The Young Mistress’s Little Romance in the Duke’s Mansion 65

Chapter 65
If Gu Xiyan had felt any guilt about her illicit affair with Lu Chenglian before, it was now completely gone.
As a widow, she needed support. Since someone was plotting against her, she naturally had to save herself.
She had encountered such trouble in the nunnery and was being calculated against again after returning to the residence. Now that she had Lu Chenglian to rely on from the side, she felt somewhat more confident in her heart.
Regarding the matter of adoption, she was wondering how to ask Lu Chenglian about it. Who would have thought that Lu Chenglian would beat her to it, sending a verbal message through Amole.
Amole recited Lu Chenglian’s words like a parrot reading from a book. She said that the Third Madam had proposed the adoption, but the candidate still had to be reported to the clan and reviewed by the Duke. Gu Xiyan did not need to argue with the Third Madam; he would find a way to have the clan block it.
As for the matter of the adopted son, his opinion was that there was no need to rush; they could discuss it at length later.
Hearing these words, Gu Xiyan immediately felt relieved.
Since this matter would not succeed anyway, she was no longer afraid of how the Third Madam would act or how she should handle it.
Thinking this, she saw Amole looking at her eagerly.
She asked in confusion, “What is wrong?”
Amole scratched her head. “Third Master said he wants to hear what Madam says so I can repeat it back to him.”
Gu Xiyan paused, then burst out laughing.
Smiling at Amole, she thought for a moment and said, “Just tell him: if there is anything, do not hide it. If he does not tell me, and I find out later, I will definitely be angry.”
Amole repeated it word for word, trying hard to remember.
After finishing the repetition, she respectfully bowed to Gu Xiyan and then darted out like a streak of smoke.
Gu Xiyan pondered Lu Chenglian’s words, thinking that he had indeed worried about her.
Who would have thought that suddenly, a flash appeared before her eyes, and Amole returned.
She did not know where she had produced it from, but she held a small box and shoved it into Gu Xiyan’s hands. “This, for Madam.”
Gu Xiyan accepted it疑惑ly and opened it. Inside was a black-glazed wine jar and a white porcelain tea canister.
Amole said, “For Madam, Madam—”
Speaking thus, she smiled and made a gesture of “drinking.”
Gu Xiyan understood immediately. “Good, I know.”
After Amole left, she opened the black-glazed wine jar and smelled it. She knew it was Changpu wine. She had tasted it before and found it delicious. She did not expect him to send it now.
This man usually maintained an aloof demeanor, but his occasional attentiveness and thoughtfulness always sweetened one’s heart.
As for the white porcelain tea canister, it contained Pu’er tea. It looked like this year’s new arrival, likely a tribute from the south.
Pu’er tea was not particularly conspicuous among many famous teas, but the royal family had grown to love it in recent years. They said this tea could clear the stomach and promote saliva production. After the Dragon Boat Festival, the summer heat rose, making it the perfect time to drink Pu’er tea. Moreover, this kind of Pu’er obtained from the palace was naturally unavailable outside.
She immediately ordered the maids to boil water and brew the Pu’er tea. The tea soup was rich in color, like amber. Tasting a sip, it was mellow and soft.
Thinking that Lu Chenglian had sent it to her, she liked it even more.
The next day, the Prince of Duan’s Residence sent a dignified older woman to the residence. She first conveyed the greetings of the Princess of Duan and spoke many polite words about their inadequate hospitality. The carriage also brought various gifts. In addition to the usual festival gifts after the Dragon Boat Festival, there were several boxes of delicate pastries bestowed by the palace, styles never seen outside.
Finally, the older woman smiled and relayed a message, mentioning that the Princess of Duan intended to hold a small flower-viewing banquet in a few days. She specially invited the wives and young mistresses of the Duke’s Residence to gather at the Prince’s Residence, and at that time, she would have a detailed chat with the Sixth Young Mistress.
Everyone responded according to etiquette. After seeing off the visitors from the Prince’s Residence, Gu Xiyan naturally gained more confidence. She coldly observed the Third Madam, who stood aside awkwardly, her expression unpleasant.
