Three Wives and Four Concubines in the Dream of the Red Chamber

Page 139

"What are you planning to do then? What are you looking at! Do you think no one knows? Tell me, I don't believe Lord Lin would be so kind as to let his daughter be a concubine."

Gu Yu raised his head and looked at Jiang Zhi carefully. His pale yellow brocade robe did indeed give him an air of nobility, but his mouth and crooked sitting posture reminded him of his friend Li Wensong, which seemed rather casual.

"Does Your Highness believe that His Majesty would be willing to make the Princess a concubine?"

"Humph!"

Jiang Zhi almost laughed out of anger, but then realized that the question was sarcastic and stupid. He immediately bared his teeth and claws, as if he was about to unleash a thunderous rage.

Gu Yu remained unmoved, took another breath, and then steered the conversation in another direction:

"It's almost Mid-Autumn Festival, why hasn't Your Highness returned to the capital yet? It's said that the First Prince and the others have already arrived in the capital."

Jiang Zhi waved his hand dismissively and snorted coldly:

"The major corruption case in Suzhou is still unresolved; how can I just walk away like this?"

What a joke! Wouldn't it be boring to be locked up in the capital? Now that we've finally managed to sneak out, it's one thing to miss the scenery of the North, but we should definitely experience the beauty of the Jiangnan water towns.

"So he wasn't a good-for-nothing who just loafed around waiting to die after all..."

Gu Yu pouted regretfully, indicating that he couldn't get along with this kind of person. Wouldn't it be better to just give up? He wished he could stay in his group of girlfriends all day and never come out. Why would someone be so keen on going out?

"However, it's no fun to be alone for too long. You should hurry up and settle the accounts with me and go to Suzhou to take down these corrupt officials before you can return to the capital."

"Hmm? Your Highness can go to Suzhou yourself, what does it have to do with me?"

Gu Yu was completely baffled. He had only come out as a mascot, to help Lin Ruhai and visit his widowed father-in-law. Why was he being asked to go to Suzhou again?

Even if I go back to my ancestral home, it has nothing to do with Jiang Zhi, right?

"What does this have to do with you? Hmph, more than half of the officials in Suzhou have problems these days. Your family has lived in Suzhou for generations, how could you be uninvolved? Although there's not much going on in Suzhou itself, the new prefect of Suzhou is a disciple of Wenzheng Gong. If you don't step in, who else but my father can get him to do this?"

"...The world is driven by profit, and Your Highness is surely well aware of this. Now that my Gu family has declined, how could the Prefect possibly risk everything for a mere child like me?"

In officialdom, there is a strong emphasis on mutual protection among officials, and there is a saying that officials are not as good as clerks. Even a powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake. Newly appointed prefects and local officials can simply finish their terms in harmony. How many people are truly passionate enough to criticize the ills of the times?

Even though she has been living in Daqian for several years now, and has the unwavering loyalty of Gu Zhong and others, Gu Yu still subconsciously holds a pessimistic attitude.

After all, if you live in an era where kindness is celebrated and praised, you will naturally assume that evil is the norm.

"You lazy brat! With me here, what are you afraid of? This action is in accordance with the will of Heaven and the people. Even if the prefect of Suzhou is unwilling, he has to do his part. Otherwise, if people find out, he will disregard Heaven, Earth, the Emperor, his parents, and his teachers. How will he face the world then?!"

Is this... moral blackmail?

Gu Yu watched as Jiang Zhi excitedly stood up and began to speak with great confidence, her face blank with surprise. She hadn't expected that this seemingly foolish man wasn't so stupid after all.

But this would mean working for free again, yet her conscience wouldn't allow her to ignore it. Gu Yu struggled for a long time, trying to find another way to resolve the situation:

“My uncle has been serving as an official alone for the past few years. Now that it’s the Mid-Autumn Festival, I would like to be with him to show my filial piety. Why don’t you go alone, Your Highness? I will ask my grandfather, Wen Bao, for help. I’m sure the prefect will agree.”

"I command you to come along. Do you intend to disobey my order?"

Jiang Zhi pulled out his trump card, sat down in the chair with a smug look on his face.

In the capital, he was always the one who obeyed orders. When has he ever had the chance to give orders like this? Maybe he shouldn't go back?

What's more, this kid wants to be my brother-in-law, so I have to give him a good beating.

Gu Yu's lips twitched. In all these years, apart from Xue Pan, that idiot, he had never seen anyone act so foolishly in front of him. Was this guy really a prince?

