DBB – Chapter 10: Younger Brother

Madam Gu held Jinrong’s hand and said, “Studying under Master Zhu has indeed done you good. But you look thinner—are you eating and dressing well in Qifang Hutong?”

Gu Jinrong replied, “Since I am there to study, I understand the need for diligence. Besides, every month, you send food and clothing for me, so I lack nothing. If I appear thinner, it is only because I miss you, Mother. You have been bedridden with illness, yet I could not return to see you…”

He gestured for his attendant to bring over several boxes. “These are some medicinal supplements. The shops in Qifang Hutong sell fine tonics, so I bought some for you.”

Then, he picked up a small peony-carved box. “This is for Elder Sister.”

Jinchao accepted it with a polite word of thanks. Seeing this, Madam Gu was pleased. “The two of you are full-blooded siblings, closer than any others. If anything happens to me in the future, Jinrong, you must support your sister and not let anyone bully her.”

Gu Jinrong immediately reassured her, “Mother, you mustn’t say such things. You have yet to see me succeed in my studies—how could anything happen to you? You will surely live a long and peaceful life…”

Madam Gu then inquired about his studies, asking about the Four Books and how well he had progressed. Jinchao thought to herself that Jinrong was only twelve years old—he had likely only just begun reading the Four Books. It would be a few more years before his tutor would delve into them in depth. But their mother had not studied much herself, so she was unaware of this.

Jinrong, however, showed no impatience. He answered her questions steadily and respectfully.

Afterward, Madam Gu instructed him to return to Jingfang Pavilion, settle his belongings, and rest, as his journey had been long and tiring.

Jinchao remained silent.

Madam Gu, having managed the household affairs for many years, naturally understood everything clearly. She had long known that Jinrong and Jinchao were not close. The two siblings had exchanged only a few words just now. Leaning against the large embroidered cushion, she observed her daughter.

Once Gu Lan’s coming-of-age ceremony passed, it would soon be Jinchao’s sixteenth birthday. Her daughter was as delicate and radiant as a begonia blossom, yet she dressed in a simple, elegant style. Her black hair gleamed like silk under the sunlight, her eyes were clear as a deep pool, and her complexion was smooth and fair. With such beauty and such a noble family background, she must marry a worthy husband—nothing less would do for her daughter.

Thinking of this, Madam Gu suddenly recalled what Madam Xue had said earlier:

“…The Young Miss is extraordinarily bright. When she puts her mind to learning embroidery, she progresses at an astonishing pace.”

Since her illness, her daughter had become much more composed, and this gave her great comfort.

“You and your brother must spend more time together,” Madam Gu advised. “You are full-blooded siblings—you must support each other. You used to find his liveliness tiresome, but don’t let that hold you back now. If anything happens to me, he will be the only one to stand by your side…”

Jinchao understood it all. But changing someone’s perception was no easy task—if she suddenly became too close to Jinrong, it might even backfire. She knew how to measure things. Hearing her mother’s concerns for her health, she chose not to argue further and instead brought up another matter.

“…Among the shopkeepers of your dowry businesses, is there anyone you trust completely? I would like to borrow someone for a task.”

Madam Gu thought for a moment. “The shopkeepers are all honest and steady men. The estate stewards for the fields and properties are also reliable. But if you need someone with more acumen, the shopkeepers in Baodi would be a good choice…”

She did not ask what Jinchao needed them for.

Instead, she carefully listed the qualities of each steward—who was the most loyal, who was the most shrewd, and who was the most intelligent.

Jinchao understood that her mother wanted her to become familiar with the dowry estate. Madam Gu’s dowry was substantial, and in the future, it would belong to both her and Jinrong—naturally, she needed to know its details.

After speaking for a while, Madam Gu grew weary. Jinchao helped her settle into bed and sent Qingpu to retrieve the two framed calligraphy pieces. She planned to visit Jinrong at Jingfang Pavilion—he was still young, and if they could find common ground, a bond might form naturally.

With these thoughts in mind, she and Qingpu made their way to Jingfang Pavilion. A maid went ahead to announce their arrival, then led them to the eastern side chamber to wait.

After a while, Gu Jinrong entered. “I was organizing my books. Apologies for making you wait, Elder Sister.”

Jinchao smiled. “I should be the one apologizing for disturbing you. I heard that you enjoy calligraphy, so I specially prepared these two pieces for you—see if you like them.”

She signaled Qingpu to open the scrolls.

Gu Jinrong examined them with interest. “Master Shitian’s calligraphy is unrestrained and expressive, while Zhizhi Shanren’s work is warm and steady. Both are excellent. Elder Sister has been most considerate.”

Though still a boy, his praise was precise and articulate.

Jinchao studied Jinrong.

She thought of her own son, Chen Xuanlin. It was often said that nephews took after their uncles. Xuanlin, in his youth, had also carried such an air of maturity…

Jinrong was clearly fond of the calligraphy, yet he said little to her.

Soon, a maid entered. “Young Master, the Second Miss has arrived!”

At once, Jinrong’s eyes brightened. He set down the scrolls and rushed out eagerly. “Is Second Sister here?”

The maid called after him, “Young Master, you haven’t put on your cloak! You might catch a chill!”

“It doesn’t matter!” Jinrong didn’t care in the slightest.

Jinchao watched the two calligraphy pieces lying abandoned on the table. Her heart turned cold.

Then, she heard a soft and gentle voice. “Our Young Master has grown so tall. Second Sister can barely keep up with you now.”

