Fan Chongqing recalled Duke Gu’s gloomy expression that day and worried that Fifth Son Gu might suffer inhuman beatings upon his return home. He therefore chose a suitable day to visit his newly made brother.
When Fan Chongqing came to the Gu Mansion in person, Song Chuzhao could not refuse to see him. Fourth Son Gu was worried that Fan Chongqing would speak without thinking, so he also came over.
The three of them sat solemnly in the living room. You glared at me, I stared at her, and she calmly drank her water.
Fan Chongqing checked her up and down, then nodded with relief.
Duke Gu seemed to have some humanity left, as he did not strike her in the face. Of course, he might not have struck her at all, but used other methods instead. For example, making her go hungry, copying books, or kneeling in the ancestral hall.
Fourth Son Gu could not bear it any longer and shouted, “Fan Chongqing, what exactly are you here for? You keep staring at my fifth brother, it’s making me feel a little sick.”
Fan Chongqing turned to Fourth Son Gu, unable to hide his disdain, “What’s so disgusting about that? Your mind is so filthy! Fifth Son, did your father give you a hard time because of Ji Yutang’s matter?”
Song Chuzhao was about to speak, but Fourth Son Gu interjected, “What did my fifth brother do wrong that my father would give him a hard time?”
Fan Chongqing said, “You should ask your father about that.”
Fourth Son Gu said in surprise, “You made up this non-existent matter, and you want me to ask my father about it?”
“Enough with both of you,” Song Chuzhao interrupted them, “What is the purpose of your visit today?”
Fan Chongqing smiled and said, “The case of Ji Yutang has been resolved. I thought Fifth Son would be concerned, so I came here to tell you.”
The government office’s investigation was relatively efficient. Mainly because those two people had lost their confidence to argue. The officers intimidated and threatened them, and before they were even tortured, they all confessed. It was as expected, and along with those who were watching at the time, they were all accomplices.
Fan Chongqing rested his hand on the low table and asked mysteriously, “Do you know who was behind the plot to harm Ji Yutang?”
Song Chuzhao said, “How could I possibly know?“ by carpreads.pages.dev
Fourth Son Gu said disdainfully, “My fifth brother isn’t interested either. If you want to say it, say it. If not, get out!”
“It was Huang Qicheng!” Fan Chongqing completely ignored Fourth Son Gu, slapped his thigh and laughed loudly, “It was actually Huang Qicheng, Fifth Son, you wouldn’t have guessed it!”
Song Chuzhao was a little unfamiliar with the name and thought for a moment before recalling, “Is he the troublemaker who instigated you two to compete at the archery range?”
Both of them felt a tinge of embarrassment when she mentioned the past.
Song Chuzhao said, “That Huang Qicheng is really something. He managed to provoke both of you all by himself. I have to admire his courage.”
“Not at all! If that were the case, I would admire him too.” Fan Chongqing said, “A while ago, Fourth Son and I said we would find him to get revenge. He suffered a few setbacks and probably guessed that I had someone helping me. But at that time, Fourth Son hadn’t openly broken up with him, and he trusted Fourth Son very much. It just so happened that Ji Yutang’s group of people were arrogant and looked down on him, so he mistakenly thought that Ji Yutang was the one who was colluding with me.”
Fourth Son Gu said unhappily, “Tsk, can you speak properly? What do you mean colluding? How could I be in cahoots with you?”
Fan Chongqing shrugged, “That’s basically it. He was cornered and came up with this insidious plan for revenge. He thought no one would find out it was him. He wanted to ruin Ji Yutang’s reputation and his career. Unexpectedly, he didn’t get to see Ji Yutang fall from grace, and he ended up in trouble himself. Ji Yutang is a petty man, how could he be kind to him? These past few days, he has been at home fiercely cursing Huang Qicheng, that scoundrel.”
Fourth Son Gu also laughed, “Huang Qicheng spread rumors and caused trouble, the evidence is solid, he’s going to be locked up for a while. Thinking about it, Ji Yutang is actually quite useful. It’s like he sacrificed himself for a greater good.”
Thinking about it, Ji Yutang was quite unlucky. And his misfortune was even slightly related to Song Chuzhao.
Fan Chongqing laughed, “Also, the reputation of the Fifth Son is spreading throughout the capital. Fifth Son, although you are already engaged, it can’t stop so many beautiful women from secretly harboring affections for you!”
Song Chuzhao was embarrassed. What was she supposed to say? Third Girl Song was really lucky? You wouldn’t even dare to think about things that are even luckier.
