Xiao Qishan resided in Guan Yue Pavilion at the Chanxing Marquis Estate. A servant had just replaced his study’s bamboo blinds with fine blue cloth curtains. The servant also warmed a pot of wine for him, sliced a plate of braised duck gizzard, cooked salted chestnuts, and peeled a plate of dried peanuts. Xiao Qishan had just returned from consulting with the old Marquis. With heavy autumn dew, he removed his cloak and drank a cup of wine, asking the servant: “…Has Guard Liu come by?”
The servant hurriedly replied: “He came at noon, but left when you weren’t here.”
Xiao Qishan smiled: “Then go invite him over. It would be a shame not to drink for so long.” The servant agreed and went to fetch him. Soon, Liu Zhou lifted the fine blue curtain to enter, sniffed the aroma, and smiled, “Sir is in good spirits. Drinking warmed wine is best in this chilly weather.”
Xiao Qishan poured him wine, pointing to the plate of duck gizzard slices: “…Braised meat from Chunxing Hutong. The flavor is exquisite.”
Liu Zhou laughed heartily, “That braised meat shop closes earliest. I’ve been wanting to eat there for a long time.” Then, lowering his voice, he said: “…Let me tell you something serious… The Young Master went to the Gu family today, behaving mysteriously with Li Xianhuai. I followed them the whole way and saw him enter the young lady’s chamber. What do you think? At such a critical time, isn’t the Young Master’s behavior strange?”
In this troublesome autumn, Ye Xian had always been full of schemes. They needed to guard against him to avoid ruining their grand plans.
Hearing this, Xiao Qishan smiled: “…The Gu family’s eldest daughter is stunningly beautiful. Nothing strange about that.” Hadn’t Ye Xian invited him to Beijing to treat Gu Jin Chao’s mother’s illness? Xiao Qishan recalled that Gu’s family daughter’s gentle and kind manner, feeling disgusted. He told Liu Zhou, “I watched him grow up, thinking he could achieve great things. But I didn’t expect him to be so young—a hero stumbling at a beauty’s gate!” Just a beautiful but empty shell with only a pretty face.
No matter how iron-hearted Ye Xian might be, that Gu family young lady would still turn steel into silk around her finger.
Besides amusement, Xiao Qishan felt somewhat disappointed.
Seeing Mr. Xiao’s contemptuous expression, Liu Zhou knew he thought little of this young lady. He stopped pursuing the subject and instead sat down to drink with Xiao Qishan, discussing interesting matters around the capital. Both drank until quite drunk. Liu Zhou’s mind grew muddled, and suddenly, with a slurred tongue, he asked: “Sir… I’ve never understood. The Chanxing Marquis has treated you so well… have you never hesitated?”
Xiao Qishan knew he was drunk; otherwise, he wouldn’t dare speak to him this way on ordinary days.
Seeing Liu Zhou almost collapsing onto the table, he said calmly: “Prince Cheng once had achievements that shook the four seas, pacifying rebellions in Outer Mongolia’s Tusheet Khan and the southern Chahar. The people adored him. Yet Zhu Houzong harbored murderous intentions toward Prince Cheng, capturing his wife and children, forcing him to rebel… He served the country and people and had merits without fault, yet met such a fate… What are Prince Rui and the Chanxing Marquis compared to even one-tenth of Prince Cheng!”
Thinking of the brave and battle-wise Prince Cheng of those years, Xiao Qishan felt deep regret.
Such a figure, beheaded by the Chanxing Marquis—how could he not bear a grudge! Moreover, Prince Cheng had recognized his talents! So even though he knew Prince Rui had courage but lacked strategy and could not achieve great things, he would still help plot against the Chanxing Marquis.
After bringing down the Chanxing Marquis Estate, Prince Rui smoothly gained military power, and Official Zhang’s influence in court would face no more obstacles. Everyone was watching with wide eyes.
“Those who achieve great things must be without sentiment or loyalty.” Xiao Qishan smiled. Ye Xian had such a character, which always made him fearful. That’s why in treating Ye Xian’s illness, he always held back somewhat—otherwise, how could it have taken over ten years without full recovery?
Now everything was ready, waiting only for the east wind to arrive.
Jin Chao’s mind also dwelled on the Chanxing Marquis family’s affairs. She had just heard from Gu De Zhao that regarding her father’s official position, besides Second Uncle’s efforts on her father’s behalf, Fifth Aunt had also sought help from the Chanxing Marquis family. If previously her father was considered neutral, now he had been classified within the Chanxing Marquis faction. Should the Chanxing Marquis Estate fall, the Gu family would likely have only one path: forcing the Fifth Aunt to suicide.
At least, that’s how others would certainly see it.
Jin Chao’s gaze fell on a pair of white jade filigree bracelets sent by the Fifth Mistress. The Fifth Mistress had always been gentle-natured. To be forced to suicide… who knew what the Gu family would do to her!
Jin Chao felt a chill in her heart.
Cai Fu came in to help her wash and dress. At the third quarter of the fifth hour, she was to attend Madam Feng to serve a morning meal.
After a while, Mama Xu entered, bowed, and said softly to Jin Chao: “Young Lady, the matters you asked this servant to inquire about have all been clarified.”
Jin Chao wanted to understand the general situation of the several branches of the Gu family—who managed the family business and oversaw the inner courtyard affairs—to avoid appearing ignorant when serving at Madam Feng’s and being manipulated.
