Chapter Twenty-Two

Osmanthus Garden.

As the morning light emerged, Gu Yusheng departed for the imperial court.

Under the osmanthus trees in the garden, a young woman dressed in pale blue stood quietly. Her hair was gently stirred by the morning breeze, fluttering like a soft ribbon. Her eyes, clear as the morning sun, seemed to peer into the soul, yet they held the tender warmth of a mother’s gaze. In her hand, she held a Lou-style longsword, its blade shimmering with a faint, cold light as if it could sever all the world’s misfortune and sorrow. She was Qi Yaoyao, the mistress of the garden. Though not a mother, she exuded a maternal aura, paired with the loving care of an elder sister.

In the center of the garden, two young girls stood respectfully, their eyes filled with adoration for their master and an eagerness to learn. Sunlight filtered through the sparse osmanthus leaves, dappling them in light and shadow—a scene of beauty and hope. They were Baiyun and Caiyun, the two girls who had sold themselves to bury their former master. Being performers by trade, they already possessed a foundation in martial arts.

"Baiyun, Caiyun, the essence of Lou-style swordsmanship lies in tempering the body and mind through correct practice, cultivating vigorous energy, respecting etiquette, valuing integrity, and loving humanity and the world with a sincere heart, so as to contribute to peace and prosperity." Qi Yaoyao spoke slowly, her voice soft and kind. "This morning, I shall teach you the basics of the Lou-style. You are both young; it is not too late to begin your diligent study."

With that, Qi Yaoyao moved, standing in a posture that resembled a child learning to walk—a stance defined by subtle fluctuations within dynamic balance. It was a relatively stable standing pattern, the hallmark that distinguished Lou-style swordsmanship from other schools. The sword in her hand seemed to come alive, carving graceful arcs through the air as her form shifted. Every arc drawn corresponded uniquely to each specific stance.

Baiyun and Caiyun watched with rapt attention, eyes unblinking, fearing they might miss a single detail.

Once Qi Yaoyao finished her demonstration, the two girls imitated her movements, cautiously completing the first stance, their own longswords tracing arcs in the air.

Qi Yaoyao smiled and encouraged them, "My Baiyun and Caiyun are truly clever! You understood it after just one viewing!"

She then demonstrated different stances. At first, their movements were stiff, but through her patient guidance and repeated demonstrations, their postures began to take shape, and the arcs they drew grew increasingly elegant.

"Very good! Remember, your footing must be steady. The sword follows the heart, and the heart moves with the intent," Qi Yaoyao prompted. She would step in to gently adjust Baiyun’s posture or correct the angle of Caiyun’s wrist. "The path of the sword lies in daily practice and realization; grounding the basics is the first step. Do not be impatient for success."

As the sun climbed higher, the three of them—though not bound by a formal contract of servitude, their relationship as mistress and servants had evolved into one of sisters, and now, master and disciples—grew increasingly absorbed in their practice. Their garments were soaked with sweat. Qi Yaoyao taught with devotion, determined to pass on her skills and mold the two girls into young swordswomen. The girls, in turn, were earnest and eager, resolved to master her techniques. Their shared dedication was as intense as the sunlight crowning the osmanthus trees.

From that day on, the Osmanthus Garden became a training ground. From the first light of dawn until the sun dipped behind the western hills, the rhythmic ringing of clashing steel echoed throughout the garden.

Gu Yusheng attended court and returned home like clockwork. In his spare time, he would also offer guidance to the girls. What pleased him most was that Qi Yaoyao had recently stopped pressuring him to resign from his post and return to Yangcheng.

One evening, as Gu Yusheng was reading in bed, Qi Yaoyao lifted the curtain and entered. "Husband, do not sleep yet. Come out with me to act as a witness."

"A witness for what?" Gu Yusheng asked.

As she helped him dress, she replied, "You will see when you get to the courtyard." Gu Yusheng had no choice but to follow.

