The Pacification Commissioner Chen Yanyun had only met once, and that was during a banquet at the Military Governor's residence.
The position of Pacification Commissioner for the Shi Prefecture Garrison had always been hereditary, passed down through generations. Regardless of a person's virtue, as long as they had the legitimate bloodline of the Qin family, they could inherit the title. The current Pacification Commissioner was not only unlearned and incompetent but also crude and ugly in appearance, relying solely on brute strength.
If Gu Jinchao were to marry into that family, she would likely be trapped in that small place for the rest of her life.
Chen Yanyun exhaled softly, feeling he had overstepped his bounds.
What did it have to do with him? If she wanted to marry, let her marry. He had already helped her father once—that was already showing leniency.
That evening, after returning to Wanping, Third Master Chen went to pay his respects to Madam Chen.
Madam Chen was resting against a bolster, while Granny Zheng fed her a bowl of mung bean soup to relieve the summer heat.
After greeting her, he stood by the daybed, and a maid brought over a stool for him to sit. Madam Chen pushed Granny Zheng's hand away, signaling she didn’t want any more. "It tastes too sweet."
Granny Zheng smiled. "One moment you say it's too bland, the next too sweet. This servant doesn’t know how to please you anymore."
Madam Chen chuckled. "I just don’t want to drink it. Must I always find an excuse to refuse?"
Chen Yanyun looked at his mother, sensing there was more to her words.
Madam Chen slowly reclined and asked, "Third Son, what do you think of the Second Miss from the Baoding Liu family I mentioned last time?"
Chen Yanyun replied, "I’ve never met the Liu family’s Second Miss. How can I possibly judge her character?"
Madam Chen snorted. "Don’t think I don’t know you—I raised you. You’re always using official duties as an excuse, claiming you’re too busy. You just don’t want to meet her! Next time, I’ll have Old Madam Liu bring her granddaughter over to watch an opera. Then you can see if she suits you..."
Just as Chen Yanyun was about to speak,
Madam Chen waved her hand. "If you refuse again, I’ll personally arrange the betrothal for you." She then scolded him. "It’s not that I’m forcing you, but look at how you’ve lived these past two years—no one to care for or serve you. When you grow old, will you spend your days with only a solitary lamp and Buddhist scriptures? Do you want to make your mother’s heart ache?"
Chen Yanyun smiled wryly. "Mother, that’s not my intention."
He paused before adding, "Then let me think about it."
Hearing the hint of compromise in her son’s words, Madam Chen was satisfied. "Good. If you agree, I’ll invite the young lady over to watch an opera!"
Chen Yanyun knew his mother’s temperament—if he didn’t leave some room for negotiation, she wouldn’t relent.
So, did he really need to remarry?
He had spent over a decade with Jiang Shi, though their marriage had been rather indifferent. Still, after so many years together, he hadn’t been entirely without feelings for her—they had simply faded over time.
If he were to marry again, he would have to care for another person’s daily life. Chen Yanyun wasn’t particularly keen on the idea.
The next day, Gu Dezhao came again to invite him for a drink.
Chen Yanyun was growing impatient. "Next time he shows up, chase him out with a broom!"
The messenger was startled and dared not relay the message to Gu Dezhao again.
Gu Dezhao was turned away, dejected. As he walked toward the Ministry of Revenue, he ran into a colleague who greeted him.
"Lord Chen still refuses to see you?"
Gu Dezhao sighed. "Don’t ask. I was completely shut out."
The man asked curiously, "So, are you really going to marry your daughter to Qin Meng?"Gu Dezhao said, "If she marries far away, she won't be implicated if things come to light later."
A light rain began to fall. Gu Dezhao and his colleague took shelter under the eaves of a wall when they saw someone hurrying through the rain with an umbrella. As the figure approached, Gu recognized him as one of Chen Yanyun's attendants. The man quickly addressed Gu, "Magistrate Gu! I finally caught up with you. Lord Chen requests your presence!"
Third Master Chen... what could he want this time?
Not daring to delay, Gu Dezhao followed the attendant back.
Third Master Chen sat gazing at the drizzling rain outside the window, deep in thought.
In the courtyard stood a large vat planted with water lilies. The steady patter of rain lent a chilly, somber atmosphere.
