Beneath the Surface Chapter 38

Those words stunned Song Chuzhao, leaving her momentarily speechless. Gu Fengjian, however, noticeably paused in his movements.

The attention of both was drawn to the sound, and they pricked up their ears to listen to the discussion outside.

Another person in the shop asked, “What’s wrong with Third Miss Song?”

“What woman in the world is like her, always showing her face in public? In my opinion, it was a terrible mistake for General Song to bring her to the border. I heard she even learned martial arts, and she can take on three opponents at once. It’s clear she has a very fierce temper. Besides, as the saying goes, ’the writing reflects the person.’ Look at her messy handwriting, you can tell that Third Miss Song is not a kind person.”

“That’s right. Look at Second Miss Song, raised in the capital since she was young, she is gentle and refined, knowledgeable and courteous. Even her speech is soft and gentle, that’s what a lady of a noble family should be like. How can Third Miss Song compare? She’s so fierce, who would dare to marry her? Even if they marry her into their family, they still have to worry about not being able to control her, losing face.”

“Third Miss Song is already engaged, why are you so worried?”

“It’s said to be engaged, but have you seen anyone from the Duke’s Mansion come to deliver the betrothal gifts in all this time? It’s clearly a delaying tactic. But it’s understandable, if I were the head of the Gu family, I would be afraid of her too. With her family background, once she enters the Duke Gu’s mansion, there will be no turning back! Think about it, will she manage the household? Will she govern the servants? Will she handle domestic affairs? Will she be a good wife and mother? Such a girl, even if she becomes a wife and mother in the future, will be wild and untamed. If she raises a lawless child, wouldn’t it be a misfortune for the family?!”

“That’s true, women should just stay at home and be quiet, don’t go out and cause trouble.”

“Besides, women who practice martial arts, they probably won’t be good at giving birth, right? So what am I marrying her for? How can I face my ancestors?”

The crowd nodded and sighed in agreement, as if they were worried for Fifth Son Gu.

Song Chuzhao’s fingers holding the chopsticks gradually turned white from the force. She didn’t notice until she realized that the wooden chopsticks in her hand had been broken in two.

Song Chuzhao heard the sound and quickly looked down. She silently placed the chopsticks in the corner, took out a new pair, and smiled awkwardly at the person across from her, “Don’t mind them. They are just a bunch of useless gossips. Let’s eat.”

Gu Fengjian stared at her and said, “I thought you would go out and argue with them.”

Song Chuzhao hesitated, her expression changing drastically for a moment. It was as if she was so angry that she wanted to vent, but then she thought of something and forcibly suppressed it on the verge of an outburst, finally settling into a kind of restrained calmness.

She poked the plate in front of her with her chopsticks and said listlessly, “It’s not worth it to argue with them.”

If she were alone, if she were still Song Chuzhao, she might have really couldn’t help but rush over and fight. After beating them up, she would feel good and leave.

But now she was in Gu Fengjian’s body. by carpreads.pages.dev

The last time she fought in the tavern, she had already caused trouble for Gu Fengjian. Now, the people talking bad about her were some of the most active scholars in the capital, and what they said was the common sentiment of many men. If she just rushed over, she would be offending most of the literati in the capital on behalf of Gu Fengjian.

She wasn’t afraid of trouble, but she was afraid of causing trouble for others.

The mouths of these “literati” were even more gossipy, poisonous, and cruel than the “women” they spoke of. Once you get involved, they will be a nuisance for the rest of your life.

Song Chuzhao took a deep breath and forced a smile, “Most of those who have the time to sit here and talk big are just a bunch of sour scholars who are frustrated and unsuccessful. Why bother with them?”

Gu Fengjian just looked at her silently. Those eyes were extremely clear, as if they could see through her thoughts, making Song Chuzhao’s smile almost impossible to maintain.

Song Chuzhao simply stopped smiling.

Gu Fengjian suddenly stood up and picked up the teapot on the table with one hand.

Song Chuzhao tensed up, “What are you doing?”

Gu Fengjian strode to the middle of the hall, pushed aside a few people on the outside, and stepped forward.

His appearance was extremely abrupt. A group of men suddenly had a woman among them, and everyone naturally stopped talking and noticed him. Some even deliberately stepped back to give him space to move.

