Chapter 21: Ye Xian
When Jinchao heard Concubine Song mention the title of Marquis Changxing, her brow twitched involuntarily.
She was all too familiar with the Marquis Changxing's household! Third Master Chen, a disciple of Zhang Ju Lian, was a leading figure among civil officials and had always been at odds with Marquis Changxing and his faction. Later, when Zhang Ju Lian temporarily seized control of the court, it was Marquis Changxing who used his military power to suppress him. Even Third Master Chen's death was inextricably linked to Marquis Changxing.
But all of this would happen years later. Currently, the Emperor was in good health, and the chaotic court affairs would not erupt until the Wanli era...
After some conversation, Tai Furen sent a maidservant to summon them. The group returned to the banquet and rest area, where Jinchao noticed her father was no longer present. Seeing Tai Furen's calm expression, she surmised their discussion had gone well. Maintaining good relations with the ancestral family would benefit her father, especially since Gu Wuye had married the legitimate daughter of Marquis Changxing...
Though no one could fathom why the Marquis's daughter would ever take a liking to him!
Tai Furen specifically called Jinchao over. "The last time I saw Chaojie, you were only this tall," she gestured with her hand and smiled. "You insisted on climbing the rockery, and no one could stop you. You even fell from the top—do you remember?"
Jinchao naturally smiled in response. "Grandmother is too kind. I was just a mischievous child who didn’t know better."
"Your features have blossomed—what a radiant beauty you’ve become," Tai Furen praised. "And so much more sensible now. The rumors outside... Well, seeing is believing. Our Chaojie is a dignified and refined young lady." The unspoken implication was clear to Gu Jinzhao. In her past life, her scandals had spread throughout Shi'an, but she hadn’t expected them to reach Daxing as well.
Tai Furen then beckoned Gu Lan forward. "Your father says your needlework is excellent and that you’re amiable. I see you’re quite the delightful girl. Have you been betrothed yet?"
Gu Lan’s cheeks flushed slightly. "There have been some proposals, but Father has declined them all."
Tai Furen nodded. "Our Lan Er naturally deserves the best. I’ll keep an eye out for you. Lian jie er is already engaged—to the legitimate son of Grand Secretary Yao of the Wenyuan Pavilion. Everyone says I’ve secured her a fine match!" The Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion hailed from a scholarly family—indeed, an excellent match.
However, bringing this up in front of Gu Jinzhao was rather tactless... Second Madam thought. Gu Jinchao had already reached the age of fifteen but remained unbetrothed. Most girls began receiving proposals at twelve, with engagements settled before their coming-of-age ceremony. Due to Jinchao’s notorious reputation, the suitors who came forward were either widowers seeking a second wife, low-ranking officials, or men with various flaws—none suitable.
Second Madam glanced at Jinchao and noticed she still wore a faint smile, seemingly unbothered.
She certainly knows how to keep her composure, Second Madam thought approvingly, then attempted to change the subject.
"...Mother, Fifth Sister-in-law just sent word that the opera stage is ready. Shall we head over now?"
Tai Furen considered for a moment. "Very well. After the opera, it’ll be time for the banquet. This afternoon, you can all gather for a game of cards or backgammon—it’ll be quite entertaining."The group then headed to the opera stage. The Gu family had invited the Fragrant Isle Troupe to perform, and the newly renovated stage had been freshly decorated with vibrant red and gold, exuding a festive atmosphere. Fifth Madam was already waiting for them there. The eldest daughter of Marquis Changxing's household, dressed in a deep red vine-patterned beizi and a white drawn thread skirt, appeared elegant and slender. Fifth Madam invited everyone to take their seats and handed the playbook to Tai Furen to choose the performance.
Soon, the Fragrant Isle Troupe began their performance. Jinchao was seated beside Gu Lan and Gu Lian. Gu Lian, with her spoiled temperament, was the type Gu Lan handled best, and the two quickly became acquainted. Their conversation soon turned to The Jade Hairpin , a play Gu Lian had never heard before, as she usually followed Tai Furen's tastes. Intrigued by Gu Lan's description, she found herself captivated.
Gu Jinzhao sat in the farthest corner, with only a blooming winter plum tree beside her, its shadow slanting and its fragrance subtly drifting. No one paid her any attention, and she preferred the quiet.
Mo Xue whispered to her, "...I never expected Second Miss to watch The Jade Hairpin ." The play told the love story between the nun Chen Miaochang and the scholar Pan Bizheng, defying both Confucian propriety and religious asceticism. Jinchao simply smiled and replied, "Just enjoy the play."
It was unclear which play she truly meant.
"Grandmother, I've been looking for you—so you're here watching the opera!" A young man's voice suddenly rang out.
The audience turned to look. The speaker was a youth dressed in a sapphire-blue roundel-patterned straight robe. Behind him stood two others: one a man with tied-back hair wearing a crane-patterned straight robe, and another youth in a pale cyan straight robe with dark motifs.
All eyes then settled on the youth in the dark-embroidered straight robe, its silver threads faintly shimmering. Tall and slender, his face was more beautiful than any woman's—flawless as jade, with lips red and teeth white. A bamboo-patterned jade hairpin adorned his hair as he stood quietly with hands clasped behind his back. The cold wind lifted his sleeves and sash, while the scent of winter plums seemed to swirl around him, making his demeanor peerless for a moment.
