Gu Yi’s eyebrows curved like the moon as she revealed a similar smile, walking slowly toward Gu Changtong while addressing him, “Magistrate Gu…”

Seeing his daughter address him by his official title, Gu Changtong couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. She had truly grown up. After entering the palace, her conduct with others had improved, and in his presence, she could still maintain the dignity of a palace consort.

Gu Changtong said with satisfaction, “Young… Lady Yi… no need for such formality…”

Gu Yi maintained her smile, feeling she had completed her first meeting with Father Gu.

The attendants began unloading trunks from the carriages.

Seeing this, Gu Changtong turned to lead them inside. “Young master, please follow me into the residence.”

As Gu Yi crossed the threshold, she suddenly heard a soft call, “Little Yi…”

Following the sound, she saw a beautiful middle-aged woman leading a young boy standing by the flower bed, staring at her intently.

That’s right, this must be her mother and brother!

But why did they call her Little Yi?

Was it because Xiaoyan called her Lady Yi?

Or perhaps Concubine Gu herself was also called Gu Yi?

Gu Yi halted her steps abruptly, her lips moving as she called out, “Madam…” Then looking at the young boy, after some thought, she called, “Brother…”

Only then did the two dare to approach.

Gu Yi saw that the middle-aged beauty’s eyes were filled with tears, formed into pearls that were about to roll down. “Little… Lady Yi… you look even better now…”

Gu Yi couldn’t bear to see people cry, and she thought of how the original Concubine Gu was already gone.

She felt a tinge of sorrow and responded with a soft “Mmm.”

The young boy looked up and gently grabbed the edge of her cloak, “Sister, don’t cry… I haven’t cried…”

Hearing this, Xiaoyan turned his head and saw that Gu Yi was indeed standing there with reddened eyes, gazing at Madam Gu, whose eyes were equally red.

He paused his steps briefly, contemplated for a moment, but continued following Gu Changtong toward the corridor.

Madam Gu wiped the corners of her eyes with a silk handkerchief, “It’s all my fault. Such a joyous occasion, I should be happy, not crying.”

Gu Yi also wiped the corner of her eye. Tao Jia, who had been silent behind her, immediately handed her a silk handkerchief, saying with a smile, “Lady Yi is also happy.”

Just then, Zhao Wan was also led into the Gu residence by an attendant.

Seeing the newcomer, Madam Gu recalled that the messenger had previously mentioned that the young master had brought two ladies on this tour, the other being Lady Wan.

Upon seeing Zhao Wan’s outstanding appearance, she immediately understood who this person was and smiled, “Are you Lady Wan? Let me take you to the wing rooms in the back courtyard.”

Zhao Wan curtsied and said, “Thank you for your trouble, Madam Gu…”

Madam Gu led the two of them through the gallery toward the back courtyard.

The young boy followed closely behind Gu Yi like a little tail.

Gu Yi wanted to ask him what his name was, but couldn’t be too obvious.

So she turned her head to look carefully at the young boy who was a head shorter than her, and saw his eyes brighten, his black obsidian pupils staring straight at her.

Gu Yi carefully asked, “How are your studying lately? What does your teacher say?”

Seeing him dressed like a student, he must be studying.

Gu Zhao nodded, “Before the year’s end, I was always going to school, but after the snow fell and with the New Year approaching, I stopped attending classes. We’ll resume studies after spring begins.” After a pause, he added with a touch of pride, “But lately, the teacher has been praising me…”

I understand, it’s winter break.

Gu Yi asked encouragingly, “How does your teacher praise you…”

Gu Zhao’s small face turned red, and he said bashfully, “The teacher said Ah Zhao’s writing has improved significantly, and that my essays flow smoothly. I received top marks in the year-end examination.”

Understood, he’s a top student.

Gu Zhao.

Gu Yi silently repeated this name in her heart.

Walking behind the two, Zhao Wan listened to their ordinary sibling greetings and couldn’t help feeling a pang of sorrow.

Once upon a time, she too had strolled through corridors with her father and brothers, discussing everyday matters like weather and rain.

The Gu family arranged for the women to stay in the wing rooms of the back courtyard.

