Chapter 41
Gu Xiyan ultimately retrieved the old land deed.
Not only did she get the old deed back, but she also received an additional plot of high-quality paddy field.
The Old Madam had made a bold promise. No matter how difficult it was, the residence had to fulfill it. After much discussion, they finally carved out a section of paddy field from the water field map and allocated it to her.
Part of this paddy field belonged to the public household, and part originally belonged to the Second Branch.
Seeing this, the Second Madam was naturally filled with suppressed anger and reluctance. However, with the Old Madam present and Lu Chenglian there to take on all the trouble, she could not shirk responsibility even if she wanted to.
Although the Fourth Young Mistress felt uncomfortable in her heart, she had to muster her spirits to comfort the Second Madam. “Madam, strictly speaking, this is a matter of the inner household, and the Third Master should not have intervened. But since he spoke up, it might well be the intention of the Eldest Branch. Now that this matter has been exposed, and since our Second Branch manages the household affairs, if we cannot handle it properly, we may fail to convince others. Even the Eldest Branch might harbor displeasure.”
Hearing this, the Second Madam’s face turned pale with anger. “I do not know what is wrong with that child. I watched him grow up and showed him no lack of affection. Who would have thought he was an ungrateful wolf, opposing me to my face!”
The Fourth Young Mistress advised, “Perhaps the Third Master was acting in the Second Madam’s best interest.”
The Second Madam sneered. “For my benefit? He is digging out my heart!”
Thinking of Princess Ruiqing, she gritted her teeth even more. “Besides, the Eldest Branch has never concerned themselves with household affairs. Every single matter has been handled by me with great effort. We are both daughters-in-law of the Duke’s Residence, but she is a princess of the imperial family, a golden branch and jade leaf. We cannot compare. In the end, we have the fate of servants, yet we work ourselves to death for them!”
Hearing this, the Fourth Young Mistress lowered her head and dared not speak further.
Although they were sisters-in-law, their statuses were different. The Second Madam had harbored resentment for years, keeping it bottled up.
Thinking of her high-quality paddy field, the Second Madam felt she had tried to steal a chicken only to lose the rice used as bait. Her anger grew. “That short-lived widow, that unlucky little seductress, has now caused trouble for me!”
In front of so many maids, her hair was disheveled, and her skirt was wet. Yet she still had to coax a junior. The Second Madam felt humiliated just thinking about it.
The Fourth Young Mistress continued to comfort her. “Since she has made a scene, we can only soothe her for now. After all, she is a widow. It is not worth arguing with her.”
The Second Madam said, “Doesn’t she want to adopt a son? We need not concern ourselves with that matter. Let us wait and see what kind of child her mother-in-law picks for her!”
Hearing this, the Fourth Young Mistress recalled Gu Xiyan’s harsh words to the Third Madam and smiled meaningfully. “Madam, this daughter-in-law has observed that those two, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, will inevitably clash sooner or later. We can simply sit back and watch the tigers fight.”
The Second Madam paused.
After a moment of silence, she sneered. “Yes, let us wait and see.”
After making a huge scene, Gu Xiyan not only retrieved her land deed but also gained extra farmland. Afraid that someone might trick her, she specifically confirmed that the lands were fertile and good.
She was naturally satisfied with this outcome.
It was a risky move. She knew that if the uproar had failed, she might have faced life-threatening consequences. Fortunately, she had handled it correctly and won the gamble.
After this incident, everyone in the residence knew she was not a soft persimmon. They probably would not dare to bully her too much.
Of course, she also knew that there would inevitably be gossip throughout the residence. People would say she had a sharp temper and was not gentle. Some even privately described in vivid detail how the Sixth Young Mistress had cried, made a scene, and smashed a vase, scattering porcelain shards everywhere.
In the past, hearing such things would have made Gu Xiyan anxious and sleepless. But now, she did not care at all.
When she was wronged, no one saw it. When she was mistreated, no one saw it. After all, they were not the ones suffering losses.
