DBB – Chapter 21: Ye Xian

Hearing Concubine Song mention the title of the Marquis of Changxing, Gu Jinchao’s brow twitched slightly.

She was all too familiar with the Changxing Marquisate! Third Master Chen had studied under Zhang Julian and was a distinguished figure among civil officials. He had always been at odds with the Marquis of Changxing and his faction. Later, when Zhang Julian briefly controlled the court, it was the Marquis of Changxing who suppressed him with military power. Even Third Master Chen’s death was inextricably linked to the Marquis of Changxing.

But those events would not occur until several years later. For now, the emperor was in good health, and the chaos of court politics was still a matter for the Wanli era…

After some conversation, the Matriarch sent a maid to summon them once again. The group returned to the resting hall, but her father was no longer there. Seeing that the Matriarch’s expression remained calm, Jinchao assumed that their discussion had gone well. Maintaining a good relationship with the Gu family’s maternal clan would benefit her father, especially considering that Fifth Master Gu had married the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Changxing.

Though, no one could quite understand how the marquis’s daughter had taken a liking to him.

The Matriarch specially called Jinchao over. “The last time I saw you, Chaor, you were only this tall.” She gestured with her hand, smiling. “You insisted on climbing the rockery, and no one could stop you. You even fell from it. Do you still remember?”

Jinchao smiled and responded, “Grandmother is too forgiving. I was merely young and ignorant then.”

“The shape of your brows and eyes has matured—you have truly become a beauty,” the Matriarch praised. “And much more sensible now. The rumors outside… well, seeing is believing. Our Chaor is a proper and elegant young lady.”

Jinchao understood well what had been left unsaid. In her previous life, her scandals had spread not only throughout Shi’an but even beyond. She had not expected them to reach Daxing as well.

The Matriarch then turned to Gu Lan. “Your father tells me that your embroidery is excellent and that you are kind and amiable. Indeed, you seem to be a fine young lady. Have any marriage proposals been arranged?”

At these words, Gu Lan’s face tinged with red. “There have been some discussions, but Father has declined them all.”

The Matriarch nodded. “Our Laner naturally deserves a fine match. I will also keep an eye out for you. Lianer’s engagement has already been settled. She is betrothed to the legitimate son of Grand Academician Yao from Wenhui Hall. Everyone praises it as a most auspicious match.”

Grand Academician Yao was an important figure in the inner court—truly an excellent connection.

However, bringing up such matters in front of Gu Jinchao was somewhat inappropriate. Second Madam glanced at Jinchao, noting that, despite everything, she still maintained a serene smile, seemingly unaffected.

She certainly had composure. Second Madam nodded slightly in approval before steering the conversation away.

“Mother, Fifth Sister-in-law just sent word that the opera stage is ready. Should we head there now?”

The Matriarch considered this. “Very well. After listening to the opera, we shall have the banquet. In the afternoon, you may gather for a game of hanging tiles or double land, which should be quite entertaining.”

The group proceeded to the opera stage. The Gu family had invited the Fangwu Troupe to perform. The newly refurbished stage was adorned with red and gold embellishments, making for a festive scene. Fifth Madam was already there, waiting for them. The legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Changxing was clad in a deep crimson robe embroidered with intertwining floral patterns and an ivory skirt with delicate threadwork. Her slender frame and refined beauty made her appear both elegant and striking. She welcomed them all warmly and handed the playbook to the Matriarch for her to choose a performance.

The Fangwu Troupe soon began their performance. Jinchao sat at the far end of the seating area, with Gu Lan and Gu Lian beside her. Gu Lian was naturally willful, while Gu Lan excelled at handling such temperaments. Before long, the two became quite familiar with each other. Their conversation eventually turned to The Jade Hairpin. Gu Lian, who usually only followed the Matriarch’s preferences in opera, became intrigued by Gu Lan’s discussion and listened attentively.

Jinchao, seated in the most secluded corner, rested beside a blossoming winter plum tree. The slanting shadows of the flowers cast intricate patterns on the ground, and the subtle fragrance lingered in the air. No one paid her any mind, and she rather enjoyed the tranquility.

Moxue whispered beside her, “I never expected Second Miss to be interested in The Jade Hairpin.”

The Jade Hairpin told the tale of the nun Chen Miaochang and the scholar Pan Bizheng—a romance that defied both propriety and religious chastity. Jinchao simply smiled. “One only needs to enjoy the performance.”

It was unclear whether she was referring to the opera or something else entirely.

“Grandmother! I was just looking for you, and here you are enjoying the opera!” A youthful voice suddenly rang out.

The audience turned to look. The speaker was a young man clad in a sapphire-blue robe patterned with clustered flowers. Two others accompanied him—one was a dignified man in a crane-patterned robe, while the other was a youth in a sky-blue brocade robe adorned with intricate motifs.

All eyes fell upon the young man in the center. His robe was embroidered with subtle silver thread, glimmering faintly under the light. His tall and slender frame was accentuated by his delicate features—his face more beautiful than a woman’s, with fair skin, ruby lips, and pearl-white teeth. A jade hairpin carved with bamboo motifs adorned his neatly bound hair. Standing with his hands clasped behind him, his figure exuded an ethereal grace. As the winter wind stirred his garments and the scent of plum blossoms wafted through the air, his presence was nothing short of peerless.

Even Gu Lan was momentarily stunned. She leaned toward Gu Lian and whispered, “Who is that young man…?”