In the courtyard, an incense table had been set up. Baiyun and Caiyun were kneeling on the ground, each holding a cup of tea.

Qi Yaoyao seated Gu Yusheng in the chair reserved for the "witness" and took her place in the seat for the "master." "Begin!" she commanded.

Baiyun spoke first, "Master is above, please accept this bow from Baiyun!" She kowtowed three times and offered the tea. Qi Yaoyao took a sip.

Caiyun followed, "Master is above, please accept this bow from Caiyun!" She also kowtowed three times and offered her tea, which Qi Yaoyao sipped as well.

Gu Yusheng asked, "What play are you three performing tonight?"

Qi Yaoyao immediately turned to the girls, "Baiyun, Caiyun, the imperial official sitting beside us is your Martial Uncle, Gu Yusheng. Quickly, pay your respects."

The two girls knelt before Gu Yusheng, bowed, and said, "Greetings, Martial Uncle Gu!"

Gu Yusheng chuckled, "So, from now on, you will no longer call me 'Master,' but 'Martial Uncle Gu'?"

Baiyun replied, "It was the Mistress who told us to call you Martial Uncle, but we prefer calling you 'Master'!"

***

Yangzhou.

Gu Yuren seemed incredibly busy in his role as the Military Adjutant of Yangzhou. As a first-time official, he was eager to prove himself, wanting to display all his talents at once. Like his time at the Registry Office, he was always the first to arrive at the Prefecture’s Military Command Office at the hour of the Rabbit every morning. He had been a temporary clerk before, but now he was a formal official. He worked for over eight hours a day, assisting the Commander while also managing judicial affairs for the prefecture. These tasks were complex, but Gu Yuren worked tirelessly.

That afternoon, just before the end of his shift, Gu Yuren read a notice in the gazette: "His Majesty is wise; General Li Muwen of the Southern Expedition has annihilated the rebel forces in the Southern Province and returned in triumph!"

Only then did Gu Yuren suddenly remember that the letter Xiao Guimu had written to Aunt Rouya was still in his luggage. "Damn it! That letter is still in my bag..."

The next morning, Gu Yuren took private leave. Accompanied by his wife, Qi Qiongqiong, and carrying the letter, they set off for home. Their home was still at the salt flats.

Qi Qiongqiong was an expert horsewoman. She had not returned to the salt flats for a long time and was filled with excitement. This was the first time she and her husband were riding home together, and she felt wonderful. Her horse was faster than Gu Yuren’s. She looked back and called out, "Husband, whip your horse and ride faster!"

"Qiong-mei, I am already riding as fast as I can!" Gu Yuren replied.

Qi Qiongqiong slowed down to wait for him. "We haven't ridden together in so long! Shall we race? See who is faster?"

"Fine! Giddy-up!" Before he could even finish, Gu Yuren spurred his horse forward.

Qi Qiongqiong chased after him, laughing, "You cheat! You started before the race began! Giddy-up!" She urged her horse on, quickly leaving Gu Yuren behind. She looked back and teased, "Husband, come catch me! What’s wrong? Can’t catch up? And you’re a Martial Scholar—turns out your riding isn't as good as mine! Giddy-up!"

Her silvery laughter sounded like a melodic song, half dissolving into the breeze from the East River and half chasing the white clouds in the sky. Hearing such sweet laughter, Gu Yuren felt as if he had drunk honeyed wine, dizzy with delight.

He pursued her, calling out, "The country road is rugged, be careful not to fall! Hey, you are a married woman now, why are you still acting like that?"

Qi Qiongqiong suddenly remembered a scene from a dream where Gu Yuren had said the same thing. She reined in her horse and asked, "How am I acting?"

"Not mature at all! Just like a young girl," he replied.

Qi Qiongqiong retorted, "I am a woman from a small place; compared to those noble young ladies in the capital, of course I am not mature!"

Gu Yuren sensed the sting in her words and felt it was uncalled for, so he quickly added, "I only meant you seem like a young girl; there was no other meaning!"