Thinking of her guess, Gu Xiyan could not help but find it amusing. In the following days, she paid special attention to the movements on the Third Madam’s side. She went to pay respects every day, observing secretly, but there was nothing unusual for the time being.
Come to think of it, if one was having a secret affair, how could one easily let others see?
She also thought of herself and Lu Chenglian. Actually, after returning to the residence, she missed this person very much. She eagerly absorbed every piece of information about him. Even hearing the maids mention the words “Third Master” brought comfort to her heart and added some sweetness.
Lu Chenglian obviously missed her as well. Usually, the two did not have many opportunities to meet. Only occasionally, when Gu Xiyan went to pay respects, would she bump into Lu Chenglian. With a brush of shoulders and a glance, Gu Xiyan could discern some different flavors from the man’s seemingly plain eyes.
Very rarely, he would seize the opportunity to say a sentence or two to her. His voice was very low, offering a reminder or two. It was a kind of intimacy understood only by the two of them, causing Gu Xiyan to ponder repeatedly at night, generating infinite sweetness in her heart.
Perhaps because she harbored this secret in her heart, she became even more cautious. She put away her limited hairpins and ornaments. Her clothes were the plainest. Others saw her and said she was the most simple and respectful of etiquette. But how could they know that beneath her half-new, half-old clothes, her heart had long flown away?
One day, Gu Xiyan had just returned from the Fifth Young Mistress’s quarters. From a distance, she saw Amole’s figure. Qiusang saw her, understood, and went over to say a few words.
After returning, Qiusang whispered, “Amole said that the Third Madam has already mentioned to the clan that she wants to adopt the son from Second Master Tao’s family. The matter reached Third Master’s ears. Third Master used the residence’s old rules to block it, saying it disrupted the order of generations. But the Third Madam was unwilling to give up. She went to the elders of the clan to cry and make a scene, claiming that you insisted on adopting the one from Second Master Tao’s family.”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan found it extremely amusing. “When did I ever want to adopt from Second Master Tao’s family? How can she speak nonsense!”
Qiusang was also annoyed. “Isn’t that right? Relying on the fact that we were not present, she said whatever she wanted. With her making such a fuss, the elders of the clan had no choice. They said it depended on Madam’s intention. If Madam was willing, perhaps they could make an exception.”
Gu Xiyan asked, “Then what about him? What did he say?”
The “he” Gu Xiyan referred to was naturally Lu Chenglian.
Qiusang leaned forward and whispered, “Amole conveyed Third Master’s words. He said that since the Third Madam insisted, now Madam must give a clear statement here, clarifying that you are unwilling. Only then can the elders of the clan step forward to advocate.”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan naturally understood. Although there were many prominent masters in the clan, if a widow cried and made a scene, it was difficult to suppress her by force. Now, she had to go personally to the Old Madam and declare her intentions in public.
Pondering for a moment, she carefully groomed herself, changed into plain clothes, and selected some jewelry from the box.
Her jewelry box had originally been empty. Now that Lu Chenglian had made a complete set for her, she naturally could not show them off easily. Most were kept at the bottom of the box, and only Qiusang among the maids knew about them.
Only two or three pieces, which were not very conspicuous, she slowly mixed with her old jewelry to use.
Today, she specifically chose a pearl flower, made of clustered pearls, which was also sent by Lu Chenglian. However, it was relatively plain. After putting it on, she looked at herself in the bronze mirror and was very satisfied. Smiling, she said, “Let’s go, Qiusang. We are going to Taihe Hall.”
Qiusang hurriedly agreed. She knew that today’s matter would probably not end peacefully. There would inevitably be another commotion.
On the way, the master and servant happened to meet Daimao. Seeing her, Daimao hurriedly took her hand and said, “Young Mistress, what a coincidence to meet you. The Old Madam has summoned you.”