Fan Chongqing said, “I’m asking you, when are you two getting married? The betrothal gifts haven’t been sent, and General Song hasn’t sent any news yet. I see that the little County Princess still hasn’t given up on you. There are also a few officials who, after learning that I am acquainted with you, have gone to great lengths to find out about you. I received several invitations, which I secretly threw away. In short, most of them don’t think you and Third Girl Song are a good match. If you really have no intention, you should make it clear to outsiders as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse it will be for the girl’s reputation.”
Song Chuzhao did not answer, but her spokesperson, Fourth Son Gu, shouted first, “What are you talking about! Tell them to give up on this idea! My fifth brother and the Third Girl are deeply in love, their hearts are connected, and they are inseparable. Outsiders have no chance to interfere!”
Song Chuzhao raised both her eyebrows. Wow, you know that too?
Fourth Son Gu said confidently, “Right now, the Gu family is waiting for General Song to return to the capital. The Emperor has approved his request to return home to visit his family, but it takes a few days for the letters to travel back and forth, and the affairs at the border are complicated, so it will take a few days. We should be able to see them after the New Year.”
Fan Chongqing was so shocked that he almost knocked over the cup on the table.
“They don’t know each other, do they? What kind of divine being is Third Girl Song? Could she possibly have captured our Fifth Brother’s heart?”
Song Chuzhao tugged at her collar.
The divine being is here!
Fourth Son Gu took a large gulp of tea, then slammed the cup down on the table, exclaiming excitedly, “To be honest, I really admire her!”
Fan Chongqing’s eyes lit up, and he suppressed his excitement, asking, “Why do you say that?”
Song Chuzhao was also surprised. Looking at Fourth Son Gu’s expression, he was quite convincing.
However, she didn’t know that Gu Fengwei’s admiration was genuine.
Fourth Son Gu said, “Third Girl Song grew up on the border. While most of the rumors about her in the capital were false, some were slightly believable. Namely, that she is skilled in martial arts, proficient in archery and horsemanship, knowledgeable in military strategy, and straightforward in her personality! When I briefly met her that day, I observed that her steps were steady and her aura calm, a posture only possible with years of martial arts training. It’s clear that she is a dedicated individual.”
Song Chuzhao nodded.
Fan Chongqing couldn’t believe it. “Really? You actually admire a martial artist?”
Fourth Son Gu waved his hand in dismissal, continuing, “Third Girl Song also said that there aren’t many books on the border, which means she probably doesn’t enjoy reading poetry or essays. This is completely different from my Fifth Brother.”
Song Chuzhao nodded vigorously, earnestly saying, “She really, really dislikes it!”
Fan Chongqing said, “But I’ve observed that Fifth Brother doesn’t like to talk much. Third Girl Song doesn’t understand poetry or literature, wouldn’t they have nothing to talk about?”
Song Chuzhao thought for a moment. Gu Fengwei had never discussed poetry or literature with her.
Fourth Son Gu once again slammed his hand on the table, “But when I saw her that day, she was actually reading a book by Master Min!”
“Heavens!” Fan Chongqing exclaimed, then asked sincerely, “Who is Master Min?
Fourth Son Gu slammed the table, “Look at you! You don’t even know who he is. Master Min was a famous scholar from the previous dynasty. He spent his entire life collecting a vast amount of annotations and notes on the Book of Changes* from previous generations, organizing and compiling them into a book. It also contains things found only in rare editions. In short, it’s all stuff we wouldn’t understand.”
TN: another name for the I Ching
Fan Chongqing admitted, “I definitely wouldn’t understand it.”
“She’s willing to sacrifice so much for my Fifth Brother. Even if I had to read these books for my Fifth Brother, I would rather…” Fourth Son Gu slowly raised his hand and bowed apologetically to Song Chuzhao, “I apologize!”
Song Chuzhao: “…” There’s no need for that. Not to mention, your Fifth Brother would never lend you a book.
Fan Chongqing was lost in awe.
He imagined, “If there was a woman who would learn archery and cuju* for me…”
TN: ancient Chinese soccer
Fourth Son Gu said mercilessly, “Then you should wake up.”
Fan Chongqing was tearful and aggrieved.
Actually, she didn’t have to follow him on horseback and learn to be good at it. As long as she could hand him arrows and cheer him on, he would be satisfied.
Fan Chongqing put himself in that woman’s shoes and thought about it, sincerely saying, “Even if she’s just pretending, having that kind of heart would move me.”
Fourth Son Gu said, “So tell them to give up on this idea. My Fifth Brother is also very good to Third Girl. Don’t you remember how he fought with you for her last time?”
Fan Chongqing thought about it. Fifth Son Gu, a man known for his composure and self-control, could become enraged for Third Girl Song. They truly have an unbreakable bond.
Indeed, Fifth Son Gu is incredibly serious about everything he does!
Song Chuzhao felt a tingling sensation all over her body from his gaze, and she couldn’t help but shiver.