"I *was* a beautiful young girl," she said, "but then you turned me into a haggard wife!"

"Qiong-mei, you are no haggard wife! You are a beautiful young woman, increasingly sexy and charming!"

Qi Qiongqiong squinted at him, looking cunning. "Husband, is that true?"

Gu Yuren laughed, "Of course it is!"

"More charming than those noble ladies in the capital?"

"Even more charming!" he answered quickly.

Qi Qiongqiong stared at him with lingering affection. "Do you want it now?"

"Want what?"

"My charm," she said tenderly. "You want it? I can give it to you right now!"

Gu Yuren glanced around nervously. "Are you mad? We are on the road, not in the boudoir!"

Qi Qiongqiong narrowed her sultry eyes. "But I want it now. Are you going to do it or not?"

Gu Yuren’s blood began to boil. "I will! But where is there a suitable place?"

Qi Qiongqiong smiled mischievously. "There is a hillside over there; let’s go to the hillside!" With that, she spurred her horse toward the slope.

Watching her beautiful figure, Gu Yuren shook his head. "Truly a willful young girl. I really don't know what to do with you!"

"Hurry up!" she shouted back.

That night, in the main hall of Gu Datong’s house, Zhao Rouya read the letter her daughter Xiao Guimu had written a year ago, over and over again.

Gu Yuren and Qi Qiongqiong knelt at her feet, begging for her forgiveness.

"Aunt," Gu Yuren said, "after I returned to Yangcheng, I don't know why, but I had no memory of this letter at all. I am truly damnable!"

Qi Qiongqiong pleaded for her husband: "Aunt Rouya, my husband knows he was wrong! Please, for the sake of his usual filial piety, forgive him this once."

After reading the letter, Zhao Rouya seemed to forget everything around her. She did not pass the letter to her husband but tucked it into her bosom. She sat in her chair, lost in thought, her eyes fixed on Gu Yuren, yet looking right through him. Her lips moved, but she said nothing. Her expression shifted—initially pained, then a flash of joy, though it was fleeting. Finally, her face settled into a mask of deep sorrow.

Xiao Tianjian stepped forward and silently helped Gu Yuren and Qi Qiongqiong up, then gently lifted his wife and carried her home.

The young couple felt deeply guilty and wanted to say more, but Gu Datong stopped them. They tidied the hall and returned to their room to rest.

In truth, Zhao Rouya did not blame Gu Yuren for his "forgetfulness." She felt this delayed letter had arrived at exactly the right time. The "window of time" over the past year had helped her realize many things. Her intuition told her that a earth-shattering event was hurtling toward them. Images of the frozen northern lands and the suffering of her humiliated sisters filled her mind. She cursed inwardly, "The current Emperor is far too cold and heartless!"

Lying in bed, Zhao Rouya was lost in thought. A single candle flickered in the room, casting a red and black glow. The room felt stifling, like the air before a storm.

She whispered to herself, "I was a princess once, but..."

Xiao Tianjian sat on the edge of the bed and murmured, "Gui... Guimu’s mother, shall we go to the capital?"

Zhao Rouya sat up, grabbed her husband’s hand, and said excitedly, "You said it yourself!"

"I did," he replied with equal fervor.

***

After Xiao Guimu successfully suppressed the rebellion and returned to the capital, the Emperor bestowed honors upon her.

On the night her mother received that late letter, what was she doing?

She and Vice General Gu Yuru had returned to the Osmanthus Garden. Dressed in general's robes and riding a horse, she looked majestic and imposing. She had long forgotten that she was a woman. When they arrived, Qi Yaoyao was overjoyed and moved to embrace her, but she instinctively stepped back. She had grown accustomed to the role of General Li Muwen, a man, and had truly come to think of herself as him. Gu Yuru, too, had grown accustomed to the role of Gu Yu.

After returning to the capital, the Emperor issued a decree appointing Gu Yu as a Scouting Officer. Gu Yuru said to Gu Yusheng and Qi Yaoyao, "Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, you can no longer call me 'Sister Yuru'!"

