Early the next morning, before dawn, Gu Jianli woke up. She was awakened by the cold, as the mandarin duck quilt had somehow fallen to the floor. Gu Jianli’s sleeping posture was very disciplined; she often woke up in the same position she fell asleep in and did not have a habit of kicking off the quilt. She didn’t think much of it, picked up the quilt, patted off the dust, and put it back on the bed.
— It wouldn’t be good if others found out she slept on the Luohan bed last night.
The pair of festive candles on the table had not yet burned out.
Gu Jianli suddenly remembered that when her elder sister got married, her stepmother had mentioned that the candles on the wedding night must burn until dawn for the couple to have a long and harmonious life. She walked over, sat by the table, rested her chin on her hand, and stared at the flickering flame. It took a long while before her eyelashes fluttered along with the flame.
— She didn’t dare to sleep again.
Gu Jianli sat quietly in the dim room, waiting for dawn, and couldn’t help but think about the situation at the Guoping Marquis Manor. She was originally supposed to marry Ji Xuanke, so she knew a bit about the manor’s affairs.
The old marquis of the Guoping Marquis Manor was quite old and had five sons and one daughter. The first five sons were born of his original wife, and the youngest daughter was born of his second wife, who was now the old madam of the manor. Among the five sons, the eldest held a modest official position, the second and third were not very accomplished, the fourth died young, and the fifth was barely hanging on. Among the grandchildren, Ji Xuanke was the most outstanding.
Why did she think of Ji Xuanke again? Gu Jianli frowned slightly and looked towards Ji Wujing lying on the bed.
Speaking of which, the person with the greatest power among the old and young in the Guoping Marquis Manor was the former Ji Wujing. He held no official rank, yet his power was immense, making both civil and military officials fear him.
The emperor, who ascended the throne after a struggle for succession, found the court unstable and thus established the Xuanjing Sect. Those who needed to be killed but couldn’t be killed openly were handed over to the Xuanjing Sect.
Ji Wujing was the second master of the Xuanjing Sect. When he reached adulthood, the emperor personally bestowed the name “Jing” upon him. If the Xuanjing Sect was the emperor’s sword, then Ji Wujing was its sharpest blade.
He had killed rebels, loyal ministers, assassins, and even princes.
If Ji Wujing had only served the emperor, his reputation wouldn’t have been so terrible. But some said Ji Wujing enjoyed killing. Some claimed to have seen him eat human flesh and drink human blood. Others said he was covered in hidden weapons, and if he looked at you and smiled lightly, you might not see the next sunrise.
One year, when the emperor went on a tour, the people lined the roads and knelt. Suddenly, a daring assassin attacked, and Ji Wujing publicly flayed the assassin. Dressed in red, he stood on his horse, lifted the human skin with his long sword, and said he would make a human skin lantern to play with. The scene horrified the onlookers.
Another year, when foreign envoys provoked him, he still wore red, lazily leaned against a corridor pillar, and sneered. The envoy shouted, but before he could finish, he bled from all seven orifices and died.
Ji Wujing spread his hands, half-smiling: “It wasn’t me.”
If not you, then who else could it be?
Such a person was now lying in bed, waiting for his end. Gu Jianli felt a bit emotional. Perhaps thinking of her bedridden and comatose father, when she looked at Ji Wujing again, much of her previous fear and dread had faded.
After all, people nearing death were not so frightening. At least, there was no need to fear them before they reached the underworld.
When dawn arrived, Nanny Lin came to help Gu Jianli with her morning routine. Despite the unique circumstances of her marriage, she still had to perform the morning greetings today.
Walking under the eaves, Gu Jianli felt uneasy and asked, “Come with me. Are the arrangements for Sixth Brother and Fourth Sister properly settled?”
“Rest assured, madam. When I left, the two little masters were still asleep, with Lizi watching over them,” Nanny Lin explained further, “Though Lizi is a bit clumsy, she can handle simple tasks well.”
Gu Jianli nodded, “I’ll check on them when we return to the courtyard.”
Nanny Lin, who followed a step behind, looked at Gu Jianli’s dignified and upright figure with amazement. She had expected a weeping mistress to be carried in, but Gu Jianli was calm and composed. This didn’t seem like someone who knew she had little time left and was waiting to be buried alongside someone else. Not only had she not shed a single tear, but she also ate and drank as usual. On top of that, she even cared for the two little masters and made no mistakes in her manners. It was as if she genuinely intended to live well here.
Considering she was only fifteen, Nanny Lin was even more astonished.
Nanny Song lifted the curtain and announced the arrival of the Fifth Madam. Gu Jianli stepped into the main hall, interrupting the previous chatter. Numerous eyes fell upon her, scrutinizing her from head to toe, eager to see through her.
Gu Jianli recognized almost all the women of the Guoping Marquis Manor.
Ignoring the curious glances, Gu Jianli walked gracefully to the Old Madam, performing a proper greeting. She was composed and dignified, making no mistakes.
“Rise,” the Old Madam nodded, signaling Nanny Song to present the red packet.
Gu Jianli then greeted her three sisters-in-law, calling them “Eldest Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law, and Third Sister-in-law.”
The Second Madam’s face showed a hint of embarrassment.
While all the formalities were correct, the atmosphere in the room was strangely tense.
Suddenly, Miss Ji Yueming spoke up, “Jianli, it’s been over three months since we last met. The world has changed. I didn’t expect you to come to bring good fortune to my Fifth Uncle instead of becoming my cousin-in-law.”
