Chapter Sixteen
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The Southern Han Jiang City was not large, but the imperial palace was magnificently grand—not only in scale but also in unique architecture. The palace buildings were imposing and well-arranged, with red walls and yellow tiles gleaming brilliantly under the sunlight. The palace gate was majestic and awe-inspiring, flanked by towering city towers and thick city walls.
In front of the palace gate lay a solemn and vast space, serving not only as a display of royal dignity but also as the link between the court and the outside world. The square was paved with bluestone, and around it grew lush pines and cypresses. Before attending court, officials would first dismount or cross the bridge in the square, then proceed on foot into the palace. After court sessions, officials would rest briefly in the square before returning home.
After bidding farewell to Chancellor Lu in the square, Gu Yuren rode his horse back home.
Yet, upon arriving, the "Iron General" guarding the gate informed him that Gu Yusheng, Xiao Guimu, and Qi Guang had not yet returned.
Gu Yuren led his horse into the stable and instructed the stable hands to feed the horse. Opening his door, he sat by his bed, sipping tea and resting, reminiscing about the scene of being bestowed office in court earlier that day, feeling a swell of joy in his heart.
He thought to himself, “I am now an official appointed by the court. After receiving the imperial edict in a few days, I will set off for Yangzhou. The thought of soon reuniting with Qi Qiongqiong and the children fills me with indescribable happiness—because I miss my wife and children deeply.”
He stepped out and glanced toward the bathhouse courtyard but still saw no sign of Gu Yusheng, Xiao Guimu, or Qi Guang.
He returned to the stables to have the stable hands provide fine feed to his horse.
As he came out, he heard the jingling of three horses' bells. Approaching the gate, he saw Gu Yusheng and the others had returned.
Gu Yuren asked, “Why did you arrive home so late?”
Gu Yusheng replied angrily, “The Southern General was stopped and delayed!”
Gu Yuren was shocked. “Has her identity been discovered?”
Gu Yusheng looked around nervously, then lowered his voice: “An old general wanted to duel her.”
It turned out that after Gu Yusheng, Xiao Guimu, and Qi Guang left the palace gate, Gu Yuren had already gone home. When the three were about to return, an old general dressed in third-rank official robes blocked their way and demanded to duel the Southern General on the spot.
“Li Muwen” bowed and asked, “Why?”
The old general turned to the crowd and loudly proclaimed, “Esteemed gentlemen, since the establishment of the military examinations in every dynasty, the top military scholar’s initial post was usually a Captain of Cavalry, a sixth-rank official; most military top scholars began as Company Commanders, also sixth-rank. The Southern General is typically a position held by senior ministers, ranked second grade. In the Three Kingdoms era, the renowned and fearless minister Zhao Yun held the post of Southern General. Elder official Zhang Zhong also came from the military examination system and risked life and death for the court for many years, with numerous military achievements, yet his rank is only third grade! This young newly minted military top scholar Li Muwen, without any achievements, is already a second-grade Southern General! Tell me, is this fair?”
“Indeed, it’s unfair!” the crowd began to stir with murmurs and uproar.
“This is decreed by the current Holy Emperor, not his own doing! If you want promotions, petition the emperor. Why pick quarrels with a young man?” someone accused the challenger.
“It’s not that this old soldier is against the young man...” the old general lost his vigor.
“So you admit it! Old fool, you must have a grudge against him!” someone cursed. “Here comes Lord Yan, the Left Palace Attendant! Everyone disperse!”
In an instant, the crowd scattered like clouds before the wind. Gu Yusheng looked around but saw no sign of old general Zhang Zhong—he was nothing but a coward!
In truth, Lord Yan, the Left Palace Attendant, had not come at all; it was a false alarm.
After hearing his younger brother’s account, Gu Yuren seemed to calm down. But at dinner, he repeatedly warned Xiao Guimu: the court is a perilous place; one must always be cautious! Xiao Guimu nodded repeatedly in agreement. The four agreed to address her as the Southern General.
In the following days, the Mu family courtyard was filled with joy.
The osmanthus trees, having passed winter, sprouted fresh green leaves and bloomed anew.
Two guest rooms in the north corner of the courtyard saw a steady stream of visitors—those coming to pay respects to the newly appointed officials of the clan.
The final visitor for the day took their leave.
Gu Yusheng stretched and said, “I’m starving! Southern General, is dinner ready?”
The Southern General replied, “Long since prepared!”
Gu Yusheng approached the table, glanced at the dishes, and said, “Vegetarian dishes again? Eating this every day, I’ve lost a lot of weight!”
The Southern General said, “Intern officer, you want something better to eat? Then bring some silver!”
Gu Yusheng said, “Didn’t we bring several hundred taels of silver from home?”
The Southern General said, “You’re such a naïve fellow! That silver has mostly been spent on travel expenses and living costs during our stay at the Resting Courtyard over the past months.”
