The two sat facing each other, the flickering candlelight illuminating their faces.
Song Chuzhao suddenly realized that there was just emptiness after boasting, leaving her speechless.
She could only turn her head and look at Gu Fengjian politely.
The dull yellow light fell on Gu Fengjian’s face, softening his features. He sat lazily in the chair, his eyes reflecting a nonchalant gaze.
Gu Fengjian’s fingers were slightly red from the cold because they had been exposed for a long time. Song Chuzhao noticed that he would occasionally warm his fingers with his palm, knowing that he was still sensitive to the cold.
She pulled a thick blanket and covered Gu Fengjian’s legs to keep him warm.
Gu Fengjian pulled the blanket up and smiled at her.
Finally, Song Chuzhao had something to say. She earnestly advised, “Fifth Son Gu, you should go to bed early. Every time I come, I see you staying up late. Are the books really that interesting?”
Gu Fengjian reached out and touched the book on the table: “Interesting. And there’s nothing else to do. They’re not as interesting as Huang Tao.”
Song Chuzhao asked in confusion, “Who is Huang Tao? A new friend you made? But I haven’t seen you go out to meet anyone.”
Gu Fengjian glanced at the name on the cover, flipped the book over, and calmly nodded: “Yes. Making friends through literature.”
Song Chuzhao smiled: “That’s great!“ by carpreads.pages.dev
Song Chuzhao’s voice was a little louder, and she suddenly heard a faint sound from outside. She was startled and quickly hid under the table.
After a while, the sound outside stopped.
She wasn’t sure what it meant, but it couldn’t be anything good.
As Song Chuzhao was about to leave, Gu Fengjian spoke again: “There’s one more thing I need to clarify with you. If someone deliberately makes things difficult for you… to be precise, for me. Should I pretend to be incompetent, or should I casually retort with a few words?”
Song Chuzhao didn’t hesitate: “Of course, you should retort!”
Gu Fengjian: “Aren’t you afraid that people will suspect something?”
Song Chuzhao said: “What’s there to suspect? They haven’t seen me write poetry, how would they know I’m not good at it? Even if it’s exposed later, just say you taught me. Since there are so many people pretending at the banquet, just add me to the list.”
Gu Fengjian thought it was feasible and simply hummed in agreement.
Song Chuzhao quietly slipped to the window: “I’m leaving now. I’ll come and pick you up on the day of the literary banquet.”
The people in the Gu Mansion seemed to be indifferent to the literary banquet. After Fan Chongqing mentioned it once, no one else showed any interest. Song Chuzhao took the opportunity to memorize several poems from Gu Fengjian’s collection, as well as two of his longer articles that he had casually jotted down elsewhere. Her mind, which usually disliked reading, became surprisingly enthusiastic after having a clear task. However, she was still quite apprehensive. After all, she was an honest person and had never walked this crooked path before.
Two days later, Fourth Son Gu brought over an invitation and casually threw it to her, shattering her belief that the matter was over.
Following closely, Ji Yutang sent a batch of gifts as a thank you for her previous defense of him.
It was said that this was the first time Gu Fengjian had received gifts from his peers, and Madam Gu was extremely excited, storing them all in the warehouse and keeping them separately.
Song Chuzhao actually wanted to have a conversation with Ji Yutang, because Fan Chongqing had said that Ji Yutang and his close circle were the most likely to cause trouble at the literary banquet. If she could reach a consensus with them, Song Chuzhao wouldn’t have to worry about anyone making things difficult for her at the banquet.
Unfortunately, Ji Yutang’s father believed that his son’s high-profile behavior had led to this trouble, and after getting angry, he confined him to his room, ordering him to reflect on his actions and forbidding him from going out until before the literary banquet.
Thus, Song Chuzhao welcomed in the day of the literary banquet.
The banquet was scheduled for the evening. While the sky was still gray, Fan Chongqing, as promised, came to the Gu Mansion to pick them up, carrying a lantern.
Song Chuzhao thought that Fan Chongqing’s so-called “accompanying” was simply a literal accompaniment. However, on the day of departure, he brought a group of brothers, and Fourth Son Gu also called a group of brothers. The two groups lined up neatly in front of the Gu Mansion, waiting for Song Chuzhao to leave with them, their spirits high.
