Chapter 65: Regret. Perhaps a few wrong steps were taken.

The next day, Shi Xuezhen came to visit. She hesitated for a long while before finally saying, “Madam Shen, please don’t speak of yesterday’s matter to anyone. Let’s just pretend it never happened, lest it damage the young lady’s reputation.”

Su Zhenyue understood. It seemed Shen Ji had been right.

“Mm,” she nodded in agreement, then asked with some uncertainty, “Are you… no longer planning to arrange a match?”

Shi Xuezhen sighed. “That’s right. When Jun Jun came back yesterday, I asked him. He said it was out of the question, no room for discussion. He even gave me a long lecture, as if marrying into their family would have severe consequences.”

“Then let it be,” Su Zhenyue said softly.

“That’s what I think too. But Jun Jun is already thirty. Men his age have children who are nearly ten. I’m worried sick that he won’t marry. Madam Shen, do you know of any young ladies with a gentle and compliant temperament? It doesn’t matter if her background is a bit humble, as long as her family is respectable and she has good character.”

Su Zhenyue shook her head. “Sister Shi, you’re putting me in a difficult position. I haven’t known many people in my life.”

After a pause, she added, “Sister, why don’t you ask General Shi for his thoughts? Perhaps he already has someone in mind?”

Shi Xuezhen was hesitant. “Him? That’s impossible, isn’t it? If he really had someone in mind, would he have remained unmarried until now?”

After thinking it over, she said in a low voice, “But you have a point. I’ll go back and ask him again.”

Shi Xuezhen vaguely remembered her younger brother mentioning someone he fancied a few years ago, but their parents were still alive then and both had disapproved. Surely his feelings hadn’t remained unchanged after all these years?

It wasn’t Su Zhenyue’s place to inquire too deeply into another family’s affairs, so the topic came to a close.

Shi Xuezhen had a reserved nature and didn’t enjoy socializing. After discussing the important matter, she took her leave.

…

Since arriving in the capital, Su Zhenyue had been busy settling everyone in, arranging their new home, and occasionally entertaining guests who came to visit.

Though not overly hectic, she rarely had a moment of leisure.

When the rest day finally arrived, she and Shen Ji went to the Jing An Marquis Estate together.

They had sent a formal calling card in advance, so the Gu family was expecting them. Someone had been waiting at the entrance to the Jing An Marquis Estate since early in the morning.

To show the importance of the visit, Jing’an Hou had even canceled his other engagements to wait for them at home.

At around a quarter past the hour of Si, a carriage stopped at the entrance of the Jing An Marquis Estate.

A moment later, a young couple alighted from the carriage.

It was Shen Ji and Su Zhenyue.

The young servant waiting at the gate was quick-witted and reacted swiftly, scurrying back to report, “Old Madam, Your Lordship, Young Master Shen… no, Lord Shen is here!”

Another young servant stepped forward to lead the pair inside.

Gazing at the main gate of the Jing An Marquis Estate, Su Zhenyue was filled with emotion. More than a year had passed since they left this place in March of last year.

The Jing An Marquis Estate looked largely unchanged, but her state of mind was completely different.

Fortunately, Shen Ji had always been by her side.

And the people she cared about were all alive and well.

Shen Ji’s visit to the Gu family this time was to pay his respects to Old Madam Wen. She was his grandmother in name, and she had taken good care of him during his previous stay at the Gu residence.

Thus, they went directly to Chunhui Hall.

Before they even entered, they saw the second master of the Gu family waiting to welcome them.

Upon entering Chunhui Hall, they discovered that the entire Gu family was present today. Besides Old Madam Wen, there were Jing’an Hou and his wife, the second master and his wife, as well as Gu Yuanzhen and Gu Yuanwei.

Even the fourth young master, Gu Yuanjing, who had always been in poor health, was there.

After a year’s separation, Old Madam Wen looked a little older.

“Greetings, Old Madam.” Shen Ji and Su Zhenyue stepped forward together, bowing as juniors.

Old Madam Wen’s eyes immediately reddened. She quickly stopped them from bowing, took their hands, and said repeatedly, “It’s good that you’re back, it’s good that you’re back.” She then immediately had someone bring them seats and serve tea.