Gu Yusheng did the math: “True enough! But in a few days, my salary will arrive, and then...”
Qi Guang interrupted eagerly: “Then Lord Gu the Scholar will treat us to a big feast, right?”
Gu Yusheng patted his chest: “Of course!”
Gu Yuren picked up a piece of green bean and chewed thoughtfully: “Second brother, Sister Guimu, Qi Guang, my and your edicts have been issued; in a few days, the two of us will return to Yang City to assume office.”
Xiao Guimu said, “Young master, I really hate to see you go...” and began to cry softly.
Gu Yusheng teased, “Southern General, the one who dares to bump into heaven is afraid of parting?”
Xiao Guimu scolded, “Shameless! None of your business, keep your mouth shut!”
Gu Yuren looked at Xiao Guimu disguised as a man: “Sister Guimu, with this fuss, you’re no longer a woman!”
Xiao Guimu replied, “Young master, I’ve long prepared myself. Even if I must live as a man for life, I’ll carry on.”
Gu Yusheng said, “If you get exposed, it’s a capital offense for your whole family!”
Xiao Guimu said, “My family counts only three; my mother died long ago!”
Gu Yuren asked, “What do you mean by that?”
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Xiao Guimu’s eyes shimmered with tears: “You’ll understand in time...”
While the four were eating and talking, a youth dressed as a servant approached the door and asked, “May I ask which of you is Lord Gu Yusheng, the double military scholar?”
Gu Yusheng stood up: “That would be me. Who are you...?”
The youth replied, “I am Chancellor Lu’s servant. I have been sent by the Chancellor to deliver an invitation to Lord Double Military Scholar!” Saying this, he respectfully presented the invitation card.
Gu Yusheng took the card and handed it to his elder brother Gu Yuren. After reading it, Gu Yuren said to his brother, “Second brother, Chancellor Lu is highly respected. Since he sincerely invites you, go tomorrow! But remember, we are juniors and must always be humble and respectful.”
Gu Yusheng nodded: “You’re right, big brother. Don’t worry, I will!”
The young servant politely said, “Thank you, young sir! Please tell the Chancellor I will attend the banquet on time tomorrow,” then took his leave.
After the morning court session, Gu Yusheng sat at the Hanlin Academy’s desk, feeling restless. No matter how he thought, he couldn’t fathom why Chancellor Lu, second only to the emperor, would invite a mere junior scholar to a banquet? Then he recalled the girl who resembled Qi Yaoyao, who had been trailing behind Chancellor Lu at the banquet...
As dusk approached, Gu Yusheng arrived at Chancellor Lu’s mansion and handed his calling card to the gatekeeper. Soon, the gate creaked open, and Chancellor Lu appeared, beaming: “The entire court praises Lord Double Military Scholar not only for his literary and martial talents but also for his outstanding appearance. Standing side by side today, it’s truly deserved!”
Gu Yusheng was flattered and knelt, saying, “Chancellor, you flatter me. I dare not accept such praise!”
Chancellor Lu quickly helped him up: “Stand up! Haha, Lord Double Military Scholar is indeed sharp and clever. This is rare, very rare...”
Looking around the courtyard, Gu Yusheng saw many candles lit, illuminating the entire compound brilliantly. Seeing such grand arrangements, he thought the Chancellor must be entertaining a very important guest tonight. He resolved to treat it as a chance to broaden his horizons.
However, upon entering the inner courtyard, Gu Yusheng found no other guests or dignitaries. Chancellor Lu took him by the hand and led him directly to the dining table—it was a family dinner. Looking up, Gu Yusheng saw Lady Lu with two maids setting the table with a lavish spread. When finished, Lady Lu told Chancellor Lu, “It’s ready!” Chancellor Lu sat at the head seat and called, “Qian’er, dinner is served, come out!” A young lady emerged and sat in the chair next to Gu Yusheng—it was the girl who resembled Qi Yaoyao.
Chancellor Lu introduced, “This is my only daughter, Lu Qianqian. She greatly admires Lord Double Military Scholar’s talents in both literature and martial arts. It was her wish to invite you to our home tonight.” Gu Yusheng’s heart skipped a beat. He stood, blushing, and bowed to Lu Qianqian: “Thank you for your kindness, miss!”
Lu Qianqian also stood, returned his bow with a graceful greeting, and cast a quick glance at Gu Yusheng, her cheeks flushing.
Gu Yusheng could not help but look again; she had large, expressive eyes, a fuller figure than Qi Yaoyao, and even fairer skin. Especially those eloquent eyes reminded him of Qi Yaoyao’s gaze, making him tremble.
