Fourth Son Gu caught up to Song Chuzhao before she had gone far.
“Wait for me! Fourth Brother will take you home!”
He followed behind her, chuckling, and seeing the wrinkles in Song Chuzhao’s dress, he said sheepishly, “Your clothes are all wrinkled.”
Fourth Son Gu wanted to smooth out Song Chuzhao’s dress, but she quickly stopped him.
“Alright,” Fourth Son Gu said dejectedly, “You absolutely can’t tell Mother that I took you out riding.”
Song Chuzhao muttered, “Where was there any riding? It was clearly a fight.”
Fourth Son Gu said, “That wouldn’t have happen. Fan Chongqing wouldn’t dare hit you, and I wouldn’t let him hit you.”
“So you want me to watch you fight? What kind of thing is that?” Song Chuzhao said, “Since those people consider you their leader, and things have gotten this bad, it’s mostly your fault. How could you be so impulsive?”
Fourth Son Gu laughed at her scolding. He reached out to put his arm around Song Chuzhao’s shoulder, but she swatted him away in disgust.
“Fifth Brother, I’ve never seen you so angry,” Fourth Son Gu said, not minding her rejection. “It’s good this way. It’s better than you being quiet all the time. Fourth Brother never understands what you’re thinking.”
Song Chuzhao was naturally thinking about his real Fifth Brother.
She wondered how Fifth Son Gu was doing. by carpreads.pages.dev
Madam Gu said that sending Chundong over would help, wouldn’t it?
Gu Fengjian wouldn’t still be hungry, would he?
Now that Chundong had gone, it would be inconvenient for her to sneak over and see him. Chundong would see her.
At this moment, Chundong was standing in the Song family’s main hall with the steward of the Gu Mansion.
She held a wooden box and stepped forward, handing it to the waiting maidservant. She then took a red box from the maidservant and handed it to the steward.
Today, they were only exchanging birth charts. It was customary for a matchmaker to take the birth date and name and deliver them to the man’s family. This custom was called “asking for the name.” After asking for the name, the next step was “seeking auspiciousness,” which involved divining the auspiciousness of the couple’s birth charts. Once it was deemed suitable, the betrothal gifts would be sent.
The marriage between the Gu and Song families had been decided long ago. They knew each other well, so whether their birth charts were compatible or not didn’t really matter. It was just a formality.
Madam Gu was a generous person. Yesterday, seeing that Fifth Son Gu was willing to take the initiative, she felt that he had finally found someone he liked. She then instructed Chundong to prepare generous gifts and bring them personally. She said that they couldn’t let Fifth Son Gu lose face, and they had to let outsiders know that the Gu family was interested in Third Miss Song.
Chundong smiled and said, “Madam originally wanted to visit personally, but a noble from the palace summoned her today, and she really couldn’t spare the time. She asked me to come and get the things first, and also to bring some nourishing supplements to Old Madam, wishing her good health.”
Old Madam Song laughed heartily, “Madam Gu is too kind. Please convey my thanks to her.”
A moment later, Gu Fengjian received a message from Miao’er and, with a book in hand, strolled leisurely towards the main hall.
The people inside were chatting and laughing, their voices rising and falling. When Gu Fengjian appeared, the rhythm of the conversation came to a noticeable halt.
Old Madam’s expression turned cold, and although she quickly adjusted it, it still seemed rather abrupt.
Chundong turned around, glanced at him briefly, and immediately lowered her head, bowing to him and saying, “This must be Third Miss. This servant is Chundong, I have met Third Miss.”
Gu Fengjian hummed in response, took a seat below, and reopened the book in his hand, silently reading. He didn’t seem to want to interrupt their conversation, nor did he say what he was there for. He silently used his actions to convey, I’ll just listen, you guys continue chatting.
Chundong was surprised and secretly glanced at him several times. She thought to herself, Third Miss Song is really cold, completely different from what people say.
The rumors about her violent temper were completely unfounded. There wasn’t a trace of anything related to agitation about her.
The rumors about her ugly appearance and stout figure were even more baseless. Third Miss Song’s skin was fair and delicate, her features were delicate and pretty. She wasn’t the kind of person who would captivate with her beauty, but she had the elegance of winter plum blossoms, and her whole being exuded a cold and aloof aura, making her very beautiful. Her height was indeed taller than most noble young ladies, and her figure was more upright. Her long legs were a sight to behold.
Chundong thought to herself, thankfully, their Fifth Young Master was also tall. They would be a perfect match standing together.
