Duke Gu sat on the long stone steps before the hall, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, a sigh escaping his lips.

The official who had spoken to him was overcome with grief, wishing he could go back and slap himself, swallowing his words back down.

He had broken Duke Gu’s heart, and now he didn’t want to stay, but he couldn’t leave either, his heart was filled with sorrow.

The official, with a sliver of shared camaraderie, cautiously approached and asked, “Does your Fifth Son still remember what happened back then, and hold some resentment towards you?”

“How could he forget? I can’t forget either,” Duke Gu’s eyes flashed with pain. “My Madam can’t even sleep at night thinking about it. Fifth Son, it’s needless to say. But he matured early, and whatever is in his heart, he never lets us know.”

His colleague felt deeply sympathetic, pulling his robe close and sitting beside him, offering comfort, “You can’t blame yourself entirely for what happened back then. You were also caught in a difficult situation. Your Fifth Son is so understanding, he must have forgiven you.”

Duke Gu shook his head, “Ultimately, it’s because I failed as a father. It was a dirty squabble in the power struggle, but it dragged a child into it. I don’t know if he’s truly understanding, or if he’s already grown cold towards me.”

“You don’t need to blame yourself like this. If anyone is to blame, it’s that shameless Fu Donglai!” the official spat, “He deserves a thousand deaths for his crimes!”

Fu Donglai, he was a sorcerer. by carpreads.pages.dev

The late Emperor, though initially wise in his youth, became muddled in his old age. Fearful of death, he became obsessed with the pursuit of immortality. He frantically gathered sorcerers from all over the land, demanding they find the mythical Penglai Island* for him.

Among them, Fu Donglai was the most favored.

He bestowed upon Fu Donglai a marquisate and a high position, showering him with countless gold and silver. He even almost made him his son-in-law.

So, even the most intelligent people can lose their clarity, and when they do, they become far more terrifying than ordinary people. Even heroes like Emperor Qin and Han Wudi were not immune.

Once the late Emperor embarked on his quest for immortality, he became like a madman, completely under Fu Donglai’s control. One moment he would demand a southern tour, the next he would insist on a grand sacrifice to Heaven. When he was idle, he would go to offer sacrifices to Heaven, and when he was unwell, he would eagerly swallow pills. The only fortunate thing was that he didn’t, like the two great figures mentioned above, orchestrate a “historical” massacre.

At the time, Duke Gu and a group of officials couldn’t stand it anymore, so they jointly submitted a petition, impeaching Fu Donglai for his extravagant spending and forming cliques for personal gain. So Fu Donglai held a grudge against them.

That man was incredibly insidious. Knowing he couldn’t touch the deeply rooted Gu family, he told the Emperor that the young master of the Gu Mansion had a strong connection to the divine, suitable to be his celestial disciple. He claimed that taking him along might lead them to Penglai Island sooner. He also said he had cast a divination for Fifth Young Master Gu, claiming that Gu Fengjian’s fate clashed with the national fortune, destined to become a celestial being, not a government official. He would try to usurp power through martial means, and disrupt the government through literary means. Duke Gu was so enraged that he almost drew his sword and killed him on the spot.

Duke Gu wasn’t a duke back then, he didn’t have that kind of power, and he couldn’t go against the elders of his clan. He endured for a few days, but he could only watch as Gu Fengjian cried miserably, forcibly taken away to become a young disciple under Fu Donglai.

When he went to see his Fifth Son at first, Fifth Son would always cry and beg to go home with him, and his heart ached. Madam Gu was also sick with worry, needing his care, and he was torn between the two. Plus, Fu Donglai would deliberately order Fifth Son to do things in front of him, and every time he went, Fifth Son would suffer. If he didn’t go, Fifth Son could at least eat and wear warm clothes, living comfortably. Eventually, he couldn’t bear to show his face anymore.

Thankfully, the late Emperor died a few years later… No, it was the hateful Fu Donglai who caused the late Emperor’s untimely death! Gu Fengjian was then finally brought back home.

But during those years, Gu Fengjian’s memories were still very clear. He was precocious from birth, his health was poor, and he became extremely distant and cold towards his family.

His colleague patted Duke Gu on the back.

He knew that Duke Gu was the one who had the hardest time in this whole affair.

The late Emperor was practically insane at the time, refusing to listen to anyone. If Gu Fengjian was to be sent away to become a celestial disciple, if he didn’t agree, it would harm the rest of the Gu Mansion. But if he agreed, Madam Gu wouldn’t be able to bear it.

He was caught in the middle, without even the chance to complain. The weight of country and family, loyalty and love, all pressed down on him alone.

