Chapter 706: Maybe Don

Afternoon, after one o'clock

Jiying Alley

Sheng Family

Weirui Pavilion

Side room of the main house

The maid Caihuan stood beside, holding a delicate bronze mirror.

Wang Ruofu, facing the mirror, wore two heavy gold rings on her hands; after adjusting the jade hairpin in her coiffure, she scanned her attire.

After smoothing her robe, Wang Ruofu turned to Liu Mama beside her and said: "Liu's, what do you think of this outfit?"

Liu Mama, holding a handkerchief, studied Wang Ruofu's clothes and nodded: "Lady, this attire looks lovely on you, suits your complexion. But—"

Seeing Liu Mama's hesitant expression, Wang Ruofu gazed at her reflection in the mirror and asked: "What's wrong? Is something amiss?"

Liu Mama said nothing, only scrutinized Wang Ruofu's appearance closely.

Opposite her, Caihuan glanced at Wang Ruofu with confusion, then at Liu Mama.

After a moment,

Liu Mama's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands, laughing: "Lady! I finally know what's off!"

Seeing Wang Ruofu's puzzled look, Liu Mama said: "Lady, these two gold rings on your hands are too thick! They clash with your elegant fabric. Better to swap them for a jade bracelet!"

Wang Ruofu lifted her palm to examine the gold rings, frowned, and said with reluctance:

"The Bai family in Yangzhou is immensely wealthy, and the Gu family is an old noble house! If I appear too plain when Bai Madam visits, won't she look down on us?"

Liu Mama urged: "Lady, we're not without ties to the Gu family!"

"Gu Er is studying at our family's private school, and we're even distantly related! Bai Madam knows our standing well—why flaunt it with these heavy gold rings?"

Wang Ruofu blinked and nodded: "True!" Then she extended both hands.

Liu Mama hurried forward, removed the heavy gold rings, placed them in the mirror box, and helped Wang Ruofu slip on a jade bracelet.

Wang Ruofu glanced at her reflection, nodded, and said: "Good. Let's go."

On the way out to the courtyard,

Wang Ruofu mused: "Why would Gu Hou's wife come to our home, when it's neither festival nor holiday?"

Liu Mama shook her head, equally puzzled: "Lady, I can't guess the reason."

Wang Ruofu nodded and continued toward the front hall.

After sitting in the main hall for a while,

"Lady, Yu's carriage is nearly at the gate."

Hearing the maid's report, Wang Ruofu rose, gripping Liu Mama's arm, and hurried toward the second gate.

Seeing Yu Laofuren step down from the carriage, Wang Ruofu smiled forward: "Old Madam, you've traveled far—our Lady Sheng is waiting for you in Shou'an Hall."

Yu Laofuren smiled and nodded: "Thank you, Lady, for coming to meet me."

"Don't mention it, Old Madam!"

As Wang Ruofu spoke, she beamed at Yu Yanran, who had just stepped down.

Seeing Yu Yanran's red eyes, Wang Ruofu paused: "Oh? What's wrong, Yanran?"

Yu Yanran quickly lowered her head: "Thank you for your concern, Lady, I'm fine."

Wang Ruofu nodded slowly: "Oh! Good, good. Let's go to Shou'an Hall."

Upon hearing Wang Ruofu's question, Yu Laofuren's expression darkened.

When Wang Ruofu turned to her, Yu Laofuren forced a smile and nodded: "Lady, please."

Shou'an Hall

"Yu Laofuren, Lady Wang, and Miss Yanran have arrived."

Hearing the announcement,

Sheng Laofuren, seated on the Luohan chair, rose with a smile and turned toward the hall entrance.

Seeing Yu Laofuren enter, Sheng Laofuren, with Minglan, stepped forward warmly: "I've invited you here unannounced today—please don't hold it against me."

Yu Laofuren looked at her old friend's smile and shook her head: "Why would I blame you, Sister, for inviting me to your home?"

Sheng Laofuren smiled, glancing at the bowed Yu Yanran, and said: "Sixth girl, take Yanran to the side room to play."

"Yes, Grandmother!"

Minglan smiled, took Yanran's hand, and led her aside.

"Let's sit down," Sheng Laofuren said.

After the two elders settled on the Luohan chairs, Wang Ruofu exchanged a few words, then rose again and headed toward the outer courtyard.

