Gu Chaobei becoming an official was beyond everyone’s expectations. However, the Emperor conferring upon him the position of Vice Minister right away was truly a tremendous blessing. So early this morning, Prime Minister Gu instructed Shen Guiyan to prepare the noon meal to be shared together by everyone in the great hall.
Prime Minister Gu kept smiling. Gu Chaobei had been embarrassing him and causing trouble since childhood—who would have thought he would now be the one bringing him the most honor? Though there was much gossip outside, an official appointment was an official appointment. He was the first person in court to be directly granted a sixth-rank or higher position without taking the imperial examinations.
Shen Guiyan was naturally pleased as well. She busied herself arranging many dishes, then personally invited Madam Gu and the concubines from each courtyard. The smile on her face was neither excessive nor lacking, neither arrogant nor anxious, earning Prime Minister Gu’s silent approval.
“I’m not going.” Gu Chaodong stood pale-faced in the courtyard, saying coldly.
Shen Guiya had already dressed herself, wearing a high-waisted long skirt with a cherry blossom-dyed robe that made her look graceful and elegant. Her makeup was exquisitely applied, having employed all the techniques learned from modern cosmetics shops.
“Why won’t my lord go? Fourth Brother’s achievement is cause for celebration. If you don’t attend, Father will be angry too.”
Shen Guiya offered a few words of persuasion. Though she knew better than anyone that Gu Chaodong didn’t want to go, his unwillingness was actually a good thing—no one would obstruct her.
Gu Chaodong had been single-mindedly waiting for the imperial examinations. He was exceptionally talented, had studied for so long, and had always been praised by everyone, forever holding himself high above others. Never did he imagine that Gu Chaobei, who was good at nothing, would have such luck and directly seize the position of Vice Minister of Justice he wanted.
It was like he had painstakingly dug a well to drink water, only for a rain cloud to float directly over Gu Chaobei’s head—he could drink just by opening his mouth, while Gu Chaodong could only stand aside and watch.
“Bang!” A fist struck the tree in the courtyard. The veins on Gu Chaodong’s forehead bulged.
Heaven was truly too unfair!
Shen Guiya touched her hair ornament. Not planning to persuade him further, she only said, “Then this concubine will make you some pastries when I return later.”
Then she took Yushu’s hand and walked toward the great hall.
Gu Chaodong gripped his fist and stared hatefully at the tree before him, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“How did my wife know I like eating these?” Gu Chaobei looked at the dishes on the table with a smile. “Where did you inquire about this?”
Shen Guiyan sat beside Gu Chaobei and lowered her head. “During regular meals, you always like to pick these. So this concubine prepared three plates. The rest are dishes Father-in-law and Mother-in-law love, which you might also enjoy by coincidence.”
Gu Chaobei was in excellent spirits. Not even caring that Prime Minister Gu and Madam Gu were nearby, he grabbed Shen Guiyan’s hand and said, “Good wife, you’re truly this husband’s treasure.”
These words truly meant to praise her. They returned too late yesterday and went straight to sleep, even sleeping through breakfast. When he woke, she had already gone out to busy herself with the meal preparation. Only now did they have time to exchange a few words.
But these words were far too flirtatious!
Prime Minister Gu coughed lightly. Madam Gu kept a straight face. Concubine Guan beside them smiled. “Newlywed affection is wonderful indeed—so sweet. Originally Third Miss Shen probably regretted marrying the Fourth Young Master. Now she’s finally seen the clouds part to reveal the moon.”
Shen Guiyan frowned slightly and glanced at Concubine Guan, who seemed completely oblivious to speaking improperly and continued with her handkerchief, “The First Young Master probably won’t come. Anyone in his position wouldn’t come either. Let’s begin eating.”
Prime Minister Gu nodded. “Let’s begin. Chaobei, eat more.”
Shen Guiyan picked up her chopsticks. Seeing the Prime Minister take the first bite, she followed and picked up some food.
“This concubine is rather curious.” Concubine Guan spoke again while eating. “What was the Emperor thinking? Knowing the Fourth Young Master can’t do anything, he gave him such an important official position to investigate the case. If the investigation goes poorly, won’t the master lose face?”
Prime Minister Gu pressed his lips together. “Imperial intentions are difficult to fathom. Since there is imperial grace, Chaobei should simply do his best. Father will find people to help you.”
“What’s there to help with? He’s acting Vice Minister of Justice with a Vice Minister’s authority.” Madam Gu spoke with a straight face. “If he must investigate, let him investigate himself. Don’t rely on others again.”
“Mother-in-law.” Shen Guiya sat across from Gu Chaobei. Hearing these words, she looked up. “One cannot say this. Fourth Brother’s honor and disgrace are now connected to the Prime Minister’s residence. Naturally we should all hope for his success.”
Speaking with a smile, her voice softer than usual, Gu Chaobei looked up at her.
From the moment she entered, this woman had been watching him constantly. He understood perfectly well what was in her eyes, and he only felt pleased.
Not pleased about having such appeal, but pleased that Gu Chaodong had married such an impure woman and clearly wouldn’t have an easy life—that put his mind at ease.
How fortunate that Gu Chaodong was blind back then. How fortunate this woman opposite had such schemes. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be together with Yan’er now.
Madam Gu’s expression grew even uglier at Shen Guiya’s words. The Prime Minister even added, “Guiya is more sensible than you.”
Then Madam Gu sat in cold silence without speaking.
