DBB – Chapter 5: Greeting

The Ju Liu Pavilion was surrounded by willow and pagoda trees, though at this time of year, their branches were bare. The three-room, seven-frame residence was adorned with a rock garden made of Taihu stones, and next to it, clusters of green bamboo stood tall. The main hall’s golden plaque gleamed in the morning light. Two of Father’s young maids were carrying large red lacquered trays inside. At the entrance, a concubine’s maid, Biyue, greeted her with a bow.

“Miss, you’ve arrived at just the right time. Master is having his breakfast,” she said.

Jinchao nodded as Biyue lifted the curtain for her. She stepped inside.

Her father, Gu Dezhao, was having breakfast in the east side chamber. The table was set with dishes: mackerel fillets, crispy honey cakes, and a plate of preserved duck gizzard and cured goose meat. By his side stood Concubine Song, gracefully serving him soup.

Concubine Song wore a cyan-blue brocade dress embroidered with cloud and water patterns. A pair of jade bracelets adorned her wrists, enhancing her snow-white skin. Her face, smooth as white jade, was framed by phoenix eyes filled with gentle mirth. Her neatly arranged hair was adorned with two delicate silver hairpins, from which red beaded pendants swayed softly with her movements.

She was the perfect balance between dignified elegance and alluring charm.

As she conversed with her father, Jinchao lowered her gaze, a faint smile flickering across her lips.

Gu Dezhao, now thirty-seven and in his prime, had a refined and scholarly appearance. He wore an official robe embroidered with cloud and wild geese motifs, secured with a silver belt. Soon, he would be leaving for court. Upon seeing Jinchao enter, he allowed her to take a seat and inquired,

“I have been occupied with court affairs these past days and haven’t been able to visit your mother. Has her condition improved?”

Jinchao answered gently, “She remains weak, but at least the coughing has lessened.”

Gu Dezhao nodded in approval. “Good. You should stay by your mother’s side and tend to her. No one else will be as attentive as you. But,” he paused, “you have already come of age six months ago. You mustn’t neglect your embroidery lessons. I hear from your tutor, Madam Xue, that you haven’t visited her for several days… A young lady must perfect her needlework.”

Jinchao agreed without resistance. Her father’s expression softened. “That is for the best. Your temperament must also be tempered. Your mother dotes on you, so I have had to intervene. But as the eldest daughter of the Gu family, your conduct and deportment must be impeccable.”

Gu Dezhao was a scholar who valued propriety above all. Every time they met, he would lecture her.

In the past, she had been impatient with his words.

But then she recalled the last time she had seen her father in her previous life—when she returned to visit him on his deathbed. By then, he was but a frail shadow of his former self, glaring at her with barely restrained rage, gasping for breath as he ordered the servants to throw her out.

“There is no place for a daughter like you in the Gu family!”

The memory cut deep. But now, having the chance to sit here and converse peacefully was a blessing in itself.

Her father asked no further questions. It was then that Concubine Song smiled and said,

“I specially prepared chuanbei and yam porridge today. Would Miss care to try some? Chuanbei nourishes the lungs and soothes coughs. Miss has been unwell for quite some time—it would do her good to drink a bowl.”

Jinchao’s heart clenched.

She had not told her father about her illness.

She had secretly attended the Duke of the State’s Flower Banquet and fallen ill as a result. If her father knew, he would surely reprimand her.

As expected, Gu Dezhao frowned. “Ill? Why was I not informed? And how did you fall sick?”

Jinchao felt a wave of cold amusement.

In her previous life, she had naively believed Concubine Song to be a mild and considerate woman. But with a single sentence, she had now stirred trouble.

Lowering her gaze, Jinchao spoke with a trace of sorrow,

“Mother’s illness has weighed heavily on my mind, and I have been unable to sleep properly. I only went to the Duke’s Flower Banquet for a moment of peace. Who would have expected such heavy snowfall that day? The bitter cold left me ill. I already feel guilty for being unable to care for Mother during my sickness. I had no intention of worrying Father and Mother further, which is why I told my maids not to report it. But now that I have recovered, I came at first light to pay my respects to you before visiting Mother.”

Concubine Song faltered slightly.

Jinchao’s words left no room for criticism.

Her father only nodded, showing concern for her health. He then instructed Biyue to prepare some medicinal tonics for her.

Jinchao lifted her gaze toward Concubine Song, her eyes gleaming with mirth.

Concubine Song returned the smile and said warmly,

“Miss has always been so filial to Madam. It truly is admirable. The hour is growing late—why don’t we visit Madam together?”

After enduring sixteen years in the Chen household, Jinchao had learned many things.

As she absentmindedly traced the delicate engravings on her silver bracelet, she thought to herself— “I would like to see just how far Concubine Song can go in this lifetime.”

Jinchao smiled. “Of course. I was hoping to have a private chat with you as well, Concubine.”

After Gu Dezhao left for court, Jinchao and Concubine Song, accompanied by their respective maids, walked along a path lined with tall Chinese flame trees. Ahead, a small lake lay frozen, its surface smooth like a mirror. A wooden bridge curved over the ice, leading to a pavilion made of paulownia wood.

Concubine Song was still pondering the conversation from earlier.

Something felt odd.

The way Jinchao had spoken was… unlike her usual self. It didn’t seem like her at all.

She stole a glance at Jinchao’s light red brocade robe, embroidered with lotus petals and golden vines. As always, she was radiant and graceful.

“Concubine, you’ve worked hard tending to my mother these past few days. I must thank you.” Jinchao’s gaze returned to her, her smile warm.

