Chapter 50: Seeing Through the Scheme
After speaking, Madam Wen took a sip of tea, feeling somewhat puzzled.
Gu Jinzhao had invited her to see flowers, yet for some reason brought her to the western side chamber for tea and conversation. Her time was limited... Just as she was considering whether to mention this, a tall maid lifted the curtain and entered.
"Young Miss, the camellias you asked Yuzhu to move into the greenhouse have been relocated. Those in the flower hall remain untouched."
Jinzhao glanced at Qingpu, understanding passing between them.
She had instructed Yuzhu to keep watch outside Madam Li's quarters. If Gu Lan were to visit, she was to report immediately.
Gu Lan's character was consistently sycophantic—just as she would elevate herself by trampling Jinzhao into the dirt. Jinzhao wondered how Gu Lan would placate Madam Li and was eager to listen in, while also bringing Madam Wen along.
"Since the flowers have been moved, perhaps Madam Wen would like to visit the greenhouse?" Jinzhao smiled as she extended the invitation.
Madam Wen finally relaxed and turned to Gu Jinrong: "...Would the Young Master care to join us?"
Though still too proud to openly curry favor with Jinzhao, Gu Jinrong stood stiffly to the side but wouldn't openly slight her. "I wasn't aware Eldest Sister cultivated camellias. I'd like to see them as well."
Jinzhao led them to the greenhouse. While the camellias had already wilted, other flowers were in full bloom. Many cymbidium and orchids were at their peak, and her treasured pearl jasmine blossoms covered the branches, their layered petals resembling clusters of hydrangeas.
Madam Wen was astonished: "Leaving aside the others, this pearl jasmine is truly magnificent."
Jinzhao smiled and explained: "It thrives in warm, humid conditions and is difficult to cultivate in Yanjing. I originally had three pots, but despite careful tending, only this one remains—otherwise I would have gifted one to you. However, if we're speaking of splendid blooms, the white orchids behind your and Madam Li's quarters are even more remarkable. Their fragrance is delicate and elegant, carrying far on the breeze."
Madam Wen replied: "I'm quite fond of the scent of white orchids... Though it's strange—I don't recall seeing them."
Jinzhao smiled: "They're behind the side chambers. Perhaps you haven't visited that area. Shall I show you?"
Madam Wen, genuinely fond of the rare white orchids, agreed to accompany Jinzhao.
Turning slightly to Gu Jinrong, Jinzhao added: "If you're not occupied, Jinrong, you might enjoy seeing them as well."
Gu Jinrong pressed his lips together. He had only briefly seen his second sister earlier and had much more to discuss with her.
Noticing his hesitation, Jinzhao gave a light laugh: "If you'd rather not—"
"It wouldn't hurt to look," Gu Jinrong found himself saying, her smile reminding him of that day when she'd faced him with tearful disappointment.
Jinzhao walked with her maids, Madam Wen accompanied by her personal attendant. Gu Jinrong, alone, strode ahead of them.
"The area behind the side chambers is planted with many mottled bamboos. My mother admired their noble purity and wanted mountainous scenery to complement them, so she had workers construct a ten-foot tall Taihu rockery with a spring flowing down its face, creating the sound of 'high mountains and flowing waters,'" Jinzhao explained to Madam Wen. "Later, my father personally inscribed 'Jiuyi' upon it and had craftsmen carve the characters to accompany the bamboos."Legend has it that Emperor Shun's two consorts, Ehuang and Nüying, traveled thousands of miles in search of him. Upon reaching Jiuyi Mountain, they learned of Emperor Shun's passing. The two consorts clung to bamboo and wept bitterly, their tears turning to blood that stained the bamboo, creating spotted patterns. Hence, it became known as "Tear Bamboo" or "Xiang Consort Bamboo."
Madam Wen greatly admired the Taihu rockery: "...The arrangement is exquisite!"
Following the rockery, a stone path led to the Lady Xiang bamboo forest. Beyond the bamboo grove lay the side chambers, with a small path leading to the flower hall beside them. The flower hall was partially screened by a half-wall featuring Leaking Windows, offering views of nearby banana plants and weeping willows—a splendid scene.
Not spotting the magnolia tree, Madam Wen asked Jinchao, "Could it have been moved elsewhere...?"
Jinchao thought for a moment, then suddenly realized, "Ah, I forgot! The magnolia tree is behind the flower hall, right next to the Leaking Windows!"
The group walked around a cluster of Xiang Consort Bamboo and arrived behind the flower hall, where they indeed found a magnolia tree. However, it was not yet in bloom, with pale green buds nestled among the leaves.
Madam Wen couldn't help feeling disappointed. "It hasn't bloomed yet..."
Gu Jinrong, however, whispered, "It seems someone is talking inside!"
Madam Wen gave him a puzzled glance, then focused her hearing. Sure enough, clear voices came through the wall.
"...Aunt, you needn't take offense. Isn't that just how Madam Wen is? She loves glamour and extravagance, always favoring wealth more. Don't mind her fawning demeanor in front of Ji Wu Shi. To be honest, when she criticized me earlier, I was quite displeased myself..."
