Chapter 45
Gu Xiyan was so delighted she almost jumped for joy, but of course, she had to restrain herself and not let anyone notice!
Just as she was thinking this, the Fifth Young Mistress caught up with her. Smiling, she said, “You walk so fast. I was just about to ask you something.”
Gu Xiyan asked, “Hmm?”
The Fifth Young Mistress said, “That day when you came to my room, was there something on your mind? It seemed like you had something to say. I intended to send a maid to ask, but with so many things happening, I forgot.”
Gu Xiyan smiled. “It was nothing. I just stopped by for a chat. Who would have thought Sister-in-Law was there? I am sorry for disturbing you.”
The Fifth Young Mistress looked into Gu Xiyan’s eyes and smiled. “Is that so? As long as nothing is wrong, it is fine.”
Gu Xiyan gave a gentle smile. “It is kind of you to remember.”
The Fifth Young Mistress replied, “I just happened to recall it…”
The two walked together, chatting as they went. The Fifth Young Mistress mentioned the Princess of Duan. Clearly, she was flattered and very much looking forward to accompanying Gu Xiyan to meet the Princess.
It was understandable. The Princess of Duan was the younger brother’s wife of the current Emperor, a legitimate royal daughter-in-law with a prestigious status. They were merely young mistresses of the Duke’s Residence without imperial titles. How could they usually have the opportunity to appear before Her Highness?
This was an opportunity for them, the best possible opportunity!
They talked all the way until the Fifth Young Mistress reluctantly returned to her own quarters.
After entering their own courtyard gate, Qiusang whispered, “Madam, I think the Fifth Young Mistress probably guessed it. If she were truly that considerate, she would have sent a maid to ask yesterday. It is too coincidental that she asked today…”
Actually, Gu Xiyan also vaguely felt this way, but she could not be sure. Perhaps she really had forgotten yesterday… Besides, she had always been good to her.
She was too lazy to overthink it. She chose to believe in the other’s kindness. Being a little oblivious made her happy too.
So she smiled and said, “Do not think about these things. Let it be. Anyway, we do not need to borrow money anymore.”
Qiusang nodded. “Right! The Old Madam even rewarded Madam with hairpins!”
Mentioning this, Gu Xiyan could not help but curl her lips upward, her steps becoming lighter. “Today is truly an auspicious day!”
Sun Momo soon brought news. It was much as Gu Xiyan had expected. The jade hairpin was pawned for eight taels of silver, which exactly covered the missing six taels and more. She now had the full two hundred and sixty taels for the house. She still had two taels left, which would barely suffice. In another ten days or so, it would be the beginning of the month, and the monthly allowance would be issued. Then life would be easier.
She entrusted this matter to Sun Momo to handle and called Chunlan and Qiusang over to explain the current situation.
The two were naturally very happy. “Madam, buy the house quickly! We belong to Madam. Madam’s home is our home. We are happy to see it!”
Hearing these words, Gu Xiyan felt a wave of warmth in her heart, mixed with some guilt.
Her life was not going well, and her luck was poor. She had even implicated her maids. Maids in other households could skim profits from their mistresses, but hers had to subsidize their mistress instead.
Chunlan smiled and said, “Our food and drink are paid for by the residence. We do not need to buy any sundries these few days. Two taels of silver is more than enough!”
Gu Xiyan agreed. “Do you remember? Before, when we went to the temple to offer incense, an old monk said I had a good fate!”
Hearing this, Qiusang naturally remembered. “Yes, the old monk said so.”
Gu Xiyan looked out at the bright spring scenery and recalled the monk’s words. He said she had the Tianfu Star as her destiny star, with the Ziwei Star shining on her spouse palace. He said the Tianfu Star was the main star of the Southern Dipper, also known as the Emperor Star, indicating future nobility beyond words.
At that time, she only listened for fun, but her mother took it to heart and raised her with extra care, hoping she would marry into a high-ranking family in the future.
After she married into the Duke’s Residence, her family was very pleased, saying the old monk was accurate. She herself had secretly felt proud.
But within a few years, her family declined, her husband died, and she became a widow…
However, she quickly suppressed these negative thoughts. Thinking about the matter with the Princess of Duan, she actually still had some good luck.
Before seeing the fabrics, Gu Xiyan was somewhat uncertain. As a widow, she should wear low-key, unobtrusive colors, preferably dressing like a wooden post. But the Old Madam had told her to make a few nice outfits. She did not know how to balance this.
When she saw the fabrics, Gu Xiyan immediately felt relieved. She did not need to make any choices.
This batch of fabrics was bestowed by the palace. They were top-quality, fashionable materials, shiny, bright, and exquisite. There were patterned satins with curled-leaf peony designs, gold-woven jacquard silks, and so on. In short, they were all excellent.
Qiusang’s eyes lit up. “Beautiful! This is beautiful!”
