Liang Chen Mei Jin

Chapter 66: Du Huai

Gu Lan was in her study reading a letter from Gu Jinrong.

Jinrong, who was studying at Qifang Alley, often wrote to her about his amusing experiences in Daxing. He would mention things like debating Master Zhu's Neo-Confucianism with Mr. Zhou, who praised him for his diligence in the subject. Or how he and the son of the Earl of Yongyang sneaked off to watch cockfights, only for the earl’s son to lose ten taels of silver and take it out on his servant. There was also the second son of Lord Xu, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, who had a penchant for gambling on raw jade—and actually managed to cut open a piece of high-quality jadeite... However, since Jinrong had gone to Qifang Alley this time, he had rarely written to her. This was the first letter in a while.

As usual, Jinrong shared many amusing anecdotes and asked how she was getting along with her elder sister and how she was doing.

After finishing the letter, Gu Lan let out a sigh of relief. Since he was willing to write, it must mean he had forgiven her. Young people could never bear to stay cold toward others for long.

Yet, thinking about what her mother had told her, she couldn’t bring herself to feel happy.

...Her father now intended to marry her off to Mu Zhizhai.

Gu Lan’s gaze drifted to a cluster of blooming privet outside the window. The tiny white flowers dotted among the leaves gave off a rich fragrance—one she had once loved, but now found overpowering, even irritating.

Mu Jin, who had recently become Gu Lan’s personal maid, was careful and attentive in everything she did. Seeing Gu Lan’s distress, she quietly slipped out and returned with a cup of chilled plum syrup. Softly, she said, “Second Miss, I cooled the plum syrup with well water. It’s very refreshing.”

This maid was far better than Ziling. Gu Lan now thought her mother had been right to send Ziling away.

She took the plum syrup and sipped it, recalling how she had gone to pay respects to Madam Ji earlier that day and seen Third Madam Fan of the Duke Ding’s household visiting. Third Madam Fan had given Gu Jinzhao an openwork red coral bracelet as a greeting gift, while she had only received an ordinary jade bracelet. Moreover, Third Madam Fan had spoken with Madam Ji for a long time, even causing Madam Ji’s two personal maids to wait outside the corridor, excluded from the conversation.

Third Madam Fan was technically her father’s cousin’s wife, though since her father’s mother had originally been a concubine in the Gu family, the relationship wasn’t openly acknowledged. Still, the two families had always been on good terms. When Gu Lan had her coming-of-age ceremony, the Fan family hadn’t attended in person but had sent gifts.

Under normal circumstances, Third Madam Fan wouldn’t visit the Gu household without a reason.

After thinking for a long time, Gu Lan finally asked Mu Jin, “Have you found out why Third Madam Fan came?”

Mu Jin quickly replied, “Third Madam Fan later went to see the master, and the two spoke in the flower hall for a while. According to the maid who served tea, Third Madam Fan came to propose a marriage for Third Miss—to her nephew from the Du family in Wuqing. The master was very pleased and even called Concubine Du to discuss it, as if he wanted to settle the engagement soon.”

The Mu family had just made a marriage proposal, and now the Fan family was jumping in as well! The thought of marriage proposals made her heart sink with irritation, so she didn’t press further. Instead, she took Jinrong’s letter and went to Concubine Song’s quarters. Every letter between her and Jinrong had to be reviewed by Concubine Song first.Jinchao had also heard about this matter and asked Mama Tong to inquire about the Wuqing Du Family. Mama Tong reported back that two generations ago, the Du Family had produced a Scholar of the Two Boards who had served as the Vice Minister of Works. However, since then, the family had not produced any outstanding scholars. The second master of the Du Family had passed the provincial examination, but there had been no further academic achievements, and the family had been relying solely on their ancestors' prestige to get by. Third Madam Fan was the eldest legitimate daughter of the second master of the Du Family.

The proposed match was with Du Huai, the grandson of the fourth master of the Du Family, who was fifteen years old this year and had passed the county-level examination last year. The Du Family had already declined, and the fourth master's branch was particularly undistinguished. This match was not particularly advantageous. However, Father particularly admired those with scholarly ambitions. Upon hearing that Du Huai had earned his place as a Tribute student and thus gained the opportunity to study at the Imperial Academy, Father's opinion of Du Huai improved greatly, and he thought the match was quite suitable.

Jinchao had little impression of the Wuqing Du Family. She was only familiar with important court officials or those connected to the Chen Family. Still, since Du Huai had earned his place as a Tribute student through his own efforts rather than relying on the second master of the Du Family to become a Privilege student, he must be a person of some ambition.

When Jinchao went to pay her respects to her mother, she happened upon Madam Ji speaking with Gu Yi.

Gu Xi was also sitting nearby, her small face slightly flushed. She tugged at Jinchao's hand and whispered, "Third Sister is only thirteen this year, and they’re already arranging a marriage for her?"

It was common for girls to receive marriage proposals from the age of twelve. Their family was a special case—no one dared to propose to Gu Jinzhao, and the suitors for Gu Lan were deemed unworthy, as she refused to become a concubine. Thus, both sisters had reached adulthood without betrothals, which gave Gu Xi the mistaken impression that this was the norm.

Jinchao couldn’t help but feel pity for her. Gu Xi had been raised under their mother’s name, and Guo Yiniang had never dared to get too close to her, fearing it would displease Madam Ji. She only sent gifts during festivals. Madam Ji, however, had little energy to spare for her, so both Gu Yi and Gu Xi had been raised by nursemaids. Many things the nursemaids either couldn’t or wouldn’t explain, leaving the sisters in the dark.