They assumed you should remain silent and endure obediently. They treated you like a piece of wood; even if kicked, you should not make a sound, because that way, everyone remained peaceful.
But once you made a sound, you instantly attracted everyone’s attention. They watched indifferently, ignoring your past grievances, and only said, “Look, that is the Sixth Young Mistress. She is making a scene.”
Thus, they could finally say, “That Sixth Young Mistress is sharp-tempered!”
So, why should she compromise for such people? Endure for a lifetime, suffer in silence, fall ill early, enter a coffin, and finally be buried in the grave next to Lu Chengyuan?
Therefore, there was no need for her to be so virtuous and gentle. She should treat herself better, use the reputation of a chaste widow to gain as much as possible for herself, and firmly hold onto what belonged to her.
She even began to reconsider her relationship with Lu Chenglian and gained new insights.
The reason she had cut off her feelings for Lu Chenglian was that he was her brother-in-law, and the matter was too dangerous. So, for self-preservation, she could not proceed. But in truth, if a man truly offered himself, why could she not accept?
She was guarding Lu Chengyuan’s memory. This guardianship protected his name and his person, not her body!
Monks who observe fasting are not necessarily free of worldly desires. As the saying goes, “Wine and meat pass through the intestines, but the Buddha sits in the heart.” Thus, cultivation focuses on the mind. Similarly, her chastity guarded her reputation.
Once a person understands this, there is no need for guilt, anxiety, or self-blame. One should simply do what needs to be done.
Perhaps because of this, she clearly felt that everyone in the residence was treating her with caution, as if afraid of offending her.
At lunch that day, Ping’er brought food from the kitchen, which was much richer than usual. There was even a long, slender, and tender fish.
Ping’er smiled and said, “I just asked in the kitchen. Recently, tribute goods from the north arrived. The palace bestowed a cartload upon our residence. They said it was bullhead catfish, delivered fresh with ice. The kitchen prepared it today. Each young mistress and madam received one. When we went, it was still hot, so I hurriedly brought it over.”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan was pleased. “I have long heard that among scaled creatures, the further north they are from, the more tender and fresh they are. Northern tribute fish are better than those in the capital, and certainly better than southern ones. I have heard of bullhead catfish before but have never tasted it.”
Speaking thus, she took a bite. Indeed, the bullhead catfish had few bones, and its meat was tender and delicious, better than the catfish and yellow catfish she had eaten before.
She thought that imperial tribute fish was indeed different, and she was benefiting from it.
However, the fish was quite long, and she could not finish it alone. She had not even finished half. So she instructed the maids and servants below to share it.
Although each person only got a few bites from one fish, it was enough to taste the flavor. Everyone said it was delicious. After all, it was tribute fish, transported thousands of miles by ice carts. Such fortune was not easily available to ordinary people.
After washing up, Gu Xiyan leaned against the window lattice, working on her embroidery.
Since that major patron had disappeared, there were other small commissions she could take. But she found them meaningless, always fearing she would disappoint someone again. As a result, she did not want to accept any work and was too lazy to even pick up a brush. Instead, she did needlework to pass the time.
At this moment, Qiusang entered, putting away the dried spring clothes. The weather was warming up, and it was time to bring out summer garments.
Gu Xiyan asked casually, “I see that Ping’er has improved recently.”
Previously, she had been very timid and could barely speak clearly. Now, after a trip to the kitchen, she could recount events articulately.
Qiusang replied, “She has indeed become sharper recently. Probably because she is growing up.”
Tidying the chests, she smiled and said, “Madam, you probably do not know. Today, passing by the wing room, I happened to hear some of our little maids gossiping. They said that although our quarter is not prominent and has little profit, Madam is generous to the subordinates and never uses harsh words. Unless one has high ambitions to climb the social ladder, serving in our quarter is actually a blessing.”
Gu Xiyan pursed her lips and smiled. “They ate the fish and are now praising me.”