Ji Yuewen and Ji Yuezhen looked at Ji Yueming in surprise.
The already awkward atmosphere grew more uncomfortable.
Gu Jianli suddenly recalled her father’s words: “Xuanke is a good child and will achieve great things in the future. But if you marry him, you will have to deal with his family. The Guoping Marquis Manor may have the title of royal kin, but inside, it is rotten. I fear their ways will not suit you, my Jianli.”
Gu Jianli looked at Ji Yueming.
Ji Yueming suddenly felt guilty. In the past, all of the capital’s attention was on Gu Jianli, and she had little chance to get close to her. Now, with Gu Jianli’s family in trouble and reduced to bringing good fortune to someone else, Ji Yueming’s long-suppressed sense of inferiority flared up, and she couldn’t resist making a snide remark.
Gu Jianli’s face held a faint smile as she said, “Miss Ming, you got the title wrong.”
Ji Yueming was stunned and looked at Gu Jianli in disbelief.
Gu Jianli, however, had already looked away and was now addressing the First Madam, speaking softly, “If I remember correctly, Sister Ming reached the age of fifteen two or three months ago. She should understand some manners by now to avoid making mistakes in public.”
Gu Jianli’s voice was naturally sweet and soft, and when she spoke gently, it was especially pleasant. Although she was reprimanding, it sounded very agreeable.
The First Madam, who had been worrying about Ji Yueming’s marriage these past few days, felt a pang at Gu Jianli’s words. She wasn’t defending Gu Jianli but was displeased with her daughter’s lack of decorum in public. Especially when her daughter was standing next to Gu Jianli of the same age, the difference was stark…
She immediately scowled and reprimanded her daughter, “How improper! As the eldest sister, shouldn’t you lead your younger sisters in greeting Fifth Aunt?”
One look from the First Madam silenced Ji Yueming’s grievances. She bit her lip and unwillingly curtsied towards Gu Jianli, “Ming greets Fifth Aunt.”
Ji Yuewen and Ji Yuezhen also rose to greet.
In the manor, the eldest son Ji Xuanshen, along with his younger brothers, greeted Gu Jianli as well. There were five young masters in total, except Ji Xuanke, who was absent.
Gu Jianli remained composed but couldn’t help wondering if Ji Xuanke had deliberately avoided today’s scene due to embarrassment.
There were also a few children from the old madam’s family present. However, the old madam did not intend to have Gu Jianli interact with these relatives. She rubbed her temples and dismissed the younger generation, saying the weather was cold lately and they need not come daily for greetings. She specifically instructed Gu Jianli to take good care of Ji Wujing.
Gu Jianli understood. Whether others would come to greet or not, the old madam had directly refused her entry.
Gu Jianli’s serene smile didn’t change a bit, and she felt no emotional fluctuation.
As Gu Jianli was leaving, she felt a blatant gaze on her. Turning back, she met the unfriendly eyes of the young master of the Zhao family.
Frowning, Gu Jianli looked away, recalling that her father’s warnings had been accurate.
Returning to the courtyard of the Fifth Master, Gu Jianli did not go to her room but first checked on the four-year-old Sixth Brother and Fourth Sister. The two children were still asleep, and Gu Jianli did not wake them, quietly watching them for a moment.
Both children, as adorable as little snowballs, were even more endearing in their sleep. Especially the little girl sleeping on the outside, who looked like a soft kitten, making Gu Jianli’s heart melt.
“Madam, please rest first. When the young masters wake up, I will bring them to see you.”
Gu Jianli took one more glance at the sleeping children and reluctantly turned back to her room. She had hoped to spend the whole day with the children to avoid being alone with Ji Wujing, but the two little ones were sleeping so soundly…
Back in her room, Gu Jianli leaned against the window and casually picked up a book to read. Reading could distract her, helping her forget about the other person in the room.
When she had read about two-thirds of the book, she glanced outside and noticed the sky had turned gloomy, as if it were going to snow.
Hearing someone enter the room, Gu Jianli’s gaze remained on the book, and she asked casually, “What is it, Nanny?”
“Fifth Aunt.” The voice was male, ingratiating.
Gu Jianli was startled and quickly looked up.
Zhao Fengxian took a step forward, and Gu Jianli forcefully placed the book on the table, sternly questioning, “This is not a place you can enter at will!”
Zhao Fengxian was clearly taken aback by Gu Jianli’s sudden authority, but only for a moment. He continued to step towards her, smiling, “Fifth Aunt, I didn’t get a chance to greet you this morning. I felt bad, so I came personally to pay my respects.”
The former Gu Jianli would never have encountered such a person, or even the most despicable individuals would present themselves with elegance before her. But in the past three months, she had seen too many ruffians. She was all too familiar with Zhao Fengxian’s demeanor and expressions.
Gu Jianli grabbed a teacup beside her and threw it at Zhao Fengxian’s feet, her face cold, “Get out! If you don’t leave, I’ll call for help!”
Zhao Fengxian still wore a playful smile, saying, “Your fifth uncle, at his best, liked dead people and hated the living. His courtyard is the most secluded. No one will come even if you call.”
He squinted his eyes and sized Gu Jianli up from head to toe, changing his tone, “Besides, you’ve misunderstood me. I’ve admired you for many years and just want to talk. I won’t do anything else.”