Shen Guiya remained completely unaware she had offended anyone. She had spoken up for Gu Chaobei, which would surely earn his favor. Throughout this meal, her eyes seemed glued to Gu Chaobei, her gaze intensely burning.
At the table, probably only the Prime Minister and his wife failed to notice. Even Concubine Guan caught sight of Shen Guiya’s expression, looking somewhat inscrutable but saying nothing.
Shen Guiyan frowned slightly and put down her chopsticks to look at Shen Guiya. She knew Gu Chaobei was very handsome, but as the elder sister-in-law, wasn’t Shen Guiya staring like this too improper?
Yet Shen Guiya wasn’t afraid of her gaze at all and even looked back with a hint of provocation.
“The mansion’s dancing girls apparently prepared a new dance.” Shen Guiya said, “After we finish eating, why don’t we all stay and watch before leaving?”
“Oh?” Prime Minister Gu was in good spirits and nodded. “A new dance? Then naturally we should watch it.”
Shen Guiya smiled brilliantly, her gaze sweeping over Gu Chaobei with seductive suggestion.
Gu Chaobei lowered his head to look at the cabbage in his bowl, beginning to think about the case. Suddenly he felt the person beside him tug at his arm, pulling him backward.
Looking up in confusion, he saw Guiyan blocking him with half her body, facing off with Shen Guiya. Their gazes clashed rather fiercely. However, that woman opposite had applied thick rouge on her eyes, clearly overpowering his Yan’er.
“Full already?” Gu Chaobei took Shen Guiyan’s hand and asked softly.
Shen Guiyan said indignantly, “Yes.”
Full of anger, that is. She had seen shameless people, but never anyone this shameless. She had stolen Gu Chaodong, and now she was eyeing Gu Chaobei? Did this person even know what the Three Obediences and Four Virtues meant, or lifelong devotion? Already married and pregnant—why was she still looking at other women’s husbands like this?
She admitted that the current Shen Guiya was much prettier than before, with beautifully applied makeup. But that didn’t mean she would yield her husband to her again!
Actually, she felt a bit guilty because she always followed the rules, while Gu Chaobei didn’t like rules. She feared he actually… didn’t like her that much.
Gripping Gu Chaobei’s hand tightly, Shen Guiyan took a deep breath. Whether he liked her or not, this time she would properly guard her husband!
“You’re not afraid of getting a stye from staring so long.” Gu Chaobei glanced at Shen Guiya and muttered quietly.
Shen Guiyan was encouraging herself internally when she heard this and froze. “A stye?”
“Nothing.” Gu Chaobei didn’t intend to teach her such crude expressions. He looked up at Prime Minister Gu. “Father, Yan’er and I have finished eating.”
“Good, perfect timing.” Prime Minister Gu wiped his mouth. “Everyone has finished. Yan’er, go give the order for the dancing girls to come up.”
“Yes.” Shen Guiyan stood up and had the servants clear away the table.
“I’ll go too.” Shen Guiya also stood up and followed Shen Guiyan outside.
The mansion’s dancing girls had indeed prepared a dance. Shen Guiya not only knew about it but had made early arrangements.
Catching up to Shen Guiyan, Shen Guiya smiled. “Oh my, Third Elder Sister, it’s been so long since we could talk properly.”
Shen Guiyan glanced at her without responding.
Shen Guiya wasn’t angered either and smiled. “Does Elder Sister still remember the vows you made with Chaodong?”
Vows were women’s favorite things—beautiful and moving. But Shen Guiyan only now understood how illusory those things were.
“Men—they all love whoever they meet. Elder Sister is much better than Guiya. The reason Chaodong chose me over Elder Sister was only because the novelty had worn off.” Shen Guiya continued, “Now with Fourth Brother it’s the same. With his restless nature, he’s even more unstable than Chaodong. Already going out carousing during the newlywed period, he tired of you early on.”
“At this time, don’t I seem more novel and interesting?”
“What are you trying to say?” Even with her good temperament, Shen Guiyan couldn’t help but grow angry. She turned to look at her. “People have a sense of shame to be human. Does Elder Sister-in-law not know how to write the words ‘self-respect’?”
Shen Guiya froze, then scoffed. “Your feudal propriety means nothing to me. I don’t accept it. I only know to pursue what I like—fair competition for everyone.”
Shen Guiyan laughed coldly, feeling there was nothing left to argue with this person. Their values were completely different.
The dancing girls’ courtyard was just ahead. Shen Guiya seized the time to add one more thing: “Elder Sister will see shortly—men all like novel things, and I am the most novel thing in your world.”
She acted as if she hadn’t heard.
Shen Guiyan took a deep breath. Though Gu Chaobei favored women and was careless, he surely wouldn’t have feelings for Shen Guiya. If he had feelings, he wouldn’t always show disdain for her.
She should trust her husband.
After giving instructions to the dancing girls, Shen Guiyan rushed back to Gu Chaobei’s side.
“My lord, this concubine has a question.” Shen Guiyan said quietly with a serious expression. “Do all men like novel things?”
Gu Chaobei raised his eyebrows, not knowing why she suddenly asked this, but still answered honestly. “That’s natural. Everyone is interested in novel things.”
Shen Guiyan’s lips drooped, suddenly feeling somewhat dejected.
“However…” Gu Chaobei paused dramatically and turned to look at the dancing girls entering in their dance costumes, saying softly, “The solitary white rabbit, running east and looking west.”