Jinchao returned to the main house, where only a few maids were doing needlework under the corridor.
Outside, the rain was still drizzling. Jinchao closed her umbrella, and Qingpu took it from her, saying, "Third Master Chen is in the bathing room."
Gu Jinzhao opened the door to the bathing room, only to find Third Master Chen bare-chested, changing his clothes.
He turned his head in surprise and glanced at Gu Jinzhao.
In the candlelight, Gu Jinzhao noticed faint marks on Third Master Chen's chest. Flustered, she said, "I... didn’t know you were changing."
Third Master Chen nodded and casually handed her the underrobe from the clothes rack.
"I didn’t bring an umbrella when I came back. Just a few steps from Osmanthus Hall, and I was soaked through," he said softly, looking at her. "Come, help me dress."
Gu Jinzhao took the robe and shook it out, thinking that although she often helped him dress, it was usually when he was already wearing an underrobe. But since it was just dressing... it shouldn’t be any different.
Third Master Chen spread his arms, waiting for her to dress him. Gu Jinzhao felt a little embarrassed and lowered her gaze.
After a long pause, Third Master Chen finally said, "Gu Jinzhao... you tied the sash wrong."
Gu Jinzhao looked up—the sash was neatly tied. She was puzzled; wasn’t it done properly?
But Third Master Chen smiled at her. "I was teasing you... What are you afraid of? You wouldn’t even look at me. Before, it was one thing..." He leaned in and whispered, "But now, you still don’t dare?"
Gu Jinzhao took a deep breath and laughed. "It’s just that there’s nothing much to see."
Third Master Chen took the Straight Robe and put it on himself. "Really?"
Gu Jinzhao nodded. "Really."
He fastened the robe himself. "Fine. Tonight, take a closer look and think carefully about whether you were wrong."
A closer look... What did he mean? Gu Jinzhao said, "Earlier, I went to see Xi Jie'er and finally managed to get her to sleep. I promised to stay with her tonight. After I finish discussing matters with you, I’ll go over."
Third Master Chen was silent for a moment before nodding.
"...I’ve been very busy these days. Don’t wait up too late for me." Once, when he returned, he had found her asleep on the Arhat bed and had to carry her to bed himself.
Gu Jinzhao wanted to tell Third Master Chen about the assassination attempt he would face, but she didn’t know how to bring it up.
Third Master Chen sat on the Arhat bed, sipping a cup of tea. Dressed in a scholar’s Straight Robe, his expression gentle, he seemed like an ordinary scholar, far removed from his role as a Grand Secretariat official or the political strife of the court.
Gu Jinzhao sat beside him and poured his tea. After a while, she spoke. "Third Master..."
"Hmm? What is it?" He didn’t look up, still reading his book.
Jinchao said, "What have you been busy with lately? You’re always leaving early and returning late. If something is troubling you, you can tell me."
Third Master Chen smiled. "Just court matters. Even if I told you, what could you do? You wouldn’t understand, and it would only worry you." Thinking she was overconcerned, he closed his book and patiently reassured her, "None of it is difficult. Don’t worry."
Third Master Chen was a man of strong principles. If he believed something was unsuitable for Gu Jinzhao to meddle in—or even to know—he wouldn’t tell her. He saw it as protecting her. But for Gu Jinzhao, it was a headache.She said, "I've been feeling uneasy lately, as if something bad is about to happen. You must be careful—don't go anywhere without your guards..."
Chen Yanyun chuckled softly and sighed, motioning for her to sit beside him. He gently stroked her hair and said, "If you're feeling restless, visit Mother more often and chat with your sisters-in-law. Don't let your little mind wander too much and scare yourself, alright?"
But Gu Jinzhao replied earnestly, "The Buddha once appeared in a dream to Daolin, instructing him to spread the teachings, and revealed himself as a mountain deity, saying, 'Move to the cold stone mountain of Zhang'an County, and I shall offer you my dwelling.' Later, Daolin devoted himself to the Buddhist path, established temples, and lived to be a hundred and ten years old. Last night, the Buddha also appeared to me in a dream, warning that these are troubled times and treacherous people may bring harm. I've been unsettled all day..."
Now, she could only speak under the guise of the Buddha's words.
Chen Yanyun fell silent for a long while before pulling her into his embrace. "Mm, I understand what the Buddha told you," he murmured, lowering his head to comfort her. "I never go anywhere without my guards. Besides... how could I bear to die?"
Gu Jinzhao felt a slight relief in her heart. Having said this, Third Master Chen would surely be more cautious now.
He continued to hold her, then picked up his book again.
Gu Jinzhao lay in Third Master Chen's arms and noticed he was reading a book about river dredging. Slowly, she closed her eyes—it was nice to rest quietly like this for a while.
Seeing that she had fallen asleep, Third Master Chen softened his movements. He gazed at her sleeping face for a long time, unable to look away.
After a while, he beckoned a maid to bring his cloak and draped it over her.
When Jinchao woke up, Third Master Chen was still reading. The candle had burned halfway down, and she sat up in surprise—she had meant to go sleep with Xi Jie'er, but how had she dozed off so quickly? Third Master Chen subtly rubbed his sore arm and said, "You were sleeping so soundly, I couldn't bear to wake you... Go on now, I'm going to bed too." With that, he set the book aside and headed to the inner chamber. Soon after, a maid came to draw the bed curtains.