That night, Chancellor Lu, Lady Lu Zhou, Lu Qianqian, and Gu Yusheng drank together. Lady Lu helped the somewhat tipsy Chancellor Lu stagger back to his room. Meanwhile, usually composed and dignified Lord Double Military Scholar spoke nervously: “Miss Lu, th-thank you for your hospitality! It’s getting late; I-I must return to the Mu courtyard...” and staggered as he walked.
Lu Qianqian reached out with warm hands, hugging Gu Yusheng’s waist from behind, pressing her heated body against him, saying, “Good! I-I will escort you back to the Mu courtyard...”
Gu Yusheng said, “No need, I’ll ride back myself... Huh? We’re home already?” They stumbled into Lu Qianqian’s room, and Gu Yusheng collapsed onto her bed.
Lu Qianqian leaned against the wall: “You’re home now, so I’m relieved! Rest well! I-I’ll return to the Chancellor’s mansion...”
Gu Yusheng got up: “It’s past midnight; the roads are unsafe! How dare I let you go alone? I-I will escort you...”
Lu Qianqian came over quickly, grabbed his hand, pressed it to her chest, and said, “You said you’d escort me back to the mansion, right?” She was pretending to be drunk.
Gu Yusheng’s eyes reddened and glazed: “Of course! But I’m so dizzy, I can’t ride... what to do?”
Lu Qianqian said excitedly: “Let’s ride one horse together! Hold me tight, and you won’t fall!”
Gu Yusheng, drunk and dazed, said: “Only... that way then!” and embraced her tightly.
Lu Qianqian pulled down the red silk curtain: “Let’s go, mount!”
Sounds of clothes rustling came from within the curtain. As a result, Gu Yusheng dreamed he was pressing Lu Qianqian beneath him...
Long after, Lady Zhou walked to the corridor, blew out candles, sighed, and closed the door.
Gu Yusheng woke startled: “Who is it?”
Lu Qianqian nestled in his arms: “It’s my old tabby cat catching mice.”
Outside, Lady Zhou cursed silently: “Unfilial girl! Your mother was the one catching mice!”
Lady Zhou was both the architect and executor of this “drunken play.” Before dawn, she hired a carriage to send Gu Yusheng back to the Mu courtyard under the morning light, the horse tied behind—the very horse of Gu Yusheng.
Gu Yusheng lay in bed, sleeping a full day and night.
When he awoke, a pair of familiar eyes gazed at him. He sat up quickly, looked around—his elder brother Gu Yuren, junior brother Qi Guang, Xiao Guimu, Qi Yaoyao, and his own younger sister Gu Yuru were all there.
“Am I seeing things?” Gu Yusheng wondered. Rubbing his eyes hard, he looked again and asked, “Where am I? Why are you two here?”
Gu Yuru said, “Second brother, you’re awake! This is the Mu courtyard! Your sister-in-law and I arrived yesterday afternoon!”
Gu Yusheng was surprised: “Sister-in-law? Who is she?”
Gu Yuru said, “Second brother, Sister Yaoyao is your sister-in-law!”
Gu Yuren chimed in: “Second brother, in Yang City, father and my father-in-law have arranged your marriage with Sister Yaoyao! Look...” He handed over the engagement contract brought by Qi Yaoyao. Gu Yusheng looked at it, feeling mixed joy and worry. Joy that his beloved had become his betrothed, worry over his physical involvement with Miss Lu Qianqian and what the future held.
He angrily said to Gu Yuru, “Why did you come now? It would have been better to arrive a day earlier!”
Gu Yuru said apologetically, “We met mother on the road and were delayed a few days.”
Gu Yusheng scolded bewilderedly, “Is a few days not enough? In war, even being hours late could cause total defeat! Do you understand?”
Gu Yuru tearfully felt wronged.
Gu Yuren couldn’t bear it and asked, “Second brother, what’s wrong with you today? You’re acting like you took the wrong medicine...”
Gu Yusheng realized he’d lost his temper. Seeing his sister crying, he apologized: “Sister, please forgive me! I was drunk and just woke after a long sleep. I’m troubled and took it out on you, which was wrong.” He pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her tears.
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Qi Yaoyao quickly defended Gu Yuru: “Sister Gu Yu, your brother isn’t a good person! You should hit him! Sister-in-law stands with you.” Gu Yusheng scolded Qi Yaoyao: “How can a sister hit her brother? ... Hey, Sister Gu Yu, you said you met mother—whose mother did you meet?”
Gu Yuru smiled: “Second brother, Sister Yaoyao and I met our birth mother, Lou Mingxuan!”
Gu Yusheng was astonished: “You really met mother?”
Qi Yaoyao said proudly: “On the way to the capital, not only did we meet grandmother and Brother Li Muwen, but we also fought Japanese pirates together!”
Gu Yusheng stared at Qi Yaoyao and Gu Yuru in amazement: Who says women are inferior to men?