Qiusang said, “So this servant has always said that Madam’s character and virtue are first-class. Which young mistress in the entire residence can compare? It is just bad luck that our Sixth Master passed away early…”
She sighed. “If the Sixth Master were still alive, who would dare to give us attitude?”
Gu Xiyan’s needle did not stop for a moment. She said淡淡ly, “Then go chant a spell and bring the Sixth Master back to life.”
Qiusang laughed as well. Checking that no one was outside the window, she smiled and said, “This servant was just speaking loosely. Actually, thinking about it carefully, if Madam had been blessed and married the Third Master instead, life would be completely different now.”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan’s face immediately darkened. “What are you saying? I have never beaten you before. Is your skin itching for a beating now?”
Qiusang fell silent for a long while before whispering, “Madam, although this servant is young and a maid with limited knowledge, I often interact with others and have learned something. Our Third Master has great destiny. This servant is not trying to instigate my master. Madam may not have the great fortune to marry into such a high branch, but getting closer to him and relying on past affection to maintain contact will surely bring some protection. So, this servant says, Madam need not be angry.”
Hearing Qiusang’s words, Gu Xiyan remained silent for a long time.
Looking out the window, she murmured, “Let alone the fact that others are cold to me now, not the other way around. Even if we had not drifted apart before, what then? Look, those are cattail fluffs. There are many in our garden. The wind blows, and they scatter. If they fall on fertile soil, they can take root, spread leaves, extend branches, and release fragrance. But if not? If they fall on vast desert sands or dry stones and cold pools, they are merely ground down, floating aimlessly.”
Qiusang listened in confusion. She did not understand.
Gu Xiyan withdrew her gaze and said淡淡ly, “I suppose the fate between men and women is like catkin floating in the wind. Those who achieve good results have cultivated great fortune. I do not have such fortune. Therefore, I will live peacefully and not indulge in fantasies.”
Seeing her like this, Qiusang felt a wave of sadness. She lowered her head and whispered, “So is it over? Are men’s hearts really this cruel?”
It was clear that he had seemed to care deeply for her mistress before, worrying about everything and protecting her in every matter. Not to mention the silver he casually bestowed, which was enough to make one gasp.
Seeing Qiusang’s reaction, Gu Xiyan smiled instead. “Do you think I have been abandoned by him, so you feel sorry for me?”
Qiusang hurriedly said, “This servant would never dare to think that.”
Gu Xiyan sighed with a smile. “You grew up with me. Now that I have no support from my natal family and no one to give me advice, I naturally know that you are planning for my best interest. I am grateful in my heart. However, regarding this matter, no matter why he has cooled toward me, I will not blame him. Instead, I will be grateful. I thank him for pulling back from the brink and letting me go, thus returning peace to my life.”
Hearing this, Qiusang had nothing more to say.
For Gu Xiyan, she naturally believed she had no further entanglement with Lu Chenglian. Who would have thought that on this day, while going to pay respects to the Old Madam, she passed through the corridor and caught sight of Lu Chenglian at a glance.
She was somewhat surprised. Normally, this was the time when female relatives came to pay respects. If the young masters needed to visit the Old Madam, they would specifically avoid this time. Lu Chenglian, in particular, should not have come at this hour.
However, since they had met, she saw no need to dodge. She stepped forward gracefully, gave a slight curtsy to Lu Chenglian, smiled slightly, and greeted him, “Third Master, good morning.”
Lu Chenglian stopped and looked at her deeply.
It was still early, and there was a slight chill in the air. The red carved railings appeared solemn and dignified. Yet she stood in the corridor, smiling calmly and warmly.
She was genuinely smiling at him, with no intention of concealment. However, the smile was respectful and polite, yet distant, just like the warm courtesy exchanged between relatives. Whether one liked the other or not, one had to smile like this.
This reminded him of last time, when she had argued with him sharply, doing her best to mock and ridicule him.
Thus, he could clearly see that she truly did not care anymore.
