Page 78

Xu Fu said, "If you don't wish to consummate the marriage with her, that's fine. But tomorrow, you'll have to accompany Rong Shu to visit her maternal family. At the very least, you need to ensure that Shen Yizhen remains stable."

Gu Changjin's heart stirred slightly.

When Xu Fu mentioned Shen Yizhen, there was always a hint of familiarity in her tone, as if she knew her well. Yet during the initial discussions of their marriage, when the Shen family visited the Gu residence, it was clear that Shen Yizhen didn't recognize Xu Fu.

Gu Changjin lifted the teacup lid and swirled the tea leaves at the surface, puzzled. "The Count of Cheng'an favors his concubine over his wife. The Countess has never held an influential position in the household. Why must I stabilize her, Aunt?"

"Exactly because of her distant relationship with the Count of Cheng'an, you need to keep her steady and prevent her from leaving the capital," Xu Fu replied coolly. "Just follow Aunt's instructions and don't concern yourself with anything else. Once the New Year celebrations pass, the Ministry of Personnel and the Board of Censors will evaluate the performance of officials in the capital. You should seize this opportunity to go to the Board of Censors. If not for Xiao Yan appointing you to the Ministry of Justice three years ago, you would've originally gone to the Board of Censors."

The Board of Censors.

Gu Changjin lowered his gaze, hiding any surprise in his eyes, and solemnly acknowledged, "Yes."

Exiting Liu Mo Hall, he headed for his study, pondering over Xu Fu's words.

She said Shen Yizhen couldn't leave the capital – was it because they needed her as a pawn in Beijing or to prevent her from going elsewhere, like... Yangzhou?

Furthermore, Xu Fu was confident that he should've been at the Board of Censors three years ago, implying that there was someone there who served her interests. Who could that person be?

Gu Changjin slightly furrowed his brows.

Xu Fu had kept many of her schemes hidden from him. He still couldn't guess who her allies were in the imperial court or how she intended to propel him to that position.

As light snowflakes swirled around, he paused and lifted his gaze to the gloomy sky.

In a daze, it seemed as if he could hear his mother's furious rebuke amidst the flames again—

"You ungrateful beast! We saved you, raised you, but you repay us with malice! Xiao Yan, I curse you! I curse all of you!"

It wasn't just his mother; his father, elder brother, and younger sister were also screaming at him with all their might, using the most vicious words in the world.

The thick smoke in the mountains that day was as gray as the sky before him, devoid of light and hope.

As the fire engulfed their bodies, their faces distorted.

But the occasional glances they revealed through the flames, Gu Changjin understood them, always had.

The wind whistled fiercely.

A sudden burst of boisterous crackers abruptly pulled him back to reality.

Chang Ji paced anxiously by the study door, always uneasy whenever his master visited the Liumo Hall.

Spotting the elegant yet solitary figure, he hurriedly held an umbrella and approached, saying, "Master."

Gu Changjin shook his head. "It's nothing."

Pausing for a moment, he added nonchalantly, "Is someone setting off firecrackers outside?"

"Not outside, it's from Young Madam," replied Chang Ji. "Among the gifts from the residents of Wutong Lane earlier, there were a few rolls of Jinyue Bamboo. Young Madam said she would set them off at the main gate today, so that our neighbors could all hear them."

At this point, Chang Ji couldn't help but chuckle.

"You wouldn't believe how much the people of Wutong Lane adore Young Madam. This morning, someone even brought her homemade red sugar glutinous rice cakes. Without hesitation, Young Madam ate half of one, repeatedly saying how delicious they were."

Chang Ji continued his tale, noticing Gu Changjin seemed to be listening attentively. In a moment of enthusiasm, he suggested, "Master, why don't we go and take a look?"

After all, it was New Year's Day; how could they not join in the festivities?

Heng Ping insisted that one must sleep more in winter to prevent regression in martial arts skills, thus only kicking him along to accompany his master in the study. Yet, the study was eerily quiet, devoid of any festive atmosphere, unlike the lively hustle and bustle of Songsi Courtyard.

Seeing that Gu Changjin did not decline, he knew there was a chance and promptly said, "Come on, Master. Firecrackers may be entertaining, but they can be dangerous too. Let's not risk injuring Madam."

Upon hearing this, Gu Changjin finally moved.

The sound of firecrackers drew closer.

At the Weeping Flower Door, a lady draped in a vibrant red cloak held a long bamboo pole in both hands. After lighting the firecrackers hanging outside, she threw down the pole, lifted her skirt, and dashed back.

Another round of "crackling" echoed.

The wind swept up the scattered paper scraps behind her, turning the vast expanse into a dazzling red scene. It resembled the blossoming petals of a plum blossom, gently falling upon her like a mesmerizing snowfall tinged with the world's crimson hue.

She ran amidst the crimson fragments, as if she were a plum blossom come to life or a snowy spirit tainted by the blood of mortals.

Gu Changjin halted, slowly placing his hand over his chest.

He couldn't go any further, he realized.

"Tell the young mistress later that I will accompany her to the Minglu Yard tomorrow to pay respects to Madam Hou," he instructed, turning away without looking back.

Chang Ji stood there, dazed, unable to comprehend why his master had suddenly left when they were just steps away.

He was about to rush after him but recalled the master's instructions and hesitated, stopping in his tracks.

"Chang Ji?" Rong Shu panted as she ran up to him, spotting him holding an umbrella ahead. She called out, "What's wrong? Is there something from Lord Gu?"

The servants in the household were still unaware of her separation from Gu Changjin, so she couldn't address him as 'Lord' yet.

Chang Ji forced a smile, responding, "Indeed, young mistress. Master asked me to inform you that he will accompany you to the Minglu Yard to visit Madam Hou tomorrow."

Rong Shu raised an eyebrow, catching her breath slightly. "Lord Gu is free tomorrow...?"

In Great Yin, it was customary to visit one's natal home on the second day of the New Year. However, given their clear conversation yesterday, she had assumed he wouldn't join her at the Minglu Yard.

But then she realized, much like how she still addressed him as 'Lord Gu' in public, Gu Changjin likely held the same mindset. After all, they were still officially husband and wife, and he couldn't let her return to her family alone.

"Madam, rest assured. For such an important matter as accompanying you back to your natal home, Master would make time even if he is occupied," Chang Ji assured her with well-chosen words.

Rong Shu listened and smiled, responding promptly, "Very well, I'll wait for Second Master at Songsi Courtyard tomorrow morning. By the way, I have something for him. Please accompany me on this trip to Songsi Courtyard."