Before Gu Lian could answer, the Matriarch spoke first. “I was wondering where you had gone! Your cousins from the fourth branch are here—come and greet them.” She beamed with delight, pulling the sapphire-robed youth closer before gesturing toward the breathtakingly beautiful young man. “This is Ye Xian, the eldest son of the Marquis of Changxing.”

Ye Xian inclined his head in a polite nod, exuding an effortless nobility and elegance.

The Matriarch continued, introducing the second young man. “This is Xiao’er, the eldest son of the second branch,” she said, then turned to the youth in sapphire robes and patted his arm. “And this is Xian’er, the eldest son of the fifth branch.”

The three young men paid their respects to the gathered relatives. Yet, despite the formal introductions, most of the audience’s attention remained fixed on Ye Xian.

So he was the eldest son of the Marquis of Changxing! The most prestigious figure present. No wonder the Matriarch had introduced him first. Yet how curious—it was difficult to believe that such a refined and exquisite youth was the son of a martial family. He seemed more befitting of an esteemed scholarly household than a lineage of generals.

Fifth Madam, seated beside the Matriarch, smiled as she held her brother’s hand. “Where have you three been?”

Ye Xian replied languidly, “We went to Hengxie Pavilion to admire the plum blossoms. But it seems the flowers here are even finer.”

Gu Jinshao and Gu Jinxiang, though of similar age to Ye Xian, were a generation younger in seniority. Gu Jinshao chuckled and teased, “Uncle wasn’t admiring the blossoms—he was napping in Hengxie Pavilion for most of the day. If we hadn’t called him, I doubt he would have come at all!”

Gu Jinshao and Gu Jinxian were of similar age to Ye Xian, but they were a generation younger in seniority. Hearing this, Gu Jinshao chuckled and said, “Uncle didn’t go to admire the plum blossoms—he slept for most of the day at Hengxie Pavilion. If we hadn’t called him, I doubt he would have come at all!”

Ye Xian replied lazily, “Just a case of spring drowsiness.”

Gu Jinxian patted his hand. “Spring drowsiness in the middle of winter? What will you do when spring actually arrives?”

The Matriarch instructed Gu Jinshao, “Take your younger brother and uncle around for a look, but bring the guards with you. Make sure nothing goes wrong.”

Gu Jinshao, being the eldest and already having passed the imperial examination at the juren level, was naturally entrusted with the responsibility.

Hearing this, Gu Jinchao found it odd. Why would they need guards while merely strolling within their own estate?

As the group descended from the Matriarch’s side, Gu Lian was the first to approach them. “Elder Brother, Second Brother, let me introduce you. This is Lan Jie’er, Fourth Uncle’s second daughter.” The Matriarch had only introduced their rankings earlier but had not mentioned their names.

Lan Jie’er greeted them respectfully, looking somewhat reserved.

Gu Jinshao and Gu Jinxian exchanged a few words with her, while Gu Lan seemed eager to converse with Ye Xian. However, he merely responded with a noncommittal hum and paid her no further attention.

Moxue, observing the scene, grew anxious. What a great opportunity this was! How could the Eldest Miss not seize the chance to say a few words to the Heir of the Marquis of Changxing? Even a simple exchange would be beneficial. Yet, she merely rested her chin on her hand and watched the opera, completely indifferent. Even Qingpu remained composed, not sparing a glance in that direction.

The mistress and her maid were truly alike in temperament.

Gu Lan, however, was unwilling to give up. If she could just establish some familiarity with the heir of the Marquis of Changxing, it would be of great advantage to her.

“Your Lordship mentioned admiring the plum blossoms earlier. May I ask where? I would love to see them myself,” she said with a soft smile, her gaze gentle as she looked at Ye Xian.

Ye Xian replied lazily, “Next time.” Then, placing his hand on Gu Jinshao’s shoulder, he turned slightly and asked in a low voice, “Who is that under the plum tree?”

Gu Lan’s smile froze.

Gu Jinshao furrowed his brows. “Grandmother mentioned earlier that she is Fourth Uncle’s eldest daughter… That must be Gu Jinchao.”

Naturally, he was not fond of Gu Jinchao. Rumors about her were widespread among the young nobles of their circle. It was not just any spoiled and arrogant legitimate daughter who could gain such notoriety—it was largely because of her beauty. Even though she wore plain clothes and sat in the most inconspicuous corner, she was still instantly noticeable.

Her beauty was like the most breathtaking begonia blossom, yet she dressed in subdued hues of pale lotus and white tea. This stark contrast only made her presence all the more striking. A face that should have been adorned with the richest silks and gold embroidery—why was it clad in such muted tones?

“So that is Gu Jinchao.” Ye Xian nodded slightly and asked no further.

Gu Jinxian laughed and teased, “Uncle, let me tell you—back at the Duke of Dingguo’s estate, there was once a little maid standing in her way. She dragged the girl over herself and personally slapped her several times. The poor thing didn’t even dare to cry… quite pitiful.”

Ye Xian smirked. “I was only curious.” Then he added, “Watching this opera is dull. Why don’t we borrow some horses and go for a ride?”

Gu Jinshao hurriedly stopped him. “That won’t do. However, there are a few mules in the inner courtyard. We could ride those…”

As they talked, the three of them walked away.

Gu Lian pouted in dissatisfaction. “Elder Brother and Second Brother barely spoke with me at all!” Huffing, she turned to Gu Lan and asked offhandedly, “Did your eldest sister really slap a maid like that?”

Gu Lan’s voice was soft as she replied, “That was nothing compared to what she is truly capable of.”