"If we don't call you Sister Yuru, what should we call you?" Qi Yaoyao asked.

"I, Gu Yuru, am now an official of the imperial court. Like Second Brother, I serve the state. You should address me as Officer Gu, or General Gu!"

Gu Yusheng laughed, "Very well, Officer Gu. This Ministry Official is about to starve to death! Hurry up and make dinner!"

Gu Yuru turned to Qi Yaoyao and said, "Second Sister-in-law, listen well: Ministry Official Gu Yusheng is starving, and this General orders you to go make dinner immediately!"

Qi Yaoyao rolled her eyes at Gu Yusheng. "Me?"

Gu Yusheng nodded. "Second Gu, I don't want to cook!"

"You don't want to cook? Then what use are you?" Gu Yusheng asked.

Qi Yaoyao said furiously, "I want to divorce you! I’m going to be a general too!"

Though they were joking, Qi Yaoyao was truly annoyed. In terms of martial arts, while she was not as strong as Xiao Guimu or Gu Yusheng, she was several times better than her sister-in-law, Gu Yuru. Moreover, she was born with a proud spirit and loved competition. Since she was a child, whether practicing martial arts or playing, she was always the "king." Gu Yuren, Qi Qiongqiong, Gu Yuru, and Qi Guang were all her "subordinates." But now, in this fragrant courtyard, three of the four were imperial officials, and she alone was a housewife, a servant who cooked meals.

The more she thought, the angrier she became. *Sigh! It’s all because I was too eager for family life and lost my freedom. Otherwise, I would be like Sister Yuru—cross-dressing and joining the army to become a Vice General...* She glared at Gu Yusheng. "Second Gu, I really want to divorce you!"

Gu Yusheng knew he had pushed the joke too far and quickly apologized. "My lady, I shouldn't have made that joke! I was wrong!"

Qi Yaoyao waved him off. "It’s not about the joke! I really do want to be a general!"

The atmosphere turned stifling. The General of the Southern Expedition stepped forward and said, "Excellent! Second Miss Qi, you really should divorce Second Gu! Go write the divorce letter. My ranks are lacking a head of the kitchen staff; you come and take the position!"

Qi Yaoyao glanced at Xiao Guimu and teased, "Respected General of the Southern Expedition, go to bed early tonight and have a sweet dream!"

Gu Yusheng, seeing the General’s awkward expression, laughed triumphantly. The General glared at him. "A pair of birds of a feather!"

"The General is wrong," Qi Yaoyao said. "We share a common enemy!"

As the four of them bickered, the maid Baiyun ran in. "Mistress, Miss Lü Qianqian is here to visit."

The four of them went out to greet her. Lü Qianqian led two maids in, each carrying a food box.

Gu Yuru and the maids hurried forward to take the boxes.

Qi Yaoyao took Lü Qianqian’s hand affectionately. "Sister, you didn't have to bring so much food."

"I just learned to cook a few dishes," Lü Qianqian said. "I don't know how they turned out, so I’d like you all to taste them."

Hearing it was food, the General opened a box. "Wow! Such good wine and dishes!" She reached for a chicken leg, but Qi Yaoyao slapped her hand away. "Away with you! A mere soldier, not a bit of refinement!"

The General sheepishly retracted her hand, laughing, "If I were in the barracks, refinement would only lead to starvation."

While they spoke, the table was set. The General sat down and began to wolf down the food. "This meal comes just in time! Miss Lü is truly a merciful Bodhisattva!"

"Why do you say that?" Lü Qianqian asked.

"Just now, we were arguing over who should cook dinner!" Qi Yaoyao said. "If you hadn't come, we would have been eating nothing but wind tonight!"

Lü Qianqian giggled. "Too many monks and no water to drink!" She cast a quick glance at Gu Yusheng. "But I’ve never heard of the Bodhisattva bringing people wine and food. I’ve only heard of her giving people five-colored fruit, or bestowing sons..."

