Chapter 924: Reasons for Affection
Madam Feng summoned Gu Jinzhao to discuss Ji Yao's marriage proposal. Smiling, she took Jinzhao's hand and said, "...Your cousin from the Ji family is not only exceptionally talented but also of excellent character. Moreover, you two share the bond of childhood companionship. Your grandmother has gone to great lengths by inviting the Earl of Yongyang's wife to propose on his behalf, which is a tremendous honor for us. I’m telling you this now—if you’re willing... we can accept this match."
Hearing this, Gu Jinzhao inwardly sighed. In her past life, the daughter of the Earl of Yongyang's wife had married Ji Yao. Yet in this life, the same woman was now proposing a match for her.
Truly, the unpredictability of fate.
By all accounts, she should accept this proposal.
After a moment of thought, Gu Jinzhao replied, "...I’ve only ever regarded Second Cousin as family, with no such intentions. This matter is rather sudden—perhaps you could allow me a few days to consider it further."
Madam Feng nodded in agreement. "The Earl’s wife will return the day after tomorrow. We can finalize it then."
Gu Jinzhao assented and withdrew. As she left the eastern courtyard, she happened to encounter Gu Lan and Gu Lian, who had come to pay their respects to Madam Feng.
After the two curtsied to Gu Jinzhao, Gu Lan’s gaze turned peculiar.
Gu Jinzhao smiled faintly. "What’s the matter, Lan Er?"
Upon hearing that Ji Yao’s family had sent the Earl of Yongyang's wife to propose to Gu Jinzhao, Gu Lan felt deeply resentful. Why did Gu Jinzhao have a maternal family like the Jis, who would even sacrifice their own grandson’s marriage just to secure her a prestigious match? Meanwhile, her own maternal family was represented by someone like Song Furen, who couldn’t even arrange a proper proposal through Madam Wang. Once Gu Jinzhao married Ji Yao, wouldn’t her life be one of endless luxury?
But what about her? Where would she find her own marriage and future?
Thinking of her mother, left behind in Shi’an and driven to madness, Gu Lan’s heart churned with bitterness.
Forcing a smile, Gu Lan said, "Second Cousin has come to propose to Eldest Sister—this younger sister is overjoyed for you. Grandmother has truly exhausted all efforts for your marriage, even mobilizing Second Cousin. Once you marry into the Ji family, won’t you enjoy boundless wealth and status..."
Gu Jinzhao understood Gu Lan’s implication but saw no need to explain. She smiled lightly. "Lan Er’s happiness for me puts my mind at ease. I dare not speak of wealth and status—peace and safety are what truly matter."
Gu Lian merely snorted from the side, saying nothing. After being reprimanded by Second Madam, she had come to terms with things.
As for this marriage proposal, she felt nothing but disdain. No matter how wealthy the Ji family was, they were still mere merchants. Even with the eldest son of the Ji family serving as Prefectural Vice Magistrate, such a position was insignificant compared to their own aristocratic standing. Scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants—the Ji family was inherently beneath the Gu family.
Yet just because someone from the Ji family had come to propose, the elders were overjoyed. The Ji family couldn’t even compare to a fraction of the Yao family’s stature.Gu Lian recalled what Second Madam had told her: "...Why must you compare yourself to your eldest cousin? Think of it this way. No matter how outstanding your eldest cousin is, no matter how much your grandmother favors her, how could it compare to her affection for you..." Second Madam said meaningfully, "Do you know why your grandmother favors you? Just because you grew up by her side? Of course not. It's also because you're betrothed to Young Master Yao. You're the most illustrious among our Gu family's young ladies."
"Your eldest cousin and second cousin—whoever they marry in the future won't compare to even a tenth of your match. You should broaden your mind. Why bother with trivial conflicts with them? In the future, they'll only envy your wealth and status. Look at your Fifth Aunt—in what way is she better than me? Her conduct and dealings are far inferior to mine. So why does your grandmother prefer her? It's all because of her status as the legitimate daughter of Marquis Changxing... a status none of us dare offend. See how everyone treasures her pregnancy as if she's carrying a golden egg. Even when pregnant, who else is as pampered as her? Your grandmother even exempted her from morning and evening greetings!"
After hearing her mother's words, Gu Lian reflected carefully and found them to be true.
What status would she have in the future? She would be the legitimate wife of the Yao family, her father-in-law a Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Glory and Vice Minister of Rites. In the future, when Yao Wenxiu succeeded in his career, he would serve as an official. And Gu Jinzhao? Marrying her cousin would be the best she could hope for, let alone the fact that her cousin might not be willing and was likely forced into the match by her maternal grandmother. For her to bicker with Gu Jinzhao would be beneath her dignity.
So she immediately linked arms with Gu Lan and said with a smile, "Second Cousin, we still need to greet Grandmother. Let's hurry inside!"
Gu Lan nodded, but as she passed by Gu Jinzhao, she lightly asked, "Eldest Sister, are you truly content with this marriage? What about Seventh Young Master Chen..."
Her voice was so low even Gu Lian couldn't hear it clearly.
Gu Jinzhao closed her eyes and sneered before saying, "Gu Lan, stop right there!"