Gu Xiyan knew clearly but did not expose it. She continued to talk and laugh with Daimao as they walked forward. As soon as she stepped into Taihe Hall, where the Old Madam resided, she felt something was wrong. The maids and servant women were standing under the corridor eaves. Seeing her arrive, their eyes held a few traces of scrutiny and schadenfreude.

She found it amusing. Was this a Hongmen Banquet?
Looking at Daimao, she asked, “Miss, I forgot to ask you just now. What major event is happening today?”
Hearing this, Daimao hurriedly smiled apologetically. “Several Madams and Young Mistresses are all here. Presumably, they are discussing important matters. As for the specifics, this servant does not know.”
Gu Xiyan smiled slightly and did not ask further. Entering the room, she saw that indeed all the Madams were present. She paid respects to each of them one by one.
The Old Madam brought up the old topic again, speaking of the adoption. The Third Madam could not wait and said, “I have already had someone bring this boy over. Take a look.”
Speaking thus, she gave a signal. A maid below led in a boy, about seven or eight years old. He looked reasonably well-behaved.
The Old Madam frowned slightly and asked, “This child does seem quite old.”
The Third Madam, however, said, “Old Madam, one cannot judge solely by age. Please look closely, Your Elderliness. This child is truly good. He is handsome and clever. He has already started his education and reads well. If you adopt this boy, he will have great prospects in the future, and Chengyuan’s wife can enjoy the benefits immediately.”
Hearing this, the Old Madam said, “I am old and originally do not manage so many matters. You mother-in-law and daughter-in-law can discuss it yourselves.”
Gu Xiyan understood the Old Madam’s meaning. She also felt it was not good, but she was too lazy to intervene.
At this time, the Third Madam said to the boy, “Xin Ge’er, this is your mother. Why do you not kowtow to your mother?”
Hearing this, Xin Ge’er looked at Gu Xiyan blankly and was about to kowtow.
How could Gu Xiyan accept this child’s bow? She immediately stopped him. “Wait.”
She suddenly spoke out. Although her volume was not loud, her enunciation was clear and carried authority. The child paused and indeed did not dare to kneel.
The Third Madam frowned and said displeasedly, “Chengyuan’s wife, what do you mean by this?”
Gu Xiyan stepped forward and bowed to the Old Madam. “Old Madam, when Chengyuan was alive, you treated him with love and care. Since this granddaughter-in-law entered the household, she heard him constantly mention you, saying that the Old Madam was the person who loved him most in the world. Later, he passed away. In these two years, Your Elderliness has taken care of and loved me in every way. This granddaughter-in-law has seen it and kept it in her heart.”
Her words were emotional, and the Old Madam was deeply moved. “Why speak such foreign words? Is this not what should be done?”
Gu Xiyan, however, gave a bitter smile. “Now the Old Madam is managing the major matter of adopting an heir for me. Your Elderliness is taking so much trouble and effort. This is all because you remember Chengyuan, hoping his lineage will continue and have successors. It is also because you remember me, wanting to find someone for me to rely on. How can this junior not understand Your Elderliness’s painstaking efforts?”
As she spoke, tears rolled down like broken beads from a string.
The Old Madam’s eyes also turned red. “My poor grandson died so early. If he were still alive, how good that would be!”
Hearing this, the people around naturally shed tears along with them.
Gu Xiyan subtly looked at the Third Madam. The Third Madam had a dark face, looking at the patterns on the carpet nearby, not knowing what she was thinking.
Withdrawing her gaze, she continued, “But today, mentioning the adoption, this granddaughter-in-law remembers that Chengyuan’s nature was always proud and aloof, looking down on no one. Now that we are adopting, we should adopt a good one. If it is not good, and I raise a family here in vain, and he does not accept it, then for whom am I raising him?”
Hearing these words, everyone’s expression changed slightly.
Regarding this, the Old Madam no longer spoke.
Gu Xiyan understood in her heart. Today, the Old Madam would not stir up muddy waters, but at least she would not help the Third Madam. Even if she made a huge scene, she would not offend the Old Madam.
Now, she only needed to deal specifically with the Third Madam.