Fan Chongqing asked, “Are you two going to the Garden Pavilion Feast together?”
Song Chuzhao said, “Garden Pavilion Feast?”
This Garden Pavilion Feast was held near the Mid-Autumn Festival. It was organized by the Ministry of Rites, and officials would be present to observe. Occasionally, the Emperor would also make an appearance.
In previous years, they would invite the family members of high-ranking officials, the newly selected Imperial Scholars, and renowned talented men and women from the capital to attend the feast. It was essentially a literary and wine feast for young people to enjoy themselves.
Whether for social enjoyment or to showcase one’s talent, this was a literary feast of the highest caliber, naturally involving both overt and covert competitions.
The two unmarried young masters of the Duke Gu’s Mansion always received invitations. Song Chuzhao had just returned to the capital this year, and based on her family background, she should also receive one.
Fourth Son Gu said, “It seems Fifth Brother has forgotten. But it doesn’t matter, anyway, you’ll be there when the time comes. You already have a betrothal, and you don’t need to make a name for yourself. It’s just a matter of showing your face.”
Fan Chongqing agreed, “It’s people like us who need to worry. Ji Yutang has been humiliating me every year, and I’d love to splash wine in his face!”
Fourth Son Gu said, “He’ll be too busy with his own affairs this year, he shouldn’t be bothering you anymore.”
The two of them chatted happily, but Song Chuzhao was sweating profusely in her heart.
How could it be alright? To make her attend a poetry gathering, wasn’t that asking her to risk her life?
Over there, Fourth Son Gu was still saying, “Actually, I’m more worried about Third Girl Song. You know, there are so many women in the capital who admire my Fifth Brother, if they see Third Girl Song, wouldn’t they be green with envy?”
After clarifying the relationship between Song and Gu, Fan Chongqing naturally considered Third Girl Song as someone close to his brother. He also worried, “You’re right. There’s a lot of open and covert competition among us men, and I hear it’s no different for the ladies. Third Girl Song has been in the frontier for a long time, she doesn’t like beating around the bush, and she might not be used to the ways of the capital.”
Fourth Son Gu said, “And judging from her actions since returning to the capital, it’s clear that some people are jealous of her and are resorting to underhanded tactics.”
Fan Chongqing sighed, “But we’re seven-chi* tall men, we can’t openly argue with a bunch of women. If they’re as cunning as Ji Yutang, and they find ways to make Third Girl Song lose face at the literary and wine feast, what can we do?”
TN:Chinese measurement
Song Chuzhao’s gaze shifted back and forth between the two, seeing that they cared for her as much as they cared for their own sister, she couldn’t help but feel speechless.
…I thank you all.
But there shouldn’t be any woman in the world who could make the current “Third Girl Song” lose face in terms of literary skills. Perhaps you should be more concerned about the “Fifth Brother” in front of you.
Fourth Son Gu couldn’t think of a solution for the moment. But seeing Song Chuzhao sitting beside him, also looking worried and deep in thought, he wanted to reassure her. He snorted coldly and said unceremoniously, “I’ll see who dares to stir up trouble! Fan Chongqing, go ask around and find out which brothers are going this time, then let them know and tell them to be careful. This time, I won’t argue with you, I’ll keep an eye on Third Girl Song first.”
“Alright!” Fan Chongqing said, “Fifth Brother, don’t worry, how could we let Third Girl Song be bullied in front of you? It’s just some teasing about not liking to read and such, I’m an expert at dealing with this kind of thing!”
Song Chuzhao was still somewhat touched. Fan Chongqing and Fourth Son Gu were indeed simpletons, but they genuinely valued their brotherhood.
If she were in her own identity, these people wouldn’t be close to her at all. So even though she had been in the frontier for many years, she didn’t really have any close brothers.
This was the first time she had made such simple and straightforward, and such easy, so-called “brothers.”
But this feeling of gratitude, when it reached deep down, all that was left was a sense of absurdity.
“I’ll remind him,” Song Chuzhao said, “He’s quite intelligent, you don’t need to worry about him.”
Fan Chongqing reassured her repeatedly, and said that he would come to pick them up on the day of the banquet. After making their arrangements, he left the Gu Mansion, looking back every few steps.
After seeing Fan Chongqing off, Song Chuzhao continued to worry about the banquet.
She had to go find Gu Fengjian and ask him if they should go. After all, if anything went wrong, it would be Gu Fengjian’s reputation that would be damaged. These scholars valued their reputation, and she didn’t want Fifth Son Gu to blame her later for any misunderstandings.
Because she was preoccupied with this matter, Song Chuzhao couldn’t rest easy. That night, she wanted to find someone to explain herself.
She went to the He Mansion, a place she knew well. However, she hadn’t expected to be back there just two days later.
