Chapter 10: Younger Brother
Mother held Jinrong's hand and said, "Studying with Master Zhu has clearly improved you. But you seem thinner—are you eating and dressing well in Qifang Alley?..."
Gu Jinrong replied, "Since I'm there to study, I understand the need for diligence. The food and clothes you send every month are more than enough. My thinness comes from missing you. When you were gravely ill, I couldn’t even return to see you..." He motioned for his page to bring over several boxes. "...Some nourishing medicinal materials. The shops in Qifang Alley sell particularly good ones, so I bought some for you."
He then picked up a small box carved with peonies. "This is for Eldest Sister."
Gu Jinzhao accepted it with thanks. Madam Ji watched them fondly. "You two are siblings from the same mother, closer than others. If anything should happen to me in the future, Rong'er, you must support your sister and not let anyone bully her."
Gu Jinrong comforted her. "Mother, you haven’t even seen me succeed in my studies yet—how could anything happen? You’ll surely live a long and peaceful life..."
Mother then asked Jinrong about his studies—how his lessons were progressing, how far he’d read in the Four Books. Jinzhao thought to herself that Jinrong was only twelve by nominal age and had merely skimmed the Four Books. His tutor would delve deeper into them when he was older. Mother, having little education herself, didn’t know this. Yet Jinrong answered patiently and steadily.
After the questions, Madam Ji told him to return to Tranquil Fragrance Study first, unpack his things, and rest after the long journey.
Jinzhao remained silent.
Having held power over household affairs for so many years, Madam Ji naturally saw everything clearly. She had always known that Jinzhao and Jinrong didn’t get along well. The siblings had barely exchanged words earlier. Leaning against the large pillow, she gazed at her daughter.
After Gu Lan’s hair-pinning ceremony, it would be Jinzhao’s sixteenth birthday. Her daughter was as radiant as a Haitang flower, though her attire was understated. Her jet-black hair shimmered like satin in the sunlight, her eyes clear as a deep pool, her skin delicate and fair. With such beauty and family standing, she deserved nothing less than an excellent husband.
Madam Ji recalled what Master Xue had said earlier: "...The young lady is exceptionally bright. Once she puts her mind to embroidery, she learns with astonishing speed."
Since her illness, her daughter had grown much more composed, which brought her great comfort.
"You should spend more time with your brother. As siblings from the same mother, you must support each other in the future," Madam Ji advised Jinzhao. "Before, you disliked his liveliness, but don’t let that hold you back now. If I die, your brother will be your only support..."
Jinzhao understood all this, but changing someone’s perception wasn’t easy. Becoming overly familiar with her brother too quickly might backfire. She knew her limits. Seeing her mother worry about her health again, she didn’t press further. Instead, she brought up another matter: "...Among the shopkeepers managing your dowry properties, are there any you trust completely? I’d like to borrow one for some tasks."
Madam Ji thought for a moment. "The shopkeepers are all honest and reliable, as are the stewards of the villas and estates. Since you need someone capable, they must also be discerning. The managers of the shops in Baodi might suit your needs..."
She didn’t ask what Jinzhao intended to do.Madam Ji carefully explained to her which shopkeepers and stewards were honest, which were particularly clever, and which were exceptionally intelligent.
Jinchao understood that her mother wanted her to become familiar with her dowry. Her mother's dowry was substantial, and it would eventually belong to her and her younger brother, so it was only natural she needed to know the details.
After speaking for a while, Madam Ji grew exhausted. Jinchao helped her lie down to rest, then instructed Qingpu, who had accompanied her, to fetch two calligraphy pieces by renowned masters. She decided to visit Gu Jinrong at the Tranquil Fragrance Study first. Since he was still young, as long as they could get along and converse well, they would naturally grow closer.
Lost in thought, she walked with Qingpu to the Tranquil Fragrance Study. A young maid announced her arrival and ushered her into the East Side Room to wait.
After a while, Gu Jinrong entered: "...I was just tidying up some books. Apologies for keeping you waiting, Eldest Sister."
Jinchao smiled. "I'm the one intruding. I heard you enjoy calligraphy, so I deliberately acquired two pieces for you. See if you like them." She motioned for Qingpu to unroll them for Jinrong.
Jinrong examined them and praised, "Master Shitian's characters are unrestrained and free-spirited, while Master Zhizhishan's are warm and dignified. Both are excellent. You've gone to great trouble, Eldest Sister." Though his features still carried a childlike innocence, he spoke with remarkable maturity.
As Jinchao looked at Jinrong, she thought of her own son, Chen Xuanlin. They said nephews often resembled their uncles, and indeed, Xuanlin had been just as precocious in his youth...
Jinrong clearly adored the calligraphy pieces, handling them with great care, but he exchanged only a few words with Jinchao. Soon, another young maid entered: "Young Master, Second Miss is here!"
Jinrong's eyes immediately brightened. He set down the scrolls and hurried out: "Is Second Sister here?"
The maid followed behind him, calling, "Young Master, you haven't put on your cloak! Don't catch cold!"
"It's fine!" Jinrong paid no heed.