When Xi Jie'er woke up, she was delighted to find Jinchao also sleeping in the **. She snuggled in Jinchao's arms for a long time before finally getting up.
Jinchao dressed her and lifted her up. Chen Xi was in high spirits, tugging at her hand and saying, "Mother, will you do my hair today? I want twin spiral buns and a pearl headband."
Jinchao smiled. "How about we skip the pearl headband today and wear jasmine flowers instead? Your hair will smell like tea blossoms."
She then sent a maid to pick jasmine flowers—her garden was planted with pale green pearl jasmine.
After breakfast of poached eggs and sponge cake, Jinchao took Chen Xi to pay respects to Madam Chen.
Madam Chen was surprised to see the flowers in Chen Xi's hair and teased, "Not only do they look lovely, but your mother actually dared to pluck her precious pearl jasmine for your hair. To put it nicely, she dotes on you. To put it bluntly, she's a ruthless flower-crusher with no appreciation for elegance."
Chen Xi giggled shyly, and everyone laughed along.
Today, Madam Chen had invited a few close friends to enjoy an opera performance, having booked the Deyin Troupe. The estate already had a ready-made stage at Half-Bamboo Bank. Madam Qin had prepared everything in advance—a pavilion in the backyard of Half-Bamboo Bank was set up with armchairs and a nanmu table for the viewing area, along with tea and snacks. She had even brought in several pots of ink bamboo to set the mood.
Madam Chen was very pleased and praised Madam Qin for her meticulous arrangements.Before long, the two Madams Wu and Old Madam Wu, along with Chang Laofuren from Duke Zheng's household and her three daughters-in-law, arrived. Old Madam Wu and Chang Laofuren sat with Madam Chen, while the younger wives joined Sun Shi's group. Zhou Yixuan sat beside Chen Zhao, keeping her company.
The opera troupe came to pay respects to Madam Chen, who first rewarded them with ten taels of silver as tea money for the performers.
Just as everyone had settled in, Granny Zheng approached and whispered to Madam Chen, "...Madam Yu has arrived."
Chang Laofuren leaned over and asked Madam Chen, "Is this the Yu family that's forming marital ties with yours?"
Madam Chen nodded with a smile. "The last time I saw Madam Yu was at Duke Ding's residence. It's been nearly half a year since we last met, so I thought to invite them over." She then called Jinchao over and said, "Madam Yu has already reached the Chuihua Gate. Go welcome her and Miss Yu."
Madam Qin, who was sitting beside Madam Chen, froze momentarily upon hearing this.
By convention, greeting guests should have been her responsibility.
Gu Jinzhao quickly realized this was an opportunity for her to meet her future in-laws.
Madam Chen pulled her closer and whispered, "Take a good look at this Miss Yu—she's to marry Xuanqing in the future..."
Jinchao smiled in response. "This daughter-in-law understands."
Madam Chen looked pleased. "You're always so sensible; I'm not worried about you. But since you've only recently married in, Madam Yu might not recognize you yet. Have your fifth sister-in-law accompany you." She then called Wang Shi over to arrange it.
Jinchao and Wang Shi soon set off with their maids and matrons toward the Chuihua Gate.
Madam Yu was already waiting there. From a distance, Jinchao spotted her and the graceful young maiden standing beside her. The girl had an air of purity, dressed in a lake-blue "treasure vase" patterned jacket with white embroidered skirts. Her hair was styled in a bun, her features still bearing traces of youthfulness, yet her snow-white complexion and gentle demeanor were captivating.
Wang Shi murmured, "That must be Yu Wanxue... she truly is beautiful."
The two approached, and Madam Yu noticed Wang Shi first. They exchanged greetings, with Madam Yu smiling, "Fifth Madam, you haven't changed a bit."
Wang Shi then introduced Gu Jinchao to Madam Yu, whose smile faltered slightly.
This young woman appeared to be about the same age as her daughter but wore a married woman's hairstyle. That Wang Shi introduced her first meant her status was quite high. Madam Yu had initially assumed she was one of the Chen family's younger-generation daughters-in-law and hadn't paid much attention.
Only then did Wang Shi introduce Jinchao: "...This is my third sister-in-law."
So this was Third Master Chen's new wife! Madam Yu was startled but quickly recovered with a smile. "So this is Madam Chen! My apologies for not recognizing you!" She had heard that the current Grand Secretariat minister, Third Master Chen, had remarried but hadn't expected to meet his wife here.
The only legitimate son of the Grand Secretariat minister had recently achieved the rank of Third Scholar and been appointed as a Hanlin Academy Compiler. Had it not been for the marriage arrangement made by Old Madam Yu's generation, this match with the Chen family would likely never have fallen to Yu Wanxue... Though the Yu family was also an established household, this marriage was still an upward match. Thus, when Madam Chen sent word inviting her to bring her daughter to the opera, Madam Yu had prepared meticulously before coming with Yu Wanxue. If this marriage succeeded, it would be an advantageous match for Yu Wanxue—bringing significant benefits to the Yu family.
"Wanxue, come greet Madam Chen..." Madam Yu turned and gently pulled Yu Wanxue forward.Yu Wanxue took a few steps forward, smiling as she curtsied to Jinchao and Wang Shi, displaying great gentleness and courtesy.
Gu Jinzhao studied her for a moment. Apart from her slightly youthful appearance, Yu Wanxue was not much different from her past life—still the same as she remembered.
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