Chapter 108: Truth and Falsehood
The next day, Jinchao returned to the Gu household. Ji Wu Shi had given her many things—specialties brought back by Liu Min from Hebei, Ji Wu Shi’s private savings, various foods, and even the Four Treasures of the Study that Master Ji had sent for Gu Jinrong.
Upon her return, she went straight through the Chuihua Gate. Mama Xu hurried to greet her, while Gu Yi and Gu Xi had been waiting by the screen wall since early morning. Jinchao glanced around but didn’t see Gu Lan or Gu Jinrong. Mama Xu explained, "The young master has gone to the Yu family, and the Second Miss said she had a headache and couldn’t come to greet you..."
As the legitimate eldest daughter, Gu Lan should have come to receive her. But given her temperament, Jinchao couldn’t be bothered to care.
She instructed Mama Xu on which items were from her grandmother’s private collection—several plain Shu brocades and kesi silks. Her grandmother had advised her to use them only after the mourning period. The rest were gifts for the other households. Since Gu Yi and Gu Xi were also in mourning, her grandmother had refrained from giving anything too extravagant, opting instead for delicate snacks.
After chatting with the two for a while, Jinchao began handling household matters that Mama Xu couldn’t decide on.
"Concubine Song has been acting erratically. She claims she fell from the Taihu rock a few days ago and injured her leg... The maidservants discussed it and came to me, wondering if she should no longer stay in Tingtao Pavilion." Tingtao Pavilion was situated higher than the rest of the estate, nestled within a bamboo grove.
Seeing Mama Xu’s knowing smile, Jinchao seemed to understand and asked quietly, "Is Concubine Song... faking madness?"
Mama Xu lowered her voice. "The maidservants have been watching her. If she were truly out of her mind, how could she have sneaked out and injured her leg like that? Though she hasn’t slipped up, her intentions are her biggest giveaway."
Jinchao smiled faintly. "Does Father know?"
Mama Xu shook her head. "The master spends all his time with Qingxu Taoist Priest. Not long ago, they even went to Baiyun Temple. After returning, the priest set up a furnace for alchemy, but it caught fire and nearly burned down the east wing... The master only then had him temporarily moved to the back servants’ quarters until the west wing is cleared."
The back quarters were usually for servants. Jinchao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. As for Concubine Song, she said, "If she’s mad, then treat her as such. If she tries to run, tie her to the kang by the window day and night. Only when she stops trying to escape should she be allowed to move freely." Now that she was managing the household, Concubine Song’s antics were nothing more than a clown’s performance. Even if she broke her neck, Jinchao wouldn’t care, and neither would anyone else.
Mama Xu agreed and moved on from trivial matters to the silver Gu Dezhao had donated. "...Eldest Miss, you must advise the master. Four thousand taels—that’s no small sum!"
Four thousand taels. Throwing it into water would at least make a splash, but giving it to Qingxu Taoist Priest was worse than tossing it away.
Jinchao knew this well. After a moment’s thought, she instructed Mama Xu to slice the donkey meat she had brought back from Caohe. She also prepared a plate of Tangqi tangerines, a plate of peach slice pastries, and candied jujubes, then carried the food to her father’s quarters.
Gu Dezhao was overjoyed to see his eldest daughter. He pulled her to sit beside him and asked if she had enjoyed her time at her grandmother’s.
Jinchao nearly laughed. So, in his eyes, she had been on a leisurely trip.
Biyue laid out the items she had brought back, while Shui Ying fetched bowls and chopsticks. Jinchao also ordered a pot of warmed wine.
"Why isn’t the Taoist priest with you, Father?" Jinchao asked with a smile.
Gu Dezhao hesitated. "He’s in his room studying Taoist scriptures..."
He wasn’t sure if she knew about the fire in the east wing.
Jinchao immediately sent Mama Xu to check the back quarters. Unable to stop her, Gu Dezhao could only watch as Mama Xu returned and reported, "...The priest is refining elixirs. The room is filled with smoke. He wouldn’t let me enter, saying it might reveal his secret formula."
Jinchao smiled but didn’t press the matter. Instead, she pointed to the donkey meat. "Father, this was brought back by Liu Shi’s elder brother from Hebei. They say dragon meat in the heavens, donkey meat on earth. Try it and see if it lives up to the saying."
Gu Dezhao was unsure of her intentions but realized the fire could no longer be hidden.
He picked up a piece of donkey meat but barely tasted it, his mind preoccupied. Setting down his chopsticks, he said, "This was my fault. The priest said refining elixirs in the side room wasn’t ideal—he needed a well-ventilated pavilion. Since we don’t have one, he stayed temporarily in the east wing..."
Jinchao’s chopsticks clattered onto the table. "So, are you planning to build him a pavilion to burn down as he pleases?"