It was clear that someone in the Song Mansion was at odds with her, deliberately spreading false rumors.
Chundong wore a smile, but her eyes kept drifting towards Gu Fengjian.
She lowered her gaze to her book, her posture languid yet focused. This scene was one Chundong often witnessed in the Gu Mansion. Their Fifth Young Master would read like this, his expression and posture almost identical.
When the weather was cold, the Fifth Young Master would sit in the sun and flip through his books, quiet and at ease.
Someone who loved reading so much could not possibly be a bad person.
She wonder what kind of books Third Miss Song enjoy. Perhaps she and the Fifth Young Master could find common ground.
Chundong carefully examined the book cover.
Qin… Qin something. Could it be a collection of essays or annotations?
At that moment, Gu Fengjian shifted, loosening his fingers from the back of the book, revealing the full title on the back.
The Tale of Qin Sanping’s Conquest of Demons
Chundong: “…”
…Was that right?
To think Third Miss Song was reading it so seriously.
…She’s so adorable!
Chundong was so amused she almost burst out laughing. Old Madam Song, however, was frowning. She wanted to question Gu Fengjian about why he was out at this time, considering it utterly inappropriate. But with Chundong present, she couldn’t bring herself to speak, so she abruptly changed the subject.
“How is your Fifth Young Master doing these days?”
Chundong quickly averted her gaze and replied, “He caught a bit of a chill a few days ago, but he’s much better today. He even went out with our Fourth Young Master.”
A vein throbbed on Gu Fengjian’s forehead.
Fourth Brother?
Those two going out together, there was bound to be trouble. He hope Song Chuzhao didn’t get bullied.
Old Madam Song nodded. “That’s good. Fifth Son Gu should take care of his health.”
Chundong suddenly understood. So that’s how it was!
Third Miss Song had come out specifically to inquire about the Fifth Young Master’s health. She was too shy to ask directly, so she just sat there awkwardly. With a suppressed smile, she said, “Since the Young Master is betrothed to the Miss, he will naturally be more careful. You needn’t worry.”
Then she gave Gu Fengjian a knowing look.
Gu Fengjian lifted his eyelids and looked at her with confusion.
Seeing her actions, Old Madam Song abruptly pressed down on the armrest, her heart filled with panic. “What?”
Chundong asked, “What’s wrong, Old Madam?”
“I was asking about the Fifth Young Master,” Old Madam Song’s voice rose. “Why did you suddenly mention Third Miss?”
Chundong was also taken aback. “It’s the Fifth Young Master! It’s the Fifth Young Master who is betrothed to Third Miss, so of course it’s related to her.”
Old Madam became flustered. “How could it be Fifth Son Gu? Isn’t it Fourth Son Gu?”
Chundong wanted to say that it had always been Fifth Son Gu, but then she heard a chuckle from Third Miss Song, who had been silent the whole time. “Of course it’s because I prefer Fifth Son Gu,” she said.
Chundong was startled. Before she could understand, old Madam Song began to scold, “How can a woman like you say such a thing? You have no shame!”
Though Chundong also thought Third Miss Song’s words were a bit too bold, she was displeased by Old Madam Song’s scolding. “Third Miss will be part of our Duke Gu’s mansion soon. Saying she likes Fifth Young Master is a sign of mutual affection, a joyous occasion. There are no outsiders in this hall. I think Third Miss is right,” she said.
Gu Fengjian cast her a meaningful glance.
Old Madam Song didn’t have time to deal with him. She pulled Chundong aside and asked, “Wasn’t it originally decided to be Fourth Young Master? How come it’s changed to someone else? This isn’t appropriate, is it?”
Where did this “originally” come from?
Chundong was about to explain that it was a misunderstanding, but then Gu Fengjian spoke again, his tone nonchalant. “I heard from people in the mansion that Fourth Young Master is quite a playboy, frivolous and impulsive, not very steady. I was curious, so I wanted to take a look.”
Chundong’s face turned dark upon hearing this.
So the Song family was secretly gossiping about their Fourth Young Master?
Old Madam Song’s face was also dark.
After all, it was she who had said it.
Gu Fengjian continued, “I haven’t met Fourth Young Master, but I did have a few words with Fifth Young Master, and we hit it off. This marriage is to strengthen the bond between our families, not to specify a particular person. Even if it’s someone else, there’s nothing inappropriate about it.”
Gu Fengjian deliberately worded it in a way that would lead everyone to misunderstand, as if it was because of him that Fourth Young Master was suddenly replaced. He spoke casually and confidently, almost convincing Chundong, leaving her confused.
