Chapter 39
In the following days, Gu Xiyan paid respects to the Old Madam and the Third Madam according to etiquette. Her days proceeded in an orderly fashion, plain but peaceful, so she hardly thought of Lu Chenglian anymore.
She had forgotten him, completely forgotten this person.
Until this day, when the documents regarding the ancestral lands suddenly arrived. The entire Duke’s Residence erupted in joy. It was like windfall wealth; who would not be delighted? Everyone hurriedly handed over their land deeds to the chief steward, who would handle the exchange for new deeds at the government office. Once completed, they would re-lease the lands, which would inevitably lead to another distribution of silver.
Hearing this news, Gu Xiyan was also pleasantly surprised. She would suddenly have an additional source of income. From now on, she could save a significant amount of private money each year. Later, after adopting a child and educating him carefully, what would she have to worry about in the future?
At this point, she felt even more grateful to Lu Chenglian. She thanked him for letting her off the hook. She could not go astray. This life offered visible hope.
Overjoyed, she naturally shared the news with Meng Shuhui. Meng Shuhui was also happy for her. The sister-in-law and sister-in-law held hands, so excited they wanted to cry, and could not stop talking.
However, during their conversation, when Gu Xiyan mentioned her previous painting commissions, Meng Shuhui said helplessly that the major patron who had particularly appreciated Gu Xiyan’s work had disappeared. He claimed dissatisfaction and stated he would not commission any more paintings from her in the future.
This stunned Gu Xiyan, causing her some disappointment. It was not just about the money, but because she had put her heart into the work, yet the client spoke such words.
She felt she had given her all, so facing the client’s disappointment, she inevitably felt a sense of failure.
The patron’s past appreciation had made her feel flattered and valued. She wondered what psychological changes or thoughts had led to his sudden disappointment. This made her忍不住reflect and recall, wondering where she had gone wrong.
This feeling of self-blame was unpleasant. She had missed a good opportunity and hated herself for her lack of resilience.
But she could only slowly comfort herself, digesting this gloomy emotion bit by bit. She tried to cheer herself up by thinking about the land rent and the good days ahead.
One day, the Marchioness of Baojia visited the residence. Since her natal family belonged to the same clan as the Old Madam and was of a senior generation, the residence dared not neglect her. The reception was very solemn.
As a granddaughter-in-law, Gu Xiyan served beside the Old Madam.
Just then, the Fourth Young Mistress gave her a glance.
Gu Xiyan guessed there was a matter to discuss. After serving tea to the Old Madam, she found an excuse and quietly withdrew.
Under the corridor, the Fourth Young Mistress whispered, “Dear sister, there is an important matter I need to discuss with you.”
Gu Xiyan asked, “Fourth Sister-in-Law, what is it?”
The Fourth Young Mistress held her hand. “Our mistress is here. Come with me, and let her explain in detail.”
Seeing this, Gu Xiyan knew it must be a major issue. She guessed it might be about the adoption?
Since it was mentioned last time, there had been no news. It was strange now. Ideally, the Third Madam should have spoken to her, but why was it the Second Madam?
Preoccupied with thoughts, she did not pay attention when the Fourth Young Mistress chatted casually with her.
Seeing her state, the Fourth Young Mistress smiled and said, “Sister, look at you. I do not know what you are pondering. In my opinion, you always think too much.”
Gu Xiyan paused slightly. She turned her head to look at the Fourth Young Mistress, who was smiling kindly and amiably.
Gu Xiyan asked in confusion, “Think too much?”
The Fourth Young Mistress replied, “For many things, others might not take them to heart, but you dwell on them. Look at me. Although I manage the household affairs, I never fuss over trivial matters.”
Naturally, Gu Xiyan did not like hearing this.
The snow falling on one’s own body is invisible to outsiders. Only one knows the chill. Others can stand with their hands in their sleeves and say, “Is it cold? Not at all. Why would you feel cold when everything is fine?”
Looking at the Fourth Young Mistress’s smile, Gu Xiyan had an impulse to slap her face, to scatter that smile, just as she had beaten the Third Madam that day.
But she restrained herself and chuckled lightly. “Fourth Sister-in-Law is right. I do think too much and fuss over everything. But there is no way around it. As a widow without children to rely on, I inevitably overthink. It is my lack of fortune. Unlike Fourth Sister-in-Law, who has married Fourth Master, a man with a promising future. You will enjoy endless blessings in the days to come.”
As she spoke, she clearly saw the Fourth Young Mistress’s expression change slightly.
Looking into the Fourth Young Mistress’s eyes, she continued, “At that time, when our family arranged the marriage with the Duke’s Residence, no specific groom was designated. Unfortunately, my luck was poor, so—”
The Fourth Young Mistress stared at her in disbelief. “You—”
What kind of words were these? Did she harbor such thoughts?
Gu Xiyan still smiled brightly. “Fourth Sister-in-Law, you know I am always blunt. We are sisters-in-law chatting. If I said anything inappropriate, please be magnanimous and do not hold it against me.”
