Chapter 15

Chapter 7

Gu Changjin, having achieved scholarly success at the tender age of eighteen, was undeniably erudite and talented. However, Rong Shu was well aware of his temperament; he wasn't one to impart knowledge to young children in private.

Second Brother was acceptable since he was already fourteen and had been studying at the academy for six years, capable of holding a decent conversation.

But Third Brother, only five years old, and Fourth Brother, only four, could at most sway their heads and recite a few rhyming poems...

What Gu Changjin truly thought remained invisible to others. He simply bowed his hands in greeting with a calm expression and said, "Good." Sensing Rong Shu's gaze, he straightened up and turned to look at her.

Rong Shu smiled and replied politely, "Thank you for your trouble, Sir."

As she spoke, two boys, dressed in golden brocade robes and looking like porcelain dolls, approached Rong Shu, mimicking Gu Changjin's gesture and bowed with a crisp voice, "Big Sister."

They were none other than Third Brother Rong Bo and Fourth Brother Rong Qing.

The two children, with their round faces and innocent expressions, seemed like naive little ones trying to act grown-up, making awkward bows that were neither here nor there, which was quite amusing.

Rong Shu had only superficial relationships with her siblings in the mansion, but she was particularly close to these two young ones before her and her eldest brother Rong Ze, who studied at the Imperial Academy.

Thus, twirling her folding fan gently, she softly chuckled and said, "Remember to listen carefully to Elder Brother-in-law Gu when we go to the study later, alright?"

Sanlang and Sirlang responded in unison, then promptly turned to attempt a graceful bow, just as they had seen their elder brother-in-law do.

However, upon meeting Gu Changjin's dark and aloof gaze, they likely felt a chill, freezing mid-action with their hands suspended in the air. Their voices caught in their throats, and they retreated a step backward, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Children are most perceptive about which adults favor them and which do not.

This newly crowned scholar did not seem to like children, a fact that both Third Brother and Fourth Brother had picked up on.

Rong Shu couldn't help but chuckle. She tapped the little ones' heads gently with her folding fan, saying warmly, "Since your big sister's husband is visiting us for the first time, he might not know the way to the study. Would you boys kindly show him the way?"

Her words relieved Third Brother and Fourth Brother from their awkwardness while also preserving the youngsters' delicate pride.

The tone of her voice was relaxed and cheerful, quite different from the respectful yet distant Miss Rong they were accustomed to.

Gu Changjin lifted his gaze to look at her, but quickly averted his eyes.

As the third brother was older, he mustered some courage and puffed out his chest, saying, "Elder Sister's husband, follow me. I've been to Third Uncle's study several times, so I promise I won't get lost today."

The fourth brother also chimed in, "If Third Brother gets lost, don't worry. There's still Fourth Brother. I won't get lost."

The corners of Gu Changjin's lips twitched barely perceptibly. He paused for a moment, acknowledged with a soft "Thank you for your trouble," and then followed the two children out of Ho'an Hall.

After they left, Rong Shu had no desire to stay in Ho'an Hall either. She bid farewell to Lady Rong and took Madam Shen's hand, leaving the hall together.

Once the mother and daughter were gone, Third Miss Rong Qi lowered her voice to whisper to Rong Wu, "Big Sister's husband is truly handsome."

Rong Qi was only eleven years old, and her words carried a touch of innocence.

Rong Wu glanced at her and shook her head. "What use is good looks? Marriage isn't just about appearances."

Back when Rong Shu was set to marry Gu Changjin, both Lady Rong and Duke Cheng'en were firmly against it. On one hand, their social statuses didn't align; on the other, the man who had just been crowned the top scholar of Jiaoyu Eighteenth Year had already offended many high-ranking officials and noble lords in the court.

Lady Rong was worried that an alliance with the Gu family would bring trouble to the Cheng'an Marquis Estate, and thus strongly opposed the marriage.

Initially, everyone thought that this marriage was bound to fail. Yet, who would have thought that Madam Shen, who usually didn't meddle in matters, would convince Lady Rong to change her mind after a visit to Ho'an Hall?

Although Rong Wu had no idea what tactics her stepmother had employed, Rong Shu's marriage to Gu Changjin was advantageous for her.

Rong Qi, only half understanding the situation, glanced at the elegant Rong Wu with envy. "Speaking of which, Second Sister's match is truly the best!"

Last year, when Rong Wu came of age, she was betrothed to Jiang Shenglin, the son of Jiang Zhen, a senior scholar from the Hanlin Academy. The wedding was scheduled for next spring, and she would become a member of the Jiang family.

The Jiangs were an esteemed family, renowned for their wealth and status in the capital. Although Scholar Jiang held the rank of a fifth-degree official as a Hanlin Academician, Rong Qi had heard from her mother that he was soon to be appointed as the Left Vice Minister of Rites, a third-degree position of significant authority.

Jiang Shenglin, the eldest legitimate son of Jiang Zhen, was an outstanding graduate of the imperial examination in the 15th year of Jiayou. His future prospects were bright and promising. Many families had sought him as a husband, including the family of the Left Vice Minister of Revenue. The vice minister's wife, in particular, had sought the respected Dowager Duchess of Duke Ying to act as a matchmaker for her daughter, but to no avail.

Back then, people in the capital whispered that Scholar Jiang wished for his eldest son to establish himself in his career before settling down, hence his reluctance to arrange an early marriage.

However, two months after Rong Wu's coming-of-age ceremony, the Jiang family promptly sent envoys to propose marriage. It was then revealed that the Jiangs had long been smitten with Rong Wu, the second daughter of the Count of Cheng'an.

Rong Wu was already well-known in the capital for her beauty, and her engagement to the Jiang family only enhanced her reputation. How could Rong Qi not feel envious?

Observing the admiration in Rong Qi's eyes, Rong Wu's lips curved into a slight smile. "You have such a sweet tongue."

Back at Qingheng Courtyard, Rong Shu and Madam Shen had just arrived. Madam Shen held her daughter closely, examining her with great care. Seeing her rosy cheeks and smiling eyes, she was reassured. "Mother was worried that you wouldn't be accustomed to married life. It seems Ama Zhou's words were true after all."

As soon as Rong Shu and the others alighted from the carriage, Ama Zhou had quietly pulled Ying Que aside for a chat.

Ying Que had received Rong Shu's instructions the previous day and thus only spoke of the positive aspects.

After listening to half a day's worth of stories about the couple's respectful and loving relationship, Ama Zhou joyfully relayed these tales to Madam Shen.

When Madam Shen insisted on marrying into the Gu family against everyone's advice, the entire household had made sarcastic remarks.

Even the elderly matriarch had pointed at Madam Shen's nose, scolding her as a foolish, money-minded idiot with short-sightedness. She would surely regret her decision one day, the old lady had predicted.