Madam Ji smiled at Jinchao in greeting before continuing her conversation with Gu Yi. "I’ve neglected your affairs, and I feel guilty about it. If you think this match is suitable, I’ll speak to your father and arrange the betrothal..."

Though Gu Yi was usually composed, she was still young. Her face turned crimson as she stammered, "Mother... I... I don’t know..."

She had never heard of this person before and had no idea what he was like.

Madam Ji, having been through this herself, understood her worries. She glanced at Mama Xu and said, "Why don’t we ask Mama Xu to speak with Third Madam Fan and have her bring her nephew to meet your father? If you’d like to see him, you can hide behind the curtains..."

Gu Yi bit her lip, her face burning scarlet. How could she possibly do such a thing!

Jinchao chuckled. "I think it’s a great idea. Third Madam Fan is still in the side room—let’s go talk to her now."

Gu Xi nodded eagerly. "Yes, Third Sister should meet him!" Being young, she always enjoyed such playful schemes.

Gu Yi said nothing more. Mama Xu spoke with Third Madam Fan, and three days later, her nephew Du Huai came to visit Father.

Father planned to receive Du Huai in the main hall.On the day of the formal visit, Gu Dezhao's three daughters were jostling behind the curtains. Seeing this, he smiled wryly and said, "If you want to watch, at least hide yourselves properly..."

Jinchao felt somewhat helpless—she had been dragged over by Gu Xi. Beside them, Mama Xu smiled without speaking; she was here on Madam Ji's behalf to observe. Gu Xi was the most enthusiastic one, and since she was rarely this excited, Jinchao didn't have the heart to scold her for being improper. After all, no one could see them anyway.

Du Huai's visiting card was soon presented. Gu Dezhao noted that he addressed himself as "your humble nephew" and nodded inwardly... the young man certainly understood etiquette.

When Du Huai entered, he came alone without even a servant or page boy. He wore a striking turquoise blue long gown with a double fish white jade pendant hanging at his waist. Tall, handsome, and exuding humble grace, he paid his respects to Gu Dezhao with reverence. Gu Dezhao tested him on the Eight-legged essay and questioned him about the Spring and Autumn Annals . Though his answers weren't exceptionally brilliant, he refrained from boastful talk, which pleased Gu Dezhao even more.

At this sight, Gu Yi also became interested, and the marriage arrangement was settled. A date was chosen to exchange the Marriage Certificate, and Third Madam Fan was invited for a day of feasting, formally betrothing Gu Yi to Du Huai.

When Song Yiniang heard that Du Huai was both scholarly and handsome, she was sewing banana leaf patterns onto the sleeves of an upper garment for Gu Lan.

She remarked indifferently, "The Imperial Academy has over three thousand students. In each palace examination, at most a hundred—sometimes as few as a dozen—are selected as Imperial Academy Bachelors. Many students remain there well past fifty without ever passing. It’s really nothing special. He’d be better off asking his second uncle to purchase him a minor official post and slowly work his way up. With the support of the Duke Ding’s household, his career would surely advance."

Gu Lan had initially felt a pang of bitterness upon hearing the maids' gossip. Why was Mu Zhizhai, the one who had come to propose to her, such a man? Though Du Huai’s family background wasn’t as prestigious as Mu Zhizhai’s, his character was far superior. But after her mother’s words, she felt better. After all, she would never marry Mu Zhizhai, and Du Huai’s future was uncertain. By the time Gu Yi helped him achieve success, she’d likely be past her prime—what good would wealth and status be then?

Song Yiniang thought the match rather mediocre, but after some consideration, she added, "...Still, it’s good enough for Gu Yi."

As mother and daughter spoke, Yu Xiang entered. She curtsied and said softly, "Concubine, Chen Pozi, who escorted Ziling to Baoding’s Shulu, has returned. She says she has urgent matters and wishes to see you."

Had something gone wrong with Ziling’s marriage arrangements? Frowning, Song Yiniang thought for a moment before allowing Chen Pozi in.

Chen Pozi had just rushed back from Baoding, covered in dust, her small bun askew. She greeted loudly, but her eyes gleamed shrewdly.

"What urgent matter brings you here?" Song Yiniang asked.

Chen Pozi quickly smiled and said, "...What a coincidence! While escorting Miss Ziling to Shulu in Baoding, I ran into an old acquaintance—a woman who used to do odd jobs in our household. After she grew too old, she was sent back to her hometown to retire. Her son now works at the Song family’s villa. She recognized me and pulled me aside for a long chat..."

Song Yiniang nodded, signaling Chen Pozi to continue. So far, the story was trivial.

Chen Pozi went on, "That woman... she used to serve Concubine Yun..."Concubine Song paused her movements. Gu Lan noticed that Concubine Yun had also become cautious, looking toward Chen Pozi.

Concubine Song waved for Qiaowei to put away the items first, then carefully asked the old woman, "What exactly did this servant attending Concubine Yun say that made you rush to tell me?"

Seeing this reaction, Chen Pozi sensed an opportunity and continued, "That woman was originally just a cleaning maid in Concubine Yun's quarters—not worth mentioning. But she told this servant that she'd spoken with the surviving personal maid who served Concubine Yun. The maid said Cui Ping was framed—she didn't mix up the medicine. Someone deliberately wanted to harm Concubine Yun..."

"You'd never guess—she said that person was the Madam."

PS:

Still seeking pink votes~t-t