Old Madam Song felt as if she had been challenged, and she flew into a rage. She slammed her hand on the table, almost lunging at Song Chuzhao. “You—”
Fortunately, Third Aunt Song was quick-witted and stepped forward to restrain her, stopping her in her tracks.
Third Aunt Song stood with her back to the door, her chin slightly tilted towards Chundong, reminding her, “Mother! Don’t get angry first. Let’s get things clear before you do anything.”
Old Madam Song still had some reason left, but she had no patience. She glared fiercely at Gu Fengjian, then turned to Chundong and the others, saying, “We haven’t been hospitable today. We have some matters to attend to at home, so we won’t be keeping you any longer!”
Chundong and the steward, understanding the situation, bowed and took their leave.
The steward said, “Then I’ll take the things back to Duke Gu’s mansion first. We won’t disturb you any further today.”
The two of them turned and left the hall, following the instructions of the servants.
Once their figures had completely disappeared, and they were sure they had left the Song mansion, old Madam Song exploded again, like an enraged tiger, pointing at Gu Fengjian and furiously scolding him.
“Song Chuzhao! Do you know anything about family rules and shame? You, a woman who hasn’t even left the house, go out and flirt with other men! You’re not ashamed, and you even say it in front of outsiders. How will Duke Gu’s mansion view you, how will the Song family view you? You… I’ve never seen a woman as shameless and stupid as you!”
“You actually spread things that were said privately in my mansion! What else did you say about the Song family? Do you think that once you marry into Duke Gu’s mansion, you have nothing to do with the Song family? What good does it do you to do these things, except to make yourself look foolish? Are you crazy? Are you stupid and crazy?”
Gu Fengjian remained seated, watching her rage, listening to her curses. Not only was he not angry, but he seemed to be in a good mood. He ran his fingers along the warm teacup beside him, calmly saying, “These are your own thoughts. I didn’t say I did any of that.”
“You’re trying to defend yourself now, but it’s too late!” Old Madam Song’s chest heaved violently, then she let out a strange, cold laugh. “Song Chuzhao, I know what you’re up to. You heard us talking that day, and you deliberately did this, didn’t you? Song Chuzhao, Song Chuzhao, your second sister treats you kindly, yet you keep ruining her chances of marriage. What are your intentions? You have such a wicked heart!”
Gu Fengjian laughed when he heard this. “You want to marry Second Girl into Duke Gu’s mansion, but it’s just a thought. The Gu family hasn’t agreed to it. How could I ruin her chances?”
Old Madam Song said, “If the Gu family can accept you, how could they not accept our Shiwen?”
Third Aunt Song continued to block old Madam Song, gently patting her back, urging her to calm down.
She wasn’t afraid of old Madam Song hitting someone, she was afraid that Song Chuzhao would get angry and fight back. In this entire mansion, perhaps no one could defeat Song Chuzhao in a fight.
Third Aunt Song chimed in, earnestly advising, “Third Miss, it’s not that Third Aunt is saying this, but you’re being foolish! Why don’t you think it through? After you get married, you’ll still need your family’s support. You’ve fallen out with your second sister and your grandmother like this, what good will it do you? In the future, if you suffer any injustice in Duke Gu’s mansion, who will stand up for you? You’ve only met him once, do you really think he’s that fond of you?”
“Fifth Son Gu…” Gu Fengjian chuckled as he uttered these words, “He must really like me.”
Old Madam Song said venomously, “You’re delusional! Fifth Son Gu would never like you!”
“Oh?” Gu Fengjian asked, “How do you know?”
Old Madam Song sneered, “Look at yourself! I thought you were just crude, but you’re also audacious and shameless. Fifth Son Gu is a refined man, how could he possibly like someone like you?”
Gu Fengjian replied, “It seems, Old Madam, you have a lot of prejudice against me.”
Old Madam Song retorted, “What prejudice? That’s just your true nature!”
Gu Fengjian raised an eyebrow and laughed, “You’ve never met Fifth Son Gu. Maybe he is just like me.”
Old Madam Song was about to retort again, but Gu Fengjian turned his head and asked, “Are you back?”
Old Madam Song and Third Aunt Song were puzzled, and they both turned to look at the doorway. They saw Chundong, carrying a bundle, emerging from the corridor. She had been listening for an unknown amount of time.
Old Madam Song looked as if she had seen a ghost, “Why are you back?”
Chundong bowed and replied, “I’ve already had the steward send the things back. I just went to get my own baggage.”
