Chapter 12


In the evening, after paying respects at the Hall of Longevity and Peace, Gu Xiyan was about to return when the Fifth Young Mistress stopped her and quietly asked if she would like to accompany her to Taihe Hall to greet Princess Ruiqing.

Gu Xiyan was puzzled,



“Just the two of us?” Under the Ancestral Matriarch, there are three branches: Princess Rui’an belongs to the eldest branch, while the Fourth and Fifth Young Madams are from the second branch.



Only she herself is from the third branch.



By convention, with the entire large family residing in the same mansion and still undivided, and now the eldest aunt’s health ailing, as juniors, it is only right and proper for them to visit and inquire after her well-being.



However, in a high-ranking and prominent household, even the slightest movement can attract gossip and criticism.



As niece-in-laws from the second and third branches, bypassing the senior ladies to personally pay respects and curry favor with the eldest aunt in the main branch—those who know may think they are filial and observant of propriety, while those unaware may assume they are deliberately seeking to ingratiate themselves.



Later, if their own senior ladies were to find out, who knows what sarcastic remarks and subtle reprimands they might face.



Yet the Fifth Young Madam said,



“Now that we have received the news, we cannot simply feign ignorance.



Our senior lady is currently occupied, and your senior lady is likely no less busy.



If we all turn a blind eye, it may appear to the Ancestral Matriarch that we lack manners and have cold, unfeeling hearts.



Besides, Princess Rui’an holds a noble and distinguished status.



For us to go and pay our respects is perfectly in line with propriety.” After careful consideration, Gu Xiyan felt that made sense and asked,



“Then should I go back and change into a different dress?” The fifth young mistress smiled, pulling her along and saying,



“There’s no need to be so formal.



We’ve just come from the old lady’s room, and upon hearing the news, we naturally went to pay our respects on the way.



It’s perfectly reasonable, and no one could find fault with it.



If you were to go back specifically to change your clothes, it would only seem forced and distant.” Gu Xiyan could only follow the instructions and accompany the Fifth Young Mistress to Taihe Hall.



The estate of the Duke of Jing has a long history, originally belonging to a prince from the previous dynasty.



The compound was vast, and its upkeep required substantial resources.



As people felt the prince’s ill-fated deeds brought misfortune, the place fell into neglect.



Given the old Duke’s illustrious military achievements, the emperor allocated funds for its restoration and bestowed the estate upon the old Duke as a reward.



The Duke’s Mansion was teeming with family members, and the estate underwent minor repairs each year.



After so many years, it had become a labyrinth of winding corridors, secluded pavilions, twisting paths, and bright courtyards, each dwelling and garden boasting its own distinctive charm.



Taihe Hall was originally built by the Duke’s Mansion as a special courtyard to welcome the princess.



Standing alone with its own gate and courtyard, it was designed on a grand scale.



Gu Xiyan had only visited once before with the Third Lady, and even then, she had marveled at its intricate and ingenious layout.



Today, returning here, she still felt that this place carried a different aura from the rest of the mansion—even more dignified and majestic.



As she stepped into the courtyard, a large plaque came into view, hanging above the threshold.



Mounted on high-quality tribute-grade paper, the characters flowed like soaring dragons, full of power.



Glancing at the signature below, she realized it was personally inscribed by the Emperor’s own hand.



At the base of the steps stood over a dozen maids and serving women, all dressed in fine attire, their posture solemn and their demeanor imposing.



The two of them naturally dared not take a deep breath, only cautiously relayed their message.



In a moment, a matron went forward to announce their arrival.



They stood quietly beneath the steps, waiting their turn.



At this moment, their eyes met, and they silently felt relieved—thank heavens it wasn’t just one of them alone.



Having a companion brought some measure of calm to their hearts.



Finally, the matron returned and said the princess had invited them in.



They hastened inside to pay their respects.



Upon entering, they noticed the delicate fragrance of agarwood and a warm, inviting scent wafting through the air.