Taking advantage of Jiang Zhi's blinking moment, Gu Yu put down her teacup, casually wiped a finger with tea, symbolically covered her eyes with her sleeve, and then wiped her eyes with a pained expression.

“It is not that I am disobeying the imperial decree, but that I have been away from my hometown for many years and no one has come to worship at my ancestral hall. I am on my way home to mourn my ancestors. I have heard that the Holy Dynasty governs the country with loyalty and filial piety and will not harm people’s ancestral worship. I believe Your Highness can also set an example.”

Jiang Zhi stared blankly, his mouth agape. He looked at the teacup on the table, then at Gu Yu's eyes, which were glistening with "tears," and felt as if his intelligence had been insulted.

You only managed to block half of it, didn't you? Playing around like that in front of me?

Gu Yu's accusation was too harsh, and Jiang Zhi couldn't utter a word after trying for a long time. He could only let out a vicious snort.

Just as he was about to utter a few harsh words, a sudden inspiration struck him, and Jiang Zhi couldn't help but chuckle. Then, he sighed in a mocking manner:

“Well said! It’s a pity I wanted to talk to Young Master Gu about my younger sister. When I visited her last time, I saw how thin she had become. It’s a pity that even if there were good medicines in this deep palace, it would be difficult to get them in… Oh well, I’ll just say I misspoke.”

"Lord Wenzheng is a man of noble character and lofty integrity, with profound knowledge and high moral standing. My grandfather and father also greatly admire him. Now that I have come to Jiangnan, I should naturally go and pay my respects. I'm sure Young Master Gu will not refuse me entry, will he?"

"...It would be my great honor."

Gu Yu cupped his hands in greeting, but a tangential topic suddenly popped into his mind.

"No wonder the scholar-official class always tries to usurp the emperor's power. If they encountered such a foolish emperor, probably no one would sleep soundly..."

Chapter Three: Is this something we can talk about?

In the following days, Gu Yu finally understood why Lin Ruhai had almost fled in panic that day.

It's said that good women are afraid of persistent suitors, but even a good man like him is afraid.

Every morning, this guy would come over and pollute Gu Yu's ears. From the grand arrangements in Suzhou to the small details of the patterns on the teacup lid, Jiang Zhi could talk about everything with great enthusiasm for half a day. It was as if he had been locked up in prison, with endless things to say.

Unfortunately, this guy was not only a prince, but also Gu Yu's brother-in-law. Gu Yu was too embarrassed to put on a stern face and treat him coldly, so he could only put on a pained mask and chat with him.

In this way, Jiang Zhi was like a wild horse that had been unleashed and had seen the grassland. He felt that Gu Yu was truly a man of great insight. No matter what he said, Gu Yu could always respond and would often come up with insightful remarks. He was much more capable than those pedantic scholars!

In just a few days, Jiang Zhi's address to Gu Yu had changed from "Young Master Gu" to "Brother-in-law," then to "Brother-in-law," and finally to "Good Brother," almost to the point of wanting to become sworn brothers.

By the seventh day of the eighth lunar month, the accountants had just finished calculating the accounts for the past few years and hurriedly came to report back.

Lin Ruhai sat in the main seat, reviewed the summary, asked a few more questions, and then waved his hand to signal the accountant to leave.

"It seems some people have become increasingly audacious over the past eight years..."

Even Jiang Zhi, who was listening in, showed a rare, serious murderous intent on his handsome face:

"They are even more greedy in years of famine, exceeding even the limits of years of plenty. Aren't they afraid that the people will reach their breaking point?"

The bad debts calculated so far, not to mention the empty accounts kept by several large counties, include those of smaller counties whose accounts were exposed. The amount has increased year after year, from a few hundred thousand eight years ago to nearly ten thousand, reaching new highs. Last year's floods further exacerbated the situation.

Natural disasters and man-made calamities already exist, and if corrupt officials were to exploit people on such a large scale... Jiang Zhi, having read the classics thoroughly, naturally understood the severity of the situation.

I've probably seen quite a few of Lord Lin's calm and collected demeanor from last year.

Thinking of this, Jiang Zhi suddenly froze, then stood up with a wry smile and bowed to Lin Ruhai in apology:

"It turns out that I alerted them and made them unprepared. I am truly sorry for Lord Lin's arrangements."

"Your Highness need not blame yourself. Your Highness has a pure heart and loves the people like your own children. This is the blessing of the people. As for those villains, the net of heaven is vast and its meshes are wide, yet nothing escapes it. No matter whether they are on guard or not, they will not be able to escape in the end."