All of them were young men from prominent families, and they had deliberately dressed in a somewhat luxurious manner for the banquet. They chose darker colors, their belts and crowns were adorned with gold and jade, and they carried exquisite and ornate paper lanterns in their hands, clearly indicating their noble status.
Two groups of people, one scholarly and one martial, their temperaments vastly different, both brimming with youthful vigor, their striking appearances drawing all eyes.
What a fine group of young men!
Song Chuzhao stood silently at the doorway for a moment, feeling the burning gazes of the onlookers, wishing she could slip away unnoticed. But Fan Chongqing wouldn’t give her the chance. As soon as he saw her, he grinned and sidled up to her, saying, “Fifth Brother, you’re finally here! Are you really going to wear that?”
Song Chuzhao was wearing her usual moon-white long robe. She didn’t like to wear jade ornaments because they were inconvenient for movement, so she wasn’t wearing any today.
Ordinarily, there was nothing wrong with her attire, but compared to these others, it seemed too plain, lacking the aura of wealth.
She had intended to be inconspicuous, to blend into the crowd, but she hadn’t considered that those attending the banquet were not part of the “crowd” at all. She stood out, instead.
Fourth Son Gu followed behind, laughing heartily, “My fifth brother is just going through the motions. Why dress so flamboyantly? Besides, even if he were wearing the simplest linen, it wouldn’t diminish his reputation. Who would dare ignore him?”
“That’s true,” Fan Chongqing said, admiringly. “Fifth Brother is truly detached from fame and fortune, unconcerned with such vanity!”
Song Chuzhao: “…” Not exactly.
She was eager to leave, so she gestured, “Let’s go.”
“Alright!” Fan Chongqing, strong as an ox, was carrying an animal-shaped copper lantern. He flicked his wrist, and the lantern swung rapidly, the flame dancing with it. He exclaimed excitedly, “Let’s go pick up Third Girl Song!”
Song Chuzhao: “…?” Gu Fengjian wouldn’t think she was an idiot, would he?
Song Chuzhao felt a mix of apprehension and hesitation. She couldn’t let Gu Fengjian go to the banquet alone, so despite her inner turmoil, she quickened her pace towards the He Mansion.
Gu Fengjian, having received word from the steward, came out quickly, his outer robe draped over his shoulders. Master He and Madam He came out with him.
The three of them were stunned by the sight of the large group of nearly twenty people at the doorway, speechless for a moment.
Fortunately, Fan Chongqing and the other younger generation were very polite, grinning foolishly, preventing the atmosphere from becoming awkward.
Gu Fengjian scanned the crowd, perplexed.
He had never been close to Fan Chongqing before, and these sons of high officials generally had their own pride, especially Fan Chongqing, who was arrogant and wouldn’t willingly associate with him. How had his circle of friends expanded so much in such a short time?
Didn’t Song Chuzhao say she was constantly being pressured by Duke Gu to study?
Gu Fengjian’s gaze lingered on Fan Chongqing for a moment, momentarily blinded by the other’s goofy grin.
It was one thing for Ji Yutang to be here, as a gesture of gratitude. But these two had just fought! And wasn’t Fan Chongqing at odds with his Fourth Brother?
Gu Fengjian shook his head, raising an eyebrow at Song Chuzhao in confusion. Song Chuzhao’s mind was filled with too much fragmented information, unable to grasp his meaning, so she raised an eyebrow in response.
Gu Fengjian was even more confused.
Chundong, seeing them exchanging knowing glances, smiled knowingly, a hint of world-weariness in her eyes.
Master He stroked his forehead, deep in thought, and walked forward, circling Song Chuzhao twice.
Song Chuzhao, feeling her grandfather’s intense gaze, forced herself to remain calm, turning to face him and offering a light smile of greeting.
Master He pointed at Fan Chongqing and the others, asking, “Did you call these people?”
Song Chuzhao considered her words, “To be honest, they are…” uninvited guests!
Fan Chongqing, standing beside her, was quicker to respond, slapping his chest and assuring him, “General He, rest assured, we have so many people here today to take Third Girl Song out, we will definitely keep a close eye on her, she won’t be bullied!”
The other brothers chimed in, pledging their loyalty.
“Since Third Girl is now part of the He family, she is also our sister. Master He, rest assured, we will take good care of her.”
“With so many of us going together, surely no one would be so blind as to dare to cause trouble for Third Miss.”
“Once the banquet is over today, we will safely escort Third Girl back.”