After the formal greetings, they sat down according to their roles as host and guest.

Old Madam Wen seemed to have a great deal to say, asking about their experiences over the past year with a look of deep concern.

Su Zhenyue remained silent, sitting quietly and letting Shen Ji answer. She, meanwhile, discreetly observed everyone present.

She had just seen Gu Yuanwei and Gu Yuanzhen a few days ago, and they hadn’t changed much. There were no obvious differences in the elders either. However, the fourth young master, Gu Yuanjing, seemed to have lost some weight.

But it was summer now, not the turn of the season, so Gu Yuanjing looked to be in good spirits.

Su Zhenyue felt slightly relieved.

Jing’an Hou had official business to discuss with Shen Ji, so after a bit of conversation, he found an excuse to ask Shen Ji to the study for a private chat.

Shen Ji did not agree immediately. Instead, he turned his head to glance at his wife beside him.

Their eyes met, and Su Zhenyue gave a slight nod.

Shen Ji understood. He turned back to Jing’an Hou and nodded slightly. “After you, Your Lordship.”

“How many times have I told you? You’ve forgotten again. Just call me Uncle,” Jing’an Hou said with a hint of helplessness as he headed to the study with Shen Ji.

Su Zhenyue remained where she was for the time being.

The second master of the Gu family managed the household’s miscellaneous affairs and had many duties, so he also found a reason to leave in a hurry.

Once they were gone, Madam Zhou of the main branch asked curiously, “A Yue, I heard from Zhenzhen that you were granted the title of Princess of the Commandery by the Empress Dowager a few days ago. Is that true?”

“Yes, Foster Mother. I was fortunate to receive the Empress Dowager’s favor and was indeed ennobled as Jiayi County Princess,” Su Zhenyue replied with a gentle smile and a warm voice.

“Ah,” Madam Zhou gasped softly, her heart filled with regret and remorse.

Alas, if only her son, Gu Yuanchen, had married A Yue back then. Perhaps then he wouldn’t be so unhappy all the time. But on second thought, if A Yue had really married Yuanchen, perhaps she wouldn’t have been ennobled as a princess for her merits?

Lu Furen of the second branch curiously asked Su Zhenyue about her various experiences in Anle County.

She had never left the capital and was quite interested in the outside world.

Su Zhenyue answered each question.

Gu Yuanjing watched with a smile as she conversed with his mother. Though more than a year had passed, her appearance hadn’t changed much. Her skin was still fairer than snow, her beauty pure and otherworldly. But her disposition was vastly different from before.

Now, there was not a trace of melancholy in her features; instead, she was bright and confident, poised and graceful.

That was right. She was no longer the dependent orphan living under someone else’s roof, her heart filled with unease. She was now the wife of the youngest Minister, she was Jiayi County Princess, a favorite of the Empress Dowager.

It seemed that whether it was getting engaged to Cousin Shen or following her husband to the distant You Province, every step she had taken was the right one.

How wonderful.

Gu Yuanjing was genuinely happy for her.

After answering Lu Furen’s questions, Su Zhenyue took the initiative to ask about something else. “I heard Third Brother Gu is married. Why don’t I see my sister-in-law?”

In fact, besides Gu Yuanwei’s wife, Wan Yonglan, the Heir Apparent and his wife were also absent today. However, the Heir Apparent’s couple had been avoiding her for a long time, so she didn’t need to ask, merely pretending not to know.

“She’s been feeling a bit unwell the past two days and is resting in her room,” Gu Yuanwei said, his face flushing with some embarrassment.

“Unwell? Have you called a doctor to see her?” Su Zhenyue was slightly surprised, her face showing concern. She remembered that Third Young Master Gu’s wife had always been in good health.

Lu Furen, however, chuckled. “It’s not that she’s unwell. Your third sister-in-law is having morning sickness.”

Su Zhenyue was enlightened. So that was it.

She had almost forgotten about this. She smiled and said, “Congratulations to Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law.”

While other things had changed drastically, this couple was exactly the same as in her dream. They married at the end of last year and would have a child at the end of this year.