And Gu Fengjian was actually one of the lucky ones. He was smart, his mind was clear, and Fu Donglai didn’t dare do anything too outrageous to him. Another young master who was sent to be a disciple with him at the time was tricked too deeply, and had now become a monk.

“Our Fifth Son, how could he possibly fight Second Fan? He doesn’t even know martial arts. Minister Fan’s son is a real tiger, comparable to our Fourth Son,” Duke Gu worried, “Second Fan definitely wouldn’t give him any face, wouldn’t Fifth Son get hurt?”

His colleague said, “Your Fifth Son’s health isn’t very good, it’s true. But I heard from others that Young Master Fan was injured, but your Fifth Son wasn’t.”

Duke Gu shook his head, not believing it, “Not necessarily. Even if he was injured, he would hide it.”

His colleague thought to himself, how could he possibly hide it?

Duke Gu said, “Our Fifth Son is very patient and enduring. He’s also understanding and easygoing, that’s why I’m always worried about him.”

The official said, “If you’re really worried about him, let him learn some martial arts from Fourth Son.”

Duke Gu sighed again, “Ah, when he first came back, he casually mentioned wanting to learn martial arts, and Fourth Son volunteered to teach him. But he didn’t know his limits, and made him practice horse stance in the wind. Fifth Son only learned for a day, and then he had a fever for three days, almost died. I was so angry that I beat him up and forbade him from being so reckless again.”

The official exclaimed, “You beat Fifth Son?”

Duke Gu glared, “How is that possible! It was naturally Fourth Son who was beaten!”

The colleague muttered, “…” Why did it sound like Fourth Son was more pitiful?

The colleague pondered for a moment, then said, “You shouldn’t have punished Fourth Son.”

“Now that I think about it, I really shouldn’t have punished Fourth Son so severely.” Duke Gu clasped his hands, regretting, “Since then, Fifth Son has become less close to even Fourth Son.”

They were overly cautious in their treatment of Fifth Son, making them seem unlike ordinary parents.

That time, Fifth Son himself said he wanted to learn martial arts, but in the end, it was Fourth Son who was beaten. Coupled with Duke Gu sending him to be a Daoist disciple before, and the chaotic fate that Fu Donglai had assigned him, Gu Fengjian couldn’t help but overthink.

He was sensitive, and he felt alienated from everyone.

The official asked, “What happened after that? Why did he stop learning? You could have hired a better teacher for him.”

Duke Gu was also troubled, “I asked him once, but he didn’t want to talk to me much then. He just said no.”

The official had a bad feeling, “How did you ask?”

“How else would I ask?” Duke Gu said, “I asked directly, and he said no directly.”

The official carefully imagined that scene.

Fourth Son was lying in bed recovering after being beaten, Gu Fengjian was just recovering from a serious illness and was still confined to his room, Duke Gu stood in front of him with a cold face, and asked stiffly, “Do you still want to learn martial arts?”

Fifth Son obediently said, “No, I don’t.”

Duke Gu then “humph"ed, and left with a flick of his sleeve.

What kind of cruel and inhumane intimidation scene was this?!

The official shivered all over. He felt that it was probably just like that.

Duke Gu was still deeply repenting, “I was too neglectful of him.”

After the previous emperor passed away, the court was still in chaos, with a hundred things needing to be done. The current emperor was still young at the time, and it was all thanks to a group of old ministers who supported him. Duke Gu was entrusted with a heavy responsibility, ordered to go to various places to supervise and inspect, and to take charge of the overall situation. He didn’t even have a chance to go home. By the time he realized the seriousness of the problem and wanted to get closer to his son, Gu Fengjian was already an adult.

He couldn’t ignore national affairs. But whenever he tried to manage family affairs, things went wrong.

Duke Gu sighed again. He was so annoyed.

His colleague felt uncomfortable from his sighing.

“I think you should have a good talk with your Fifth Son. Even if he doesn’t want to talk to you much, you should still say what you need to say.” The official said, “Don’t always have a stern face.”

Duke Gu said, “When have I had a stern face?”

The official said, “You’re making a stern face right now.”

Duke Gu accused, “You’re talking nonsense!”

“Go home and look in the mirror, really.” The official stood up and reminded him as he ran, “Go home and look in the mirror!”

Duke Gu couldn’t help but touch his eyebrows. His sword-like eyebrows were handsome and naturally exuded a sense of coldness. Many people had said that he was terrifying when he was angry, but Duke Gu didn’t care.

If you can’t make your subordinates afraid when you’re angry, what’s the point of being angry?