Perhaps because she had been there so many times, her courage grew. This time, she jumped directly into the courtyard.
Night had fallen, and the shadows of the trees danced. A faint light still shone through the window lattice on the side, indicating that the person inside had not yet retired for the night.
Song Chuzhao carefully crept over, hiding behind the wall and listening for a while. When she was sure that Chundong wasn’t inside, she confidently pushed open the window, revealing her face.
Gu Fengjian was sitting behind the desk, and he had already seen her. He put down his book, raised his hand, and hooked his finger, beckoning her to come in.
Song Chuzhao nimbly climbed through the window and into the room.
Song Chuzhao asked with concern, “Fifth Son Gu, are you feeling much better today?”
Gu Fengjian sighed inwardly. He felt that he was completely out of reach of the word “much better.”
Seeing that he didn’t respond, Song Chuzhao walked over to him and carefully observed his complexion.
His complexion was good, and he seemed fine, but his mood wasn’t very good.
Song Chuzhao sat down beside him. Gu Fengjian asked, “Is it always this troublesome for you every month?”
“Yes. I’m actually one of the better ones. Some women are so pained that they can’t even straighten their backs. They still have to work in cold water, managing all the affairs of the household, big and small. To save firewood and candle oil, they rarely use hot water in winter, and they do everything in the dark.” Song Chuzhao sneered, “Even so, some people still think women are being fussy. I really want to make those men experience it for themselves. Let’s see if it’s harder for them to make a living outside or to manage a heavy household with a weakened body.”
Gu Fengjian’s face turned serious. “It’s that bad?”
After he finished speaking, he shook his head, thinking that he must be crazy to be discussing this with Song Chuzhao.
Song Chuzhao laughed, “Of course. I’m not talking about you, Fifth Son Gu. I understand that you are the most understanding.”
Gu Fengjian was not happy to be praised. He remained listless and said, “I’m not.”
Song Chuzhao said, “There’s something else I want to tell you.”
Gu Fengjian said nonchalantly, “You wouldn’t come to see me if there wasn’t anything.”
Song Chuzhao declared resolutely, “I would come to see you even if there wasn’t anything! It’s just that it’s not very convenient lately. Both your family and mine are watching closely.”
Gu Fengjian’s lips curled up slightly. “Go on.”
Song Chuzhao asked, “It’s about that looking-for-marriages literary banquet. You know about it, right? Are you going?”
Gu Fengjian said, “I’ll go. This is your first time back in the capital this year. If you don’t go, it will seem like you’re afraid of people.”
Song Chuzhao asked hesitantly, “Then should I go too?”
Gu Fengjian’s tone turned cold, and he looked at her sideways. “Do you want me to go alone?”
Song Chuzhao quickly pleaded, “I’ll go, I’ll go! If anyone bullies you, I’ll watch over you. I’m just worried that people will see through us, because I don’t know how to write poetry. What if someone tests me?”
Gu Fengjian’s expression softened again. He said, “The banquet will be held close to the Mid-Autumn Festival when the preparations are complete. It’s just about making some poems related to the theme of wind, flowers, snow, and moon, and then drinking a few cups of wine. You should memorize a few poems. If someone asks you something at the poetry gathering, just pretend you’ve had a sudden flash of inspiration and recite it.”
Song Chuzhao was surprised. “Can we do that?”
“Of course we can.” Gu Fengjian said, “Otherwise, do you think there are really so many talented people in the world who can speak in verse? Some people even hire assistants to write poems for them beforehand, and then they go up and recite them. Literature and martial arts are different. It’s hard to tell someone’s true ability with a cursory test.”
Song Chuzhao had been hanging out with Fan Chongqing for the past few days, and her flattery skills had improved by leaps and bounds. It was almost instinctive for her to blurt out, “No wonder there are so many people who seek fame and fortune. Fifth Son Gu, you certainly wouldn’t be among them!”
Gu Fengjian said, “Many young and talented men will be there. Everyone will be looking for an opportunity to show off, so they won’t deliberately cause you trouble. You’ll actually be in the spotlight. At most, a noble might recognize you, call out your name, and ask you to recite a poem to warm up the atmosphere.”
“Then I’ll be at ease.” Song Chuzhao let out a sigh of relief, then flatteringly added, “It’s all thanks to Fifth Son Gu’s fame that I’ve been spared most of the trouble.”
Gu Fengjian straightened his posture slightly, his tone casual, “It’s nothing. You can pick any poems from the collection I keep in my study and recite them.”
Song Chuzhao uttered the phrase she had heard countless times, now a familiar refrain, “As expected of Fifth Son Gu!”
Fifth Son Gu looked at her thoughtfully, as if finding her a bit strange, then nodded, clearly pleased.