The middle-aged man who was surrounded saw that Gu Fengjian had a smile on his face and an elegant appearance. He thought that the other party was admiring him and came to deliver tea, so he raised his chin arrogantly and proudly, asking, “Miss, what can I do for you?”

Gu Fengjian directly poured the teapot towards the man’s face, then threw the empty pot to the ground, revealing a cold smile.

The tea had been sitting for a while, although not boiling hot, it was still warm. The middle-aged man’s skin instantly felt a burning sensation. He covered his face and quickly backed away, knocking over the wooden chair behind him, screaming incoherently, “What are you doing! Assault in public, quickly report it, report it!”

Everyone was caught off guard, and there was a commotion, but no one ran out to report the incident.

Song Chuzhao stood frozen in the back, stunned by Gu Fengjian’s aura of “Keep Away.”

Gu Fengjian patted the nonexistent dirt on his hand and said coldly, “I saw you had just gulped down a mouthful of water, and I was afraid you’d dry up. Come here, I’ll give you a refill.”

The middle-aged man’s fingers trembled as he peered at him through his fingers, roaring, “You—you woman, how vicious you are!”

Gu Fengjian scoffed, “You lot, these scholars, are allowed to spout all sorts of scandalous gossip in public, and you even take pride in it, reveling in it. But you won’t allow me to cleanse your mind of this filth? I’m afraid if you keep talking, your ancestors will be rising from the grave in anger.”

One man pointed at her and asked, “Who are you? We’re just having a casual conversation, what business is it of yours?”

Gu Fengjian was not afraid. He took a step closer to the man who had spoken, his face disdainful. “I dare to say it loud and clear, I am Third Girl Song. If you have the guts, then tell me your name.”

The man, upon hearing his identity, mumbled and faltered, his bravado gone. He was indeed afraid of being remembered by him.

The man who had been splashed with water refused to give up. He excitedly called out to the crowd, “Everyone, look! This is Third Girl Song! My earlier suspicions were right. Now it seems she’s not only immoral, but she even commits assault in broad daylight! She is Third Girl Song!”

Song Chuzhao wanted to step forward, but Gu Fengjian stopped her with a look.

Song Chuzhao wanted to say that in this world, women scolding men is useless. They were arrogant and self-righteous, always finding loopholes in logic. They loved to use the names of saints to mock women. Whether they win or lose the argument in the end, they would never admit fault. Arguing with them would only hurt him.

Gu Fengjian waved his hand, signaling her not to worry. He strolled leisurely to the table and sat down at the empty seat at the head of the table.

“If you hadn’t been gossiping about me behind my back, why would I have to confront you? You’re not ashamed, but you dare to accuse others. You truly are the epitome of a villain.”

The middle-aged man asked, “What do you disagree with?”

Gu Fengjian: “Ridiculous. What do I need to agree with?”

The middle-aged scholar wiped his face vigorously, cleaning off the water. He rushed forward, placing both hands on the table, his voice low and gloomy. “You woman, you have no virtue at all. A group of men like us are sitting here discussing philosophy, and you dare to barge in without any regard for propriety. I said I couldn’t marry you, Third Girl Song, where was I wrong? Do you even know what shame is?”

Gu Fengjian lifted his eyelids, “It’s not that you can’t marry me, it’s that you can’t afford me. You can’t afford me because you’re a good-for-nothing. Don’t blame others for your own failings. You have the audacity to act up in front of me, why should I feel ashamed?”

The middle-aged man, insulted and humiliated, laughed angrily, “You woman, you have such audacity! Is this the Song family’s teaching?”

“Don’t tell me about family teachings, I’m more curious about your family’s morals.” Gu Fengjian lowered his gaze and rubbed his index finger. “Your parents gave you your body and skin, your teacher taught you to read and write, but in the end, you have no skills. The only thing you have is your tongue. Not only is it long¹, but it’s also too talkative. Unfortunately, a tongue that speaks too much is useless. I wonder what kind of family morals produced this? I’d like to see for myself.”

The middle-aged man’s breathing became rapid, he almost collapsed. He clutched his chest, stammering “You, you, you,” but couldn’t continue.