Qi Yaoyao took her hand again and looked her over. "Sister, we haven't seen each other for nearly a year! What illness did you have that required you to go all the way to Mount Emei for treatment?"

"It wasn't a major illness, just some swelling. After I got to Mount Emei, I took the medicine my master prescribed and practiced swordplay to recuperate. I am fully recovered now."

"That is good," Qi Yaoyao said.

Lü Qianqian looked at the group. "I came tonight to say goodbye."

"Are you leaving the capital again?" they asked.

"My father has retired and is returning to his hometown," she replied.

It was late when they left the Osmanthus Garden. Gu Yusheng rode his horse to escort them to the entrance of the Prime Minister's residence before returning home.

At the gate, Lü Qianqian said to him, "Come to the South City Gate the morning after next to see us off? I have a big gift for you then!"

Two mornings later, Gu Yusheng rode his horse along the main street. When he reached the South City Gate, the Prime Minister’s carriage was already waiting. He dismounted before Lü Qianqian, and the young page took his reins.

"You came," Lü Qianqian said.

Gu Yusheng nodded.

"Go see my father in the front carriage first," she said. "I have something to tell you when you return."

Gu Yusheng complied. Inside the carriage, the Prime Minister said, "Come up."

Gu Yusheng climbed in. He saw the Concubine Zhou sitting in front of a cradle, inside of which lay an infant.

Concubine Zhou teased the baby, "Little Yuyu, your real father is here!"

Gu Yusheng was stunned.

"Little Yuyu, smile! Smile for your father! That’s it, such a good boy!"

Gu Yusheng had already guessed the truth, but he asked, "Prime Minister, whose child is this?"

The Prime Minister sat up straight. "He is my grandson, named Gu Yuyu. From now on, he will also be called Lü Yuyu. Do you hear me clearly?"

Gu Yusheng nodded.

At that moment, he wasn't thinking about the child. His mind was filled with the *Wuwu Heritage*, the register of names.

He sat across from the Prime Minister. "Prime Minister, you have suddenly left the court. What should I do?"

The Prime Minister leaned down and teased his grandson. "Little Yuyu, tell your father not to forget your grandfather’s heavy trust! The imperial court is full of hidden daggers; as an official, you must be careful in everything you do!"

Concubine Zhou teased, "Little Yuyu, we are leaving, give your father a smile!" For some reason, the baby pursed his lips and burst into tears.

"Don't cry, little one," she soothed. "Tell your father that when you grow up, we will come back to the capital to visit him... there, there, don't cry!"

Seeing his son crying in the cradle, Gu Yusheng felt a lump in his throat. The little guy cried, his eyes opening and closing, making Gu Yusheng reluctant to leave. He reached out to hold the baby, but Concubine Zhou quickly blocked him. "Don't! As we said, he will come visit you when he grows up..."

Gu Yusheng dismounted, his heart heavy. "Did you see your son?" Lü Qianqian asked. "That is the big gift I have for you!"

It turned out that Lü Qianqian had become pregnant after their one-night encounter. By the time she discovered it, Gu Yusheng had already married Qi Yaoyao. The Prime Minister, upon learning the truth, was furious and wanted to have her drowned in a pig basket for bringing shame to the family. Lü Qianqian had thought she was doomed. It was only thanks to Concubine Zhou’s persistent pleading that the Prime Minister’s anger abated. Concubine Zhou was a woman of great courage; she had told the Prime Minister, "If you want to end the Lü bloodline, then go ahead and drown her. But remember, the world says family scandals should be kept quiet, yet you seem afraid that people don't know! If you drown your only daughter, you should invite all the officials to watch and post notices throughout the city to show off your 'strict family law'! But if the family has no heirs, what use is the law?"

In the end, the Prime Minister let Concubine Zhou take Lü Qianqian away. They told outsiders she was ill and needed treatment at Mount Emei. In reality, Concubine Zhou took her to the Yuni Lake stronghold, where under the careful care of Zhao Chuoyun, the Princess of Bashu, she gave birth to Gu Yuyu.