Lu Furen spoke in a tone that was half-complaint, half-boast. “A Yue, you don’t know, the doctor said your third sister-in-law is carrying twins. It’s much harder for her than for an ordinary woman.”

As she spoke, she stood up. “You all chat. I’m worried, so I’ll go check on her.”

Madam Zhou’s expression changed almost imperceptibly, and her heart soured even more.

Third Brother Gu had only married at the end of last year, and his wife was already several months pregnant. Meanwhile, her son, Gu Yuanchen, had been married for nearly two years, yet forget about pregnancy and childbirth, the couple rarely even spent the night together.

She couldn’t help but think, if Princess Chengping hadn’t requested that imperial decree for marriage, and Yuanchen had been allowed to marry the person he truly loved, perhaps they would be a harmonious couple, and she would have been holding her grandchild long ago.

The more Madam Zhou thought about it, the more bitter she felt. Unable to sit still, she also rose and said to Old Madam Wen, “Mother-in-law, I just remembered I have some accounts I haven’t finished reviewing. I’ll go attend to them.”

Old Madam Wen nodded.

Madam Zhou forced a smile and left in a hurry.

The moment she stepped out of Chunhui Hall, Madam Zhou’s smile vanished. She asked the maid beside her, “Where is the Princess?”

The maid hesitated, uncertain, and asked in a small voice, “Which Princess is Madam asking about?”

Madam Zhou’s expression froze. “Which one?” she snapped. “Chang Le Princess, of course, our Young Madam.”

She bit out the words “Young Madam” with obvious displeasure.

The maid said, “Has Madam forgotten? The Princess went back to her maternal home early this morning.”

Madam Zhou stopped in her tracks. She remembered now; that was indeed the case. Wen Shan had always been proper with her etiquette and had even sent someone to inform her in the morning. But she was unhappy at the moment and couldn’t help but complain in a low voice, “Back to her maternal home, always back to her maternal home. If she likes her maternal home so much, she should just stay there forever. Why did she have to marry into our family!”

Towards this high-born daughter-in-law, Madam Zhou had originally been deferential and respectful, not daring to show the slightest neglect. However, after the political situation at court changed, the reverence in Madam Zhou’s heart had unknowingly faded, replaced by resentment.

The maid didn’t dare to speak, keeping her head bowed in silence.

…

Inside Chunhui Hall.

Old Madam Wen was getting on in years and lacked energy. After chatting with Su Zhenyue for a while, she began to show signs of fatigue. She went to rest, leaving the younger generation to talk amongst themselves.

With only the young people left, the atmosphere became much more relaxed.

“How has Fourth Brother’s health been recently?” Su Zhenyue asked.

Gu Yuanjing smiled faintly. “It’s been fine. The weather is warm, so I haven’t had many flare-ups.”

“That’s good.” Su Zhenyue breathed a sigh of relief. She hesitated for a moment, deciding not to mention her plan to ask Divine Doctor Xu to treat him.

It wouldn’t be too late to bring it up once Divine Doctor Xu arrived in the capital and the matter was officially settled.

“Don’t worry, I’ve been taking care of myself,” Gu Yuanjing said with a smile, then asked thoughtfully, “But what about you and Cousin Shen? Are you two well?”

“We’re well. He’s very good to me, and I’m very good to him,” Su Zhenyue replied with a smile.

Gu Yuanjing smiled.

Just as he had guessed.

Gu Yuanwei, on the other hand, teased, “How could they not be well? Fourth Brother, you didn’t notice the way Cousin Shen looks at A Yue. Oh my, I can’t even describe it. Just now, when First Uncle asked him to the study, he had to look at A Yue first and only agreed after she nodded. What is that? That’s being afraid of one’s wife.”

Su Zhenyue’s face grew warm, and she instinctively defended, “No, he’s not. Cousin is not afraid of his wife.”

“That’s not being afraid of one’s wife?”

Gu Yuanzhen had always been close to Su Zhenyue and now spoke up directly. “If we’re talking about being afraid of one’s wife, Third Brother is the one who’s afraid of his wife, right? Who doesn’t know that Third Brother is most afraid of Third Sister-in-law?”