Speaking thus, she urged the Fourth Young Mistress instead. “Fourth Sister-in-Law, why are you standing there? Let us go quickly. Do not keep the Second Madam waiting.”
The Fourth Young Mistress opened and closed her lips but ultimately said nothing.
Gu Xiyan was Lu Chengyuan’s widow, a chaste woman. If she spread such rumors, damaging her reputation, it would not look good for anyone. People might even accuse the Fourth Young Mistress of making a mountain out of a molehill.
So the Fourth Young Mistress had to endure it, constantly wondering if her husband had any entanglement with Gu Xiyan.
Seeing the Fourth Young Mistress stiff-faced and silent, Gu Xiyan naturally felt relaxed and happy.
Watching others suffer made one feel better. Once a person throws caution to the wind, there is nothing to fear.
This Fourth Sister-in-Law had a husband, children, and a natal family to rely on. She managed the household affairs, yet she came to preach useless moral principles to her.
Ah! She simply did not want to tolerate them anymore.
The two walked out through the crescent moon gate to a side courtyard where the Second Madam resided.
The Second Madam came from a prominent family and was always particular about etiquette. The maids holding the curtains were dressed brightly. Seeing Gu Xiyan approach, they greeted her with smiles. A senior maid brought soft-soled white silk embroidered shoes for her to change into before leading her inside.
Upon entering, Gu Xiyan saw the Second Madam sitting by the window, chanting Buddha’s name. Seeing Gu Xiyan, she stood up, smiled kindly, took Gu Xiyan’s hand, and invited her to sit.
This demeanor was unprecedentedly benevolent.
Gu Xiyan felt a vague unease in her heart.
Having married into the Duke’s Residence for several years, she had seen through worldly affairs. She knew that the more amiable someone’s smile, the less likely it was to bring good news.
Yet the Second Madam took her time, offering tea and making small talk. Gu Xiyan had no choice but to respond politely.
After a few sips of tea, the Second Madam finally spoke. “Xiyan, there is a matter I must inform you of beforehand, so you can prepare.”
Gu Xiyan already sensed something was wrong, but she steeled herself and said, “Please speak freely, Madam. Your niece-in-law is listening.”
The Second Madam said, “The land deed you submitted earlier is being processed by the residence’s stewards.”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan’s heart skipped a beat. Was there a problem with the land deed? This was a major issue.
She hurriedly asked, “Madam, what is wrong with the land deed? Has an error occurred?”
The Second Madam sighed and patted her hand reassuringly. “Do not worry. Listen to me first.”
She then explained in detail. Originally, everyone had submitted their land deeds to the government office, and everything was proceeding smoothly. However, Gu Xiyan’s land deed was registered under Lu Chengyuan’s name. Now, processing it in Gu Xiyan’s name required additional procedures. The Duke’s Residence needed to handle the transfer, and the government office had to issue documentation. This complicated the matter significantly.
Gu Xiyan’s heart tightened, and she hurriedly asked, “And then? What is the plan now?”
The Second Madam looked somewhat troubled. “We have discussed it. This land deed was originally intended for Chengyuan. Now that Chengyuan is gone, we thought it best to hand it over to the Duke’s Residence for unified management. This would save many future troubles—”
Seeing Gu Xiyan’s obviously displeased expression, she coaxed her gently. “Xiyan, rest assured. What belongs to Chengyuan will not be lacking. Later, when you adopt an heir, this land will naturally be left to you and him sooner or later. No one will covet it. The official household will not shortchange you. Please do not worry.”
Gu Xiyan’s heart turned cold.
She understood the Second Madam’s meaning. Although the procedures at the government office might be troublesome, they were not impossible to handle. They were simply taking this opportunity to seize her land and keep it under the control of the Duke’s Residence.
Later, when she adopted a child and the family property was divided, this land would be allocated again. After this transfer, it would mean that the land belonged to the Sixth Branch, or rather, to that adopted child, not to her.
If she did not adopt a child, they would not give it to her.
What did this mean? It was equivalent to confiscating what rightfully belonged to her for no reason?
Although the land deed in her hand could not be rented out immediately, it was at least a keepsake, something Lu Chengyuan had left her. Yet the Duke’s Residence wanted to take even this away!
Seeing Gu Xiyan’s grim face, the Second Madam continued to comfort her. “Xiyan, do not overthink. This is the arrangement of the residence. The clan has also discussed that this is the best course of action. It is good for you, for your future heirs, and for the Duke’s Residence.”
However, Gu Xiyan was furious. It was good for everyone except her.
How did the land deed she handed out become public property after going around in a circle?
It was bullying to the extreme!
Seeing Gu Xiyan’s state, the Second Madam knew she was angry and became even more gentle. She personally picked up the tea and handed it to her. “Drink some water to warm yourself.”
Gu Xiyan stiffly accepted the teacup, staring straight ahead.