After hearing her story, Gu Yusheng blamed himself. "Qianqian, it’s all my fault that you suffered."

"Husband, I was willing. You cannot blame yourself."

"But you and the child have no status. Why don't you stay? We can hold the wedding ceremony first."

"That is not important," Lü Qianqian said. "My family has no sons. My father wants Yuyu to take the surname Lü. Do you agree?"

"Of course I agree."

"My hometown is close to the Dapu barracks," she continued. "When you have the chance to inspect the barracks in the future, you must come visit my father and little Yuyu, okay?"

Gu Yusheng shook his head. "No."

"Why?" she asked with a searching look.

"Because your father is well taken care of by Concubine Zhou, and little Yuyu is well taken care of by you. It doesn't matter if I visit or not. But *you*—if you need me to visit, I will go!"

Lü Qianqian felt a warmth in her chest. "I will take care of myself! But I want to give little Yuyu a younger brother. I hope you will come help me soon!"

Gu Yusheng pulled her into his arms. "I will help with that, I promise!"

Lü Qianqian buried her head in his chest, her tears soaking his shirt. "Come soon... Qianqian will be waiting for you!"

The world says Wang Baochuan is the most devoted woman, but they do not know of Lü Qianqian, another remarkable woman.

"I must take on the responsibilities of a husband and father," Gu Yusheng told her. "I must give you a status as soon as possible."

Lü Qianqian sat up straight. "Just focus on your official duties! I don't want any status, nor do I want you to bear any burden. I will raise little Yuyu on my own. I only hope that you..."

"Hope for what?"

"I only hope you remember us."

"And what about what you said about giving Yuyu a younger brother?"

Lü Qianqian’s eyes grew misty again. "If it happens, that would be wonderful, but I won't force it!"

"It will happen." Gu Yusheng kissed her ear and stepped off the carriage.

In fact, Gu Yusheng had already taken the day off.

After seeing the Lü family off, he did not want to go home immediately. He found a secluded spot, took off his official robes, and changed into a white gown—a fine garment Qi Yaoyao had spent ten taels of silver to have made.

He left the city.

He rode his horse aimlessly along the country mud roads, breathing in the fresh air, feeling relaxed and happy. He thought of the salty air of the salt flats and missed his father.

He dismounted on an open hillside. The grass was damp with dew, so he walked slowly. He stopped before a patch of wild flowers. A large group of butterflies danced among them—red, yellow, white, blue, black, a dazzling array of colors. He caught a red one, released it, then caught a blue one, and released it again. He was lost in the simple joy of it. The breeze stirred his white robes, making him look like petals drifting in the wind.

The free time was wonderful, and before he knew it, it was noon. Feeling hungry, he realized he had not brought any rations. He did not want to return home on such a fine day, so he decided to forage for food on the hill. He walked toward a thicket, hoping to find wild fruit, but found none. Passing through a dense forest, he spotted rabbit droppings and tracks.

*A wild rabbit would be good,* he thought. *Too bad I didn't bring my bow.* He suddenly remembered learning the art of throwing stones from a swordsman surnamed Zhang when he was a child. He hadn't practiced in a long time, but he decided to try.

He picked up several stones and threw them at a small tree. He hit the target every time. Gu Yusheng was delighted. *My skills haven't rusted after all!*

He collected a dozen stones and tucked them into his sleeves. He continued deeper into the forest, where the ground was damp and dark. The grass was thick, his footsteps making a soft rustling sound. Suddenly, a rabbit darted out, running like the wind.

Gu Yusheng’s hand was swift; a stone flew out. The rabbit let out a cry and collapsed on the grass. Gu Yusheng walked forward, reaching out to pick it up.

"Don't move!" a woman's voice commanded.

Gu Yusheng retracted his hand, looked up, and turned toward the source of the voice.