Gu Lan entered, dressed in a vivid red brocade jacket embroidered with golden patterns. She was graceful and beautiful. Jinrong, now taller than her, lowered his head and grinned. “Even if I grow taller, I’ll always be your younger brother, Second Sister.”

Gu Lan patted his shoulder playfully. “Why didn’t you tell me Elder Sister was here? I wasn’t prepared.” She turned to Jinchao and bowed.

Jinchao smiled. “It doesn’t matter. He’s simply happy to see you.”

Jinrong pouted. “Elder Sister already said it’s fine, but you just have to scold me!” His voice was lighthearted, the way a boy of eleven or twelve should sound.

Gu Lan took Jinchao’s hand. “You haven’t visited me much these past few days. Now that we’ve run into each other, we must have a proper chat.” Then she turned to Jinrong. “Why haven’t you served Elder Sister tea yet? I thought you had improved in your etiquette lessons.”

Jinrong chuckled. “I hadn’t gotten to it yet. What kind of tea do you like, Elder Sister?”

Jinchao felt that if she stayed any longer, she would only be unwelcome.

She stood up. “Mother still needs care. I should return. When you have time, visit her more—she thinks of you day and night.”

At the mention of their mother, the brightness in Gu Jinrong’s expression dimmed slightly. He nodded.

As Jinchao stepped into the covered corridor, she heard his voice from behind.

“…This is for Second Sister. I carved it myself—an ivory sculpture of the Eighteen Arhats. You don’t like gold or silver, so I thought this would be best for display…”

Jinchao’s smile gradually faded.

Qingpu followed silently behind her.

Stepping outside Jingfang Pavilion, Jinchao’s gaze fell upon the frozen lake. For a moment, she had no desire to return, so she walked along the corridor until she reached a pavilion overlooking the water, where she stood, staring at the withered branches on the opposite shore.

Qingpu had always seen her mistress as lively and radiant, rarely so silent. For a moment, she couldn’t bear it. “…Second Young Master is simply immature. You and he are still the closest by blood. When he grows up, he will understand.”

Jinchao shook her head. “…That’s not what bothers me.”

She sat in the pavilion, letting the cold wind brush against her face, then took out the small, peony-carved box from her sleeve. Inside was an unassuming Hetian jade pendant, carved with the motifs of prosperity, status, longevity, and happiness, a popular design in Yan capital.

Gu Jinrong only revealed his childish side in front of those he truly cared for. Perhaps Xuanlin had been the same, viewing her merely as a stranger with the title of “mother”—hence, his early maturity. Jinchao let out a self-mocking laugh, then tucked the jade back into her sleeve. “It’s time to return and check on Mother.”

The rift between her and Jinrong was no small thing. Changing their relationship would take significant effort.

Yet, when she thought of how Gu Lan would treat him in the future, a sense of unwillingness welled up in her.

Did Gu Lan truly see Gu Jinrong as her younger brother, or merely as the Gu family’s legitimate heir? When she and her mother eventually cast him out, had they ever considered the trust and reliance he now placed in her?

Gu Lan accepted the ivory carving from Gu Jinrong’s hands. It was exquisitely detailed, the Buddha figure lifelike and serene.

“You really went and learned ivory carving?” she chided, feigning displeasure. “I was only joking when I mentioned it. Learning this must have taken up your study time. If it causes you to fall behind in your lessons, how will I explain it to Father?”

The last time Gu Jinrong had returned home, Gu Lan had casually mentioned her appreciation for ivory carvings. In an effort to please his second sister, he had taken the time to learn the craft.

“This didn’t interfere with my studies,” he said lightly. “Our academy tutors are excellent. Compared to the scholars at the Imperial Academy, we have much more flexible schedules.”

Gu Lan then changed the subject to Jinchao. “…Elder Sister may have her flaws, but she is still your elder sister. You must not be disrespectful toward her. Tomorrow morning, you should go and pay your respects—she is usually free around that time.”

Gu Jinrong hesitated for a moment before sighing. “She treated you so poorly before, yet you still speak up for her. Second Sister, you’re too softhearted—people who are too kind are easily taken advantage of.”

Hearing this, Gu Lan sighed helplessly. “Elder Sister is the legitimate daughter of the Gu family. How could I possibly go against her? Last time, she set her eyes on one of my maids and took her away without a word. I had treated that girl well, and she was utterly reluctant to leave… but I dared not keep her. I fear she isn’t living well now in Qingtong Courtyard.”

Gu Jinrong frowned. “Is that so? I’ll go and bring the maid back for you. Gu Jinchao has always been like this—taking whatever she pleases. You don’t need to worry…”

Gu Lan quickly stopped him. “Second Sister didn’t tell you this so that you would help me, only so you would be more respectful toward Elder Sister. I can endure a little mistreatment—it’s not important. What matters is that you treat Elder Sister well. She is, after all, the legitimate daughter of the Gu family.”

Gu Jinrong scoffed. “That so-called ‘legitimate daughter’ has long disgraced the Gu family. Many of my fellow students know of her, and none speak well of her. They say she is nothing but a brainless beauty—bad-tempered, shameless… utterly worthless! She is… she is…”

Gu Lan gently patted his back, speaking softly. “Regardless of what others say, she is still your sister by blood. Don’t say such things.”

Gu Jinrong lowered his voice and muttered, “I’d rather not have such a sister at all…”

Jinchao let out a soft, self-mocking laugh and put the jade away. “It’s time to check on Mother.”