Song Chuzhao stood outside the crowd, awestruck. Even her steps became cautious. She looked at Gu Fengjian, her gaze now one of admiration. She inexplicably felt that the figure sitting there was incredibly tall.

How could someone be so eloquent in their insults, yet still maintain their dignity?

…Truly worthy of being Fifth Son Gu!

However, there were many people standing in the shop. One person fell, and another immediately stepped forward to be scolded.

A scholar in white said, “Third Girl Song, he did criticize you today, his words were inappropriate, he was indeed wrong. But women should act like women. Look at your current behavior, what kind of decorum is that? Your actions are not only embarrassing him, but also embarrassing yourself.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Gu Fengjian turned to look at him and asked, “What is a woman supposed to do?”

One person jumped in and said, “Third Girl Song, perhaps you haven’t read any books. The ‘Rites of Zhou’ says, ‘The way of women’s learning is in their virtue, their speech, their appearance, and their skills.’”

He puffed out his chest, putting on airs as he added, “Perhaps you don’t understand. Simply put, it means you should be obedient, listen to your husband, manage the household, educate your children, and don’t cause trouble outside. You should also be modest and proper, and uphold your principles. Even if you can’t do all of these things, at least speak less and make fewer mistakes. Don’t make your husband lose face.”

Another person chimed in, “Men work hard outside to support the family, and when they come home tired, if they see you being so arrogant and unruly, how can the family be peaceful? Do you understand now?”

Gu Fengjian smiled, “I really don’t understand.”

The disdain in his eyes was sharp and piercing. He sneered, “Toiling away outside? I wonder what exactly you’ve been toiling away at. Have you been busy belittling others to elevate yourselves during your prime? Or have you wasted your lives, laboring without merit, so you can only deceive yourselves, tarnishing the reputation of the sages to gain fame for yourselves? Truly, you’ve been toiling, toiling away at your own conscience.”

The man pointed an accusing finger, “Third Girl Song!”

Gu Fengjian said, “Tell me, what exactly is wrong with Third Girl Song, the one you all slander and deem unworthy? I ask you, is it wrong to guard one’s home and defend one’s country? Is it wrong to station the border? Is it wrong to save the people? Is it wrong to protect the nation? In the eyes of the emperor, have sages ever distinguished between men and women? In the face of righteousness, have the sages ever mentioned a woman’s place? How dare you speak with such certainty and slander her innocence?”

One of them tried to speak, but Gu Fengjian raised his hand to stop him, signaling him to be quiet. He continued, “‘A gentleman is slow to speak but quick to act.’ You are the opposite. You only know how to scold, but you don’t know how to do anything. What right do you have to mention the names of sages? When you have earned your fame and can serve the country, then you can talk about toiling.”

The scholar said, “We study hard, and our desire is to serve our country! The future is bright, which is better than being a woman like you!”

Gu Fengjian laughed, “‘Ten years in Chang’an to win the top prize, so why bother with empty ambition?’ Be realistic. Don’t make a fool of yourself.”

“Even if we haven’t achieved fame yet, I wouldn’t let the women in my family go out and expose themselves, violating propriety. If this continues, our family will be in turmoil, how can we worry about national affairs?”

Gu Fengjian seemed tired and uttered a single sentence, “‘A gentleman seeks perfection in himself, a petty person seeks it in others.’”

The scholar angrily brushed his sleeve, “No matter how eloquent you are, you can’t twist right into wrong. You can argue all you want, but ask everyone here, how do they see you?”

“‘The skin of a thousand sheep is not as valuable as the fur of a fox; the agreement of a thousand people is not as good as the honest opinion of one scholar.’ " Gu Fengjian said, “You are all of the same ilk. What you say doesn’t matter, it has nothing to do with right or wrong.”

“You’ve taken all the reasonings for yourself, leaving yourself completely blameless. Do you think you’re without fault? Is it all our fault?”

Gu Fengjian lifted his foot, “‘Be strict with yourself and lenient with others, and you will avoid resentment.’”

“Third Girl Song!” A Confucian scholar, unwilling to accept defeat, rolled up his sleeves, his face flushed, “I refuse to believe I can’t argue with you!”

But he truly couldn’t argue with her.

Gu Fengjian had them jumping up and down, one round after another. No matter how angrily they spoke, Gu Fengjian could always shut them down with a light, casual remark.