Gu Yu couldn't help but twitch her lips, feeling that Lin Ruhai's words seemed to be an insult to Jiang Zhi, calling him an idiot.

"Although it's a bit troublesome now, it might be a good thing to involve the Suzhou prefect. We might lose one thing but gain another, which would be better for the people of Suzhou."

Jiang Zhi's self-reproachful expression finally softened considerably. He gratefully cupped his hands towards Lin Ruhai and sat down in his chair, somewhat lost in thought.

Lin Ruhai glanced at him indifferently, then chuckled and looked at Gu Yu, saying:

"The Mid-Autumn Festival is just a few days away, and the Slender West Lake is bustling with activity. Why don't you accompany His Highness to relax? It would also relieve some of the anxiety and sleepless nights that are causing some of us to worry."

Gu Yu was startled. His father-in-law wanted him to take people out for a drinking party?!

Although it was considered elegant and refined for a scholar to go out for drinks and entertainment in this day and age, he was still thinking about seducing other people's daughters, so how could he just agree to it so casually?

His handsome eyes held a mixture of resistance, disdain, difficulty, and hesitation. Gu Yu lowered his head slightly, using all his charm to make Lin Ruhai see his inner thoughts. He then glanced casually at the Eighth Prince beside him before taking a deep breath and nodding painfully, as if sacrificing himself for others.

"Since my uncle has given the order, I will naturally obey."

"..."

Lin Ruhai closed his eyes, feeling a headache coming on. Did this kid think he was stupid? He'd always been a little devil since he was a child, and now he was becoming even more unruly.

However, he also knew that Gu Yu was usually very virtuous and upright. Although he had gone too far in his actions, he understood Gu Yu's intentions and felt much more at ease. He said a few more words to Gu Yu.

"Good to know... Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, have you written a letter and sent it back? There is an urgent report to be sent to the capital tomorrow, you can send it along the way."

"Thank you for your kindness, Uncle, but I sent it back on my way here."

Gu Yu watched as Lin Ruhai's smile froze completely, replaced by a complex expression of feeling like his own cabbage had been stolen. He gave an awkward, dry laugh.

Does this count as stealing the father-in-law's thunder?

Fortunately, the silent atmosphere was quickly broken by the stunned Jiang Zhi standing beside him:

"I was so preoccupied with Suzhou that I almost forgot about this! Lord Lin, could you lend me your pen and ink? I can also send them back to the capital with your help, which will ease my longing for my family."

"Your Highness is devoted to the people. I'm sure His Majesty and the Empress will find it comforting that they won't be able to see Your Highness personally present gifts this Mid-Autumn Festival."

Watching the two move away while they were talking, Gu Yu shrank back and breathed a sigh of relief, but soon became smug again.

Now that he's shown off his affection in front of Lin Ruhai without any major reaction, does that mean he's completely won over his future father-in-law? Does that mean he can bully Lin Ruhai even more recklessly from now on?

After a long and tiring journey, Gu Yu soon became exhausted and followed the steward to the familiar Qingfeng Courtyard. After tidying up briefly, she fell into a deep sleep.

It wasn't until the servants woke Gu Yu at mealtime that she stretched, got up sleepily, dressed with the help of her maid, and headed straight for the main hall.

"Speaking of which, wouldn't you say we lied to Xiangling and the others?"

Still a little groggy from just waking up, Gu Yu blew in the evening breeze, staring at the little maid leading the way, when suddenly this thought flashed through her mind.

He was just coaxing those two girls, saying he'd only ever want them to serve him for the rest of his life, but... what's wrong with getting dressed? It's not like he's warming the bed—and warming the bed isn't a big deal, it's not like he's sleeping with them!

Upon arriving at the main hall, Gu Yu finally saw Sun Lingxu, who was sitting in a seat looking at Lin Ruhai with a look of disdain and saying something. Hearing the noise at the door, he turned around and his face immediately lit up with joy.

"Yu'er is here? You're finally back!"

Compared to a few years ago, Sun Lingxu hasn't changed much, except that his hair has turned a bit grayer. He looks energetic and is indeed a renowned and skilled doctor.

Gu Yu couldn't help but feel a little excited. She went over and kowtowed respectfully, but Sun Ling hurriedly pulled her up and kept greeting her.

"He's grown quite a bit taller... and his yang energy is much stronger! Hai-ge'er, look at this nose, doesn't it look like Ning Xiu when he was young? His eyes are starting to look more and more like his mother's, but thankfully he still has some scholarly air about him."