Gu Xiyan had greeted him, but seeing that he remained silent, she looked at him in confusion and happened to meet his gaze.
His dark eyes were bottomless. He was looking at her, seeming to want to see through her, but when she looked into them, she could not decipher those eyes at all.
This reminded her of that day in the wing room, their only moment of solitude in this lifetime, the closest and sweetest touch.
That day, she had seen the glass window. Looking out from inside, everything was clear, but from outside, one could not see inside.
Glass windows were used by nobles. Nobles looked down on passersby, but passersby could not see the nobles.
At this moment, the man’s dark eyes were like a glass window.
Between them, there had never been equality. It had always been him looking down from above, seeing her completely.
Thinking of this, she smiled lightly. “Third Master, the morning is cold. Please take care. This concubine must go to pay respects to the Old Madam. I will take my leave now.”
Lu Chenglian spoke at this moment. “Wait.”
Gu Xiyan raised an eyebrow. “Hmm?”
She looked at him with some confusion.
Lu Chenglian said, “Sixth Sister-in-Law, I also happen to be going to the Old Madam’s room. We are on the same way. Let us go together.”
Together?
Gu Xiyan’s eyebrows knitted together.
Who wanted to go with him? Were they close?
She gave a light, indifferent smile. “Third Master is joking.”
Finishing her sentence, she instructed Qiusang beside her, “Since Third Master is going to Shou’an Hall, we will wait a moment.”
Qiusang, who had been keeping her head down, heard this and stiffly responded.
Lu Chenglian turned his head and looked at her silently, observing her plain and distant demeanor.
After a long while, he suddenly lifted his robe, took large strides, and left. His cloud-patterned boots struck the bluestone slabs, making almost audible sounds.
Gu Xiyan’s eyebrows nearly twisted into a knot. What did this man mean? Did he seem to be holding back anger?
Did he expect her to say something or look at him pitifully with tears in her eyes?
He certainly had bold imagination!
Qiusang stood there, cautiously watching Lu Chenglian’s retreating figure. When he had walked far away, she whispered, “Madam, shall we go now?”
Gu Xiyan suddenly remembered something and asked, “Have you seen Amole recently?”
Qiusang looked very guilty. “I have…”
Gu Xiyan said, “I knew it!”
Qiusang hurriedly explained, “Amole has been scolded recently and has been dispirited. I was curious, so I asked.”
Gu Xiyan said, “Do not talk to her in the future.”
She added, “And do not tell her anything about our quarter’s affairs.”
Qiusang nodded vigorously like a chick pecking rice. “Mn, mn, mn. I won’t say anything. I won’t tell her anything!”
Gu Xiyan specifically looked at the scenery outside, admiring it for a while. Estimating that he had walked far enough, she finally moved forward.
Who would have thought that just after turning the corner of the corridor, she saw that familiar back only seven or eight steps ahead. Today, he wore a lilac-purple arrow-sleeved waist-cinching long robe. This color might appear slightly frivolous on ordinary men, but he was different. Tall and capable, the gorgeous embroidered robe made him appear even more noble and steady.
Gu Xiyan hastily glanced at him once, then lowered her gaze, avoiding looking at him.
To say she had absolutely no thoughts would be self-deception. After all, who could not like such an outstanding man? But liking is one thing; whether one can or should touch is another.
She slowed her steps, waiting for the man ahead to walk farther away before moving forward slowly.
When she reached the front of the corridor, she estimated the time and teased the birds hanging under the eaves. There happened to be a few little maids nearby, so she chatted with them casually.
In the past, most of these little maids had snobbish eyes, best at flattering the high and trampling the low. Now, seeing Gu Xiyan, they appeared quite respectful and spoke carefully, as if afraid of displeasing her.
Gu Xiyan merely smiled at this.
Either make people respect you, make people fear you, or let people bully you.
In this rear household, if a woman wanted respect, she first needed support. She did not have that confidence, so she could only make people fear her.
