Chapter Eleven

The sixth month of the lunar calendar arrived with favorable weather and gentle breezes. In these auspicious days, the household of Gu Datong welcomed two joyous occasions: first, the monthly production of the salt field had broken all historical records; second, Qi Qiongqiong was with child.

Upon hearing the news of Qi Qiongqiong’s pregnancy, the entire Qi family rejoiced. That afternoon, Qi Wei, accompanied by his wife Yin Yuanyuan and the rest of the family, arrived at the salt field with gifts. His purpose was twofold: first, to have his wife, Yin Yuanyuan, share her experience and provide guidance to Qi Qiongqiong regarding prenatal care, dietary habits, and rest, offering her emotional support; second, after half a year of relentless toil, he felt a bit weary and wished to stay at the salt field for a few days to rest.

Once at the salt field, Qi Wei truly embraced the leisure. He required no company from his wife, nor from Gu Datong or Xiao Tianjian. Every morning after breakfast, he would take his fishing rod, a flask of water, his lunch, and a batch of small shrimp bait prepared by Gu Yuru the night before, and head to the giant rock by the sea to fish. He would fish from dawn until dusk, returning every day with a bountiful catch. Qi Wei loved mackerel. The flesh of the mackerel was delicious and rich in nutrients, and he ate it almost daily. Each evening upon his return, he would personally select a few large ones to cook—steamed mackerel, mackerel stir-fried with chopped chili, or pan-seared mackerel. Once prepared, he would invite Zhao Rouya, Gu Datong, Xiao Tianjian, and Yin Yuanyuan to drink wine and enjoy the fish he had caught and cooked himself. It was his daily routine.

In truth, the salt field lacked game, but not seafood. Gu Yuru and Xiao Guimu also went to forage by the sea every day. While they caught no mackerel, they found plenty of lobsters, sea snails, sea crabs, and mantis shrimp. Qi Qiongqiong, Qi Yaoyao, and Qi Guang—the three siblings—though fond of mackerel, preferred the lobsters, snails, and crabs.

As night fell, the seven young people—Gu Yuren, Qi Qiongqiong, Gu Yusheng, Qi Yaoyao, Gu Yuru, Xiao Guimu, and Qi Guang—set up a charcoal fire on the sandy ground in front of the Gu house, roasting chicken, fish, and lobsters. Gu Yuren had already resigned from his post at the Grinding Office.

Gu Yuren and his sister, Gu Yuru, were experts at the grill. Qi Yaoyao and Qi Guang feasted on the aromatic, succulent lobsters handed to them by Gu Yuru and Gu Yuren, which made Qi Qiongqiong incredibly envious. She pleaded with Gu Yuren, "Husband, could you roast another lobster for me?"

Gu Yuren replied, "Mother-in-law said that since you are newly pregnant, you shouldn't eat too much grilled food."

Qi Qiongqiong wore a disgruntled expression. "Husband, can’t you see I’ve been drooling just looking at these lobsters?"

Gu Yuren suggested, "How about I boil one for you instead?"

Qi Qiongqiong stubbornly insisted, "I don't want boiled! I want grilled!"

Xiao Guimu, hearing this, stepped forward and said, "Big Sister, I will steam one for you and prepare a dipping sauce of ginger, garlic, and vinegar. Steamed lobster with that sauce is far more delicious than grilled!"

Qi Qiongqiong said gratefully, "Guimu, you are the one who dotes on me most! If only you were a boy!"

Xiao Guimu asked, "Big Sister, what would be the benefit if I were a boy?"

Qi Qiongqiong laughed, "If you were a boy, I would have married you instead of this wooden block, your brother Yuren!"

Xiao Guimu smiled and said, "Big Sister, you are much older than me! Even if I were a boy, I wouldn't marry you!"

Qi Qiongqiong laughingly asked, "Why?"

Xiao Guimu replied, "I don't like older wives!"

Qi Qiongqiong felt a bit sheepish and chuckled, "Guimu, I'm not that old!" As she spoke, she glanced at Gu Yuren.

Xiao Guimu said, "Big Sister, you are at least seven years older than me!"

Qi Qiongqiong feigned annoyance and said, "Guimu, it seems I was just being sentimental! Regardless, tonight I must taste whether this steamed lobster with ginger-garlic sauce is truly as good as you say!"

Xiao Guimu happily replied, "I promise not to disappoint you!"

Qi Guang walked over and said, "Guimu, since it’s so delicious, could you make a portion for me as well?"