Gu Yi’s room was exactly her maiden chamber before she went to the capital.

Madam Gu smiled, “The arrangements haven’t been changed much. It’s just as it was when you left.”

Gu Yi looked around, seeing a six-pillared bed, a writing desk, and a black lacquered landscape cabinet—simple and elegant furnishings.

“Mother… you’ve gone to such trouble…”

Madam Gu gently squeezed her arm, “With no outsiders present, why are you still so formal?” She smiled and pushed Gu Zhao, “Ah Zhao, go out. Mother has something to say to your sister…”

Gu Zhao looked very unwilling, but still bowed and said, “Ah Zhao takes his leave…” After speaking, he left the room, looking back three times with each step.

Madam Gu pulled Gu Yi to sit at the table and spoke softly, “I see that since the young master has come to Fuzhou, he must hold you in his heart. Are you… living well in the palace?”

After speaking, she looked at Gu Yi expectantly, her eyes glistening as if she would burst into tears at the slightest negative response.

Gu Yi’s heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly nodded, “The young master treats me very well, Mother need not worry.”

Madam Gu let out a long breath of relief, then said earnestly, “This puts me at ease… You must also be cautious. Never be willful or arrogant. Lady Wan is also beautiful and seems to have a good temperament. You must never compete with others! Your father has spoiled you since you were young, but you cannot behave as you did at home, throwing tantrums at will… However…”

Madam Gu looked carefully at Gu Yi again, “However… coming back this time, Mother sees that you have truly grown up…”

Gu Yi sighed, “Mother, please don’t worry…”

I am no longer the Gu Yi of before…

After this thought, Gu Yi comfortingly patted the back of Madam Gu’s hand.

Seeing the smile in her eyes and the gentleness of her demeanor, Madam Gu thought that she had truly become a married woman; her entire person had softened.

The Gu household was busy until the hour of You (5-7 pm), when they finally finished unloading all the trunks and luggage.

Everyone moved to the main hall for the meal.

Gu Changtong had said it would be a welcoming family dinner, and it truly was a family meal.

Not at all extravagant, six people sat around a round table with six dishes and some fruit and vegetable appetizers.

Gu Yi guessed that he probably didn’t dare to be lavish.

Though called a family dinner, it was not without etiquette.

Gu Changtong sat straight and formal the entire time, which Gu Yi found tiring just by looking at him.

Father Gu probably truly wishes to go to the capital to report for duty…

No talking while eating. For a time, there was hardly even the sound of cups clinking at the table.

Xiaoyan put down his bamboo chopsticks.

Everyone at the table followed suit and stopped eating.

He turned his head toward Gu Zhao, who was sitting next to Gu Changtong, and asked, “What books has young Master Gu been studying recently?”

Though addressed by name, Gu Zhao wasn’t flustered. He sat straight as a board and replied steadily, “In response to the young master, I have been studying the Four Books, the Five Classics, and last year I also read the Comprehensive Mirror.”

Seeing his serious demeanor, Xiaoyan smiled, “You are quite different from your sister.”

Gu Zhao looked at Gu Yi with confusion, his eyes seemingly asking whether the emperor brother-in-law was praising or criticizing him…

Gu Yi gave a dry laugh, understanding his gaze, “The young master is praising you…”

Gu Zhao looked relieved, “Thank you for your praise, young master.”

Seeing their interactions, Madam Gu felt even more pleased in her heart.

The Emperor liked little Yi.

Gu Changtong, however, couldn’t perceive these nuances of romance and simply said, “My son still needs more training. He only has a superficial understanding now. In the future, with diligent study, he will improve further.”

Gu Zhao nodded, “Father is right.”

After the meal, Gu Changtong invited Xiaoyan to play chess in the study.

In reality, it was to report on his work.

Wang Zibo, the Assistant Minister of Revenue, had come to Fuzhou last month and now had gone to the subordinate Tang County to measure land, with some results.

Xiaoyan’s journey was also for the tax reform matter. The two discussed official business until midnight and decided to set out the next day to meet with Wang Zibo in Tang County.

