Chapter 34: Is Gu Yan Treating You Well?
Yan Xuerui, with her delicate constitution, felt utterly exhausted despite walking only a few steps that afternoon, and she fell into a deep sleep that night.
Early the next morning, maids efficiently packed trunks and cases. A soft palanquin stood in the courtyard, its curtains drawn, ensuring no one could glimpse the Marchioness of Jingyuan. The retinue descended the mountain under the Headmaster's watchful eye, and the mountain closure decree was lifted.
A tall, slender scholar in blue robes passed the procession. He cast a cold glance at the ostentatious display, quickened his pace, and arrived at the grand mountain gate.
"Hey, who are you? How dare you trespass into Egret Mountain Academy?" The gatekeeper stopped him. Even without distinguished guests, Egret Mountain Academy was the capital's finest institution, and only its students were permitted entry.
"I am Guo Congjia, here to find someone. Please announce me, young brother," Guo Congjia said, taking a letter from his robe inscribed with five large characters: "To My Nephew Su."
The guard, seeing Guo Congjia's refined and scholarly demeanor, softened his tone. "There are scores of people named Su here. Which one are you seeking?"
Guo Congjia replied, "He is... a kinsman of mine, named Su Huaimo. I heard he is quite learned. Do you know him, young brother?"
Other Sus might be unknown, but the renowned Su Huaimo? The guard eyed him suspiciously. "I know him."
Everyone at Egret Mountain Academy knew him. With the Imperial Examinations approaching, Su Huaimo's talent was widely acknowledged; there were even bets in the city on whether he would place first or third. In any case, it was assumed he would rank among the top three.
The academy revered scholarship, so the guard was willing to grant Student Su this favor. He took the slightly crumpled letter. "Wait here."
Guo Congjia bowed gratefully to the guard, a hint of relief finally appearing on his thin face.
After meeting Chang Qi that day, he grew increasingly uneasy. How could someone like Zhang Yi, a wealthy idler who spent his days with disreputable friends, be so confident about the Imperial Examinations?
He and other scholars secretly investigated and found that, just as Chang Qi had said, someone was selling imperial examination papers for the exorbitant price of ten thousand taels of gold apiece!
These provincial scholars had collectively drafted a petition to present to the Metropolitan Magistrate. Who said scholars lacked courage? If the foundations of the state were threatened, they would drag down this corrupt official, no matter how powerful he was!
But they only had witnesses so far. If they could purchase the "exam questions" at great cost, they would have both witnesses and physical evidence, leaving no possibility of denial. The twenty-odd scholars, even including some who were affluent, were still short several thousand taels. After much thought, he decided he had to trouble this distantly related cousin.
As a fellow candidate in this year's Imperial Examinations, he had heard that Cousin Su was upright and would surely lend them a hand.
***
At the Marquis of Jingyuan's estate, Gu Yan kept his promise to Yan Xuerui. For these two days, the couple was harmonious, and the discord from the Flowerviewing Banquet seemed to fade. But he could no longer indulge in this marital bliss.
Upon his return, he bypassed his own residence and went straight to the Eastern Palace.
Yan Xuerui returned to the main courtyard surrounded by her attendants. The maids bustled about, creating another stir. She had just sat down for a sip of tea and was about to summon Zhilu when an imperial messenger arrived, announcing that the Marchioness of Jingyuan was summoned to court.
Yan Xuerui was startled. Even though the emperor had said last time that she should often visit the palace, she took it as mere politeness. How could the emperor frequently summon a minister's wife?
Even though the emperor was advanced in years and had long ceased summoning the rear palace, this was still very unusual.
But with the imperial summons delivered, Yan Xuerui thought for a moment and instructed Bi He, "Leave a message for the marquis. Tell him I can handle it and will try to return by the Hour of Xu."
"Don't come looking for me."
She feared Gu Yan would defy the imperial decree again as he had last time. Once or twice might be acceptable, but repeatedly disobeying the emperor's orders—he might not fear it, but she did.