Concubine Song’s voice was gentle, yet measured. “It is my duty to serve Madam. There is no need for such gratitude, Miss. After all, Lan’er and you are so close, we are family—there is no need for formality.”

Gu Lan was unlike her younger sisters, Gu Xi and Gu Yi. Born to Concubine Song, who came from a respectable background, she had been raised at her mother’s side rather than sent to live under Madam Gu’s care.

Jinchao responded lightly, “Concubine, you are both my and Second Sister’s mother. How could I possibly be distant from you?”

Her tone remained as soft as ever, but the words struck Concubine Song strangely.

Even if Lan’er was her biological daughter, before others, she was still supposed to address her as “Concubine,” just as the other sisters did. No matter what, Song Miaohua was only a concubine, never the legitimate wife.

Yet Jinchao’s words subtly emphasized that distinction, creating a rift—however small—between Concubine Songand her daughter Gu Lan.

As they conversed, they reached Xiexiao Courtyard, where Madam Gu resided. Several concubines were already present.

Madam Gu lay on the luohan bed, her face tired and pale.

Moyu, one of her personal maids, set down a low stool for Jinchao and a peony-carved bench for Concubine Song. The latter leaned in to ask Moyu about Madam Gu’s recent health and diet.

Madam Gu’s voice was weak. “…You are thoughtful, as always.”

Concubine Song smiled. “It is only what I should do. I couldn’t visit yesterday afternoon, and it weighed on me greatly. I personally prepared ginseng and black-bone chicken soup, which should be delivered soon…”

From the side, Concubine Du chuckled. “Concubine Song is always so considerate.”

Jinchao’s gaze flicked toward Concubine Du.

Her father had three concubines. Concubine Du and Concubine Guo had once been his personal maids before being elevated after Madam Gu’s marriage. They had been intended to balance Concubine Song’s influence, but neither of them seemed capable of standing against her.

Later, her mother even gave her own maid, Yunxiang, to her father as a concubine, but Yunxiang had died in childbirth when Jinchao was only eight. Before her passing, she had been greatly favored by Gu Dezhao.

As the conversation continued, Gu Lan arrived with Gu Xi and Gu Yi to greet their mother.

Hearing their delicate voices, Jinchao lowered her gaze, turning the silver bracelet on her wrist slowly.

“…I met Third and Fourth Sisters on the way, so we came together. Mother, how are you feeling today?”

The voice was soft and gentle.

Jinchao finally lifted her eyes.

Gu Lan had styled her black hair into a small bun, adorned with a light green beaded flower ornament. She wore an orchid-pink brocade coat embroidered with persimmon leaves, paired with a pale blue pleated skirt patterned with delicate branches.

Her porcelain-white face, slightly pointed chin, and curved, lively eyes made her look as if she was always on the verge of smiling.

In just six months, she would come of age.

Gu Yi, at twelve years old, was unlike her mother, Concubine Du. She was reserved and did not speak much.

Gu Xi, on the other hand, clutched Gu Yi’s sleeve, her wide eyes flickering nervously as she looked toward Jinchao.

When Jinchao’s gaze met hers, Gu Xi hesitated for a moment—then suddenly smiled.

Jinchao was momentarily surprised.

Hadn’t she been terrified of her just yesterday?

Why was she bold enough to smile at her now?

Coming back to her senses, Jinchao smiled back.

Gu Lan took a seat beside Jinchao, her lips curling mischievously.

“…Elder Sister and Fourth Sister seem to be exchanging secret glances. Are you two hiding something from me? I won’t allow it!”

Gu Xi murmured shyly, “Elder Sister sent me a box of pine nut rice cakes yesterday…”

Jinchao finally understood.

So, that was the reason for Gu Xi’s sudden courage.

Still, judging by how tightly she gripped Gu Yi’s sleeve, she was probably still a little afraid.

From the side, Concubine Guo remained indifferent, sipping her tea.

Gu Lan took Jinchao’s hand with a playful pout. “Elder Sister, you’re playing favorites! Third Sister and I demand our own share of rice cakes!”

The concubines laughed. Even Madam Gu revealed a faint smile.

Gu Xi, however, lowered her gaze, cheeks flushing red with embarrassment.

She had no idea that the sweets were meant only for her.

Jinchao spoke calmly, “I only had one box. Since Fourth Sister loves sweets, I thought she would enjoy it. But I remember that Second Sister and Third Sister prefer delicate pastries, so I will have the kitchen prepare some and send them to your courtyards later.”

Gu Lan laughed, “Speaking of pastries, I just had some steamed pink dumplings made. If my sisters and the concubines would like, I can have them sent over as well.”

Madam Gu remained silent as she listened to them chat.

She had always worried about Jinchao—her strong-willed and reckless nature was nothing compared to Gu Lan’s graceful charm.

Had she made a mistake sending Jinchao to be raised by her grandmother?

Had she not, perhaps Jinchao would have been more like Lan’er— gentle, obedient, and refined.

Still, these past few days, Jinchao had been behaving better.

Perhaps her illness had humbled her.

In the end, Madam Gu sighed. “I am feeling tired. You all may return to your courtyards now.”

The concubines and sisters bowed and left the room.

Concubine Song remained, tending to Madam Gu.

Jinchao stood and stepped closer, her voice gentle.

“Mother, I’ll stop by Second Sister’s Cuixuan Courtyard for a while, but I’ll be back in the evening to keep you company.”

Madam Gu squeezed her daughter’s hand in reply.