Hearing this, Madam Wen's lips tightened. She motioned for Jinchao to step aside and personally parted the magnolia leaves to peer through the Leaking Windows. Inside, she saw Gu Lan and Madam Li seated across from each other. Gu Lan had her back turned, but Madam Li's expression was clearly visible.
"I truly appreciate your kindness, Aunt. Besides, who in Yanjing doesn't praise my two cousins for their virtue, grace, and wisdom? Truthfully, I would prefer you—after all, Uncle's official rank is higher than Second Uncle's. Having you as my hairpin ceremony assistant would bring me greater honor. But Madam Wen approached my mother first, saying she wanted to assist me to avoid any competition between you... My mother had no choice!"
Madam Li wore a mocking smile. "She always loves to compete... No one craves the spotlight as much as she does!"
Madam Wen was utterly bewildered, a suffocating feeling of injustice rising in her throat. What was Gu Lan saying?
When realization struck, that injustice turned to fury.
How dare you, Gu Lan! Did I force myself on your mother, insisting on assisting you? Wasn't it you and your mother who came to me, lamenting your hardships and how you were bullied by the Eldest Miss? Out of sympathy, I agreed to help you—even promised to find you a good marriage! And this is how you repay me? Playing me for a fool, saying one thing to my face and another behind my back, even colluding with that vile Song Miaoying to slander me!
Jinchao thought, Just as I suspected—Gu Lan is trying to drive a wedge between Madam Wen and Madam Li.
She whispered to Madam Wen, "What is Lan Er saying? It sounds like she's disparaging you... Should I go out and reprimand her? This is utterly unacceptable!"Gu Jinrong was also surprised by Gu Lan's words, but since he didn't know the full story, he couldn't judge right or wrong. However, seeing Madam Wen's gritted-teeth expression, he knew Gu Lan probably wasn't saying anything pleasant... He felt both shocked and puzzled inside.
After all, Madam Wen had spent over a decade navigating the inner courtyards. She immediately pressed down Gu Jinzhao's hand and said coldly, "Don't be hasty. I want to hear what else she has to say about me..."
"Madam Wen also spoke to Mother about you—things I'm too embarrassed to repeat... It was nothing more than about Uncle, saying he already had a concubine and son in Shaanxi and never wanted to return to see you..." At this point, Madam Li's face changed.
"She really said that?" Madam Li's voice trembled with anger. People are like this—most afraid of others touching their sore spots. When someone does, they react like a cat whose tail has been stepped on, ready to jump and rage.
Gu Lan's voice was exceptionally soft and calm: "Mother tried to persuade her that rumors shouldn't be believed, that you and Uncle have always treated each other with respect. She told Madam Wen not to overthink it. But you know Madam Wen's nature—she loves gossiping with women inside the household, stirring up trouble and taking things upon herself. How could she not spread it everywhere..."
Madam Li gritted her teeth: "I know—she's capable of this!" Madam Wen was notorious for loving excitement and discussing others' domestic affairs. Though others didn't mind, Madam Li had always disliked this behavior. She couldn't help cursing: "...That gossipmonger!"
Gu Lan quickly held her hand: "Please don't be angry. Mother tried her best to advise her. It's not worth getting upset over her!"
...
Outside the Leaking Windows, Madam Wen stared at Gu Lan, the veins at her temples throbbing with rage!
What a vicious woman—scheming and trouble-making.
Yesterday, she had pretended to be weak and pitiful in front of her, but today she showed a different face, spreading rumors behind her back!
She had actually thought Gu Lan was too naive and had even defended her in front of Gu Jinzhao! She had believed Gu Lan was being bullied and even promised to help her find a good marriage—how blind she had been!
Though furious, Madam Wen restrained herself and didn't make a sound, listening to the conversation inside.
Gu Lan soothed Madam Li until she finally calmed down.
Madam Li took a sip of tea and said, "...I won't bother with her. Knowing what kind of person she is, it's not worth distressing myself over. But niece... There's one thing I still can't understand. Why... why did your father choose Gu Jinzhao as your ceremonial companion? Her virtue and character—what makes her worthy of that role?"
At this, Gu Lan sighed softly: "Aunt, do you think I wanted this? Father insisted on her. Of course, I know Gu Jinzhao's poor conduct. Look—she's been of marriageable age for a year, yet no respectable family dares to propose to her. She's become a laughingstock of the Gu family. What good is her beauty...? The things she's done—each one is chilling."
Madam Li couldn't help asking: "I've only heard rumors. What exactly has she done...?"Gu Lan sighed helplessly, "I can hardly speak of her misdeeds. Normally I wouldn't mind her bullying me... but over a minor mistake, she beat her maid until the poor girl went mad and was driven out of the manor. She even forced her own father to take a concubine. When my younger brother refused to study at Qifang Alley because he wanted to care for our gravely ill mother, she couldn't stand having him at home and drove him away from our mother's sickbed..."
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