Just then, the Third Madam said with a stern face, “What do you mean? Why does Chengyuan not look favorably upon him?”
Gu Xiyan sneered. “With Chengyuan’s nature, no matter how good someone is, if others force him, he may not like it. This is a living adopted son. Shoving him over suddenly like this—anyway, I will not raise him.”
Speaking thus, she looked at the Third Madam. “This daughter-in-law still says the same thing. If Mother-in-Law likes him, why not raise him yourself? Later, when this boy calls Mother-in-Law ‘Mother,’ Mother-in-Law will also be happy in her heart, won’t she?”
Hearing this, the Third Madam’s face instantly turned red. Glaring at Gu Xiyan, she said angrily, “What do you mean? You actually say such rebellious words! I kindly selected a boy for you. You do not like him, yet you speak to me like this!”
Gu Xiyan was now fearless and said directly, “Since Mother-in-Law says so, then let us invite the elders of the clan. I want to ask if there is any reason to force me to adopt.”
The Third Madam was so angry she almost wanted to hit her. “You are truly crazy, becoming more unruly day by day. How did my Chengyuan find someone like you—”
Gu Xiyan was naturally not afraid of her. She stepped forward directly. “If Mother-in-Law wants to hit, this daughter-in-law has nothing to say. Just hit me. If you beat me to death early, I can finally reunite with Chengyuan.”
Hearing her say this, no one dared to say anything else. They hurriedly persuaded both the Third Madam and Gu Xiyan.
Seeing this, the Fourth Young Mistress hurriedly held Gu Xiyan’s hand and coaxed her. “Look at you. We are just discussing it. The Old Madam has not said anything yet, but you are getting anxious.”
Gu Xiyan hated hearing such words spoken by someone who did not bear the burden. She immediately spat at her. “Anxious? How am I anxious? Who are you talking about? I guarded in the nunnery for so long, copying three thick volumes of scriptures eagerly. Now that I have returned, fine, they shove a child picked up from who knows where at me, wanting me to raise him. He has his own father and mother. If I raise him eagerly and bring him up, who knows who will enjoy this blessing! What, is it not allowed if I do not adopt this one? You say I am anxious. Why do you not feel anxious for me?”
The Fourth Young Mistress paused, then her face turned red instantly.
She was only trying to persuade, but who would have thought Gu Xiyan would lecture her like this? She was usually a dignified and particular young mistress. Now, being scolded like this, she felt utterly ashamed. Tears fell straight down. “You, you—”
The people around hurriedly pulled her aside. Everyone surrounded Gu Xiyan to persuade and comfort her, offering her tea to drink.
Just as the commotion reached its peak, suddenly there was movement outside. It was said that Third Master Lu had arrived, accompanied by several clan elders.
Clan elders? Everyone was stunned.
After all, things were in chaos here. Now several clan elders had come, accompanied by Lu Chenglian. There must be some major matter.
For a moment, everyone was startled. The Old Madam also hurriedly stood up, and the maids and servant women hastily cleared the tables.
Gu Xiyan restrained herself slightly, sitting there with red-rimmed eyes. But in her heart, she wondered: Did he hear the news and rush over at this time?
In the blink of an eye, the curtain was lifted. Lu Chenglian entered first. He personally bent down to hold the curtain for the several clan elders. After the elders entered, he followed behind.
Most of the clan elders were of the same generation as the Jing Duke’s Residence, and one was even of a higher generation than the Old Madam. At this time, not to mention the wives present, even the Old Madam had to show them respect.
Everyone paid respects. After the greetings, they invited the clan elders to sit and served tea. Only then did they speak of the main matter. Indeed, it was about the adoption of an heir for Gu Xiyan.
Hearing this, everyone was surprised. For a mere adoption matter, several clan elders gathered and came personally? This was surely making a mountain out of a molehill.
The Third Madam frowned even tighter.
She had originally intended to deceive those above and below. After all, her widowed daughter-in-law could not possibly run to the ancestral hall to cry injustice to the clan elders. But now, why had the two sides suddenly gathered together?