Xiao Guimu shot him a glare and said, "Young Master Qi, you have no such luck tonight!"

Qi Guang, who had long known of Xiao Guimu’s affection for Gu Yusheng, teased, "Guimu, will I have that luck after tonight?"

Xiao Guimu didn't even look up as she replied, "Never!"

Hearing this, Qi Guang stared at Gu Yusheng and moved away from Xiao Guimu.

That night, the seven young people gathered together, never running out of things to talk about. They drank rice wine brewed by the locals, ate barbecue, and discussed family matters, state affairs, and worldly events, as well as martial arts and swordsmanship. Qi Yaoyao and Gu Yuru, Xiao Guimu and Qi Guang, even sparred under the moonlight. Xiao Guimu defeated Qi Guang in just a few moves.

Qi Guang had a hearty appetite, eating the most barbecue, drinking plenty of the local rice wine, and talking even more.

For the first time, Qi Yaoyao proactively toasted Gu Yusheng. The two talked freely as the night went on, clinking cups again and again. During their conversation, Qi Yaoyao vaguely felt that Gu Yusheng’s accent was similar to that of the "Masked Hero." However, she had never linked the two in her mind. As the wine flowed, Qi Yaoyao became intoxicated. She walked toward Gu Yusheng, swaying, and through her drunken haze, she saw a phantom—the "Masked Hero." Soon, that phantom merged with the figure of Gu Yusheng.

Qi Yaoyao pointed a trembling finger at Gu Yusheng and cried, "Masked Hero, I, Qi Yaoyao, have finally seen your true face! Where have you been all these days? You made me wait so long! Come! Take me to see my parents..." As she spoke, she grabbed his hand and tried to pull him away.

Gu Yusheng quickly pried her fingers loose and said, "Junior Sister Yaoyao, you have the wrong person! I am not that Masked Hero; I am your Senior Brother, Gu Yusheng."

Qi Yaoyao opened her bleary eyes, looked at him again and again, and said, "Oh, so it’s Senior Brother Yusheng. I thought you were the 'Masked Hero'! I'm sorry! I mistook you for someone else..." Before she could finish, she collapsed onto the bench and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Qi Wei and his family set out for Yangcheng.

Before their departure, Gu Datong, Qi Wei, and Yin Yuanyuan discussed selecting a boy from among the children of the salt workers to serve as a page for Gu Yuren, Gu Yusheng, and Qi Guang when they traveled to the capital for the imperial examinations.

Qi Wei said to Gu Datong, "Senior Brother Gu, our salt shop has a few young apprentices who are quick and diligent, and they know some characters; they would be the best choices. But their parents refuse to sell them into service. There is no other way! We must find someone here at the salt field." Gu Datong replied, "Junior Brother Qi, the children at the salt field are honest, but most of them are illiterate."

Yin Yuanyuan chimed in, "Illiteracy doesn't matter, as long as they are diligent and honest."

Gu Datong hesitated for a moment before saying, "Junior Brother Qi, Junior Sister Yin, Aunt Zhao Rouya knows the children of the salt field well. Shall we leave this matter to her?"

Qi Wei agreed, "Very well." With that, he took Yin Yuanyuan and they boarded their carriage to return to Yangcheng.

After bidding farewell to the Qi family, Gu Datong immediately went to the Xiao household to find Zhao Rouya. He said, "Aunt Rouya, the time for Yuren, Yusheng, and Guang to leave for the capital is drawing near, but they still lack a page. Qi and I have decided to select a boy from the salt workers' families. Could you please help us with this?"

Zhao Rouya hesitated briefly before answering readily, "Brother Datong, leave this to me. I guarantee you will be satisfied."

Gu Datong said, "Thank you, Aunt Rouya! But the three boys will be leaving soon, so please attend to this quickly."

Zhao Rouya smiled, "I will see to it right now."

Gu Datong added, "There is no need to be overly rushed. When selecting, first ask if they are willing. If the parents agree, the child must also be willing. It is better if the child is simple-minded and pure of heart."

Zhao Rouya laughed, "All the children in our salt field are simple-minded."

Gu Datong continued, "When writing the contract, do not make it a 'dead contract.' Make it a 'living contract,' so that they may be redeemed whenever the family wishes."

Zhao Rouya chuckled, "Alright, alright! You are becoming more long-winded by the day! In a word, I, Zhao Rouya, will deliver to you a page who is quick, diligent, loyal, and handsome!"