“Your baggage?” Old Madam Song was so shocked that she forgot her anger. She took two steps forward and said, “What are you doing with baggage? Did you bring baggage when you came to the Song Mansion?”
Chundong said, “Madam and Fifth Young Master were worried that Miss didn’t have anyone close to her, so they asked me to come and help.”
Old Madam Song’s face darkened, “The Song Mansion isn’t short of maids! I don’t know what Third Girl told Fifth Young Master, but go tell Madam Gu not to misunderstand. Third Girl Song is still a Song, no matter what her character is. As long as she lives in my Song Mansion, I won’t mistreat her!”
Chundong said, “Old Madam, you might be misunderstanding. I was just about to say, this marriage was originally arranged for Fifth Young Master. It has always been him. Madam originally wanted to have Young Master and Miss meet, to see if they were compatible, before making any other decisions. But Young Master was ill for a while and was recovering at home. He stayed in the mansion yesterday and didn’t have time to go out and see anyone, let alone meet Third Miss.”
Old Madam Song was stunned. She looked at Chundong for a moment, then at Gu Fengjian.
Gu Fengjian lowered his head to read a book, his shoulders slightly shaking, as if he was smiling.
Old Madam Song was furious, “Third Girl, why are you telling these lies?”
Gu Fengjian looked up and said, “I just said I wanted to see Fourth Son Gu, but I didn’t see him. But I didn’t say I went to see Fifth Son Gu a few days ago, nor did I say I talked to him about the Song family. You’re the one who thought all that up. I didn’t say anything. But you, you said a lot of things that hurt my feelings.”
Old Madam Song’s lips trembled, and her body swayed. If Third Aunt Song hadn’t been supporting her from behind, she might have fallen.
Chundong remained calm and asked Gu Fengjian kindly, “When did Third Miss meet our Fifth Young Master?”
Gu Fengjian said, “He went to the border when he was traveling and studying. I met him there.”
Chundong smiled and said, “I see. Our Young Master has been thinking about you and is very worried about you, so he asked me to come and serve you.”
Gu Fengjian said, “Thank him for his kindness.”
“We’re all family now. Third Miss, you don’t need to be so polite with Young Master.” Chundong emphasized her words, adding, “Our Young Master seems to like you very much. I’ve never seen him care so much about another woman.”
Old Madam Song realized that Chundong had indeed heard her previous words. She gradually calmed down and felt regret. Her disgraceful behavior today would surely be reported to the Gu Mansion. Song Chuzhao was the one who had tricked her, leaving herself completely unscathed.
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She squeezed Third Aunt Song’s arm hard.
Third Aunt Song: “??!!” Huh?!
Gu Fengjian glanced at the two women who were standing there dumbfounded and added fuel to the fire, “Has the Gu Mansion not heard that I’m not well-versed in poetry and literature? Fifth Young Master is a refined man, perhaps he wouldn’t be interested in me.”
Chundong immediately said, “Who Young Master likes, it’s not just about scholarship, I think. If we’re talking about scholarship, which lady in the capital can compare to our Young Master?”
Gu Fengjian said, “There are also rumors that I am violent and crude in my behavior. Don’t disgrace the Gu Mansion.”
Chundong said, “I have never heard those things. I see that you are calm and composed, with the bearing of a noble lady. Our young master is not a superficial person. He wouldn’t believe those rumors.”
Old Madam Song was furious. Knowing that he was deliberately trying to provoke her with every sentence, she clenched her fingers around her clothes, crumpling them into a ball. She forced a smile onto her face and apologized to Gu Fengjian, putting aside her pride.
“Your grandmother was out of her mind. What she said just now was all in anger. Third Girl, don’t take it to heart. Shiwen is my granddaughter, and you are my granddaughter too. How could I not love you?” Old Madam Song said, “If you have any worries, tell your grandmother. Your grandmother is afraid of misunderstanding you. If anyone dares to speak ill of you outside, your grandmother will avenge you.”
Gu Fengjian looked at her again with that cold, piercing gaze. Finally, he uttered a single word: “Oh.”
The anger that Old Madam Song had just suppressed was ignited again by his single “Oh.”
Seeing that Gu Fengjian was about to keep Chundong, Old Madam Song patted Third Aunt Song, signaling her to go and stop him.
Third Aunt Song was reluctant, but Old Madam Song gave her a pinch in a place where no one could see. Third Aunt Song had no choice but to say, “This Fifth Young Master has not yet married our Third Girl. Not to mention not being married, even the betrothal has not been arranged. To directly send a servant girl over is against propriety. Chundong, you should go back today.”