All these fabrics were beautiful, but Gu Xiyan could only choose two sets. She discussed it with the tailor. The tailor’s opinion was that since these were top-quality materials, they could be made into anything. However, Gu Xiyan was spoiled for choice and did not know which to pick. She also worried that being too lavish might be too eye-catching, after all, she was a widow…
On one hand, she wanted to wear good clothes, but on the other, she worried that standing out too much as a widow was inappropriate.
After all, she was receiving five taels of silver a month from them…
Fortunately, the tailor offered a suggestion. He said that these fine fabrics were inherently too luxurious. Using them exclusively for clothing would not look aesthetically pleasing. They must be balanced with plain colors. So he paired a few items for her. Gu Xiyan naturally had no objections. In the end, they decided on a white silver-threaded gauze shirt paired with a curled-leaf peony patterned skirt, and a moon-white cloud silk shirt paired with a gold-woven jacquard silk embroidered skirt. Additionally, they made a plain white silk jacket with green borders and a cloud silk vest.
The tailor smiled and said, “This makes two complete sets from head to toe. However, when Young Mistress wears them daily, you can mix and match slowly. Just remember to pair plain colors with patterned ones, and you will never go wrong. This way, you can create several different looks and not look the same every day.”
Gu Xiyan was naturally very pleased. Mixing these new clothes with her old ones, she could dress presentably from the transition of spring to summer until the coolness of autumn.
Although she had been a widow for nearly two years, she was still under nineteen years old. She still retained the mindset of a young girl and naturally loved wearing good clothes and accessories to make herself look beautiful. Thinking that she could wear new clothes, she was overjoyed, wishing she could put them on immediately.
But she still had her reservations. Suppressing her excitement, she forced herself to appear steady and nodded. “Let it be as you say.”
The tailor added, “We cannot make only clothes without shoes and socks. Usually, when we make shoes, we pair two pairs of socks with one pair of shoes. Young Mistress, please choose four pairs of socks and two pairs of shoes.”
Gu Xiyan looked at the samples. Finally, she selected two pairs of clear water cloth socks and two pairs of white silk socks. For shoes, she chose old crane white silk-soled shoes and white silk flat embroidered shoes.
After selecting them, the tailor mentioned, “Young Mistress’s previous clothes were slightly loose. Actually, since you are making two new sets and going to the Prince’s Residence, they can be fitted slightly closer. Not too tight, just fitting properly.”
Gu Xiyan hesitated slightly but finally said, “Do as you see fit. As long as it is decent.”
Lu Chenglian emerged from the Forbidden City but did not wish to return to the residence. Holding the reins, he was pondering when he saw Amole running toward him hurriedly.
Seeing Amole, he raised an eyebrow. “What is the matter now?”
Amole said, “It is a matter, but not Madam’s.”
Lu Chenglian immediately grew cold. “Then there is no need to speak of it.”
Aside from her, did Amole have any important matters? He did not want to hear how Qiusang cursed or what she had said.
Amole gave an “Oh,” drooped her head, and followed behind him.
After walking a few steps, Lu Chenglian suddenly remembered something and stopped abruptly. “What matter?”
Amole hurriedly said, “It is about the house. Kaifu is buying the house.”
Hearing this, and seeing Amole’s enthusiastic expression, Lu Chenglian really wanted to tap her on the head.
Kaifu buying the house—wasn’t that because he was entrusted by Gu Xiyan? How could this be considered unrelated?
He took a deep breath, telling himself not to fuss over Amole. After all, Amole was capable.
He tried to speak calmly. “Kaifu is buying the house? And then?”
Amole scratched her head, then pulled out a document and presented it to Lu Chenglian like a treasure. “Master, Amole stole it. Master, take a look.”
Stole?
Lu Chenglian’s temple twitched, but he still took it. Fortunately, it was only a copy of the document, an attachment to the official government papers, so it was not too critical. He could return it later.
He read it carefully and quickly understood. The house had previously been negotiated for two hundred and sixty taels. However, the courtyard included a storefront. The Ministry of Revenue of Great Zhao had long had laws regarding residential land. For any transaction involving a storefront, an additional deed tax had to be paid. This tax was one fen and three li per tael. Currently, housing in the capital was in short supply, so the deed tax was generally paid by the buyer.
As a result, the silver Gu Xiyan had struggled to gather was insufficient again.
Looking at this document, he estimated that an additional thirty taels of tax would need to be paid. For Gu Xiyan, this was undoubtedly adding frost to snow. She would definitely not be able to come up with this sum.
He looked at Amole. “How is the transaction proceeding now? Where is Kaifu?”
Amole pointed toward the box area. “He is arguing with someone.”
Lu Chenglian automatically translated Amole’s “arguing” into “bargaining” and understood the current progress.
He thought for a moment, ordered his attendant to return to the residence first, and commanded Amole to return the copied document. He himself took two pages and headed toward the alley.