At noon, when Xiao Guimu returned home from the communal kitchen, Zhao Rouya tossed a small bundle to her and said, "Go put this on and let Mother have a look."

Xiao Guimu took the bundle and asked, "Mother, did you make me new clothes again?"

Zhao Rouya replied, "In your dreams! These are Gu Yusheng’s old clothes from a few years ago; they are still in decent shape."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Guimu immediately tried to hand the bundle back, saying, "Mother, I don't like wearing his old clothes!"

Zhao Rouya asked, "Why not?"

Xiao Guimu sniffed her fingers after touching the bundle and said, "His clothes smell too strongly of sweat, and besides, these are men's clothes. How could I dare go out in public wearing them?"

Zhao Rouya said, "Girl, you are already deeply in love with him; why would you mind the smell of his sweat? I want you to try on his clothes today so that I can see you dressed as a man."

Xiao Guimu asked suspiciously, "Mother, why?"

Zhao Rouya said with a grave expression, "Girl, didn't you promise me that you would go to the capital to gather intelligence for the imperial court? Now the opportunity has arrived! Soon, Gu Yuren, Gu Yusheng, and Qi Guang will head to the capital for the examinations and will need a page. I want you to dress as a man and act as their page, accompany them to the capital, and help me learn about the situation in the capital and the imperial palace. Are you willing?"

Xiao Guimu hesitated for a moment before saying, "Mother, Guimu will listen to you in everything."

Zhao Rouya said happily, "That is my good daughter! Now go change so I can see!"

Xiao Guimu replied softly, "Yes."

Over the next few days, Gu Yuru noticed that Xiao Guimu seemed to have become a different person.

First, when preparing breakfast for the salt workers in the morning, she arrived at the communal kitchen even earlier than Gu Yuru. In the past, Gu Yuru always arrived first, and only after she had started the fire would Xiao Guimu stroll in, taking charge only of the stir-frying, while the cooking was left to Gu Yuru. Now, things were different: she would start the fire, help Gu Yuru wash the rice and put it in the pot, and only then begin to sort, wash, and stir-fry the vegetables. She ensured all the cooking was done before dawn and delivered to the fields.

Second, when foraging by the sea, she would always toss her catch of lobsters, crabs, and snails into Gu Yuru’s basket.

Third, the friction between her and Gu Yusheng had vanished.

Fourth, the way she looked at Gu Yuru was filled with a deep, lingering affection and reluctance to part, which grew stronger with each passing day.

One afternoon, Gu Yuru was at home packing luggage for her second brother, Gu Yusheng.

Xiao Guimu walked in and said, "Sister Yuru, I heard the roses at the creek are in full bloom. Why don't we go there together to admire them?"

Gu Yuru replied, "Can't you see I'm busy? My second brother is leaving the salt field in a few days, and I'm packing his bags."

Xiao Guimu looked at her with deep affection and said, "Sister Yuru, let’s go. Once we’re there, I will teach you the 'Women’s Evasion Technique' that my father passed down to me."

This caught Gu Yuru completely off guard. In the past, whenever she had asked Xiao Guimu to teach her this technique, Xiao Guimu always had excuses—either claiming the technique was flawed and needed perfecting by her father, or dismissively saying it was just a collection of common escape tricks that weren't worth the effort.

Fearing that this was merely a ploy to get her to go out and play, as Xiao Guimu had done many times before, Gu Yuru said, "Guimu, you said before that the 'Women’s Evasion Technique' was nothing special. Since it’s nothing special, your sister doesn't want to learn it!" She then turned to leave.

Xiao Guimu shook her head and said, "Sister Yuru, I lied to you! This technique is not just for escaping; it contains the military tactics of a woman’s art of war, covering formations, attacks, and retreats—it is truly profound. I’ll ask you one more time: if you want to learn, come with me to the creek to see the roses right now; if not, forget it." With that, she walked out.

Gu Yuru immediately dropped her work and hurried after her, laughing, "Guimu, wait for your sister! You must teach me the technique once we get there!"

Xiao Guimu giggled and said, "I was just tricking you into coming out to play with me."

Over the next few days, Xiao Guimu "tricked" Gu Yuru to the creek every day, acting like a crash-course instructor, teaching her the "Women’s Evasion Technique."

Amidst the roses at the creek, Gu Yuru and Xiao Guimu made a pact that they would one day go to the capital together to see the roses there. If war broke out, they would go to the battlefield together, never to be separated.