Gu Dezhao’s expression darkened. "Jinchao, what kind of talk is that!"
Jinchao nodded with a smile. "Building a pavilion is nothing. Donating four thousand taels for his Three Pure Ones Hall—now that’s extravagant!"
Gu Dezhao grew even more flustered. He had withdrawn the four thousand taels from the Affairs Office without recording it. But such a large sum couldn’t escape Mama Xu’s notice.
He coughed and softened his tone. "I’ve made many mistakes. Donating to the temple for the Three Pure Ones Hall isn’t a bad thing. Wealth is fleeting—you can’t take it with you. Besides, the priest said after the hall is built, your mother’s memorial tablet will be enshrined there permanently. That’s a good thing."
Jinchao was disappointed. Quietly, she said, "Father, do you know how much silver flows into our household? Without the Ji family’s support, how could we have such income? On your salary alone, four thousand taels would be impossible. If someone asks where the money came from, what will you say? If Qingxu wants to build a Three Pure Ones Hall, he knows plenty of nobles and officials. Why should you bear the brunt? You’re neither high-ranking nor titled—what will people think?"
Gu Dezhao was stunned. He hadn’t considered this. He had only thought that since he and the priest were close, donating the money was harmless—just for building a temple...
Jinchao continued, "Liu Shi’s elder brother, Liu Min, is in his early thirties and already the Pacification Commissioner of Hebei. He has no family backing or wealthy merchants supporting him—he earned it all himself. I don’t expect you to match him, but at least don’t bring shame to the Ji and Gu families..."
Her words struck a nerve. Gu Dezhao’s current position was inseparable from the Ji and Gu families’ influence. A pang of guilt hit him. Four thousand taels... Now that he thought about it, he had been too impulsive!
Qingxu knew many wealthy and powerful people. Why should he shoulder the largest share? If word got out, people might assume the Gu family was rolling in riches!
The more Gu Dezhao thought, the more he saw the wisdom in his daughter’s words. That afternoon, he went to see Qingxu Taoist Priest.
The priest presented a finely crafted box. "...This is the elixir Prince Yanping requested for his eldest son. I refined a batch for him to take first." A young acolyte with a Taoist bun carefully stored the box away.
Stroking his beard, Qingxu invited Gu Dezhao to sit in the corridor. "If your eldest son wishes, I can refine a batch for him too. Given our friendship, I’ll use only the finest ingredients—free of charge."
Gu Dezhao had intended to discuss the silver, but the priest’s offer left him at a loss for words. Everyone in the capital knew Qingxu’s elixirs could prolong life and were exceedingly rare. He demurred, "Jinrong is in good health. There’s no need to trouble you."
Prince Yanping sought elixirs for his heir, who was chronically ill and bedridden.
Qingxu waved a hand. "No need for modesty. Even if it doesn’t cure illness, it strengthens the body. I’ll prepare a batch for your son and deliver it tomorrow."
Gu Dezhao smiled weakly and broached the temple construction. "...You mentioned many have contributed. Who are they?"
Qingxu eyed him before listing a string of prominent names. When asked about the silver, the priest grew displeased. "Are you worried the money will be misused? I asked you to contribute more so your merit would be greater, aiding your spiritual progress."
Gu Dezhao, now embarrassed, said, "...I didn’t mean it that way. I just hoped you’d keep it quiet. If people hear I donated so much, they’ll question it."
Qingxu’s expression eased slightly. "Rest assured, I wouldn’t speak of it. I have matters to attend to. You may go."
Still somewhat miffed, he dismissed Gu Dezhao, who left without reclaiming the silver but with a promise of discretion. He resolved never to repeat such folly.
Once Gu Dezhao was gone, Qingxu snorted. His acolyte hurried over. "Is it because their Eldest Miss has returned?"
The acolyte grinned. "Exactly! I heard she spoke with Master Gu this morning. Master, we’re stuck in the servants’ quarters here, and he’s reluctant to donate. Why stay? Prince Yanping has invited us!"
Qingxu stroked his beard. "What do you know? No one parts with money as easily as Master Gu! Yanqing Temple will soon have its Three Pure Ones Hall. But that Eldest Miss is a nuisance. The Gu family’s chaos must be her ill-fated influence..."
After some thought, Qingxu grew even more irritated. He was accustomed to respect wherever he went. How dare that Eldest Miss oppose him? Four thousand taels was a pittance to the Gu family!
After much deliberation, Qingxu decided not to stay long. Once the silver was secured, he would leave.
P.S.
Thank you to reader Gan Dan for the pink votes~~
Lately, I’ve been stuck on writing. Today’s second update—can I manage it? If not, never mind~ (´ཀ」 ∠)
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