some grievances."
But look, my sister has just recovered from a serious illness and should rest properly; she shouldn't overwork herself.
There are many trivial matters to manage in the household, so why don't we just leave it to me to handle, as we agreed before?
I will do my utmost to share your burdens and help you advance smoothly in your career.
The power of a steward! Gu Hongjian's heart stirred.
Now that Shen Ci has recovered, she is even more unreasonable and opposes him at every turn.
Entrusting the management of the household to Zhou Jingxuan, who is more sensible, more capable of helping him, and has the backing of the Zhou family, seems like a good choice.
It's a win-win situation: it can both seize power from Shen Ci and appease Zhou Jingxuan!
He thought for a moment and nodded.
"You're right, she really needs to rest and recuperate."
I'll go and tell you tomorrow that I'll be handing over the reins of the household management to you from now on."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Jingxuan was overjoyed and a smile finally appeared on her face. She could already imagine how she would get revenge on Shen Ci once she gained power!
Her mood improved a lot, and she regained her gentle and charming demeanor.
Her slender hand rested on Gu Hongjian's collar, her eyes sparkling, her voice soft and sweet.
"My love, the spring night is too short, why don't we..."
Gu Hongjian's body stiffened abruptly! It's here! He's here! The thing he feared most has come!
Feeling Zhou Jingxuan's body pressed against him, he didn't have any impure thoughts. Instead, he remembered what happened last time and what the doctor said.
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