Mama Xu explained: “…The ancestral family’s property isn’t extensive. This servant has calculated that the dowry and possessions Madam left you now match the Gu family’s assets, not counting what our master holds. These matters have always been in the Grand Madam’s hands, who manages them personally. The Grand Madam also intervenes in inner courtyard affairs, though nominally the Fifth Mistress assists in management. However, with the Fifth Mistress now pregnant, the Second Mistress handles most matters. Neither the Second Master nor the Fifth Master involves themselves in these affairs… The ancestral family now has only the Second Young Miss as a legitimate daughter; none of the other illegitimate daughters stand out.”
Jin Chao smiled: “No wonder Madam Feng treats me affectionately.” Though her possessions weren’t few, they only equated to those of a middle-ranking family. If the Gu family’s assets matched hers, they were somewhat tight-fisted! Yet judging by the ancestral home’s appearance, it was several times grander than theirs in Shi’an.
Mama Xu smiled faintly: “The ancestral family’s wealth is indeed limited, but their expenses are considerable. Sometimes yearly expenses exceed income, requiring them to sell household items. For great clans, maintaining appearances is essential—both substance and face must look good!”
Jin Chao continued, “For scholarly families, engaging in commerce is generally unsuitable, which isn’t surprising.” Scholars considered themselves of high status and disdained merchant activities. For instance, they would find it beneath their dignity to open gold and silver shops, lend money at interest, or run wine houses or tea pavilions.
Now that they had returned to the ancestral home, their food, clothing, and daily expenses were part of the ancestral family’s expenditures. Her father’s meager salary couldn’t cover much. Perhaps Madam Feng would occasionally ask Gu De Zhao to contribute money, which her father certainly wouldn’t refuse.
Jin Chao found it all headache-inducing upon reflection but decided to leave it to her father. Having received the ancestral family’s protection, they couldn’t expect to give anything in return.
When she arrived at the east side compound, Madam Feng had just risen. Assisted by Song Xiang, she had her hair styled in a small bun and applied osmanthus hair oil, making the black bun appear glossy. Madam Feng’s face, reflected in the mercury mirror, inevitably appeared somewhat harsh.
Jin Chao paid her respects, and Madam Feng slowly said: “…Help me grind the ink first.” Madam Feng had a habit of copying Buddhist scriptures after breakfast.
Jin Chao agreed and went to the study. Madam Feng came after breakfast but wasn’t in a hurry to copy the scriptures. Instead, she sat cross-legged on the large kang bed, resting with her eyes closed. Opening her eyes to glance at Jin Chao, she finally said: “A woman’s posture—looking good is the priority. Keep your back straight, and waist tight, and don’t lower your head or hunch your shoulders… How could that not look good!”
Jin Chao pressed her lips together. When grinding ink, one naturally had to lower one’s head and bend forward. How could one grind ink standing so straight?
She said “Yes” and straightened her body. Madam Feng wasn’t just having her grind ink; having just arrived at the ancestral home, she needed to be compliant for now.
After about half an hour, Madam Feng finally asked Jin Chao to come wash her hands and burn incense. Jin Chao sighed in relief… standing so still for so long was truly tiring!
After Madam Feng copied the Buddhist scripture, the Gu family masters, mistresses, and grandchildren would come one by one to pay their respects. During this time, Madam Feng had her stand nearby holding a celadon white porcelain teacup. As people came to bow, Jin Chao also had to return each greeting. She gradually discerned Madam Feng’s attitude toward everyone. Madam Feng valued the eldest grandson Gu Jin Xiao most, asking him many questions about his studies. She was most affectionate toward Gu Lian and Gu Jin Xian while responding coolly to illegitimate daughters who came to pay respects.
The Fifth Mistress came to discuss making new autumn clothes for the household servants with the coming of autumn—ordinary cotton cloth for most, with figured satin for making vests for the higher-ranking maids and women servants. Madam Feng readily agreed. She then chatted intimately with her. After the Fifth Mistress left, she told Jin Chao: “Your Fifth Aunt… has an excellent disposition. If you don’t understand something, you can ask her.”
The Second Mistress brought last month’s household expense accounts. Madam Feng frowned upon seeing them.
The Second Mistress hurriedly said: “…Third Brother’s family moved in, and it also coincided with the Double Ninth Festival. It’s normal for expenses to increase somewhat.”
Madam Feng retorted: “But there’s no reason for a forty percent increase. Even the embroidery master hired for Lian-er had a thirty-tael fee… but that embroidery master didn’t come last month! And regarding your Third Brother’s arrival, those items all came from the manor’s storerooms. Why are there charges for two pearwood small tables…”
She went on about minor details. The Second Mistress grew anxious listening: “The embroidery master didn’t come, but we still had to pay. That’s because Lian-er didn’t want to learn. The pearwood tables were needed for the manor. Third Brother’s arrival certainly added many items… Mother, please look carefully!”
Madam Feng became displeased: “Are you worried this old woman’s eyes have problems? Go back and recalculate, and stop using your Third Brother’s name to justify expenses.”
The Second Mistress took the ledger and agreed, then suddenly seemed to remember something, smiling: “Mother, the other day, Third Madam Cao from Huaixiang Hutong came to see me about arranging a marriage for our family. She wants to match her nephew with Lan-er…”
Third Madam Cao from Huaixiang Hutong? Wasn’t that Madam Mu’s sister? Could they be proposing Mu Zhizhai?
Jin Chao immediately focused her attention and heard Madam Feng ask disinterestedly: “Which nephew?”
The Second Mistress replied: “You’ve forgotten—it’s the illegitimate eldest son of Lesser Secretary Mu. Listening to Third Madam Cao, I thought it sounded good. They promise a generous dowry and don’t mind that Lan-er must observe mourning for a year. He’s truly appreciative of relationships!”
Jin Chao thought this was quite an outrageous distortion—even desperation could be portrayed as an appreciation of relationships!