At the second gate of the Sheng residence,

Pingmei, seated on the outer side of the carriage, stepped out first, descended the mounting stool, and smiled as she curtsied to Wang Ruofu: "Auntie, we've intruded today."

Wang Ruofu feigned reproach: "We're family—what nonsense, Pingmei!"

Gu Tingyi, following Pingmei, stepped down and bowed beside her: "Greetings, Lady."

Wang Ruofu regarded Gu Tingyi with clear admiration, nodding repeatedly with a smile.

Then Pingmei turned and, with Chang Mama, extended her hands.

Bai Shi stepped down from the carriage, supported by Chang Mama and Pingmei.

Following Chang Mama was Hualan, still in her travel clothes.

"Mother," Hualan called with a smile.

Wang Ruofu frowned: "Hua'er, why are you here?"

Hualan smiled at Pingmei and said: "I heard Bai Madam and Big Sister were coming to Jiying Alley, and since I missed Grandmother and Mother, I came along."

Bai Shi, watching Wang Ruofu smile and nod, said: "Thank you for your trouble today, Lady."

Wang Ruofu waved her hand: "No trouble at all! Funny thing—Yu Laofuren came today too, with Yanran."

Bai Shi, Pingmei, and others at the second gate all nodded.

Liu Mama, standing beside Wang Ruofu, noticed the subtle shifts in their expressions and quickly lowered her eyes, concealing her thoughts.

As Wang Ruofu welcomed the guests,

In Shou'an Hall,

On the corridor outside the side room,

Minglan sat on a satin cushion, leaning forward with concern toward Yu Yanran: "Big Sister Yanran, were you bullied at Wu Madam's polo field today?"

Yu Yanran pressed her lips and nodded: "Mm."

"Was it your stepmother or your younger siblings?" Minglan pressed.

Yu Yanran shook her head, then immediately nodded again before Minglan could speak.

"What does that mean?" Minglan's eyes filled with confusion.

Yu Yanran, furious, pounded her thigh and spat: "It's—that Gu Tingye, that scoundrel—he—"

Minglan widened her eyes: "Gu Er? What did he do?"

Yu Yanran explained briefly; Minglan nodded vigorously, indignant: "Gu Er is far too reckless! No wonder—"

Yu Yanran looked at Minglan: "Sixth sister, what's 'no wonder'?"

Minglan said: "When he came to our house for New Year's, he intercepted us on the road to apologize! I knew he had an agenda all along."

Yu Yanran pressed her lips and nodded.

In the main hall,

Sheng Laofuren sat on the Luohan chair, solemnly facing Yu Laofuren: "Little Sister, I won't hide it—I was asked to invite you here today."

Yu Laofuren frowned: "Little Sister, asked? Who could possibly ask you?"

Sheng Laofuren smiled: "My niece's granddaughter, married into the Ningyuan Marquis House."

Yu Laofuren's eyes widened: "The Gu family?"

"Yes!"

Yu Laofuren glared at Sheng Laofuren: "Little Sister! Why are you helping the Gu family?"

Sheng Laofuren spoke gently: "My niece's granddaughter begged me—how could I refuse?"

Yu Laofuren glanced at her longtime friend, lips pressed: "You know what happened today?"

Sheng Laofuren nodded: "The Gu family sent word. Gu Hou's wife and my niece's granddaughter will arrive shortly."

Seeing Yu Laofuren's expression, Sheng Laofuren hurried on: "The Gu family's maid said Bai Madam is furious about what Gu Er did!"

Yu Laofuren frowned: "Even if his own mother is angry, what will she do? Beat him?"

Sheng Laofuren smiled: "If you asked her, she might just give him a good thrashing."

Yu Laofuren lifted her chin: "He deserves it."

Sheng Laofuren nodded: "You're right! I agreed to help my niece's granddaughter because, after the New Year, we spoke of this Gu boy—his flaws don't overshadow his virtues!"

"Besides, Gu Er is talented in both literature and martial arts, the Marquis heir—what girl couldn't he marry? But if Bai Madam had Pingmei come to me, it's clear she favors Yanran!"

Seeing Yu Laofuren's expression soften, Sheng Laofuren pressed on: "We've seen enough people in our years—Bai Madam's character, her true nature—we can tell at a glance."

Yu Laofuren took a deep breath and nodded in agreement: "True. Bai Madam is kind-hearted."