“What nonsense are you spouting? Who’s afraid of her?” Third Young Master Gu retorted, a visible hint of panic on his face.

Gu Yuanzhen hummed softly and pouted. “Whoever is afraid knows it.”

“I’m really not afraid of her; I’m deliberately letting her have her way. I’m a dignified man, why would I be afraid of her… Forget it, there’s no explaining it to you people. I’m going to go see her.”

Su Zhenyue watched the cousins bicker with a smile.

For a fleeting moment, she felt as if she had returned to her childhood.

…

While Chunhui Hall was a picture of harmony, the atmosphere in the study was slightly awkward.

Jing’an Hou wanted Shen Ji to help put in a few good words for him with the new Emperor. But, conscious of his status, he was unwilling to say it directly, only hinting at it with his words.

Since he didn’t state it plainly, Shen Ji simply pretended not to understand.

This made Jing’an Hou a little anxious, and he finally asked directly, “He Ming, in your opinion, what should the Gu family do now to win the Emperor’s favor?”

The matter was now laid bare.

Shen Ji set down his teacup and said slowly, “Your Lordship need not worry too much. His Majesty greatly admires Third Young Master’s actions in fighting against the foreign tribes. His Majesty has also praised the Heir Apparent’s act of using his private residence to shelter the common people.”

Jing’an Hou was stunned, then he understood.

The Emperor admired the private actions of his son and nephew, which meant he was very displeased with his own, starkly different behavior at the time.

In truth, it wasn’t that he was truly afraid of the foreign soldiers and had cowered away. In his youth, he had been ordered to lead troops to quell a rebellion in the southwest and had even earned considerable military merit. It was just that during this turmoil in the capital, the news was a mix of truth and falsehood. He had thought it was an internal struggle within the royal family, the situation was unclear, so the Gu family should be cautious, offer no help for the time being, and wait to see how things developed.

Who would have thought it would turn out like this?

Now that he was disliked by the Emperor, he could forget about any future for his official career.

Jing’an Hou’s heart rose and fell, feeling as sour as if it had been soaked in a vat of vinegar. He slumped into his seat. Was his career over before he even reached fifty?

He could only keep comforting himself: at least the Emperor affirmed his son’s actions, so there was still hope for his son’s future. But merely sheltering commoners was still a far cry from his nephew personally slaying enemies.

Alas, if he had known it would be like this, he shouldn’t have stopped his son back then.

No, if he had known it would be like this, he should have actively participated in quelling the capital’s turmoil from the very beginning. With his prestige, if he had raised his arm and called out, he would not have lacked for responders.

He had taken the most crucial wrong step at the beginning.

“This tea has grown a bit cold. Does Your Lordship still want to drink it?” Shen Ji asked.

Jing’an Hou returned to his senses, forced a twitch of his lips, picked up the teacup, and drained it in one gulp.

So be it. Some things cannot be forced.

The Gu family had not been completely despised by the Emperor, and his son and nephew might be given important positions in the future. As Shen Ji had said, he need not worry too much.

—— —— —— ——

Today, Shen Ji and Su Zhenyue had come to visit as juniors. After a simple visit, the couple prepared to take their leave.

Jing’an Hou urged them to stay.

Gu Yuanzhen was also very reluctant to see her go, holding Su Zhenyue’s hand. “Sister Su, I don’t want you to leave.”

Su Zhenyue smiled and said gently, “You can come visit me too. We’re both in the capital, it’s not far.”

“Mm,” Gu Yuanzhen thought, and realized that was true.

Su Zhenyue then looked at Doukou behind her and smiled faintly. “How has Doukou been lately?”

“Miss, I… I’m doing well,” Doukou stammered. She wanted to smile at her Miss, but her eyes couldn’t help but redden.

Her parents and siblings were all in the Gu family, and the young mistress had been very kind to her over the past year, but she still often thought of Miss Su and the times they had all spent together in the West Wing Courtyard.

Now, seeing that Miss Su was doing well, Doukou was happy in her heart, even feeling a sense of shared honor.

See, the Miss she used to serve is just that wonderful.