Gu Lan was momentarily stunned and quietly asked Gu Lian, "Who is that young man...?"
Before Gu Lian could answer, Tai Furen spoke first, "I was wondering where you'd gone. Your cousins from the fourth uncle's family are here—come and greet them." She seemed delighted. The three approached, and Tai Furen held the arm of the one who had spoken first, but first pointed to the youth more beautiful than a woman. "This is Ye Xian, the eldest son of Marquis Changxing's household." Ye Xian nodded at them with a smile, exuding natural elegance.
"This is Xiaoge, the eldest son of the second uncle's family," Tai Furen said, indicating the man with tied-back hair. Finally, she patted the youth she was holding. "And this is Xiange, the eldest son of the fifth uncle's family." The four exchanged bows, and Tai Furen briefly introduced Gu Jinzhao and the others.
As the three conversed with Tai Furen, everyone's gaze inevitably returned to Ye Xian. So he was the eldest son of Marquis Changxing! That made him the most distinguished person present—no wonder Tai Furen had introduced him first. Yet, though the marquis was a military man, how had he sired such a son, whose beauty rivaled a woman's and whose grace resembled a refined scholar's? He seemed more like the heir of a literary family than the beloved son of a general.
Fifth Madam, seated beside Tai Furen, took her younger brother's hand and asked with a smile, "Where have you been with your two nephews?"Ye Xian said leisurely, "I went to Slanting Abode to see the plum blossoms, though I wonder if they bloom better here."
Though Gu Jin Xiao and Gu Jinxian were about the same age as Ye Xian, they were a generation apart in seniority. Hearing this, Gu Jin Xiao chuckled, "Uncle, you weren't there to see the plum blossoms—you slept at Slanting Abode most of the day! If we hadn't called you, you probably wouldn't have come at all!"
Ye Xian replied, "Just spring fatigue."
Gu Jinxian patted his hand and teased, "Uncle, it's still the depths of winter, and you're already suffering from spring fatigue. What will you do when spring actually arrives?"
Tai Furen said to Gu Jin Xiao, "...It would be good for you to take your younger brother and uncle around to see the sights. Make sure to have guards follow you—nothing must go wrong." Gu Jin Xiao was the eldest and had already passed the provincial examination.
Gu Jinzhao, however, found this puzzling. Why would they need guards just walking around their own estate?
As they descended from Tai Furen's side, Gu Lian was the first to greet them. "Eldest Brother, Second Brother, let me introduce you—this is Lan Er, Fourth Uncle's second daughter." Earlier, Tai Furen had only mentioned their seniority, not their names.
Lan Er bowed respectfully, appearing somewhat reserved.
Gu Jin Xiao and Gu Jinxian exchanged a few words with her. Gu Lan seemed eager to speak with Ye Xian, but he merely acknowledged her with a noncommittal "Hmm" before ignoring her.
Mo Xue grew anxious watching this scene. What a perfect opportunity—why wasn't Eldest Miss trying to strike up a conversation with the heir of Marquis Changxing? Even a single exchange would be beneficial. Yet she sat there, chin propped on her hand, watching the opera stage as if no one else existed, while Qingpu remained equally indifferent.
Master and servant shared the same temperament.
Gu Lan, however, refused to give up. Getting acquainted with the heir of Marquis Changxing would be immensely helpful to her.
"Young Master mentioned earlier that you went to see plum blossoms. I wonder where they were—I'd love to see them too," she said softly, her gaze gentle as she looked at Ye Xian.
Ye Xian smiled lazily. "Next time." Then he slung an arm over Gu Jin Xiao's shoulder and asked, "Who's that under the plum tree?"
Gu Lan's smile stiffened.
Gu Jin Xiao frowned. "Grandmother said earlier that she's Fourth Uncle's eldest daughter... so that must be Gu Jinzhao."
Naturally, he disliked Gu Jinzhao. Rumors about her circulated widely among the scions of noble and official families. It wasn't just any spoiled, domineering eldest daughter who could achieve such notoriety—much of it stemmed from her appearance. Even dressed plainly and seated in the most inconspicuous corner, she stood out instantly.
Her beauty was like the most dazzling, peerless Haitang flower, yet she wore the subdued colors of lotus and white tea, her demeanor serene and unassuming. The stark contrast was almost maddening. Such a face, meant to be adorned in lavish gold and finery—why dress in such muted tones?
"So that's Gu Jinzhao," Ye Xian murmured, then asked no more.
Gu Jinxian laughed and said, "Uncle, you should know—back at Duke Dingguo's residence, a little maid once stood in her way, blocking her view. She dragged the girl over and personally slapped her several times. The poor thing didn't even dare to cry..."
Ye Xian chuckled. "Just curious. Watching opera here is dull—why don't we go find your father and take the horses out for a ride?"
Gu Jin Xiao quickly stopped him. "That won't do. There are a few mules in the inner courtyard—you could ride those instead..."The three of them left as they spoke. Gu Lian was somewhat displeased—her elder brothers hadn't stayed to chat with her for long. She sat down in a huff and casually asked Gu Lan, "Did your elder sister really beat the maids like that?"
Gu Lan replied softly, "You haven't seen her at her worst."
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