Song Chuzhao was overwhelmed by their noise, her ears buzzing, unable to breathe. She felt that Fifth Son Gu’s legendary reputation was about to be ruined.
Gu Fengjian’s expression remained calm, but his eyes held the same disarray. He kept his gaze fixed on Song Chuzhao, his intensity growing, making her feel self-conscious and unable to meet his eyes.
The scene had not yet concluded when Master He, whose face had been taut with tension, suddenly broke into a hearty laugh, his voice booming, “Good!”
He clapped a hand on Song Chuzhao’s shoulder, causing her whole body to tremble.
“You have a kind heart, Fifth Son Gu. Zhaozhao was right about you,” Master He chuckled. “Take her with you, but remember to return early.”
Madam He, standing on the steps above, also suppressed a smile.
Master He said, “Third Girl is returning to the capital, and there will be many things she is not accustomed to. I had planned to escort her myself, but now it seems I won’t need to. You can help her adjust. But remember, stay calm in any situation. Tonight’s literary and wine banquet is not a place for causing trouble. If you find yourselves unhappy, send Third Girl back immediately.”
Song Chuzhao bowed and replied, “Yes, Master He.”
Master He turned and beckoned to Gu Fengjian, “You young people, go ahead.”
Gu Fengjian descended slowly, Fan Chongqing and the others instinctively parted to create a path for them, allowing the two to walk in the center, while they followed behind, chuckling and jostling each other.
Song Chuzhao felt even more awkward.
Seeing her stiff muscles and almost helpless demeanor, Gu Fengjian lowered his head and noticed the paper lantern in her hand. He asked, “Don’t I have one?”
The lantern in Song Chuzhao’s hand was light, easy for anyone to carry. She quickly handed it over, saying, “You like it? Mine is yours.”
Gu Fengjian took it without hesitation.
Seeing this, Fan Chongqing and the others started making a ruckus behind them, emitting strange noises. Song Chuzhao turned and glared fiercely at them, and the mischievous boys quickly quieted down, whispering amongst themselves.
The crowd gradually moved towards the garden.
Gu Fengjian remained composed, seemingly unaffected by the antics of the group behind them. He seemed genuinely interested in the lantern in his hand, holding it between them and occasionally glancing at it.
Song Chuzhao leaned closer and whispered, “You’re not angry, are you?”
“Hm?” Gu Fengjian replied, “Why do you always think I’m angry?”
Song Chuzhao thought, There are many reasons to be angry, aren’t there? For example, a decent person would think she was being utterly “ridiculous.”
Gu Fengjian continued, “It’s like you always think I’m being bullied.”
Song Chuzhao said, “Isn’t that true?”
Gu Fengjian asked, “Do you really think so?”
Song Chuzhao exclaimed, “Don’t you realize it yourself?”
Gu Fengjian pondered for a moment, then gave a faint smile, “So, you had them make such a fuss to come and pick me up?”
Song Chuzhao glanced back at the group of younger men. Sensing her gaze, they all gave her friendly, radiant smiles. Their rows of white teeth, illuminated by the candlelight of the night, appeared eerie and sinister.
…She was rejecting them in her heart.
At that moment, they heard Gu Fengjian say, “There’s no need to do that next time. There are too many people.”
Song Chuzhao nodded, “I’ll remember that next time!”
She waited for a moment, realizing that Gu Fengjian didn’t say anything more about it, and she couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Everyone chatted and laughed, and before long, they arrived at the garden where the banquet was being held.
A group of Imperial Insignia Guards, their equipment gleaming, stood guard at the entrance, meticulously checking the identities of those entering.
The soldier reminded everyone that they were not allowed to bring weapons or sharp objects inside. Everyone lined up, willingly submitting to their search.
Fourth Son Gu nudged Song Chuzhao with his elbow, gesturing, “Look over there.”
Song Chuzhao followed his gaze and saw that Fu Changjun was actually there. He was originally sitting at a table inside, but now, having spotted them, he was already walking towards them.
Logically speaking, such a banquet wouldn’t require Fu Changjun’s presence. His appearance, whether it was at the behest of General He or because a distinguished guest was expected tonight, meant he was here to oversee security beforehand.
Seeing the other man heading straight for them, Fourth Son Gu sighed, “To marry into the He family, it’s truly not easy. Fifth Brother, you’re on your own.”
The actual daughter from the He family thought, oh, how difficult it is for me.