DBB – Chapter 32: Decision
Concubine Song only instructed Qiao Wei to keep an eye on Gu Deshao’s movements and no longer concerned herself with Gu Jinchao.
The next day, Jinchao went to pay her respects to her father.
Her father had just finished discussing official matters with the Vice Minister of the Imperial Stud in the study. Changing into a blue straight-collared robe, he stepped out. Though Gu Deshao was approaching middle age, he maintained himself well. Unlike the idle noble sons who indulged in frivolities, he had a tall, lean figure, well-defined features, and a composed demeanor. The deep blue of his robes only accentuated his refined and dignified appearance.
“…How are your uncles? I heard that your third cousin recently sat for the autumn examination—did he pass?” her father asked.
Jinchao nodded. “Cousin Ji Yun passed the provincial examination and became a Juren. It’s truly a double blessing for the family—his legitimate son just turned one the other day and participated in the Zhua Zhou ceremony. He even picked up an abacus, an excellent omen!”
A smile appeared on her father’s face. “Passing the provincial exam at such a young age—what a joyous occasion! No one even sent word about it; I should prepare a gift!” He seemed genuinely delighted and immediately called for a steward, instructing him to prepare a Chengni inkstone and calligraphy by a renowned master to send as a congratulatory gift.
Jinchao shook her head and said slowly, “That may not be necessary. Perhaps Cousin Ji Yun will be the one sending you a gift instead.”
Gu Deshao, in high spirits, laughed. “What could possibly bring joy to our household?”
Jinchao stood and respectfully bowed. “Father, when I visited the Ji residence, I happened to meet Miss Luo Su, who was visiting her relatives there. She bore some resemblance to Concubine Yun, so I inquired about her background. To my surprise, she turned out to be the daughter of Concubine Yun’s elder sister, who married into a family in Taihe County.”
“Seeing as Mother is gravely ill, Concubine Song is occupied with managing the household, and the other two concubines are undoubtedly busy as well, I obtained the approval of Miss Luo’s parents and relatives to bring her back…”
Her father’s expression grew darker as she spoke. Frowning, he interrupted, “And what exactly did you bring her back for?”
Jinchao smiled. “I already said, Father—there are too few attendants by your side. I brought Miss Luo to serve you. She is currently staying in Jingan Residence. Would you like to see her first?”
Gu Deshao’s face turned stormy, his gaze cold as he fixed it on Jinchao. “Whose idea was this? Your mother’s?”
Jinchao glanced at his tense expression, her own tone calm and unwavering. She looked directly at him and said, “Mother is too ill to concern herself with such matters. This was my idea. Furthermore, aside from Mother giving birth to my younger brother, no other sons have been born in the Gu family. For the sake of carrying on the family name, you should take in another concubine.”
Hearing this, Gu Deshao’s anger flared. He slammed his teacup down on the table. “What nonsense! A unmarried daughter arranging for her father to take a concubine—if word of this spreads, what do you think people will say? Send her back immediately. I will not hear another word on this matter!”
Jinchao had anticipated his anger. At this moment, his own daughter was bringing him a concubine—of course, it would make him uncomfortable.
She glanced at the blue-glazed porcelain cup in his hand. Seeing that it was still intact, she continued, “Father, at the very least, you should see her first. If not, I will find someone else. You know my temperament—if you refuse this time, I won’t stop.”
Gu Deshao saw that, despite lowering her head, Jinchao did not back down. She was completely unwavering.
The two remained locked in silent confrontation for a long moment before he finally let out a cold snort.
“Fine. You’ve certainly grown capable. I will go with you this once, but I will not take another concubine. No matter what, do not bring this up again!”
Jingan Residence was surrounded by weeping willows, their bare branches swaying by the lake.
Through the wooden lattice windows, Luo Su could see the skeletal willow trees lining the shore, making the cold seem even more piercing.
Qingyi was tending to the brazier when Xu Mama entered and stopped her, gesturing for her to step aside.
Standing near the folding screen, Xu Mama spoke softly, “Miss, you should dress up a little.”
Luo Su snapped out of her daze and noticed Xu Mama’s gaze on her, making her feel uneasy. Dress up… Was Master Gu coming?
Her father had told her that Gu Deshao was a fifth-rank official, and that the Gu family’s influence was immense. The highest-ranking official she had ever met was a county magistrate. She had no idea what Master Gu would be like.
Would noblemen from such households be overbearing and terrifying?
Her fingers brushed against the cold gold ornaments on the dressing table.
They felt as though they would pierce her skin. Lavish pearl and jade hairpins, black lacquered furniture, silk-draped curtains, and exquisite vases filled the room. These were things she had never even seen before—here, they were merely decorations.
Xu Mama stepped forward and picked up a fine-toothed comb, smiling. “Miss Luo, allow me.”
She styled Luo Su’s hair into a “Falling Horse Bun”, adorning it with two light pink silk flowers—deliberately avoiding any pearl or jade accessories.
For earrings, she chose gentle, warm pearls, accentuating Luo Su’s soft and delicate beauty.
Gazing at the mirror, Xu Mama smiled reassuringly. “Miss truly resembles your aunt. Master Gu will undoubtedly find you pleasing.”
It was not just the resemblance in appearance but also in her gentle and serene temperament.
Just then, Pinmei, who had been waiting outside, entered.
