DBB – Chapter 037: Academics

Xu Mama reported everything that had happened at Jingan Courtyard to Ji Shi.

Ji Shi chuckled. “Jinchao is truly something… But this is good. At least now we don’t have to worry about Luo Su anymore. However, I don’t understand what happened with Ziling. If she hadn’t made a serious mistake, Jinchao wouldn’t have let Qingpu slap her.”

Xu Mama thought for a moment before responding, “From what Eldest Miss said, it seems that Ziling has been frequently speaking ill of her in front of Young Master Jinrong.”

Ji Shi’s expression darkened. “…Just like her mistress.”

“Should we call the Young Master here and talk to him about it?” Xu Mama asked.

Ji Shi hesitated. “He will be leaving for Qifang Hutong the day after tomorrow. Bringing this up now may not be the best idea. I had thought that by this age, he would be able to distinguish right from wrong, but he is still so worrisome… How can he ever take over the Gu family’s affairs in the future?”

Not long after, Moxue came in to announce that Jinchao had arrived to have lunch with her mother.

The conversation ended there. The servants brought in a small table, as Ji Shi, due to her illness, now took her meals inside her chambers.

Jinchao entered, greeted her mother, and took a seat across from her. She chatted about her days at Qingtong Courtyard, mentioning how she had planted a grapevine. The lively conversation filled the room. Ji Shi smiled—her daughter never brought up Song Yiniang, Gu Lan, or the recent discord with her brother. It was as if she didn’t want to burden her with any troubles.

The dishes were served. The purple clay pot contained stewed pigeon with gastrodia elata, accompanied by a plate of steamed perch, marinated goose web, and tender cucumbers. The perch and goose web had been specially prepared for Jinchao, while Ji Shi could only eat extremely light foods. Jinchao carefully ladled a bowl of soup and fed it to her mother.

After a moment of thought, Ji Shi spoke softly, “You must listen to your mother when it comes to your brother. Be patient with him. You are his elder sister, after all. He is still young and cannot yet distinguish truth from falsehood. Do not distance yourself from him too much.”

Jinchao’s hand paused for a fraction of a second. Her mother must have already heard about what had happened at Jingan Courtyard that morning.

She nodded. “I understand, Mother. You don’t need to worry.”

The next day, Jinchao stood under the grape trellis, inspecting its growth. She instructed Tong Mama to call in workers from the outer courtyard to place a stone table and stools beneath the vines so that there would be a shaded resting place in summer. She also sent her to Jingfang Zhai to check if Gu Jinrong was preparing to leave for Qifang Hutong and to inform her when he was ready to depart.

That afternoon, she returned to the heated chamber and pruned the pinks and Lychnis flowers that would bloom in late spring. She then practiced qin and calligraphy for half an hour before reclining on the concubine’s couch for a short rest.

When she woke, it was already near dusk. A fine drizzle was falling outside, its patter gentle but persistent against the banana tree by the window.

She opened the window lattice. A damp, fresh scent filled the room as raindrops struck the leaves.

Qingpu rushed in. “Miss, you’re finally awake! Tong Mama has been waiting for you for an hour. I didn’t wake you because you were sleeping soundly.”

Jinchao frowned. If Tong Mama had been waiting this long, whatever she had to say must be important. After washing her face, she headed to the western side chamber, where Tong Mama sat on a brocade stool, glancing anxiously toward the door.

Jinchao quickened her pace. “Tong Mama, what is it?”

Seeing her, Tong Mama immediately stood up and greeted her. “I am not sure if this is urgent… But since you asked me to keep an eye on Young Master Jinrong’s studies, I thought I should report this to you.”

Jinchao gestured for her to sit down. “What is it? Is he leaving for Qifang Hutong tomorrow?”

Tong Mama shook her head. “No… I heard from Qingran, a servant in Young Master’s courtyard, that he does not plan to continue studying at Qifang Hutong. Yesterday, he went to see the Master, asking for a private tutor so that he could study at home. He said it would allow him to take care of his mother more conveniently… I do not know if the Master agreed, but he did not outright refuse.”

Jinchao’s grip tightened around her teacup before setting it down with a sharp clink. A surge of anger flared within her. She took a deep breath and turned to Tong Mama. “You were right to tell me. You did well!” She then called out, “Qingpu, help me change my clothes!”

Tong Mama hesitated. From her perspective, Gu Jinrong wanting to stay home to care for Ji Shi was understandable, even commendable. She did not understand why Jinchao was so upset. Seeing her mistress’s expression, she chose not to ask and instead inquired, “Miss, should we inform Madam Ji?”

Jinchao glanced at her. Baiyun was tending to the brazier, while Qingpu was carefully fixing her hair.

“Under no circumstances can my mother know about this. If anyone speaks of it, they will be punished.”

Seeing Qingpu pick up a pair of cat’s eye stone earrings, she shook her head. “Just tie up my hair neatly. Bring me an umbrella. Where is Father staying tonight?” This last question was directed at Tong Mama, whom she had deliberately assigned to monitor this.

Tong Mama immediately answered, “At Jingan Courtyard, with Concubine Luo. But… Miss, the night is falling, and it’s raining. Wouldn’t it be better to go in the morning?”

Jinchao shook her head. “This cannot wait.”

She saw that Tong Mama still seemed unsure and explained, “Jinrong has been home for so long, yet how often has he visited Mother? And for how long each time? If he truly wanted to care for her, that would be one thing—but staying home for his studies? That’s absurd! Someone planted this idea in his head. He is easily swayed by others. If he stays home, do you realize what will happen? Song Yiniang or Gu Lan could influence him further. If that happens, he will be beyond saving.”