Lin Ruhai stared silently at Gu Yu beside Sun Lingxu, his expression dazed, as if he were truly seeing the shadow of his elder brother Gu from back then, and for a moment he was lost in thought.

After Sun Lingxu finally stopped talking, she noticed Lin Ruhai's strange expression and rolled her eyes in annoyance, saying:

"Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner. Are you putting on such a sour face for me or for Yu'er? It's been so many years. If you're really unhappy, then hurry up and marry Yu'er off to us. Also, search for ten or eight beauties in Jiangnan and make the Gu family line flourish. That's the proper thing to do."

hiss~

Gu Yu gasped inwardly. This old man was terrifying! He actually wanted her future father-in-law to help find a concubine? Should she refuse?

Chapter Four: The Unexpected Girls

Gu Yu ate the welcome-home banquet without any appetite, only listening intently to Lin Ruhai and Sun Lingxu's exchange.

Although he secretly cheered Sun Lingxu on, when Lin Ruhai subtly hinted that Gu Yu was very lucky in love and then glanced at him, Gu Yu had no choice but to express his opinion on the spot and dissuade Sun Lingxu from taking the initiative to make several good marriages.

After the strange yet heartwarming dinner was finished, Lin Ruhai called Gu Yu, who was about to leave, and led him to the study.

The spacious study was now piled with even more files, but Gu Yu glanced over and immediately spotted the calligraphy copybook on the shelf closest to the desk. It was the one she had copied from Daiyu's calligraphy years ago, and judging by its thickness, both copies should be there.

Lin Ruhai didn't notice Gu Yu's gaze behind him. After walking around several rows of bookshelves, he quietly opened a hidden compartment, took out a booklet, stared at it for a long time, and then called Gu Yu over in a low voice.

Across several rows of bookshelves, the broken light shone into the innermost corner, adding a touch of seriousness to Lin Ruhai's expression. His usually gentle and refined gaze now seemed somewhat sharp, causing Gu Yu to involuntarily straighten her posture.

“Yu’er…you are now fourteen. As the sage said, at fifteen one should be devoted to learning. Unfortunately, I cannot keep you for a few more months. I must give you my instructions ahead of time.”

Stroking the brocade book in his hand, Lin Ruhai looked lost and confused, unsure whether he was right or wrong.

"Your life has been full of hardships since childhood, but the more hardships you've endured, the sooner you should understand the ways of the world. I know your heart; you only wish for a peaceful life, but being born into the Gu family, how can you have what you desire?"

Gu Yu relaxed his breathing, as if realizing something, and couldn't help but glance at the booklet in Lin Ruhai's hand. The next moment, Lin Ruhai handed it over, gesturing for him to take it.

"Although with your intelligence, even if you weren't born into this wealthy family, just the perfume shops and restaurants you run would have guaranteed you a life of success and comfort. But since you're born into the Gu family, you should bear both the family's fortunes and misfortunes."

"These are the relatives and friends I've compiled over the years. Although Gu Zhong remembers them, these official changes are difficult to investigate in a short time. You just need to memorize these and ignore everything else."

"Uncle, this..."

Gu Yu's hand trembled, almost dropping the thing; it was practically a bomb! Before he could speak, Lin Ruhai waved his hand and said:

"You used to only want to live a peaceful and uneventful life. Even though it tarnished the reputation of the Gu family, as long as you lived a safe and peaceful life, that was fine. But now His Majesty intends to marry the eldest princess to you. Do you think you can still stay out of it?"

Seeing that Gu Yu's expression didn't change much, clearly indicating that he was already prepared, Lin Ruhai nodded secretly and then offered a further suggestion:

"Now everyone who's after the Gu family knows you. The tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease. It's time for you to step forward and take up the Gu family's banner. Do you still remember Zhu Xin?"

"Zhu Xin? What happened to him?"

"He is a twelfth-generation descendant of Zhu Xi, and his father, Zhu Yong, is currently the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. Zhu Xi also studied under your Gu family's ancestor back then, but later, in order to promote Neo-Confucianism, Zhu Xi disregarded the past teacher-student relationship and openly insulted his late teacher's daughter's remarriage, thus creating a grudge with the Gu family."

"Over the years, the Zhu family has managed to survive despite the Gu family's covert suppression, thanks to their status as enshrined in the Confucian Temple. Back when you were at the Imperial Academy, he might not have known your identity, but now he has probably already figured out the history between the two families. Once you enter the Hanlin Academy after the imperial examination, there will be another round of struggle."

So this is your estate and the estate tax you have to pay?