Jinchao stared at the abandoned calligraphy pieces on the table, her heart turning cold. Then she heard a gentle, melodious voice: "Our young master has grown so tall—Second Sister can't even match you now."
The siblings entered chatting. Jinchao saw Gu Lan dressed in a luxurious red brocade coat, her beauty radiant. Jinrong, now slightly taller, smiled down at her: "No matter how tall I grow, I'll always be Second Sister's little brother!"
Gu Lan patted his shoulder. "Why didn't you mention Eldest Sister was here? I wasn't prepared." She then greeted Jinchao respectfully.
Jinchao smiled. "It's alright. He was just overjoyed to see you."
Jinrong chimed in, "See? Even Eldest Sister says it's fine, yet you still scold me!" His tone was lively, finally sounding like a boy of eleven or twelve.
Gu Lan took Jinchao's hand. "Eldest Sister, you haven't visited me much lately. Since we've met today, we sisters must catch up properly." She turned to Jinrong. "Why haven't you served Eldest Sister tea yet? Didn't you say your manners had improved?"
Jinrong grinned. "I hadn't gotten the chance yet. Eldest Sister, what tea would you like?"
Jinchao felt that if she stayed any longer, she would only be in the way.
She rose and said, "Mother needs tending to, so I'll take my leave. When you have time, do visit her more often—she misses you day and night." At the mention of his mother, Jinrong's smile faded slightly. He nodded in acknowledgment.Jinchao walked into the covered corridor, still hearing Gu Jinrong's voice: "...This is for Second Sister, an ivory carving of the Eighteen Arhats that I carved myself. Since you don't care for gold or silver, these decorative pieces are best..."
The smile on Jinchao's face slowly faded as Qingpu followed silently behind her. Exiting the Tranquil Fragrance Study, they came upon a frozen lake. Not yet ready to return, Jinchao walked along the corridor to the pavilion on the lake, gazing at the withered branches on the opposite shore.
Qingpu, accustomed to seeing her young mistress bright and vivacious, was moved by her unusual silence. "...Second Young Master is just immature. You and he are closest after all. He'll understand when he grows up."
Jinchao shook her head. "...It's not that."
Sitting in the pavilion, chilled by the cold wind, she took out a small box carved with peonies from her sleeve. Inside was an ordinary Hetian jade pendant, carved with the fashionable motifs of prosperity, wealth, longevity, and happiness popular in Yanjing.
Only with those he liked and was close to did Gu Jinrong show his childish side. Perhaps Xuan Lin was the same, treating her as a stranger who merely bore the title of mother—naturally appearing so mature beyond his years. Jinchao smiled self-deprecatingly and put the pendant away. "It's time to visit Mother."
The rift between Gu Jinrong and her was indeed deep; bridging it would require considerable effort.
Yet thinking of how Gu Lan would treat him in the future, Jinchao felt a pang of resentment.
Did Gu Lan truly see Jinrong as a younger brother, or merely as the legitimate eldest son of the Gu family? When she and her mother drove Jinrong out of the Gu household, had they ever imagined the trust and dependence he would place in them now?
Gu Lan accepted the exquisite ivory carving from Gu Jinrong's hands, admiring its intricate details—the Buddha figures so lifelike.
"You really went and learned ivory carving," she chided gently. "Sister was only joking. Learning such things takes time away from your studies. If your grades suffer because of this, how will I explain to Father?"
During Jinrong's last visit, Gu Lan had casually mentioned her fondness for ivory carvings, prompting him to learn the craft to please her. "It's no trouble," he replied. "Our academy's teachers are excellent, and we have much more free time than the students at the Imperial Academy."
Gu Lan then brought up Jinchao. "...Though Eldest Sister may have her faults, she is still your elder. You mustn't disrespect her. Go and pay your respects to her tomorrow morning—she's usually free then."
Jinrong sighed. "After how she treated you, you still speak up for her? Second Sister, you're too kind—kindness invites exploitation!"
Hearing this, Gu Lan sighed helplessly. "Eldest Sister is the legitimate first daughter. How could I defy her? Last time, she took a liking to one of my maids and simply took her away. I treated that girl very well, and she was heartbroken to leave... but I didn't dare keep her. I fear she isn't living well now in Paulownia Courtyard."
Jinrong frowned. "Such a thing happened? I'll get your maid back for you! Jinchao has always been this way—taking whatever catches her eye. Don't worry..."Gu Lan quickly said, "Second Sister told you these things not to ask for your help, but just to remind you to be more respectful in front of Eldest Sister. It doesn’t matter if I suffer a little—what’s important is that you treat Eldest Sister better. After all, she is the legitimate eldest daughter of the Gu family!"
Gu Jinrong couldn’t help but sneer, "This so-called legitimate eldest daughter has long disgraced the Gu family. Many of my fellow students know of her and say she’s nothing but a fool, with nothing but a pretty face, a terrible temper, and no sense of shame! She’s just… just…"
Gu Lan patted his back gently and whispered, "No matter what others say, she is still your sister by blood. Don’t speak like this."
Gu Jinrong muttered under his breath, "I’d rather not have such a sister at all…"
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