The "Women’s Evasion Technique" was a military manual passed down by a female general who had disguised herself as a man in ancient times.

That day, Gu Datong announced an important decision: Qi Qiongqiong’s pregnancy was advancing, and since the salt field was a remote place lacking medical resources, she must return to the Qi family’s salt shop in Yangcheng for the birth. Gu Yuru and Xiao Guimu would accompany Gu Yuren, Qi Qiongqiong, and Gu Yusheng to the city. Gu Yuru would stay at the Qi family’s shop to look after Qi Qiongqiong, while Xiao Guimu would pose as a boy to serve as a page for Gu Yuren, Gu Yusheng, and Qi Guang on their journey to the capital.

Upon hearing her father’s decision, Gu Yuru asked, "Father, if all us young people leave, what will happen to you, Aunt Rouya, and Uncle Tianjian?"

Gu Datong replied, "Do not worry! The three of us are only middle-aged; we are not old, and we will take care of ourselves." He looked up at the sun in the east. "The time is upon us. I must go check the salt pans. You all start preparing now; tomorrow is an auspicious day, and Father will see you off!"

Xiao Guimu looked at Zhao Rouya with deep meaning and said, "Wish fulfilled! Mother, everything Uncle Gu announced was your idea, wasn't it?"

Zhao Rouya nodded solemnly at her daughter.

The next morning, two carriages departed from the salt field, heading toward Yangcheng. The sound of bells echoed along the salt path.

The first carriage carried Qi Qiongqiong, Gu Yuru, and Xiao Guimu. Gu Yuru and Xiao Guimu sat in the carriage with heavy hearts. Little did they know that once they left the salt field this day, they would never return.

The second carriage held the brothers Gu Yuren and Gu Yusheng, along with their luggage. Together with their junior fellow student Qi Guang, they would first take the autumn examinations in Yangcheng, and then proceed to the capital for the spring examinations. From this moment, they stepped onto the long, arduous road of the imperial examinations.

In the eighth lunar month, the azaleas bloomed.

Gu Yuren, Gu Yusheng, and Qi Guang successfully passed the civil service examinations in Yangcheng, with Gu Yusheng taking first place.

The Ministry of Rites examinations were set for the first month of the following year.

After dinner, Gu Yuren returned to their bedroom. Seeing Qi Qiongqiong sitting on the edge of the bed knitting a sweater, he hurried over and said, "My lady, sitting and knitting right after dinner is bad for your digestion, and even worse for the baby."

Qi Qiongqiong put away her needles and thread, rubbed her belly, and laughed, "Husband, you are right! This little one seems to have heard you and is causing a ruckus in there."

Gu Yuren looked at her protruding belly and said, "My lady, it has been hard on you!"

Qi Qiongqiong gently lifted her hand, her fingertips brushing over her belly, then smoothed her loose clothes, looked up, and asked, "Husband, what do you mean by hard?"

Gu Yuren walked to the bed, sat beside her, wrapped his arms around her shoulders, and whispered in her ear, "My lady, carrying this child has been hard on you!"

Qi Qiongqiong smiled radiantly and buried her head in Gu Yuren’s chest. "Husband, it is what my heart desires; it is not hard at all!"

Gu Yuren reached out to touch her belly and asked, "My lady, when is the due date?"

Qi Qiongqiong counted on her fingers and said, "It should be in the twelfth lunar month!"

Gu Yuren held her close. "By then, I will likely be on the road to the capital, not by your side."

Qi Qiongqiong rubbed her face against his chest. "Husband, please rest assured! With Mother here, everything will be fine!"

Gu Yuren held his wife tighter, his voice filled with reluctance. "I know, but I cannot help but worry."

Qi Qiongqiong pushed him away slightly and said, "Husband, at lunch, Father-in-law asked again when you would be leaving for the capital."

Gu Yuren asked distractedly, "Did he?"

Qi Qiongqiong continued, "Father-in-law said the road is long; if you don't depart soon, you might miss the spring examinations!"

Gu Yuren replied, "My lady, we three have decided to take the martial arts examinations before heading to the capital! You know about that."

Qi Qiongqiong said, "I was the one who raised the funds for your exam fees. But I am still worried! Will you make it to the Ministry of Rites examinations after taking the martial arts ones?"

Gu Yuren said, "If we face no delays on the road and ride with all speed, we should make it."