Standing at the doorway, Gu Dezhao saw Third Master Chen seated in a Dongpo chair by the window, his desk nearby, facing a display cabinet of antiques with several old scrolls placed in vases.
"Lord Chen..." Gu cupped his hands respectfully. "What matter requires this humble official's presence?"
Chen Yanyun glanced at him and tossed a memorial in his direction. "See for yourself."
Gu Dezhao picked it up and skimmed through it, his face immediately paling. "Third Master, these are absolutely baseless accusations! This humble official would never be so foolish. You must investigate thoroughly!"
"I haven't said anything yet. There's no need for alarm," Chen Yanyun replied. "Sit down and speak."
Gu Dezhao sat down nervously.
"Tell me, was the Director of Granary Affairs appointed by you personally?"
Gu Dezhao nodded, then quickly added, "But I never authorized him to manage grain—"
Third Master Chen chuckled. "Did I ask you that?"
Gu Dezhao shook his head repeatedly, his robes nearly soaked with sweat.
Third Master Chen sighed. "There are people around you trying to harm you. Are you unaware of this?"
Gu Dezhao stared blankly at Third Master Chen, utterly confused. As a minor magistrate, he hadn't obstructed anyone's path—why would anyone want to harm him?
"Never mind. Just be more careful from now on." Seeing his expression, Third Master Chen knew further explanation would be futile. "Keep an eye on your subordinates. This time, I caught it first. If a censor reports it to the Censorate next time, it won't be so easily resolved."
Gu Dezhao hastily agreed. As Chen Yanyun waved him away, he suddenly asked, "Magistrate Gu, I heard you're arranging a marriage with the Qin family?"
Only then did Gu Dezhao realize Chen Yanyun was referring to the Pacification Commissioner's Qin family.
Only the incompetent would marry their daughters off to such remote regions.
Those areas under local chieftains had no regard for imperial law.
Gu Dezhao forced a bitter smile. "This humble official has considered it, but I fear my daughter may not agree. She's always been stubborn—she definitely won't be willing." After a pause, unsure what else to say, he cupped his hands again. "Then I shall take my leave."
Chen Yanyun remained silent for a moment before suddenly summoning Chen Yi.
"Prepare the carriage. We're going to Shi'an."
He needed to meet someone there. By the time their discussion concluded, it was already late.
"Third Master, should we find an inn to rest?" Hu Rong suggested. "I recall there's a wealthy household ahead where we could also seek lodging."
Feeling somewhat weary, Chen Yanyun closed his eyes and said, "Let's go to the Gu residence."
Hadn't Gu Dezhao mentioned inviting him for a drink? Might as well stay the night there.
Without further questions, Hu Rong asked for directions and drove the carriage toward the Gu household—much to Gu Dezhao's surprise.He quickly had the kitchen prepare wine and dishes. Changing his clothes, he waited by the screen wall. Seeing Third Master Chen descend from the carriage in casual attire, he finally relaxed. Chen Yanyun smiled and asked him, “I hope this isn’t too much of an intrusion?”
“Not at all, not at all! Please come this way, Lord Chen,” Gu Dezhao replied with a smile. “This humble official would welcome your intrusion any time!”
As the dishes were served one after another, Gu Dezhao had instructed the kitchen to prepare only the finest, yet he dared not eat much himself. Instead, he busied himself serving Third Master Chen, visibly uneasy.
Chen Yanyun chewed the fish slowly. A pang of regret suddenly struck him—perhaps he shouldn’t have come to the Gu residence.
Just then, voices drifted in from outside.
It sounded like a young girl.
Gu Dezhao offered an apologetic smile. “My apologies, my lord. That’s my daughter. She’s being rather difficult at the moment.”
“Difficult in what way?”
“She’s heard she’s to be married far away,” Gu Dezhao paused, “Her stepmother is trying to reason with her. She’ll calm down soon.”
Chen Yanyun could faintly make out her words.
“Tell him, there’s no way I’ll marry…! Since none of you care for me, I’d rather go live with Grandmother…”
Gu Dezhao could bear it no longer. Setting down his chopsticks, he said, “Please excuse me, my lord. This is utterly improper—I’ll go reprimand her and return shortly!” With that, he stood up, and a servant lifted the curtain for him to exit.