Gu Yuren said to his brother, “Second brother, mother wrote in her letter that your wedding with Sister Yaoyao will be held in the capital. She also said the eldest brother acts as a father and asked me to preside over your wedding!”
Gu Yusheng felt as if he drank a bowl of honey. He asked Qi Yaoyao, “Sister Yaoyao, do you truly agree to this marriage?”
Qi Yaoyao smiled at Gu Yusheng: “Marriage is a matter of parents’ will and matchmakers’ words! Masked hero, I shall obey my parents’ command!” Saying this, she covered her face and ran out playfully.
A few days later, Gu Yusheng and the Southern General had received their salaries. Now with money, they jointly rented a house near the Peace Gate, living as neighbors.
Qi Guang suddenly remembered Gu Yusheng’s promise to treat everyone to a feast and demanded he fulfill it.
Gu Yusheng told him, “Qi Guang, next time. When your brother-in-law receives his salary, he will treat you.”
Qi Guang laughed heartily: “You’re really calculating! By the time you get paid next, your brother-in-law and I will already be on the way back to Yangzhou!”
This time, the Southern General generously hosted everyone at the most famous riverside hotel in the capital.
Qi Guang sat in the luxurious private room, feeling great. He said to Gu Yusheng, “Brother-in-law, you’ve become stingy since becoming an official! Look at the Southern General, so generous, inviting us to such a fine hotel for a feast!”
Qi Yaoyao said, “Qi Guang, your brother-in-law is a junior scholar with a small salary; the Southern General is a high official with a larger income. Besides, we need money for the wedding...”
Qi Guang teased Gu Yusheng: “Lord Double Military Scholar, soon to be a groom! If you want me as your best man, bring the red envelope quickly!”
The Southern General told him, “Qi Registrar, you can’t be the best man!”
Qi Guang asked, “Why not?”
The Southern General looked at Gu Yusheng and said, “You two are related as brothers-in-law!”
Qi Guang asked, “Then what can I do?”
The Southern General smiled: “Be the one to carry your second sister’s shoes!”
Qi Guang frowned: “I’m now an official, the registrar; carrying wedding shoes seems inappropriate!”
Gu Yusheng said, “Qi Guang, carrying wedding shoes comes with a big red envelope!”
When Gu Yuren married Qi Qiongqiong, Qi Guang also carried the shoes and received eight taels of silver in a red envelope, meant to encourage him to pass the imperial exams and marry soon.
Qi Guang recalled the red envelope and asked, “Brother-in-law, how many taels will you put in the red envelope?”
Gu Yusheng glanced at Qi Yaoyao: “I don’t know; you’ll have to ask your sister! The number two means ‘double’ and also ‘love,’ so maybe your second sister will put two taels in!”
Qi Yaoyao teased: “I’ll give you two qian then.”
Qi Guang laughed: “You really are one big generous family!”
Gu Yuru smiled: “Qi Guang, the amount of silver doesn’t matter; it’s the good omen that counts! But you’ll soon be a groom yourself, so don’t be stingy then!”
Qi Guang said, “Sister Gu Yu, my wedding will probably be after the Year of the Ox or Horse.”
“Damn!” Qi Yaoyao suddenly called out, “Qi Guang, second sister forgot to tell you—your quirky fiancée, Sima Jiannan, has already arrived at our Qi family salt shop!”
This shocked Qi Guang like thunder: “Second sister, are you serious? You’re joking, right?”
Qi Yaoyao was serious: “Qi Guang, I’m not joking! Before we left Yang City, Sima Jiannan came to our house! Let me tell you, your future wife and I didn’t get along at first!”
Qi Guang smiled broadly: “So there really is a girl named Sima Jiannan! I thought the Southern General was making it up to trick me!”
Qi Yaoyao said, “She’s the daughter of Sima Xishi Bo, and incredibly beautiful!”
Qi Guang, smiling brightly, teased: “Second sister, your taste isn’t unique! Your brother here doesn’t judge by looks!”
Qi Yaoyao slapped Qi Guang’s backside: “Boy, you’re lucky in love! Just keep enjoying it!”
Qi Guang asked, “Second sister, you said you and she didn’t get along at first—what happened?”
Qi Yaoyao glanced at Gu Yusheng, then exchanged a knowing smile with Gu Yuru, and recounted in detail how she took Gu Yuru shopping that morning, encountered Sima Jiannan’s deception, and fought with her, concluding: “What do you think? A beauty coming to Yang City and playing such tricks—isn’t that strange?”
Everyone laughed heartily.
The Southern General did not laugh. She said seriously, “So it seems Sima Jiannan and I are on the same path; I’d like to meet her someday!”
Qi Guang looked at Xiao Guimu seriously and joked, “Hey, Southern General, you’re a great general, a ‘manly man.’ Why are you thinking about my wife?”
Xiao Guimu gave Qi Guang a heavy knock on the head: “Today’s feast is on you!”
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