“Xu Mama, Eldest Miss is bringing Master Gu over.”
Xu Mama nodded and stepped out with Pinmei.
Left alone, Luo Su did not know what to do. She clutched the edge of her sleeve tightly, her gaze falling on the frozen lake outside the window.
She had no idea when winter would end.
In spring, her third brother used to take her out to play.
Someone lifted the curtain.
Luo Su instinctively turned around—and saw a tall and elegant man standing with his hands behind his back, silently observing her.
Her face flushed instantly.
She suddenly recalled the harsh reprimand Eldest Miss Gu had given her that day. Forcing herself to suppress her fear, she stood up and performed a formal bow.
“…I am Luo Su, daughter of the Luo family in Taihe County. Greetings to Master Gu.”
Even her voice trembled slightly.
Yet from the corner of her eye, she noticed that Master Gu’s expression had softened considerably.
He was looking directly at her, his gaze unreserved.
Luo Su had expected to see a richly dressed, overweight, and imposing middle-aged man, but instead, she saw a graceful, refined gentleman.
Her heart pounded uncontrollably.
She didn’t know why, but she suddenly felt incredibly nervous.
He still had not spoken.
After what felt like an eternity, Luo Su finally dared to lift her gaze slightly. However, she did not dare to meet his eyes directly. Instead, she focused on the jade pendant tied to his belt.
The green silk tassel swayed gently in the draft from the window.
At last, Gu Deshao spoke.
“What is your name?”
Luo Su hesitated for a moment before answering, “My name is Su.”
“Luo Su… a good name.” Gu Deshao smiled slightly before saying to her, “No need to be afraid. Get some rest.”
He lifted the curtain and stepped out. As soon as the fabric fell back into place, Luo Su felt as if all the strength had drained from her body, and she collapsed onto the Luohan bed.
Outside, Gu Jinchao was sitting beneath the eaves, sipping tea. The courtyard had a pond, where lotuses had once thrived but were now withered and blackened by the winter frost. Jingan Residence had long been unoccupied and poorly maintained, but that would likely change soon.
As her father emerged, Jinchao stood and walked forward to greet him. With a smile, she asked, “Father, should we have Jingan Residence cleaned up? The pond is full of decayed lotuses.”
Observing the calm expression on Gu Deshao’s face, she knew that the matter had been mostly settled.
Yet, there was a flicker of disappointment within her.
For a brief moment, she had hoped that her father would still be furious when he stepped out, that he would refuse to take in Luo Su. Perhaps then, her mother would not feel so heartbroken, and she herself would not feel this deep disappointment in him.
But her rationality quickly smothered such thoughts. She needed her father’s consent. This was not something she had the power to decide—she had no other choice.
Gu Deshao gazed at the withered lotus garden, his eyes narrowing, as if lost in memories from years past.
When he had first seen Luo Su’s face, with its striking resemblance to Yun Xiang, the anger within him had drained away.
Instead, he was pulled back to a time long ago—to the frail woman who had died in his arms.
He remembered her tiny, pale face, her delicate fingers clutching his hand, her voice as soft as a sickly infant’s cry:
“I am useless… I can’t… I can’t give you a child…”
He remembered that he had not said a single word. He had simply held her as her body grew colder and colder. He had sat with her like that for an entire night.
Breaking free from his thoughts, Gu Deshao finally looked at Jinchao and let out a sigh.
“Chao’er, I know what you are thinking.”
His tone was weary as he continued, “I was angry because… this is unfair to Concubine Song. She married into our household as the legitimate daughter of the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, yet she could only become a concubine. She has endured many difficulties over the years.”
Jinchao smiled without speaking.
He claims to understand, but if he truly did, none of what happened later would have come to pass.
Gu Deshao went on, “And you should not always bully Lan’er. No matter what, she is still your younger sister. You should yield to her in certain matters…”
He paused before adding, “Taihe County is too far from Shian. Now that Luo Su has arrived, there is no need for her to return. Arrange for Jingan Residence to be cleaned up, and send fifty carts of betrothal gifts to the Luo family in Taihe County.”
Jinchao replied, “Understood, Father.”
Since Concubine Song was managing the inner courtyard, Gu Deshao was likely too embarrassed to have her handle the formalities of taking a concubine.
Gu Deshao returned to Juyliu Pavilion, while Jinchao went to inform her mother.
Ji Shi had already expected her husband to agree—she was not the least bit surprised. She simply had Xu Mama pass word to the concubines and young ladies of the household. After all, the arrival of a new concubine was no small matter.
Jinchao then took her mother’s token and headed to the Household Administration Hall. With Ji Shi unwell, the responsibility of managing the process naturally fell to her.
She instructed the steward,
“Prepare a small courtyard in Qinglian Alley for Miss Luo to reside in temporarily. She will be formally brought into the household on the twenty-fifth. For the betrothal gifts, have them carried on red poles with drums and gongs announcing the procession all the way to the Luo family in Taihe County—make it grand and impressive. Additionally, assign two quick-witted maids to serve Miss Luo in the courtyard, as well as two strong, capable old servants. Her food, clothing, and daily necessities will all follow the standard provisions for a concubine.”
Tong Mama, who had been silently observing, finally smiled and spoke once the steward left.
“…Tonight, I fear some people won’t be able to sleep.”
Jinchao chuckled.
“Whether they sleep or not depends on their own abilities.”