Meanwhile, Gu Yi was making a leisure plan for the next few days in Fu City.

Though the city was remote, Father Gu had been the Prefect for two years, and the Gu family knew the places under his jurisdiction like the back of their hands.

Madam Gu suggested, “Why don’t you and Lady Wan find some clever maidservants tomorrow to take you around the city? With the New Year approaching, there are quite a few novel items…”

Upon hearing this, Gu Yi immediately said, “That’s an excellent idea!”

Early the next morning, Gu Yi rose early and called for companions to go out shopping.

She deliberately wore a festive sparrow-brown padded jacket, draped a cloak over her shoulders, and sat in the Gu family’s carriage.

Zhao Wan, wearing a saffron-colored long robe, sat opposite her.

When the two got off the carriage and walked on the street, they were quite eye-catching. The maidservants immediately led them to a splendid shop with few people inside.

It was an antique and jewelry shop called Treasure Pavilion.

Although the shopkeeper had never seen the visitors before, seeing the maidservants and attendants following them, he knew they must be either wealthy or noble.

He welcomed them cordially, “Honorable guests, please go upstairs. Upstairs, we have newly arrived styles and custom-made hairpins.”

Gu Yi nodded, allowing the shopkeeper to lead them upstairs.

The hairpins in the palace were naturally beautiful, but those outside were also interesting.

The styles were more down-to-earth, lighter, and not expensive!

Tao Jia took a fancy to a colorful butterfly hairpin, while Gu Yi chose a jade blue bird hairpin.

Zhao Wan held a flying swallow jade pendant and asked Gu Yi, “Sister Yi, does this jade ring look good?”

Just as Gu Yi was about to answer, she heard a slightly trembling male voice from behind.

“Ah Yi…”

Auntie?

Gu Yi turned around and saw a young man standing at the corner of the stairs.

Dressed in an indigo-blue robe, he was slim and elegant, with a refined and handsome appearance, though his face was slightly pale.

Brother, who is this?

Why is he calling her Ah Yi?

Gu Yi remained silent. Zhao Wan put down the jade pendant in her hand and couldn’t help but take another look at the young man.

The shopkeeper recognized the newcomer and hurriedly stepped forward to greet him, “Young Master Zhou, have you come to collect the jade Buddha for Old Madam Zhou’s birthday? I have it ready and will have someone put it in your carriage.”

Zhou Tinghe came to his senses at this greeting and replied politely, “Thank you for your trouble, shopkeeper.”

The shopkeeper turned to attend to the matter.

Zhou Tinghe raised his eyes to look at Gu Yi again, only to see her gazing at him expressionlessly, as if she had forgotten who he was…

He moved his lips, wanting to say something, but didn’t know where to begin.

After all, it was he who had wronged Gu Yi…

Seeing his hesitant expression, Gu Yi had already filled in two hundred episodes of drama in her mind.

It seemed that the original Concubine Gu was not just an ordinary classmate.

This Young Master Zhou must have had a deep, tortured love affair with her; otherwise, he wouldn’t call her Ah Yi.

In this small city of Fuzhou, they had shared love and affection, day and night, but unfortunately, the Zhou family disapproved, the Gu family sought official positions, and Concubine Gu was sent to the capital, actually entering the palace one day. She and Young Master Zhou could only part with regret.

Truly, once entering the palace gates, it’s as deep as the sea. From then on, Zhou Lang became a stranger.

Having completed her mental drama, Gu Yi immediately turned her gaze away.

Better not to have eye contact, lest it trigger an unknown plot.

The book didn’t mention Fuzhou Young Master Zhou’s tangled love affairs!

Zhou Tinghe saw her calmly turn her gaze away, and his heart sank.

His footsteps involuntarily moved forward, “Lady… Gu… long time no see, Tinghe pays his respects…” With that, he bowed to her.

Gu Yi looked at the brother who had suddenly walked up to her, and froze for a moment.

Tinghe…

Zhou Tinghe…

Gu Yi racked her brains, once again confirming that this person did not exist in the book.

She forced a humble smile, “There’s no need for such formality, Young Master Zhou.” Hello and goodbye!