Qi Qiongqiong opened her wide eyes and said, "Husband, the imperial examinations should be a righteous and open affair, yet you are sneaking around behind the elders' backs to take the martial arts exams. I didn't know before, but now that I do, it feels like we are doing something illicit; I worry for you every day!"

Gu Yuren said, "My lady, once we earn the title of Martial Scholar, you won't have to worry anymore!"

Qi Qiongqiong asked, "When are you leaving?"

Gu Yuren replied, "Tomorrow."

Qi Qiongqiong repeated, "Tomorrow?"

Gu Yuren said, "Yes, tomorrow. To avoid raising suspicion from Father and your parents, we have already rented a farmhouse outside the city. We plan to move there tomorrow to wait for the martial arts examinations."

Qi Qiongqiong hesitated, then said, "That is fine! But away from home, things won't be as comfortable as here; you must be careful in everything you do!"

Gu Yuren smiled, "I will listen to you in everything, my lady."

Qi Qiongqiong rummaged through her trunks and brought out two pouches of money. She said to Gu Yuren, "Each of these pouches contains three hundred taels. One is the travel money given by Father and my parents for your civil examinations; the other is for your martial arts exams—you know the amount."

Gu Yuren took the pouches and smiled, "Thank you, my lady!"

The next day, Xiao Guimu rose very early. Dressed in the page’s uniform Zhao Rouya had commissioned for her, she moved the luggage of Gu Yuren, Gu Yusheng, and Qi Guang to the carriage.

Gu Datong walked over and whispered to her, "Girl, do not hold it against your mother for being heartless, sending you into danger in the distant capital!"

Xiao Guimu smiled, "Uncle Gu, Guimu will take good care of the three brothers, please don't worry! As for going to the capital, think of it as me going to visit relatives! My grandmother, uncles, and aunts all live in large mansions in the capital. I am merely representing my mother to pay them a visit!"

Gu Datong shook his head, "Your grandmother and uncle are ruthless and dangerous people. You must be extremely cautious when you arrive. Especially your uncle—he is both wicked and foolish; avoid him if you can."

Xiao Guimu said, "Please rest assured, Uncle Gu, I will act according to the situation."

Gu Datong instructed her further, "For safety's sake, do not tell Yuren, Yusheng, or Guang your true identity. Your mother entrusted me to tell you this."

Xiao Guimu smiled, "I will remember, Uncle Gu!"

As soon as Gu Datong left, Qi Wei and Yin Yuanyuan approached. Yin Yuanyuan pulled Xiao Guimu into a hug and said, "Page Xiao, you are too perfect! If only I had two Qi Guangs, that would be wonderful!"

Xiao Guimu asked curiously, "My lady, why would you want two Qi Guangs?"

Yin Yuanyuan laughed, "If I had two, one of them could marry you! Then you would be my daughter-in-law!"

Xiao Guimu asked in confusion, "My lady, does Qi Guang already have a betrothal?"

Yin Yuanyuan whispered into Xiao Guimu’s ear, "He was engaged ten years ago to Sima Jiannan, the daughter of your Aunt, the Princess of Bashu. But Qi Guang has been kept in the dark, and we haven't told him yet."

Xiao Guimu whispered, "My lady, he is going to the capital for the exams now; you should tell him!"

Yin Yuanyuan replied, "Wait a while. It won't be too late to tell him after he earns his degree! To ensure he focuses on his exams, please keep this a secret for me, Guimu, will you?"

Xiao Guimu nodded, "I will."

Once Qi Wei and Yin Yuanyuan left, Qi Qiongqiong, Qi Yaoyao, and Gu Yuru approached the carriage.

Qi Qiongqiong said to Xiao Guimu, "Guimu, watching you bustle about in your page’s uniform makes my heart ache! Why must you disguise yourself as a man to be a page?"

Xiao Guimu smiled at Qi Qiongqiong and said, "Big Sister, I have long wanted to leave the salt field. This is the best opportunity for me to go!"

Qi Qiongqiong wiped her tears and said, "You are just a girl, and you are following them thousands of miles away, crossing mountains and rivers! Being a page is too hard for you!"

Xiao Guimu, not wanting to delay any longer, said, "Big Sister, the time is getting late, we must go! Please rest assured, I will take good care of Brother Yuren and Brother Qi Guang along the way."

Gu Yuru added, "Guimu, you must take good care of my second brother, too!"

Xiao Guimu glanced at Qi Yaoyao and said, "Sister Yuru, your second brother, Gu Yusheng, is a top scholar; he has the strength of many, so he doesn't need my help!"