Gu Lan turned back with an innocent expression. "Does Eldest Sister have something to say? I'm on my way to greet Grandmother!"
Gu Jinzhao knew Gu Lan would stir up trouble. Her marriage might not succeed, but it absolutely must not fail because of Gu Lan's interference. She walked over and said to Gu Lian, "...I need to borrow Lan Er for a moment. Cousin Lian, you may go ahead."
Gu Lian hesitated, but Gu Lan said, "You go ahead. I'll join you shortly."
She wanted to see what Gu Jinzhao had to say. Could she possibly eat her alive?
Gu Lan looked at Gu Jinzhao fearlessly, smiling brightly. "Eldest Sister surely understands better than I do how damaging rumors can be, no?"
Gu Jinzhao knew Gu Lan would eventually use Chen Xuanqing to threaten her. Now, she had to completely crush that notion. Gu Jinzhao said calmly, "If word spreads of discord among the Gu sisters, do you think you'll benefit? You're already in a precarious position. Best not let it be known that you enjoy gossip and scheming against your own kin."Gu Lan sneered, "Gu Jinzhao—so you have moments of fear too? Afraid I'll expose what you've done? How shamelessly you pursued Chen Xuanqing, writing him letters, sending him scented sachets. Eagerly seeking secret meetings while he couldn't even be bothered to acknowledge you!" The absurd things Gu Jinzhao had done were far too numerous, and Gu Lan knew them all. If she revealed these, who would dare marry Gu Jinzhao then?
Gu Jinzhao shook her head. "Afraid of you exposing these things? What do I have to fear? But before you act, remember your mother, Concubine Song, all the way in Shi'an." She paused, then chuckled lightly. "Tell me, if you anger me and those old women in Shi'an 'accidentally' neglect Concubine Song's care... who would even question her death?"
At the mention of Concubine Song, Gu Lan's expression darkened.
She never imagined Gu Jinzhao could be so ruthless as to threaten her mother's life!
Glaring at Gu Jinzhao, she hissed through gritted teeth, "...Don't be utterly despicable. Keep our matters between us—don't drag my mother into this!"
Gu Jinzhao laughed as if hearing a joke. "Lan Er, your double standards are astounding. Haven't you dragged my mother and brother into our affairs? My mother has already passed, yet you demand I spare yours?"
"Allowing your mother to live, even providing her with comfortable care—I've shown utmost mercy. I don't provoke unless provoked. As long as you refrain from scheming against me, Concubine Song will remain perfectly safe."
After delivering these words, Gu Jinzhao fixed Gu Lan with an icy stare: "Including that incident where you tried to marry Qingpu to Xu Houcai... we'll let bygones be bygones. But from now on, if I discover any moves against me—remember your mother in Shi'an."
Gu Lan bit her lip, like a snake pinned at its vital spot, utterly powerless to retort.
Satisfied she'd made her point, Gu Jinzhao turned to leave the eastern courtyard. From behind came Gu Lan's resentful voice: "Eldest Sister, even if I stay silent, can you pretend those things never happened? Do you truly wish to marry Second Cousin? Does he truly want you?... Think carefully..."
Gu Jinzhao didn't break stride.
Her affairs weren't for Gu Lan to comment on. The girl should learn her place now.
Returning to Beautiful Embroidery Hall, Gu Jinzhao prepared for her sixteenth birthday the next day.
Madam Feng ordered the kitchen to prepare longevity noodles for Gu Jinzhao and presented birthday gifts. Second Madam gifted an elephant-patterned dressing case, while Fifth Madam bestowed a pair of dark jade bracelets—exquisite pieces of deep green jadeite that revealed a vivid translucence when held to light. Marveling at the bracelets, Gu Jinzhao inwardly acknowledged the Marquis Changxing family's extravagant wealth to gift such treasures.
As Jinzhao conversed with her aunts and Madam Feng, a maid announced the young master's return from Shi'an—his carriage had just arrived at the screen wall, and he was coming to pay respects to Madam Feng.Madam Feng was overjoyed: "It's been years since I last saw this child." She spoke to Gu Jinzhao, "I don't know how the Yu family school is, but I must ask him properly when he arrives!" Her affection for her grandson was genuine. As the son of Gu Dezhao, he surely wouldn't fare poorly in his studies. If he could become another scholar to bring honor to the Gu family, that would be the best outcome.
Gu Jinzhao smiled and said, "Don't worry, the Yu family's elder once served as the emperor's tutor."
Just as she finished speaking, they saw Gu Jinrong approaching, surrounded by attendants and maids. He wore a fox-fur coat and a six-paneled Melon-rind Cap, bundled up tightly with a smile on his face. He first bowed to Madam Feng to pay his respects, then greeted his two aunts and Gu Jinzhao one by one, even sneaking a smile at his elder sister.
Madam Feng held Jinrong close, examining him with delight: "...This child has grown so well—handsome, clean, and tall. He'll surely grow even taller than his father! How do you find the Yu family school? Are you diligent in your studies?"
The old lady's greatest concern was naturally his scholarly pursuits.
Gu Jinrong replied respectfully, "The Yu family's tutors are all erudite scholars, and your grandson thirsts for knowledge. I am earnest in my studies. Aside from missing my elder sister and father, everything else is going well."
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