After a simple farewell, Shen Ji and Su Zhenyue boarded the carriage back to their estate.

The carriage turned a corner, and a man on horseback approached from the opposite direction.

The rider was very young, with a cool and detached air.

It was the Jing’an Marquis Heir, Gu Yuanchen.

The wind lifted the carriage curtain, and he clearly saw the young and beautiful face of the woman inside.

She was leaning her head against her husband’s shoulder, intimate and dependent.

Gu Yuanchen’s heart suddenly tightened. He pressed his lips together and subconsciously tightened his grip on the reins.

The carriage went east, the horse west. In an instant, they passed each other and were out of sight.

Gu Yuanchen closed his eyes for a moment.

As soon as he returned home, his father, Jing’an Hou, called him into the study. “What’s the matter with you? Didn’t I tell you we had guests and that you should stay at home?”

Gu Yuanchen said, “Dali Temple was busy. I couldn’t get away.”

“Couldn’t get away? The moment they leave, you can get away?” Jing’an Hou frowned, then softened his tone. “Chen’er, it’s a rare thing that Shen Ji is still willing to acknowledge the Gu family as relatives. Don’t waste this connection.”

Gu Yuanchen’s lips were pressed into a tight line. He said nothing.

Jing’an Hou continued to persuade him earnestly, “He is now deeply trusted by the Emperor. One word from him in front of His Majesty is worth several years of your own hard work.”

Gu Yuanchen looked up and only then did he speak. “Father said the same thing when you persuaded me to accept Chang Le Princess.”

“You…” Jing’an Hou was choked speechless for a long moment.

Gu Yuanchen cupped his hands. “Your son still has matters to attend to. I will take my leave.”

He would never, he thought, take Shen Ji’s path.

—— —— —— ——

The trip out had left Su Zhenyue feeling a little tired, but she was in good spirits.

She leaned against Shen Ji’s shoulder, speaking in a low voice about Gu Yuanwei’s new wife and the bickering among the Gu cousins.

When she spoke of happy things, a faint smile graced her eyes and brows.

Shen Ji toyed with her hand, his voice slow and deliberate. “If you like it, you can go more often.”

He was busy with official duties and couldn’t be with her at all times. If she felt happy visiting the Gu family, it wouldn’t hurt for her to go a few more times. In any case, with her current status and position, the Jing An Marquis Estate would certainly not dare to show her the slightest neglect.

“No,” Su Zhenyue shook her head, leaning close to his ear. “I still prefer our home.”

Shen Ji was taken aback for a moment, then let out a soft laugh and pulled her into his arms.

It was still early when they returned home.

Coincidentally, the embroidery workshop had just delivered some newly made clothes.

After giving a reward, Su Zhenyue excitedly pulled Shen Ji back to their room to try on the new garments.

He had a tall and straight figure, with broad shoulders and long legs. No matter what clothes he wore, they looked good on him.

Su Zhenyue was very satisfied with what she saw, feeling ever more fortunate for the choice she had made back then.

Perhaps, she thought, when she first decided to actively approach him, it wasn’t just because he was suitable, but also because he suited her tastes in every way.

It was originally just trying on new clothes, but for a young couple deeply in love, things in the privacy of their chambers gradually took a different turn as they “tried them on.”

The two “fooled around” in their room, not calling for dinner until it was dark.

…

Unconsciously, nearly a month had passed since their return to the capital.

Su Zhenyue had, after all, lived in the capital for many years and was extremely familiar with the climate and lifestyle here. Readjusting was much easier.

She had someone build a swing set, almost perfectly replicating the small courtyard of the Anle County yamen.

In her heart, the rear residence of the Anle County yamen felt more like her former home than the Jing An Marquis Estate where she had lived for over a decade.

The eighth day of the seventh month was Empress Yang Shi’s Thousand Autumn Festival.

The Empress was still young, far from the age where one would celebrate a grand birthday. But the Emperor respected his first wife, so he specifically ordered the court ladies of the third rank and above in the capital to enter the palace to offer their congratulations.

Su Zhenyue, as a Princess of the Commandery of the junior first rank, was on the list.

Not only her, but Princess Chengping and her daughter were also required to attend.