With Gu Yan absent, it was straightforward. Yan Xuerui easily left the estate. The palace carriage waited outside the gate. The eunuch messenger bowed and said, "Madam, please board."
Except for those noble enough to ride sedans within the palace, ordinary carriages had to stop outside the middle gate, and visitors had to proceed on foot. That the emperor specifically dispatched a carriage showed unusual favor toward the Marchioness.
The palace was adept at judging people's status. The eunuch was deferential toward Yan Xuerui, offering her numerous auspicious wishes. But before they had even left the alley, they encountered Gu Yuan returning from the suburban camp.
"Hold it."
The tall, imposing man wore silver armor and sat astride a Ferghana horse, radiating a commanding presence.
He frowned, his dark brows knitted together. "Who is in the carriage?"
Who in their Marquis of Jingyuan's household could use a palace carriage?
Gu Yuan grew suspicious. A moment later, a woman's soft voice came from the carriage.
"Second Master, it's me."
"His Majesty has summoned me to the palace."
Gu Yuan was first stunned, then his expression darkened as he looked at the eunuch. "Where is the imperial decree?"
Gu Yuan exuded a fierce, battle-hardened aura that made people tremble. The eunuch hurriedly replied, "General, it is a verbal decree. His Majesty merely wishes to share a cup of tea with the madam."
The eunuch now deeply regretted his earlier dawdling. Last time, he had nearly failed his duty when encountering Marquis Gu. This time, though the marquis was absent, he had run into this intimidating presence who clearly would not be easily dealt with.
This Gu family... he was truly unlucky.
The eunuch sighed inwardly. Sure enough, Gu Yuan's frown deepened, and he said sternly, "She is the principal wife of the Marquis of Jingyuan's household, a first-rank titled lady. With only a verbal decree and no official edict, how can you just take her away so casually? Is this according to protocol?"
It was, of course—a verbal decree was still an imperial command. But Gu Yuan was unwilling to let her be taken easily and seized on this pretext to make trouble.
Yan Xuerui had tried to escape too many times in the past; even under heavy guard at the marquis' estate, she had nearly succeeded. Over the years, though she had borne three children and was docile and compliant, Gu Yan still kept a tight watch on her.
Gu Yuan, as his elder brother's devoted supporter and for his own hidden, unspoken desires, kept her firmly confined within the marquis' estate. No one else was allowed to so much as glance at her.
She was his brother's jealously guarded treasure, the principal wife of the marquis' household, and his principal wife as well.
Gu Yuan's eyes darkened. Seeing that this would not end peacefully, the woman's soft voice sounded again from the carriage.
"Second Master, please do not be angry. They are indeed from the palace. I recognized several of the eunuchs from last time; they are genuine."
"His Majesty summoned me, and the marquis is aware. When I left, your mother was preparing a meal for you. No matter how busy you are with official duties, you should go see her."
Yan Xuerui had never expected that, without Gu Yan around, Gu Yuan would appear out of nowhere. Because of past events, she felt awkward facing him, especially in front of so many people. She could only hint subtly.
First, Gu Yan knew about this, so don't interfere.
Second, the dowager marchioness was still in the estate, so don't act impulsively.
But to Gu Yuan, her words carried a different meaning.
She had just returned from Egret Mountain today and had specifically gone to see his mother? Had they spoken about him?
His mother was strong-willed. He was often away, and she had long become accustomed to his absence. Even her letters told him not to worry about the household. She certainly wouldn't have specially prepared a meal for him.
What did she mean? Was she asking him to return home more often?
Gu Yuan's mind was in disarray. As the two exchanged veiled words, the anxious eunuch said, "Second Master, Madam, it's getting late. How do you wish to proceed..."
Next time, he would rather die than come to the Marquis of Jingyuan's residence to deliver an imperial decree. What a mess!
"Second Master."