The floor was covered with a deep red woolen carpet that felt soft and muffled their footsteps.



Princess Ruicing was reclining on a rosewood chaise lounge with dragon carvings, while a few maids attended to her, gently kneading her feet and legs.



The Fifth Madam hurried forward with a smile, respectfully offered her greetings, and explained that she had come specifically to inquire about her aunt’s health.



She added that she was afraid of causing any disturbance and hoped her aunt would not mind the intrusion.



Her words were gentle, and her demeanor sincere, which pleased Princess Ruiqing greatly.



She nodded in approval, saying,



“You are most thoughtful.” Gu Xiyan stood quietly to the side, feeling as if she had become nothing more than a background presence.



It was clear that the two of them had come together to pay their respects, yet Fifth Young Mistress dominated the conversation.



Unable to interject, Gu Xiyan watched as Princess Ruiqing showed obvious appreciation for Fifth Young Mistress.



If she tried to join in now, it would only seem forced and out of place, so she lowered her head and remained silent, standing aside.



Just then, a maid served tea with exquisite utensils and fine leaves.



It was at that moment that she truly understood what it meant to be a princess of the royal family.



The everyday elegance and refinement far surpassed what was usual for a daughter-in-law of a mere ducal residence.



Fifth Young Mistress and Gu Xiyan expressed their thanks for the gifts, then stood half-up to sip their tea, with Fifth Young Mistress offering yet another round of lavish praise for the brew.



By this point, Gu Xiyan also understood that both the fourth and fifth young mistresses were under the second wife’s wing.



However, when it came to family background and temperament, the fifth young mistress simply couldn’t compare to the fourth, so she had chosen a different path altogether, hoping to win the favor of Princess Ruiqing.



In that case, Gu Xiyan chose not to interfere and played the fool, acting like a wooden post.



When Princess Ruiqing spoke up from time to time, she simply echoed in agreement, just to fill up the numbers.



Who knew that just as they were leisurely savoring their tea, a question came from above:



“Yuan Six’s wife, have you truly tasted the benefits of this tea?” Gu Xiyan was taken aback, stunned for a moment before replying,



“The tea here at Auntie’s place is truly extraordinary—clear and mellow upon entering the mouth.



It’s just that I, as a niece-in-law, have limited experience and cannot quite discern what renowned variety it might be.” Princess Ruiqing smiled and asked,



“Tell me then, what do you find remarkable about it?” Gu Xiyan never expected to be singled out for questioning.



After pondering briefly, she replied,



“The taste of the tea is deep and pure, leaving a lingering sweetness in the throat.



Moreover, it carries a faint, refreshing hint of the wild mountain air.” Princess Ruiqing looked quite pleased.



“You are indeed perceptive,” she said.



Speaking, she then mentioned that for this tea, she had used top-quality lychee wood as charcoal, a bronze pot with bird and seal script patterns as the kettle, and Ding kiln white porcelain as the teacup.



Upon hearing this, Gu Xiyan naturally felt enlightened—truly, every detail was meticulously considered from start to finish.



Amidst her admiration, she couldn’t help but ask further, “Auntie, this tea tastes exceptionally fine.



Is there also some particular art to it?” With this question, Princess Ruiqing grew even more appreciative and replied with a smile, “When it comes to water for brewing tea, one must not generalize.



For example, pre-Qingming tea should be brewed with mountain spring water, specifically drawn from slow-flowing living water in a stone pond.” Gu Xiyan promptly expressed his admiration, while the Fifth Young Mistress by his side also chimed in with a smile, praising the princess’s elegance repeatedly.



Thus, the conversation flowed harmoniously among everyone.



After they left, the Fifth Young Mistress glanced at Gu Xiyan and remarked,



“I never thought you would also be well-versed in the art of tea tasting?” Gu Xiyan replied,



“The elders in my family have always had a fondness for tea.