She paused for quite a while, but Lu Chenglian did not come out. Staying there any longer would seem unnatural and deliberate. So she had to steel herself and go in, thinking she would just greet them and leave.
Upon entering, she saw the windows propped open. The Old Madam was leaning against the rosewood low couch by the window, with two little maids massaging her legs and feet below. Lu Chenglian sat on a begonia stool below, accompanying her in conversation.
She lifted the curtain and walked in, first paying respects, then walked over to the Old Madam’s side. Skillfully, she picked up the beauty hammer and helped the Old Madam massage her legs.
Seeing her arrive, the maids nearby retreated slightly.
As a granddaughter-in-law, serving the elder was a filial duty. Paying respects twice a day, daughters-in-law and granddaughter-in-laws had to show the demeanor of juniors.
While massaging, Gu Xiyan asked gently, “Ancestor, did you sleep well yesterday?”
The sun had risen outside, warming the room. The Old Madam squinted comfortably and said with a smile, “I woke up once at night, but I slept soundly overall.”
Speaking thus, the Old Madam slowly gave some domestic advice, mostly old talks about adhering to women’s virtues and maintaining harmony among sisters-in-law. Ever since Gu Xiyan’s outburst last time, the Old Madam had begun to look at this widowed granddaughter-in-law with new eyes. Probably having some concerns, she started reciting old teachings to her from time to time.
Gu Xiyan naturally lowered her head and listened quietly, wearing a gentle and obedient expression.
As she listened, she felt Lu Chenglian looking at her from the side. It was a very distant glance, natural and casual, as if his gaze had swept over randomly.
However, Gu Xiyan’s hand massaging the legs paused slightly.
She couldn’t help but complain inwardly. Why hadn’t he left yet? With his sister-in-law coming to pay respects to the elder, as the elder brother, didn’t he have the sense to avoid the situation?
Just then, the Old Madam started chatting with Lu Chenglian, mentioning the matter of the “land deed” in between.
Hearing “land deed,” Gu Xiyan pricked up her ears. This was naturally a major issue for her.
She had been keeping an eye on it, but since she had made a scene before, it was not appropriate to ask every day. She could only wait patiently for news.
At this moment, she heard Lu Chenglian reply unhurriedly, “Steward Wang came to report today. Everything else is settled, except for Sixth Brother’s land deed—”
With this pause in the man’s voice, Gu Xiyan’s heart skipped a beat. Sixth Brother? Wasn’t that hers?
She subconsciously looked up and happened to meet the man’s gaze. The sudden collision of eyes made her panic slightly.
Lu Chenglian’s dark eyes fixed on hers, and he said淡淡ly, “Because that land deed was originally registered under Chengyuan’s name, and the government records are also under Chengyuan’s name. Now, to change the owner, some trouble is inevitable. Sister-in-Law must personally visit the government office.”
The Old Madam frowned. “Is it that troublesome? Just tell them to handle it.”
Lu Chenglian explained patiently, “Old Madam, the government office has its regulations. Since there are rules, they cannot be easily abolished. Although it is a small matter, if it is not handled thoroughly, those清流who love to nitpick might hear of it and use this matter to create articles, damaging our reputation for no reason.”
He looked at Gu Xiyan quite calmly. “The government’s intention now is merely for the new owner of the land deed to show their face and go through the motions.”
Gu Xiyan lowered her head and remained silent.
She did not know if Lu Chenglian was telling the truth. But since it concerned her land deed, she thought that if she could go personally to finalize the procedures, leaving no room for criticism, she would feel more at ease.
The Old Madam thought for a moment and then instructed, “In that case, Yuanliu’s wife, you will go to the government office later.”
Gu Xiyan said softly, “Since the Old Madam says so, this granddaughter-in-law will obey.”
The Old Madam added, “Chenglian, pay attention to this matter. Ensure it is handled properly.”
Lu Chenglian raised his eyes, glanced at Gu Xiyan subtly, and said, “Yes.”