She didn’t know who had suggested this to Gu Jinrong, but it was utterly ridiculous.

His academic performance was already mediocre. At Qifang Hutong, he was just barely keeping up. And he was highly susceptible to external influences—if he stayed home, where there were no other students, and only a single tutor to guide him, he would undoubtedly become even lazier.

Worse still, Bo Yongyang’s third son had recently started spending time with Gu Jinrong, dragging him into idle pastimes. Bo Yongyang’s family was well-known for its wealthy but irresponsible younger generation. If Gu Jinrong fell in with him, his future would be doomed.

Jinchao grabbed her umbrella. With Qingpu holding it for her, the two set off toward Jingan Courtyard.

By the time Jinchao arrived, the rain had already soaked through her shoes and stockings. Liu Mama was the first to notice her and quickly stepped forward. “Eldest Miss, you’ve come? Quick, come inside—the rain hasn’t stopped.”

She led Jinchao into the side room, where she handed her a hand warmer and served her a cup of hot tea.

Jinchao passed the tea to Qingpu, who had shielded her from the rain but was now half-drenched. “Find her a change of clothes. I need to see Father.”

Chen Mama then led her toward the eastern side chamber, saying, “Concubine Luo is dining with the Master, and Qingyi is attending to them. Miss, you should wait here so you don’t get wet. I will go inside and inform them of your arrival.”

She gestured for Jinchao to sit in the main hall’s Taishi chair.

Jinchao glanced outside—the sky had turned completely dark, and the rain fell in fine, misty sheets, making it difficult to see beyond the eaves.

Chen Mama soon returned and invited her in.

Stepping into the eastern side chamber, Jinchao was greeted by a wave of warmth.

Luo Su stood beside Gu Deshao, carefully serving him food. The glow from the floor lanterns cast a soft light over her, making her figure appear even more delicate. When she noticed Jinchao, she nodded with a shy smile.

Jinchao’s gaze swept over the table. A second set of used utensils sat beside her father’s, and in Qiukui’s hands was a pair of chopsticks.

It was clear enough. Luo Su had been dining with Father.

Jinchao had no interest in meddling in this matter, so she simply performed a formal greeting. “Father, I heard that Jinrong wishes to stay home and have a private tutor. I understand he has already spoken to you about it. May I ask what you think of this arrangement?”

With Gu Deshao, directness was often the most effective approach.

He chuckled and gestured for her to sit, instructing Qiukui to prepare an extra set of utensils. “You came in such a hurry. I assume you haven’t eaten yet. Yes, Jinrong did mention this. He worries about your mother’s health and wishes to stay by her side. Filial piety is the foundation of virtue, after all. While it may affect his studies slightly, I have arranged for Scholar Guo, formerly of the Imperial Academy, to tutor him. It should not be an issue.”

Jinchao shook her head. “Father, though Jinrong’s intentions are commendable, you know Mother well. She would much rather see him continue his studies at Qifang Hutong than have him stay home to ‘care’ for her. If he succeeds in his studies and earns a title in three years, bringing honor to our family—wouldn’t that be the truest form of filial piety?”

Gu Deshao fell silent for a moment, considering her words. Then he asked, “Do you not want him to stay at home? I thought you two might grow closer this way.”

Grow closer? With Gu Lan in the house, the longer Jinrong stayed, the more distant they would become.

Rather than addressing this directly, she continued, “Father, you are well aware that Jinrong is not particularly dedicated to his studies. If he stays home, his progress will be inconsistent at best. Recently, the third son of Bo Yongyang has taken a liking to his company. You know the reputation of Bo Yongyang’s son… Jinrong even went riding with him in the countryside just recently.”

The third son of Bo Yongyang was infamous for his idle and extravagant lifestyle. Despite his brothers attending Qifang Hutong, he had refused to study there. As the youngest legitimate son, even Bo Yongyang and his wife could not control him. His influence was anything but beneficial.

Jinchao had known about this for some time. However, given her already strained relationship with Jinrong, she had refrained from confronting him about it.

Beside them, Luo Su spoke softly. “I believe Eldest Miss is right. Young Master should prioritize his studies. He mustn’t be persuaded by Second Miss to remain at home.”

Gu Deshao’s expression hardened. “Was this Gu Lan’s idea?”

Luo Su lowered her head. “I only heard from the servants that Second Miss often speaks with Young Master, telling him that if he goes to Daxing County, they will not see each other for a long time… However, I did not expect him to take it seriously and actually bring the matter to you.”

Gu Deshao’s face darkened.

If Jinrong had wanted to stay home for Ji Shi’s sake, it would have been understandable. But if Gu Lan had orchestrated this…

Snapping out of his thoughts, Gu Deshao sighed and dismissed Jinchao. “…I will speak with him tomorrow.”

Luo Su offered to walk Jinchao to the entrance. Noticing that she had something on her mind, Jinchao did not refuse.

The two of them stepped into the covered corridor, watching as the rain continued to fall in misty sheets.

Luo Su lowered her voice. “Eldest Miss, I heard this from Qiukui. She is close with Mujin, who serves Second Miss… Qiukui seems to know other matters regarding Second Miss as well. Would you like to question her tomorrow?”

Jinchao considered this for a moment before replying, “There’s no need for now. When the time comes, I will question her myself. Still, thank you.”

She had not expected Luo Su to willingly shift the focus onto Gu Lan. Though she was timid, she was not entirely foolish.

Luo Su smiled lightly. “Eldest Miss need not thank me. This is simply my duty.”