"My niece's granddaughter isn't Bai Madam's biological daughter-in-law—yet Bai Madam treats her so well. Gu Er is her own son—how could he mistreat Yanran?"

Sheng Laofuren finished; Yu Laofuren shook her head skeptically: "Little Sister, you can't be sure. What if Bai Madam is desperate for grandchildren and fills the household with concubines?"

Sheng Laofuren gave her a reproachful look: "The Gu family already has an eldest grandson—why would Bai Madam be desperate?"

Yu Laofuren nodded: "You're right, Sister."

"The esteemed guest and the Lady, the eldest daughter have arrived."

Outside, Cui Mama's voice called out.

The two elder ladies rose to their feet.

Then,

Wang Ruofu reached out beside her, guiding Bai Shi into Shou'an Hall.

Before either elder lady could speak, Bai Shi halted before them, bowed deeply, and said, "Greetings to Elder Lady Sheng, Elder Lady Yu. May both venerable ladies enjoy good health."

Elder Lady Sheng hurried forward and gently steadied Bai Shi with a light supporting gesture. "Madam Marquis Gu, you must not bow so deeply—we are not worthy!"

Bai Shi smiled. "Elder Lady, I have always been close to Sister Sun. I must pay my respects."

Elder Lady Sheng nodded with a smile, her eyes brimming with warmth.

Seeing the expressions of the two elder ladies—especially Elder Lady Sheng's gaze—Bai Shi understood fully, and her spirits lifted.

After bowing, Bai Shi's daughters Pingmei, Hualan, and Gu Tingyi quickly bowed and greeted the elders.

Elder Lady Sheng smiled and called out, "Good, good! Children, please sit!"

"Suqin, bring Minglan and Yanran over to meet the elders and their sisters," the elder lady added.

"Yes, Grandmother."

Soon,

Minglan and Yanran entered the hall together and bowed to all present.

Looking at the assembled company—especially Hualan and Gu Tingyi—Minglan's eyes crinkled with delight.

Yanran looked slightly shy, her gaze darting about, only steadying when it fell upon Pingmei.

"Mother, I'd like to go sit with the two younger sisters," Gu Tingyi rose and said with a smile.

Bai Shi cast a half-reproachful glance at her daughter, then turned to the two elder ladies and Wang Ruofu.

Wang Ruofu, seeing Elder Lady Sheng nod, smiled and waved. "Let Tingyi go. Liu Mama, bring Rulan too—let her play with her sister Tingyi."

"Yes, Lady."

Liu Mama replied.

Gu Tingyi bowed to all, then joined Minglan and Yanran as they went to the side chamber.

Watching the three girls' figures vanish behind the screen,

Bai Shi rose and bowed deeply to Elder Lady Yu, her voice earnest: "Elder Lady, my second son was truly reckless today—he offended Yanran! I come here to apologize on his behalf!"

Pingmei rose beside her and bowed as well.

Elder Lady Yu studied Bai Shi's expression, drew a deep breath, and stood. "The boy is young—just a bit impetuous! Madam Marquis Gu, you must discipline him more strictly in future."

Bai Shi nodded quickly. "Elder Lady is right."

Elder Lady Yu glanced at Elder Lady Sheng, then continued: "Earlier, at our home, my husband also spoke of your second son—he praised him as a sensible, filial boy."

Bai Shi hurried to reply: "The Grand Tutor flatters him! My son's conduct today is unworthy of such praise."

Elder Lady Yu waved for Bai Shi and Pingmei to sit.

After all had resumed their seats, Elder Lady Yu continued: "Your second son accompanied the Xu family's son to Beizhou out of loyalty and righteousness; he petitioned for your promotion to noble title through military merit—that is filial piety. My husband did not overpraise him."

Hearing this, Bai Shi looked at Elder Lady Yu, bowed slightly while seated, and spoke with even greater sincerity: "I am ashamed! Ashamed!"

"Elder Lady, when I return home today, I will tell the Marquis of this incident at the polo field. He will punish the boy severely—make him understand his fault!"

Elder Lady Yu glanced at Elder Lady Sheng, then nervously rubbed her hands together. "When we were young, we heard how the old Marquis Gu punished your husband. Sons learn from fathers—surely the Marquis Gu will punish his second son just as harshly."

"Perhaps you should not tell the Marquis Gu. The boy might be hurt, and you, Madam, would grieve."