Coincidentally, upon arriving at the entrance of the alley, he saw Kaifu there, haggling with the homeowner, trying to get the homeowner to cover the deed tax.
However, the homeowner naturally refused to budge an inch. As a result, Kaifu returned defeated, walking out of the alley somewhat dejectedly.
Seeing this, Lu Chenglian thought to himself that Kaifu, likely for the sake of his friendship with Qiusang, was truly considering her best interests. He was loyal and reliable, and could be promoted in the future.
But regarding the current matter—
He instructed the page beside him, “Give forty taels of silver to the homeowner and ask him to voluntarily cover the deed tax.”
The deed tax was at most thirty-plus taels. Giving the homeowner forty taels directly was considered a tip.
The page heard this, respectfully said “Yes,” and hurriedly went to handle it.
In just a moment, the page returned to report. The homeowner, suddenly receiving forty taels, was naturally overjoyed and incredulous. But fearing some trap, he was very suspicious. The page had to fabricate a story and stuff the silver into the homeowner’s hands. Only when the homeowner clutched the glittering silver did he believe it.
The page said, “Now the homeowner has gone to find Kaifu, saying he is willing to cover the deed tax.”
Lu Chenglian nodded slightly. “Keep an eye on it and urge them to complete the transaction as soon as possible.”
The page replied, “Yes!”
Lu Chenglian looked at the small alley one last time before riding away.
In these past few days, Gu Xiyan clearly felt that she was receiving much attention in the Duke’s Residence. When people saw her, they smiled more often. Even the little maids she occasionally encountered would sweetly call out, “Sixth Young Mistress.” Zhou Qing’s wife smiled apologetically when she saw her. Not to mention the Fifth Young Mistress, who had come to her quarters for two consecutive days, asking her to help choose clothes and hair ornaments, wondering what would be best to wear when visiting the Prince of Duan’s Residence. She was as affectionate as a sister.
Her relationship with the Fifth Young Mistress had been good in the past, but it had never reached this level. Clearly, this change was due to the favor of the Princess of Duan.
This feeling was truly magical. Suddenly, she had become a popular figure.
However, she also clearly understood that these were hollow and unstable. Who knew how long this appreciation would last? Perhaps they would forget or dislike her later, just like that patron who appreciated her paintings but suddenly stopped liking them and ceased commissions.
Even the appreciation of the Princess of Duan might be the same. Perhaps one day she would be beaten back to her original position, falling to the ground.
So, looking at the scene around her, she felt it was like an illusion.
Her two sets of dresses were quickly completed. The tailor specifically brought them for her to try on, checking the fit to see if any adjustments were needed.
Gu Xiyan tried them on. The dresses were exquisitely made with fine fabric, comfortable to wear. The two maids praised them endlessly, repeatedly saying how beautiful they looked.
The tailor was also full of admiration, circling around to look closely. “Sixth Young Mistress’s appearance is truly rare. These dresses I made look even better on you. I am happy myself!”
Gu Xiyan looked at herself in the bronze mirror and felt that her chest and waist subtly revealed some curves. Although not too conspicuous, they were still visible.
She felt somewhat shy and embarrassed, so she asked, “Is this part inappropriate? Should it be looser?”
Who would have thought the tailor would reply, “Of course not. This is already very conservative.”
She vaguely understood Gu Xiyan’s meaning and smiled. “Sixth Young Mistress, the dresses you usually wear are too cautious, so you do not know the current fashion. Look at the young ladies and mistresses in the residence. Compare yourself, and you will know. This is the most common style. Others will not notice or think anything is wrong.”
Gu Xiyan thought in her heart, But I am a widow.
As she thought this, she was suddenly surprised to realize how much the word “widow” affected her. The Duke’s Residence used her status as a widow and five taels of silver to give her a cage, but she had given herself a cage in her own heart.
So she finally said, “Then let us do as Sister-in-Law says.”
On this day, the dresses were completely delivered. When Gu Xiyan went to pay respects to the Old Madam, she specifically took them for the Old Madam to see.
She was actually somewhat worried, fearing the Old Madam would find them too flashy. Fortunately, the Old Madam said nothing, and her suspended heart finally settled.
When she was a girl, she dressed casually, wearing whatever she liked. Later, after marrying into the Duke’s Residence, it was a marriage upward. She was careful everywhere, but since her husband was alive and she was a new bride, she did not need to be too restrained.
Suddenly, her husband died. Shocked by the bad news, she was numb. When she finally came to her senses, she had been placed in the position of a widow with a heart like rotten wood. She dared not take an extra step or say an extra word, fearing that she would do something improper and not look like a proper, grieving widow.
Now, the thick cocoon wrapping her seemed to have cracked open a tiny slit. She saw a ray of light.
She began to feel eager. She could rejoice over two newly made dresses, just like the little girl who used to twirl in her skirt in the bright spring sunshine of the past.