Chen Yanyun also put down his chopsticks, listening intently to the commotion outside.
Gu Dezhao’s scolding came in hushed tones, but her voice suddenly rose sharply: “I’m going to Grandmother’s no matter what! It doesn’t matter who you send to persuade me—I won’t agree!”
Unable to contain his anger, Gu Dezhao snapped back, “What kind of behavior is this? Don’t you know we have a guest? You’re making a spectacle of yourself!”
She retorted defiantly, “What kind of behavior? This is who I am! You raised me—don’t you know what I’m like? I’ve seen that Pacification Commissioner… I refuse to marry him! And what does it matter if you have a guest? Am I not allowed to speak?”
Furious, Gu Dezhao shouted, “You—silence! Take her back at once and confine her properly. She’s not to come out until she’s learned her lesson!”
She snorted. “I’d like to see just who this guest is!”
With that, she came running over, several servants chasing after her, calling out, “Eldest Miss! Eldest Miss!”
Chen Yanyun was taken aback but couldn’t help smiling.
She was still so full of life.
Before he could decide whether to see her, someone peeked in through the doorway.
“Are you my father’s guest?” she suddenly asked.
Chen Yanyun smiled and nodded. “Yes, what of it?”
She wore a short magenta jacket and a green pleated skirt, looking quite lively. “I just wanted to see—” Before she could finish, a servant grabbed her arm. Gu Dezhao hurried up behind her, his face dark with anger, and ordered the servants to drag Gu Jinzhao away.
Her eyes red and brimming with tears, Gu Jinzhao shouted stubbornly, “I won’t! I just won’t!”
Gu Dezhao’s hands trembled with rage. “Get her out of here at once!”
Finally, as the servants pulled her away, Gu Dezhao turned to Chen Yanyun with an apologetic smile. “My deepest apologies, my lord. My daughter is unruly and disobedient.”
Chen Yanyun replied, “It’s no trouble. She’s merely spirited.”
Gu Dezhao was momentarily stunned.
Chen Yanyun smoothly changed the subject. “Master Gu, this tea set of yours looks exquisite. Is it from the Ru kiln?”
Only then did Gu Dezhao shift his attention to the teacup in his hand.Chen Yanyun felt a bit regretful—it seemed she didn’t recognize him.
Well, that made sense. Both times she had seen him, she hadn’t gotten a clear look, so of course she wouldn’t remember.
Still, Chen Yanyun was in a rather good mood. A few days later, when Madam Chen brought up the matter of the Second Miss Liu again, he instinctively refused: “Mother, I have my own plans. There’s no need to rush.”
Madam Chen countered, “Oh? Have you taken a liking to some young lady?” The old woman was delighted and quickly pulled Chen Yanyun to sit down. “Tell me, whose daughter is she? How old?”
Chen Yanyun was about to say no, but suddenly, Gu Jinzhao’s face flashed through his mind.
She was so intriguing and pitiful. If he really had to remarry, why not marry her?
The thought startled him, but soon he realized it was a brilliant idea—absolutely perfect.
If the person he had to protect and take responsibility for in the future was Gu Jinzhao, he didn’t find her troublesome at all. In fact, he rather wanted to shield her. He couldn’t bear the thought of her marrying some Pacification Commissioner. Wouldn’t it be better if she married him instead?
What other protector could be more reliable than him?
If Gu Jinzhao married him, he could guarantee that no one in the entire Gu family would dare lay a finger on her again.
At this thought, Chen Yanyun smiled faintly. “It’s hard to explain. Let’s just say she isn’t the meek and obedient type—you might have to be patient with her… You’ll understand when the time comes.”
Madam Chen’s eyes lit up. This wasn’t just an excuse—her third son was serious! Overjoyed, she hurriedly rose from the wormwood cushion. “Explain properly. Do you really intend to remarry?”
Chen Yanyun replied, “Would I lie about this?”
Madam Chen was beside herself with happiness and immediately called for Granny Zheng. “Prepare the ceremonial gifts. Tomorrow, I’ll go discuss this with Chang Laofuren! Then we’ll invite the girl over for a proper meeting.” She then added sternly, “Once this is settled, you can’t go back on your word. If you dare change your mind, I’ll make sure you regret it!”
Chen Yanyun could only smile helplessly.
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