Moreover, many people say that he has a dignified appearance and a handsome bearing, how could he be fierce?

Duke Gu, weary from a day of political affairs, returned to his mansion, lost in thought. At that moment, Song Chuzhao was in the courtyard, speaking with Madam Gu.

Madam Gu inquired about the He Mansion with her, asking if her trip had been successful.

Song Chuzhao nodded and said it had been successful. General He had been kind to her. Not only had he treated her to pastries, but he had also praised the gift she had brought. It was a pity that he had not invited her to stay for lunch.

Madam Gu then shared with her the news she had just heard about the events that had transpired at the Song Mansion’s gate.

Song Chuzhao felt a great sense of regret, for she had not been bold enough to follow them and had missed a great spectacle.

The two of them, along with Fourth Son Gu who was listening in, were all engrossed in their conversation. They found the Song Mansion incident to be incredibly amusing.

Fourth Son Gu, chuckling, raised his head and inadvertently noticed Duke Gu standing behind a pillar, eavesdropping. It was unclear how long he had been there. He paused for a moment, then called out, “Father.”

Madam Gu and Song Chuzhao stopped talking and turned to look at the newcomer.

In all these days, this was the first time Song Chuzhao had seen Duke Gu. Facing this handsome and imposing stranger, she dared not be negligent. She stood straight and tall, awaiting his instructions.

Duke Gu noticed that the atmosphere turned as cold as ice upon his arrival, and his expression darkened.

Fourth Son Gu, sensing his father’s mood shift, felt a pang of fear. As a seasoned offender, he expertly began his daily self-reflection. After pondering, he concluded that he had been quite restrained lately and shouldn’t have committed any offenses. He then lifted his lips into a standard smile and greeted Duke Gu.

Seeing Fourth Son Gu’s unusual behavior, Song Chuzhao grew nervous. She stiffened her back and greeted him with proper etiquette.

Witnessing this pitiful scene, as if he were paying respects to a superior official, Duke Gu’s heart sank. He uttered a greeting, attempting to salvage the situation.

“Have you eaten?”

Madam Gu, understanding him well, smiled and said, “Not yet. You’re back early today.”

Duke Gu nodded, “Mm.” He had swiftly dealt with his official duties and rushed back to discuss life with Fifth Son Gu.

Madam Gu said, “Then I’ll go and have someone prepare the meal.”

Duke Gu said, “Good.”

Fourth Son Gu turned and headed towards the main hall.

Duke Gu pulled on Madam Gu’s sleeve, signaling her to come aside.

The two of them stood in a secluded spot.

Duke Gu asked, “Do I often have a stern face?”

Madam Gu looked at him and said, “You tell me.”

Duke Gu paused for a moment, then asked, “Am I frowning now?”

Madam Gu’s tone became slightly heavier, but she still said, “You tell me.”

Duke Gu was shocked, unable to believe it.

Madam Gu was even more surprised than he was. How could you not know what your face looks like?

Duke Gu had not been so severe in his youth. He was merely a handsome young man with a cold demeanor. Later, when he served as an official in the court, he adopted an unwavering air to establish his authority, which became a habit and transformed him into this. Now, even the muscles on his face carried the coldness of a Duke.

Duke Gu asked, “Then why weren’t you afraid of me back then?”

“What am I afraid of you for? You’ve never been harsh with me. I just like it when you’re stern and cold outside, but gentle and soft-spoken to me when you’re back home…” Madam Gu said, feeling embarrassed, and gave him a hard pat. “Why are we talking about this? It’s not something to be ashamed of.”

Duke Gu: “…” Was it really like that?

Madam Gu said, “Go eat quickly, don’t be so strange.”

The two Gu family members arrived at the dining hall and found Song Chuzhao there, leaving them speechless.

Fourth Son Gu was equally surprised and said, “Fifth Brother, are you going to eat with us today?”

A confused little person slowly appeared on Song Chuzhao’s head.

Everyone was here, wouldn’t they eat together? Weren’t they a family?

She thought carefully and realized that Gu Fengjian probably always ate in his own room. Because the servants would deliver the meals on time, she didn’t have to worry about it at all.

She didn’t know that the Gu family members always ate at different times.

Gu Fengjian had a weak stomach and needed to eat small meals frequently. The kitchen always had snacks prepared for him. Duke Gu was busy with official duties and sometimes didn’t return until late at night. Madam Gu couldn’t make Gu Fengjian wait with an empty stomach.

In addition, the father and son had conflicting auras, and Gu Fengjian would deliberately avoid him. Even throughout the year, they rarely sat at the same table to eat.