I’ve merely picked up a few superficial things from listening to them now and then.” The Fifth Young Mistress smiled and said,



“From now on, if we frequently visit Eldest Aunt’s place, there will certainly be benefits.



If I were to go alone, it would inevitably feel awkward.



Having you as company is truly the best arrangement.” Gu Xiyan lowered her gaze.



“I have no particular preferences.



Whatever sister-in-law arranges will be fine.” As the two chatted while descending the steps, a nanny from Princess Ruiqing’s entourage hurried over, saying there was a matter she needed to consult the fifth young mistress about.



Seeing that the nanny was a favored attendant of the princess, the fifth young mistress immediately agreed and asked Gu Xiyan to return on her own.



Gu Xiyan, upon hearing this, continued walking along the covered corridor.



However, as she rounded a turn near a pile of rockery stones, she saw a tall, straight figure standing in the corridor—it was Lu Chenglian.



Suddenly catching sight of him, Gu Xiyan was quite startled, and she quickly halted her steps.



Seeing this, Lu Chenglian raised an eyebrow lightly:



“Am I going to eat you?” Gu Xiyan took a deep breath, calming herself down, and then curtseyed:



“Greetings, Third Master.” She actually wanted to ask him about the case, and while at it, inquire about the news from the naval defense station.



Her ship had sunk, and her brother was missing—what exactly did that mean?



Was there any compensation plan?



She was mentally preparing her next words, figuring out how to phrase it so it wouldn’t seem like she was rushing him, yet still allow her to gather some information.



Before she could decide how to ask, Lu Chenglian spoke first,



“Over the past few days, the Emperor has inquired about the matter.



The Ministry of Revenue is already reviewing the case, and a decision will be reached soon.



Minister Chen has also brought it up—the detained ships cannot be held up indefinitely.



Merchants can reclaim their goods by presenting their contract certificates.” Gu Xiyan listened in surprise,



“They can reclaim goods with their contract certificates?



Does that mean the seized cargo can be returned?” She knew very well that her sister-in-law’s brother had stumbled right here—he had borrowed money from others and owed interest, yet with so much cargo detained, he lost a large sum of money.



With the interest accumulating day by day, he was nearly frantic with worry.



If we can get this batch of goods back, even if we sell them at a discount, at least it can patch a big hole!



Lu Chenglian:



“Of course, otherwise why would I bring it up to you?” Gu Xiyan was overjoyed and said gratefully,



“This is really great news, Third Master—” Lu Chenglian watched her face flush with delight and found it amusing:



“Hmm?” Gu Xiyan gave a faint smile, feeling a bit embarrassed herself.



She lowered her voice and said,



“This matter was thanks to the third master.



He really helped a great deal.



Once I tell my sister-in-law, she will surely be immensely grateful.” Lu Chenglian heard this, yet did not pick up the thread; his gaze merely rested calmly on Gu Xiyan’s face.



Gu Xiyan bit her lip, wanting to turn her face away to dodge, but there was no escaping.



That gaze was too direct, its meaning far too clear for her to deceive herself, or to pretend nothing was amiss.



The spring breeze blew coolly, and she could clearly feel her face burning.



At that moment, she heard Lu Chenglian casually remark,



“By the way, I just remembered something.



Just asking out of curiosity.” Gu Xiyan quickly replied,



“Third Master, please go ahead.” Lu Chenglian added,



“I heard that someone has been inquiring about the progress of this case these past few days.” Gu Xiyan was puzzled.



“Really?



Who was asking about it?” Lu Chenglian’s gaze remained fixed on her face.



“I heard it was a scholar who came to the capital for the imperial exams.



He asked through a distant relative with many connections, and it happened just these past few days.” He paused slightly, looking at her bewildered, blinking eyes, and whispered softly,



“But was it someone you asked?” Gu Xiyan was startled, her eyes widening in an instant.



A scholar, here in the capital for the imperial exams?



Ye Erxun?



He’s helping me investigate the case, and he was caught by Lu Chenglian??