The Second Madam sighed and spoke with earnest persuasion. “Xiyan, we women rely on the Duke’s Residence to live. It is better to seek shelter under a big tree. Your monthly allowance and shares have never been shorted, and you do not need to worry about food or clothing. What use do we have for so much land? Even if we have land, ultimately, the residence must help manage it, correct? Handing it over to the residence is better. You will have no burdens and can live peacefully in the future.”
Gu Xiyan gripped the teacup and finally squeezed out a sentence through her clenched teeth. “But that was left to me by Chengyuan.”
The Second Madam was stunned.
Gu Xiyan continued, “This was not the share distributed to Chengyuan by the residence. It was left to Chengyuan by the old Duke, and then Chengyuan left it to me. He gave me the land deed, so it is mine!”
After saying this, she felt as if a breach had opened in the dam of her heart, and something was surging out.
Her voice became hoarse and cold. “Second Madam, you are an elder. Strictly speaking, I should not argue logic with you. I should just listen to whatever you say. But regarding what you said today, forgive me, but I cannot agree!”
Staring at the Second Madam, she continued, “Since you want me to adopt an heir to guard Chengyuan’s chastity, the clan naturally has properties that should be distributed to that child. Why should a woman like me worry about this? This land was given to me by Chengyuan. It is my private property. On what grounds should I take it out and distribute it to that child? What is this, using my belongings to do favors for others? Does our prestigious Duke’s Residence rely entirely on a widow’s small plot of thin land to retain an adopted son?”
Her words were harsh, leaving the Second Madam speechless. Her face instantly stiffened.
She let go of Gu Xiyan’s hand and assumed the posture of an elder. “Xiyan, your words are inappropriate. What do you mean by ‘yours’? That land was indeed left to you by Chengyuan, but it does not belong to you. It belongs to the Duke’s Residence! No matter how this land is disposed of, it will remain in your courtyard. Arguing about this shows a lack of consideration for the greater good.”
Lack of consideration for the greater good?
Gu Xiyan was so angry that her hands trembled.
Lu Chengyuan had given the items to her, so she could keep them. Now that the public household wanted to take them, her refusal was considered inconsiderate. On what grounds?
Her husband had died. Let alone the fact that she had not remarried; even if she had, should she not receive some compensation for losing her husband unjustly?
Moreover, the residence had previously known she had this land, and no one had said a word. They simply felt the land was not valuable and allowed her to keep it as a favor. But now that it suddenly became valuable, people started reasoning with her and calculating against her!
The more she thought, the angrier she became. She even felt deceived. They were all liars!
She had already decided to have no further entanglement with Lu Chenglian and planned to guard Lu Chengyuan’s memory faithfully for the rest of her life. As a widow with no family or property, relying on a few taels of silver each month and occasionally suffering humiliation and cold winds, she had finally gained some benefit from this piece of land. Yet they wanted to snatch it away from her!
She looked coldly at the Second Madam. “Madam, who is handling this matter? Who insists on robbing a widow of her land? Madam, tell me. If you tell me, I will go ask him myself!”
Every word was like a nail, and her gaze was terrifyingly cold. The Second Madam was startled.
She had watched this niece-in-law marry into the family and was accustomed to her usual weakness and compliance. Even though she had slapped the Third Madam twice while ill, wasn’t that due to sickness? Moreover, since she had not witnessed it personally, she always felt that the maids and servants present had exaggerated.
Suddenly seeing her niece-in-law in this state, she could hardly believe it.
Her heart panicked slightly, and she gave a dry laugh. “Xiyan, look at you, child. Why the rush? I have only said a few words, and you are already arguing with me. Why will you not listen to advice? I am merely discussing this with you. It is a consultation. If you truly feel it is unacceptable and feel that others are taking advantage of you, we can discuss it further.”
Gu Xiyan was too lazy to listen to her nonsense. “In that case, I will go directly to the Old Madam. I want to ask what exactly is happening!”
Speaking thus, she stood up abruptly and walked outward.
The Second Madam was terrified. She tried to stand up to block her, but accidentally knocked over the teacup. Shattered porcelain scattered everywhere, and tea splashed all over her body. She was so anxious she almost fell.
Gu Xiyan had always been good-natured, gentle, and elegant. But now that she was provoked, she was extremely aggressive.
The two maids outside were startled and hurriedly grabbed her. “Sixth Young Mistress, please speak calmly!”
Gu Xiyan raised her hand and pushed forcefully. “Move aside!”
Her strength was not great, but the two maids were caught off guard and were pushed aside. She rushed out directly.
The Second Madam stumbled to the door, stomping her foot in anger. “The Marchioness of Baojia is here right now. If she goes out to make a scene, it will be a huge disgrace. Quick, quick, stop her!”
Hearing this, the maids hurriedly chased after her. Several older women also shouted loudly. The side courtyard instantly descended into chaos.
Just then, the Fourth Young Mistress arrived from the opposite direction. Seeing the scene, she hurriedly asked what was happening. When the maids explained hastily, her face turned pale with fear.
She immediately urged, “Quick, go call the Third Madam and the Second Master. Also, summon a few young attendants!”
The Second Madam was so angry she could barely breathe. Shaking her hands, she said, “Has she gone mad?”