A woman's drawn-out, soft call came from inside the carriage, like a feather lightly brushing the heart. Gu Yuan pondered for a moment, tightened the reins, and the sound of horse hooves clattered nearby.
He said in a deep voice, "In that case, I will escort my eldest sister-in-law."
With his elder brother absent, this responsibility naturally fell to him—a duty he could not shirk. He would keep a close watch on her and protect her on behalf of his brother.
...
Despite the twists and turns along the way, the group finally made it to the imperial palace. At the palace gate, Gu Yuan, since he hadn’t received a summons, approached the carriage curtain and whispered, "Don’t be afraid. We have people in the palace, and Ming Lan is among the imperial guards."
"If anything happens, go to the Shuyi Palace to seek help from Consort Shu... or even the Empress."
Empress Xu was temporarily their ally. Gu Yuan paused and added, "Stay away from that wretched Taoist priest. He has ill intentions—be careful, sister-in-law."
In his mind, the best scenario would be to silence Fang Zhixu quietly and without a trace. A death meant little, but if it drove a wedge between her and the Marquis's household, the loss would far outweigh the gain.
Yan Xuerui smiled to herself. It was just a trip to the palace—she had met the emperor before. Though his imperial majesty was profound, his brows and eyes still revealed kindness. Gu Yuan made it sound like a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, which was hardly the case.
But his intentions were good. Yan Xuerui gave a slight curtsy and said softly, "Thank you for your help today, Second Master. You must be busy with official duties—there’s no need to escort me further."
Her waist was slender, and as she curtsied, the sash around her waist cinched, outlining her delicate, graceful figure. Gu Yuan suddenly remembered that whenever he and his brother saw her together, she never completed the curtsy.
His brother would always stride forward quickly as she bent her knees, supporting her with his palm and taking her hand, a picture of deep marital affection.
He had no right to help her up. As uncle and sister-in-law, he strictly observed the boundaries between men and women. Earlier, they had spoken through the curtain, but now, face to face, they remained several steps apart.
Gu Yuan turned slightly to avoid accepting her gesture, watching as Yan Xuerui stepped through the palace gate.
The journey went very smoothly, without any difficulties or obstacles. The old emperor was seated on the dragon throne in the Qianyuan Hall, reviewing memorials. When he saw her arrive, he leaned back, his expression becoming relaxed.
"Someone, bring a seat."
Familiarity breeds comfort. Recalling her previous interaction with the emperor, Yan Xuerui lifted her head and said in her somewhat broken official language, "It has been only a few days, yet Your Majesty looks more vigorous and dignified than before."
The emperor chuckled. No one disliked hearing flattery, especially when she resembled her so much.
"I am old now."
He said, "Old and doddering! Hmph, these people take advantage of my age and dim eyesight—they’re all starting to fool me!"
Yan Xuerui lowered her head and smiled. There was no way for her to respond to that. Given Gu Yan’s special status, it was possible the emperor’s "these people" referred to her husband. She could only offer a polite smile.
The emperor rambled on, now criticizing the Ministry of Works for incompetence, then complaining about the Ministry of Personnel being bloated and inefficient. The emperor’s worries were nothing new—officials who were difficult to manage, disobedience, or floods and droughts somewhere, all weighing on the imperial heart.
Though Yan Xuerui now had some understanding of court affairs, she remained cautious, merely smiling faintly without offering any opinion. Fortunately, the emperor only wanted someone to complain to and did not require a response. He talked to himself without growing tired of it.
After a while, the emperor, his throat dry, picked up a teacup and took a sip.
"Look at me—no one in the palace to keep me company, so I end up grumbling about these unpleasant matters."
The emperor spoke in a relaxed tone and asked, "And you? Minister Gu specifically took leave to accompany you on a trip to White Heron Mountain. Others say you two share a deep marital bond. But I know—rumors, some are true, some are not."
"Now, with no outsiders here, tell me—are you living well in the Marquis’s household?"
"Does Gu Yan treat you well?"