Now that things had come to this, Song Chuzhao couldn’t get up and leave. She nodded subtly and said, “It’s a coincidence today, let’s eat together.”

Madam Gu was delighted to hear this: “It seems like Fifth Son is in a good mood today! Quickly go and urge the kitchen to prepare two more dishes. And hurry up! Fifth Son , are you hungry now? Do you want to eat something to fill your stomach?”

Song Chuzhao said, “I’m fine.”

Madam Gu still pushed the snacks towards her, telling her to eat freely.

Madam Gu glanced at Duke Gu and pulled him to her left side, right across from Song Chuzhao.

Today, the Gu mansion’s dishes were indeed served quickly. First came a plate of stir-fried greens, followed by a plate of braised chicken.

Although the dishes were not all served yet, Madam Gu had already picked up her chopsticks and gestured for everyone to start eating if they wanted.

Madam Gu knew Duke Gu’s nature, so she took the initiative to liven up the atmosphere: “Husband, don’t you have something to ask Fifth Son?”

Duke Gu raised his head, his mind racing, and blurted out what he was thinking: “I heard you fought with Second Young Master Fan a few days ago?”

Madam Gu’s expression froze, unable to maintain the polite smile on her face.

Song Chuzhao’s chopsticks stopped in mid-air, her whole body on guard. She thought to herself, this was finally a real Hongmen Banquet. She forced out a word from her throat: “Yes!”

Seeing her nervousness, Duke Gu felt a pang of regret. To show that he had no intention of questioning or pursuing the matter, he simply responded with a single word, hoping to quickly end the topic.

“Hmm.”

Song Chuzhao: “…”

To be honest, she was very nervous.

Madam Gu’s fingers holding the chopsticks gradually turned white.

Fortunately, at this moment, a servant girl brought in another dish, filling the awkward gap.

Madam Gu glared at the braised chicken and nodded her chin towards Song Chuzhao’s direction.

Song Chuzhao thought she was reminding her to apologize to Duke Gu quickly. After all, the rules of the Gu Mansion were very strict, and she had not done any self-reflection after the fight.

Moreover, according to Gu Fengjian, Duke Gu probably disliked his younger sons fighting people.

Song Chuzhao then consciously picked up a chicken leg and slowly delivered it to Duke Gu’s bowl.

At that moment, the entire dining table froze.

Fourth Son Gu’s chopsticks fell, but he still held his hand up, not daring to pick them up.

Madam Gu even forgot to blink, her mouth agape, stunned.

Duke Gu’s facial muscles twitched violently, then he forcefully looked at her.

It was extremely strange.

Something was wrong.

Song Chuzhao screamed in her heart.

How are the Gu family’s thoughts so hard to guess? How are they so hard to guess!!

She decided to take the chicken leg back.

“You――” Duke Gu suddenly stood up, grabbed her wrist, his voice rising, vowing to defend, “Why are you taking back something that’s already in my bowl!”

Song Chuzhao didn’t understand why Duke Gu was so agitated over a small chicken leg. She told herself not to panic! She assumed the most calm posture and said, “I thought you didn’t want it.”

Duke Gu: “I――”

Madam Gu lifted one foot, then another, and stomped hard on Duke Gu’s shoe.

Duke Gu’s face began to flush red from the middle, spreading to his ears, and then finally calmed down. When he spoke again, he smoothly regained his previous composure.

“I want it. You can put it down.”

After he finished speaking, he added softly, “Thank you.”

Song Chuzhao: “Oh…”

Fourth Son Gu tremblingly held up his own bowl, handed it to the middle, and said with full expectation, “Can I have one too?”

Madam Gu picked up some food for him, saying, “Mother will pick some for you, eat obediently, don’t talk.”

Fourth Son Gu obediently said, “Okay.”

Duke Gu received a chicken leg, his mood extremely joyful. He felt that he should also say something to make Fifth Son Gu happy. So he asked, “Fifth Son. Are there any books you want these days?”

Song Chuzhao: “……???” Why are you doing this to me?

Duke Gu mentioned another matter: “How are your preparations for next year’s Spring Examinations?”

Song Chuzhao said with difficulty, “We’ll see.”

Duke Gu: “We’ll see? You don’t want to go?”

Song Chuzhao continued to evade, saying, “We’ll talk about it later.”

Duke Gu fell silent.

His sharp mind told him that his son…perhaps had a heart ailment.

Author’s Note:

Duke Gu: I just have a fierce face, believe me! Believe me!! 【Shakes shoulders】