Chapter 78: Arrangements
Mama Xu arrived at the Gu residence in Daxing in the evening, bearing the funeral announcement.
After meeting with Mama Xu, Second Madam went to see Tai Furen.
Tai Furen was reclining on an Arhat bed, sipping a bowl of duck soup with gastrodia elata, attended by a maidservant.
Upon hearing Second Madam’s words, she sighed. "Back then, Fourth insisted on marrying her, even willing to sever ties with the family. And now, she has already passed… Who sent someone to invite you?"
In those days, the Ji family’s wealth and influence were far from what they are today, and as mere merchants, how could the Gu family—a lineage of scholarly nobility—ever consent to such a match? Even now, though no one in Yanjing dares to underestimate the Ji family, households like theirs still look down on them.
Second Madam replied respectfully, "It was Chaojie. She asked me to oversee the funeral arrangements."
Tai Furen asked, "Why would they need you? Doesn’t their household have a concubine who’s the legitimate daughter of a Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices?"
After a moment’s thought, Second Madam answered, "This daughter-in-law suspects that Madam Ji’s death is related to that concubine. It’s likely she can’t take charge…"
Tai Furen pondered for a long while before saying, "It’s not appropriate for me to go. It’s just as well that you attend. Inform Fifth and his wife as well—have them pay their respects… After so many years of grievances, it’s time to let go."
Second Madam assented and went to Fifth Madam’s courtyard. After hearing the news, Fifth Madam thought for a moment and went to the study to find Gu Wuye.
Ye Xian was in Gu Wuye’s study, watching him carve a walnut with a small, half-pointed knife, which he wielded with deft precision.
Seated on the desk, Ye Xian observed for a long while before suddenly remarking, "Brother-in-law, this knife isn’t very effective this way."
Gu Wuye was a master at walnut carving—his works, like Su Dongpo boating on a river, even bore the couplet "The mountains rise high, the moon grows small; the waters recede, the stones emerge" in exquisite detail. This knife was his favorite. Raising an eyebrow, he retorted, "Not effective? How would you improve it?"
Ye Xian extended two slender fingers, measuring a length. "Curve the blade like this—it’ll be easier to wield. Actually, it’d be perfect for killing. Make the tip longer. Once it pierces bone, the momentum won’t stop—it could slice a man in half."
Gu Wuye’s hair stood on end. "Where did you learn that?"
Ye Xian replied, "One of my former instructors was fond of weaponry. He’s now a battalion commander in Sichuan."
Gu Wuye knew Ye Xian had some subordinates—eccentric, mysterious individuals.
Like one of his guards, who always carried a peculiar crossbow at his waist. Once, when Gu Wuye wanted to examine it, the man rasped with a laugh, "Best not touch it, Fifth Master. You don’t know how to use it—might end up riddling yourself with holes."
Gu Wuye couldn’t help but grumble inwardly—if you carry it every day, how come it hasn’t riddled you with holes?
Later, he once saw Ye Xian disassemble the thing. Inside were rows upon rows of four-inch-long steel needles, gleaming coldly. Ye Xian adjusted it and fired, piercing straight through a bowl-thick elm tree in front of the main hall… After that, Gu Wuye never touched anything belonging to Ye Xian or his men again.
Ye Xian seemed to have a peculiar talent for such things. But then again, he was extraordinarily clever at everything—so much so that it was almost frightening.
Just as Gu Wuye was at a loss for words, he saw his wife approaching with her maid. Hastily wiping the sweat from his brow, he hurried over and said, "Take care—mind your health!"Gu Wuye's eldest son Gu Jinxian was now fifteen. Over the years, Fifth Madam had shown no signs of pregnancy, which had caused him great anxiety. It wasn't until two months ago when Fifth Madam was diagnosed with pregnancy again that the entire Gu family was pleasantly surprised. The Gu family was large and prosperous, but had few descendants, so the addition of one or two grandchildren was naturally welcomed.
Ye Xian, however, was unimpressed. His sister was already over thirty and had always been frail. How could she still be suitable for childbirth?
He frowned at his sister's unborn child in her belly, looking quite displeased.
Ye Shi didn't mind; Ye Xian had always been like this. He hadn't liked Gu Jinxian at first either!
Ignoring Ye Xian, Ye Shi took Gu Wuye's hand and said to him, "...This evening, someone from the Shi'an Gu family came to inform us that Fourth Sister-in-law has passed away. Mother has instructed us all to go and pay our respects. Except for Second Brother, who is busy with official duties, everyone else must go. Let's inform Xian'er and take him along too. Fourth Brother's family will need nephews and younger generations present for the funeral arrangements..."
Gu Wuye's expression turned grave: "She had been ill for over half a year. Last time Second Sister-in-law returned, didn't she say she was fine and her condition hadn't relapsed? How could she pass away so suddenly..."
Fifth Madam whispered, "...It seems she took her own life. The entire Gu family was shocked."
As the couple spoke, they suddenly heard Ye Xian's voice: "Gu Jinzhao's mother... is dead?"
Ye Shi noticed his strange expression and patted his head: "What Gu Jinzhao... You don't even know how to be discreet, calling a young lady by her name directly. You should address her as your niece!"
Ye Xian curled his lip: "What's the big deal? She doesn't call me Uncle either."
Ye Shi turned away, unwilling to engage with him further, and continued discussing with her husband the arrangements for traveling to Shi'an County—how many carriages would be needed and who would be going.
Ye Xian, listening nearby, interjected: "I'm going too. Save me a seat."
Fifth Madam was truly annoyed with him: "What are you going for?"
