Volume One, Chapter 11: Making Second Aunt Swallow Her Bitterness in Silence

Gu Changning offered a sweet smile. "Second Aunt, as you said, Xingchen is now Father’s legal son. Is it not only natural for a father to discipline his own son?"

Madam He was stunned, not expecting such words from Gu Changning, who had previously been as silent as a mute. It seemed the eldest sister-in-law was right; in just a few days, Gu Changning had adopted the airs of a young mistress and become quite bossy.

Madam He grew increasingly displeased. "Who do you think you are? You aren't fit to speak to me. Tell Gu Jingzhi to come out and see me."

"Second Aunt, this is Green Bamboo Abode. Since Father and Brother are not available, it is only right that I fulfill the duties of a host." Gu Changning’s eyes remained bright and smiling, her tone neither servile nor overbearing.

"Is Gu Jingzhi blind, treating a jinx like you, whom everyone detests, as if you were a treasure? Xingchen is still being punished in the ancestral hall. Move aside—if Gu Jingzhi won't come out, I’ll go find him myself." With that, she tried to brush past Gu Changning to storm into Gu Jingzhi’s quarters.

Gu Changning placed her hands on her hips, looking adorably fierce. "Nanny Wen, stop her! Father just took his medicine and is resting."

Previously, Nanny Wen had only seen Gu Jingzhi as her master; now, she listened only to him and Gu Changning. Disturbed by Madam He’s clamor and worried it would ruin the Fourth Master’s peace, she didn't hesitate. At Gu Changning's command, she grabbed Madam He and pulled her away. Madam He, no match for the sturdy Nanny Wen who worked daily, was dragged straight to the side hall of Luming Pavilion.

"You base servant, daring to treat your mistress this way! Are you trying to rebel? I shall tell the First Madam about this immediately!" Madam He rubbed her sore wrists, cursing.

Gu Changning widened her innocent, doll-like eyes and remarked nonchalantly, "Second Aunt, Nanny Wen only brought you here to save you. If this matter were to reach First Uncle, it is you who would suffer the consequences."

"Don't try to scare me. Gu Jingzhi favors daughters over sons and mistreats his legal heir. I will go reason with the eldest brother." Madam He still held Gu Changning in utter contempt.

"Second Aunt, let me ask you: why did Father insist on adopting an heir?" Gu Changning tilted her head, smiling with feigned simplicity.

"Naturally, it was by the Emperor's grace and decree," Madam He replied, failing to see how this related to seeking justice for her son.

"You saw how much First Uncle cared about the adoption. Father was merely disciplining his own child. If you, ignoring his illness, create such a scene here at Luming Pavilion, what would First Uncle think of you when he hears of it?" Gu Changning’s demeanor shifted, her small face turning stern.

Even as foolish as Madam He was, she finally understood. Gu Jingzhi was highly favored by the Emperor; she could not afford to offend him. But what about her Xingchen?

Feeling frustrated, she heard Gu Changning add, "Second Aunt, Father said that since we are all family, there is no need to rush, but since you are here, we might as well settle everything at once. Nanny Wen, bring the list."

Looking at the long list in her hand, Madam He felt a chill run down her spine. Many of the items listed were things Gu Xingchen had moved from Green Bamboo Abode to their own quarters over the past few days.

Before she could find an excuse, Gu Changning continued, "Brother was just playing around and sent all these things to Cold Plum Abode. Nanny Wen, why don't you and Zimo go over later and bring them back? If there is anything you and Second Uncle particularly like, we can settle it in silver—we wouldn't want to ruin our family ties."

"Our Cold Plum Abode has never seen these things! Gu Xingchen is now a child of the Fourth Branch; why should we pay for what he took?" Those were all precious items, and Madam He had no intention of handing them over. Furthermore, she hadn't even seen many of the items on the list; Xingchen must have sold them, and she certainly didn't want to pay for his debts.

"It must be that Cold Plum Abode is so large that the Second Madam didn't notice. I happened to see this Eight-Treasure Ivory Pagoda there earlier. As it is an item bestowed by His Majesty, the matter is of great importance, so I brought it back first," Zimo interjected, leaving Madam He speechless.

"Second Aunt, though Brother was mischievous, fortunately, the news hasn't spread. If someone with ill intentions finds out and claims you incited him to do this, it will be impossible to clear your name! Zimo, you should go with Uncle Zhong and Nanny Wen to Cold Plum Abode and bring everything back. We cannot let this ruin the reputation of Second Uncle and his family," Gu Changning said, her tone dripping with an innocence that left no room for criticism.

"Gu Changning, you..." Madam He’s chest heaved with rage, but she could find no words to refute her.

"No need to be polite, Second Aunt. Father said that family scandals should not be aired in public. If you really can't find some of the items, paying for them is fine, too." Gu Changning had even considered an alternative for her.

After all that effort, Madam He had gained nothing and was even forced to pay out of her own pocket. She was truly at a loss for tears.

Once Madam He was dismissed, Gu Changning hurried to check on Gu Jingzhi. Although the incense had been changed, the damage to his health was not something that could be undone in a day, and he remained extremely weak. Nanny Wen, who usually stayed to serve him, had been sent by him to look after Changning, fearing she might be taken advantage of. Now, left alone, he was coughing miserably and struggling to reach the teacup on the table.

"Father, do you want some water? I'll pour it for you." Gu Changning, who had run back all the way, had fine beads of sweat on her forehead and the tip of her nose.

"Changning, did your Second Aunt give you any trouble?" Gu Jingzhi asked, his face full of concern.

"No, Second Aunt has gone home. She's even going to send back everything Brother took," Gu Changning said, tilting her head with a look of pure innocence.

"Changning, you are truly capable." Gu Jingzhi’s praise was heartfelt; his second sister-in-law was not an easy woman to handle.

"Father, we dismissed all the servants, which is indeed inconvenient. We really should hire some new ones. Tomorrow, let’s have Nanny Wen and Uncle Zhong go out and find a few." It was crucial to fill the vacancies quickly so that Li Nanzhi and the others couldn't plant more spies.

Gu Jingzhi used his handkerchief to wipe the sweat from her forehead, smiling as he said, "No hurry. I have already asked someone to look into it. The servants will arrive soon, and you can pick two maids you like then."

Gu Changning’s admiration for her father grew. Though he was confined to his bed, he had already made arrangements for the household. No wonder he had been so firm when dismissing the previous staff. With such a brilliant father, she must work harder to assist him as she had today, so as not to bring shame upon him.

As the father and daughter spoke, a voice carrying a cold, damp air drifted into the room. "Fourth Young Master Gu, to think there would come a day when you would need to ask for my help. How rare."

Gu Jingzhi curled his lips. "Prince Jin, you arrived so quickly. Don't tell me you’ve been waiting for my message all these years."

"In your dreams. I was simply bored and came to watch the fun. Tell me, how did you suddenly get so clever and decide to replace all the servants in your manor?" Prince Jin said, seating himself beside Gu Jingzhi without invitation.

Gu Changning watched the two exchange barbs. Though their words were sharp, it was clear they shared a profound bond. Prince Jin was strikingly handsome, dressed in a vibrant red robe, his lips painted, his nails stained with balsam, and his jet-black hair flowing freely, making it difficult to discern his gender.

Gu Changning stepped forward and said sweetly, "Beautiful Uncle, you must be Father’s good friend, right?"