After Elder Lady Yu finished, Bai Shi and her attendant Chang Mama both looked moved.

Bai Shi rose again. "Thank you, Elder Lady, for your great kindness."

Pingmei rose as well, bowing with Chang Mama to Elder Lady Yu.

Hualan also bowed. "Elder Lady, my husband also asked me to apologize—Jingge is partly to blame as an accomplice."

Hearing Xu Zaijing's name, Elder Lady Yu's face softened into a smile. "No matter—he's a good boy, no ill intent."

Elder Lady Sheng smiled helplessly and shook her head.

Seeing Bai Shi's gaze, Elder Lady Sheng winked playfully.

Bai Shi understood, drew a breath, and smiled at Elder Lady Yu: "Elder Lady, my second son is now of marriageable age."

In the evening,

Quyuanjie,

Yongyi Marquis House,

Xu Zaijing sat in the main hall of his mother Sun Shi's courtyard,

listening as his sister-in-law Hualan recounted the events of the day at Shou'an Hall.

Now that Gu Tingye had his biological mother beside him, his studies were supervised, his reputation protected, and his marriage arranged.

"So, then, Tingye's marriage is settled?" Sun Shi rose from the Luohan chair, hand on her waist.

As she spoke, she waved off Xie Shi and Hualan, who moved to assist her.

"Yes, Mother! The polo tournament continues for two more days. Aunt Gu intends to announce it tomorrow."

Sun Shi paced slowly, nodding. "Then Lady Yu's reputation won't suffer."

"Lady Tingyi will inform her noble lady friends—many will know by tonight," Hualan said.

Beside her, Xie Shi smiled and pulled several invitations from her sleeve. "Mother, these are the invitations I received at the polo field."

Sun Shi took them, glanced through, and said, "I've never heard of these families."

"Mother, they're all newly arrived in the capital," Xie Shi replied.

Zai Zhang, seated above Xu Zaijing, smiled and glanced at him.

Hualan took the invitations from Sun Shi's hand and said, "By the way, Mother—Elder Lady Yu mentioned that the old Marquis Gu punished your husband severely. You grew up in Bianjing—did you ever hear of it?"

Sun Shi thought a moment, then nodded. "I've heard."

Seeing the eager expressions of those in the room, Sun Shi said, "This is an elder matter—you must not tell Pingmei."

"Yes!" Xu Zaijing and the others replied quickly.

Sun Shi said, "Your father told me the Marquis Gu was quite mischievous in his youth. When he broke the rules or struck someone, the old Marquis didn't use the military cane—he'd hang him from the gate and whip him."

"Only such discipline kept the Marquis Gu from going astray. Later, when he joined the Guangrui Army and took command, he naturally straightened out."

Looking at the expressions of her two daughters-in-law,

Sun Shi gazed tenderly at Xu Zaijing, who was quietly chewing dried meat. "Your husbands never suffered such punishment. The worst they got was my bamboo board."

Hualan nodded, glanced at Zai Zhang, and asked, "Mother, why did your husband get beaten with the board as a boy?"

Zai Zhang's eyes pleaded with Sun Shi.

Sun Shi smiled. "He wouldn't study."

Hualan nodded. "Oh!"

Xu Zaijing chewed his dried meat, smiled, and raised an eyebrow at Zai Zhang.

He remembered well—his two older brothers were also beaten for visiting Qiyun Pavilion and drinking with courtesans.

The next day,

The polo match at Jinming Pool continued.

Li's Fifth Daughter, now betrothed to Imperial Prince Zhao Fang, and the Yao girl also appeared in the Empress's pavilion.

News of the engagement between Lady Yu's eldest daughter and Gu's second son spread through the polo grounds.

With this settled, the rumors about Yu Yanran vanished instantly.

In the Liang family pavilion,

sat Xu Zaijing, Gu Tingye, Qi Heng, and others who still hadn't returned to school.

Liang Han watched the noble ladies playing polo and said, "Lady Yu's third daughter seems off today—she didn't score a single goal."

Gu Tingye smiled. "Perhaps she heard something and is in low spirits."

"Hmph~"

Gu Tingye snorted.

Beside him, Xu Zaijing shook his head slightly—before they were even betrothed, Gu Tingye was already taking up arms to defend Yu Yanran.

(End of Chapter)