More and more bystanders gathered, and the contrast between the two sides became increasingly stark.

One side was flustered and embarrassed, the other calm and composed. The scholars, who usually enjoyed their pretentious elegance, were like sick men, reduced to a single word: “crazy.”

Laughter erupted. These scholars finally understood. How could Third Girl Song be as ignorant as the rumors said? Judging from her responses and demeanor, she must have read through the Confucian classics. Her knowledge was vast and she knew them by heart. Perhaps… perhaps she was no less than them.

They had miscalculated!

They were considered somewhat famous in their field, but this was the first time they had suffered such a humiliating defeat. If they ended up in such a sorry state, how could they maintain their standing in the capital?

Only then did someone call out Song Chuzhao. It was unclear if they had just noticed her or if they felt it was necessary to open their eyes.

“Fifth Son Gu, you’re here!”

Song Chuzhao was watching with great interest, her heart pounding with excitement. When someone called out to her, she reluctantly nodded.

The group of scholars, as if they had found their direction, surged towards her, trembling, “Fifth Son Gu, did you hear her outrageous words?”

“I heard them.” Song Chuzhao thought to herself, I need to read more. Otherwise, she’d only be able to say such, “That all makes sense!”

Her four resounding words left them speechless. The scholars, shocked, exclaimed, “Fifth Son Gu, are you crazy too?”

No, Fifth Son Gu had just been battling with you!

Song Chuzhao asked, “Which of his words do you think were unreasonable?”

Gu Fengjian had mostly just quoted others. Picking apart his words would be another endless debate.

Song Chuzhao said, “If I wanted to stop him, I would have done so long ago. I’ve been watching from the sidelines because I think he’s right. Thank you for your concern, but there’s no need. I, Fifth Son Gu, admire his ambition. I won’t confine him because of someone’s words. I don’t think it’s a matter of pride to tame a woman. I don’t need a woman to uphold my family’s reputation or bear the blame. I take responsibility for my own actions and accept the consequences.”

Gu Fengjian turned his head, meeting her gaze. He smiled brightly, saying, “That’s right. I believe Fifth Son Gu truly is like that.”

His eyes were so bright they seemed to burn. Song Chuzhao had just finished praising him indirectly, but when he looked at her like that, she opened her mouth, but couldn’t continue. She touched her ear, shifting her gaze away, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed.

Everyone was completely helpless against the two of them.

The middle-aged Confucian scholar said, “You two are so arrogant, are you really not afraid? Have you ever heard the saying, ‘Fear the whispers of the people’?”

“‘You, with your bodies and names, will perish, but the great river flows on forever.’ " Gu Fengjian said instinctively, “I really don’t believe that you, a useless person, could ever leave your name in history.”

The group of people’s faces turned pale, almost choking on their anger.

Song Chuzhao still said the same thing, as if she wanted to repeat it a thousand times in Gu Fengjian’s ear to express her feelings. She said heavily, “You’re right!”

Gu Fengjian brushed his robe, stood up, and walked towards Song Chuzhao.

He said each word clearly, “Today, I want to tell you all that Third Girl Song can do whatever she wants. Her freedom has nothing to do with gender. I don’t care about other people’s opinions, and I don’t need to. There aren’t that many right and wrong in the world, I just need to stick to my heart.”

He stood in front of Song Chuzhao, his deep eyes filled with encouragement, and asked, “Do you care?”

Song Chuzhao took a deep breath, listening to her own heart pounding in her chest, and answered loudly, “Of course I don’t care!” She couldn’t help but laugh.

Seeing that her mood was finally no longer gloomy, Gu Fengjian also smiled, saying, “Let’s go then.”

The two of them walked out, ignoring the stares of everyone around them.

After crossing the threshold, Song Chuzhao looked back and saw that everyone was still staring at them with hostility. She grabbed Gu Fengjian and said, “Run!”

Gu Fengjian didn’t know why she wanted to run, but he let her pull him, and they started running.

The two of them ran away from the garden and the restaurant, and finally stopped on another street.

Author’s Note:

Gu Fengjian: Why are we running?

Song Chuzhao: After showing off, you have to run away, it’s a fixed process.