Chundong said, “I came here to serve the young lady. How would outsiders know if I am from the Gu Mansion or the Song Mansion? Third Madam is overthinking.”
“It’s still not good. People are gossipy, you never know what they might say.” Third Aunt Song laughed dryly and looked at Gu Fengjian, “Third Girl, what do you think?”
Gu Fengjian remained silent, continuing to look down at the book in his hand.
Third Aunt Song had been surprised that he hadn’t gotten angry. After all, Song Chuzhao wasn’t someone who could tolerate such things when they first met. She thought that he was trying to put on a gentle persona today, and she decided to take the opportunity to make some demands.
After a moment, Gu Fengjian finished reading the page, curled his fingers, and turned to the next page before calling out, “Chundong.”
Chundong had been standing behind him, waiting for instructions, her eyes lowered. The sudden call made her skin crawl, as if she had heard Fifth Young Master calling her. The tone was so similar. She quickly stepped forward and replied, “This servant is here.”
“You’ve been by Madam Gu’s side, so you should know people, right?” Gu Fengjian said, “My mother said she had an adopted brother surnamed Fu. Do you know him? Where does he work now?”
Chundong replied, “I know. General Fu is currently serving in the Imperial Insignia Guards. He is a fourth-rank military official and a student of Master He. His relationship with Master He has not been estranged. He is also considered a distant relative of the young lady.”
Gu Fengjian said, “My mother taught me that everything should be done thoroughly. She has been away from the capital for many years and has not been able to serve her parents, which is a great act of unfilial piety. It is thanks to General Fu’s help in taking care of them. Now that I have returned, I should personally thank him. Go prepare some gifts, and I will go to thank him in person.”
Third Aunt Song was shocked and horrified. “Are you threatening me?!”
Gu Fengjian looked up, his face filled with confusion. “What have you done that you need me to threaten you?”
Third Aunt Song stammered, finally choosing a random excuse. “How can a young lady easily visit a man?”
“Third Aunt, you’re being so harsh. I disagree. Why use Confucian teachings to suppress me? I’m not afraid. Uncle Fu is my elder. My parents are not here, so I’m going to visit him on their behalf. What’s wrong with that? I don’t think anyone in the capital would have any dirty thoughts about it. Even if they do, they wouldn’t dare to say it, lest they appear vulgar.”
Gu Fengjian turned another page and said, “But since Third Aunt is so concerned, it’s fine. Chundong, then please ask Uncle Fu to wait at my maternal grandfather’s house. I will meet him at the He Mansion later, pretending it’s a coincidence. It will be reasonable.”
Third Aunt Song looked at Old Madam Song for help, grabbing her wrist and shaking it vigorously.
Gu Fengjian said, “I grew up on the frontier and don’t really understand the rules. I’ve made many mistakes since returning to the capital, and I’ve received a lot of instruction from Third Aunt and Old Madam Song. This time I’m going back, I also want to ask Uncle Fu to teach me and help me correct my mistakes, so that I won’t cause you both too much trouble.”
“No!” Third Aunt Song almost screamed, “How could someone like General Fu know about these things? Why are you talking about these inner courtyard matters with him?”
Gu Fengjian said, “Whether he knows or not, I will ask him myself. Are you planning to rush to the He Mansion and point your finger at General Fu’s nose and tell him what the rules are?”
Third Aunt Song was truly panicking.
Seeing her expression, Chundong readily agreed, “This servant will go and arrange it for you?”
Finally, Old Madam Song couldn’t hold back any longer.
“Fine! Third Girl is now sensible, and your grandmother is relieved. Since this servant girl was sent by the Gu Mansion to take care of you, if you want to keep her, then keep her.”
Gu Fengjian, having received a satisfactory answer, closed the book in his hand and rose from his seat. Before leaving, he bowed to the two of them, but the gesture, no matter how you looked at it, was unpleasant.
He wanted to summon Chundong, and he didn’t really need Old Madam Song’s permission. But he found it amusing to see them gritting their teeth, unable to do anything about it.
Today was indeed quite interesting.
Author’s Note:
Gu Fengjian: I swear, I really like Fifth Son Gu.
This story is truly sweet, I felt it was super sweet as I wrote it! I didn’t write a romance line before because I didn’t want to ruin the character design or insert plot, this one is a short romance practice, I’m waiting to finish it and add the sweet romance tag brazenly.
And you guys have really changed. You wouldn’t have cried and begged to see the male lead when the female lead was showing off before! [A bunch of little fairies]