Ye Xian didn't explain, simply saying, "Just save me a seat. I still have some calligraphy to finish, so I'll head back first." His grandfather was currently trying to temper his patience by making him practice ten sheets of small seal script on jade paper every day. Once he started writing, he couldn't stop—he had to concentrate and remain calm, or the ink would easily smudge.
Fifth Madam nodded in reluctant agreement. After finalizing plans with her husband, she and Second Madam spent the night making arrangements before setting off for Shi'an with the family members.
...
Gu Jinrong knelt before Madam Ji's spirit tablet, burning paper offerings for her. He had been silently crying for an hour, his eyes swollen like walnuts. Yet he made no sound at all. The mourning hall was so quiet that his suppressed sobs made his entire body tremble.
The flickering flames in the brazier sent ashes of the paper offerings floating slowly through the air, filling the room with the heavy scent of sandalwood.
Jinchao felt somewhat exhausted. She stood up, wanting to take a walk outside.
Seeing Jinchao rise, Gu Jinrong quickly grabbed her hand. But when he met her indifferent gaze, he feared his elder sister would disdain him. He withdrew his hand slightly but still clung tightly to her sleeve, murmuring, "Elder Sister..."
Jinchao looked at him expressionlessly: "...Let go."
At her words, Gu Jinrong immediately released her. Jinchao then walked outside, where plain white paper lanterns hung under the eaves. The sky was pitch black, and standing alone under the corridor, she suddenly found herself unsure of where to go.Gu Jinrong quickly followed her out. Jinchao had no desire to see him at all and turned to walk along the covered corridor, but Gu Jinrong trailed persistently behind her like an unshakable shadow. Finally stopping, Jinchao found Gu Jinrong hastily stepping forward, his gaze filled with sorrow and pitiful desperation.
"Elder Sister, I... I know you hate me, and I hate myself too! I hate how easily I believed Gu Lan's words, how I caused Mother's death!" Gu Jinrong began weeping again. "I blame myself so much I wish I could strangle myself! But... Elder Sister, from now on, I only have you left—Mother is gone. Could you... could you hate me just a little less? I want to change, I want to make amends..."
He felt he ought to make some promise or express how much he now resented Gu Lan. But his incoherent words failed to convey anything clearly. He was unbearably lonely—without Gu Lan, without Mother—and drowning in self-loathing to the point of wishing for death. He wanted to do something to regain his elder sister's trust, to atone for his mother's death.
Gu Jinzhao looked at her younger brother and sighed. If only he had realized the truth sooner.
"Why should I hate you? I only grieve your misfortune and resent your weakness. Rong-ge, if you truly understand what I mean, then you know what to do." She spoke calmly. "There's no need to say anything to me—you already know in your heart."
Gu Jinrong stood frozen in place, stunned. Jinchao, however, continued walking along the covered corridor until she reached the main gate of Xiexiao Courtyard, where Qingpu was already waiting for her. Qingpu informed her that the Gu family from Daxing had sent people overnight. Besides Second Madam, Fifth Madam and Gu Wuye had also come, along with Gu Jinxian, Gu Jin Xiao, and the heir of Marquis Changxing.
Gu Dezhao had already received them in the flower hall and expressed his gratitude. Second Madam then began preparing for Madam Ji's funeral arrangements—aside from dressing the corpse, there were still the Grand Funeral and burial to organize. Messengers were dispatched to the Taoist temple to invite Priest Chen. The others had all gone to pay respects before Madam Ji's spirit tablet.
After some thought, Jinchao went to the Affairs Office to assist Second Madam.
By the time Gu Dezhao finished these arrangements, dawn had broken. Exhausted to the point of barely keeping his eyes open, he stubbornly refused to leave Xiexiao Courtyard. When he stood, he nearly stumbled and fell. Li Guanshi tried in vain to persuade him to rest and eventually sent a maid to fetch Gu Jinzhao, who was still speaking with Second Madam.
Furious, Jinchao hurried over and said to Li Guanshi, "If he won't listen, just knock him out and drag him back!"
Gu Dezhao sat slumped on a brocade stool, utterly drained. "Chaojie, you needn't worry about me..."
Jinchao smiled coldly. "I'm not worried about you. You're just drowning in guilt over Mother's death and trying to atone through self-punishment. To me, this is nothing but selfishness and irresponsibility. Who are you trying to impress by falling ill? Me? Mother? Or the guests who've come to mourn?"
Gu Dezhao fell silent for a long time, unable to respond. Eventually, he rose and returned to Chrysanthemum Willow Pavilion.
Jinchao exhaled in relief and went back to the Affairs Office to discuss with Second Madam what to do about her mother's coffin. Since a suitable one couldn't be found immediately, they would have to purchase a pre-made coffin from a paper horse shop, though the quality would inevitably be lacking. Second Madam then said, "...Before I left, your grandmother instructed that if no proper coffin could be found, we could borrow hers."Grandmother had finally let go of her grievances toward Mother, after all, the person was gone. Thinking of this, Jinchao couldn't help but sigh.
Second Madam observed that Gu Jinzhao hadn't slept a wink in a full day and night, yet showed no signs of fatigue. Apart from her red and swollen eyes from crying, she appeared remarkably strong. She even assisted in handling these tedious matters with surprising proficiency.
Her thoughts then turned to Gu Jinrong, who had been weeping before Madam Ji's spirit, and she couldn't help but look at Jinchao with a mix of sympathy and admiration.
The difference between them was clear at a glance.
P.S.:
Second update, thank you to Daxia Yi Ge, Lianhua Cidi Kaifang for the pink votes, and to Shangguan Xiaona 2, Amanda Misu, and sunflower889 for the rewards. Also, my gratitude to all who encouraged me t-t.
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