DBB – Chapter 12: Suspicion
As Gu Jinrong thought carefully, his expression darkened. Jinchao’s words rang true—he had indeed never considered them. Second Sister had spoken, and he had simply acted without questioning the truth or thinking about the implications for either party’s dignity. He had been reckless. If Father were to hear of this, he would undoubtedly be reprimanded again.
Jinchao watched him in silence. His still-youthful face shifted between shades of red and white. She decided to let him think on his own before softening her tone. “Mother is still unwell. If she were to hear that you and I are at odds and causing a stir, how would she ever recover? You may dislike me, but surely you care about Mother. No matter what, we share the same blood.”
After a long pause, Gu Jinrong finally asked, “Elder Sister… then, did you truly take this maid from Second Sister by force?”
Jinchao simply replied, “The maid is just outside. I’ll have her come in and answer for herself.”
She walked to the door, and after a moment, Gu Jinrong saw a tall maid enter. She knelt, paying him proper respects before speaking. “This servant’s name is Qingpu. I originally served as the Young Miss’s personal maid but was punished for my mistakes. Some time ago, when the Young Miss saw me in the Second Miss’s courtyard, she recalled our past bond and, seeing that I had repented, allowed me to return to her service.”
Her voice was steady, her gaze never lifting.
Gu Jinrong recognized her as a maid who had always been by Jinchao’s side.
His eyes drifted to her hands, where a jade bracelet rested, and to her hair, adorned with two delicate gold-threaded pearl hairpins. Though the style was simple, the quality was unmistakable. Clearly, she was being treated well.
He asked, “You came back willingly?”
Qingpu gave a faint smile. “I have always belonged to the Young Miss. In the Second Miss’s small kitchen, I did hard labor for a year. My hands are now covered in scars. Naturally, I would rather serve the Young Miss again—at least she treats me well.”
Gu Jinrong’s brow furrowed. “You did hard labor in the kitchen?”
Qingpu extended her hands, her voice as calm as before. “I was once pampered, but the Second Miss has trained me well. Hard labor is a true test of endurance—splitting firewood with bare hands, for example. Young Master, you’ve probably never seen a maid do that before, have you?”
The once-delicate hands were now marred with deep scars crisscrossing her palms, some so thick they blurred the natural lines of her skin.
It was a startling sight.
Leaving Qingtong Courtyard, Gu Jinrong went straight to Cuixuan Courtyard. He needed to get to the bottom of this—he couldn’t believe that his ever-gentle Second Sister would mistreat someone who had once served Elder Sister. If it were true… then her intentions were clear.
Gu Lan hadn’t expected him to return so quickly. She wondered if he had fallen out with Gu Jinchao or had managed to take Qingpu back—either outcome would have pleased her. But when she saw the grim look on his face, her heart tensed.
Had he been angered at Qingtong Courtyard? Or… had he discovered something?
Thinking of how Gu Jinchao had become increasingly unpredictable, Gu Lan grew more wary. But in an instant, she steadied herself and stepped forward to greet him with a warm smile.
“What’s wrong, Jinrong? You seem anxious.”
Gu Jinrong saw her gentle, soothing expression and felt a bit calmer. Lowering his voice, he said, “Second Sister… I have something to ask you. Let’s talk in the study.”
After listening to him, Gu Lan feigned surprise. “I had no idea the kitchen staff treated her so harshly! When Elder Sister cast her out without a single possession, I only took her in out of pity. I intended to treat her well and find her a good match to marry… I never imagined something like this would happen.” Her face paled, tears welling in her eyes. “It’s my fault—I should have paid more attention. But now that she’s returned, I worry Elder Sister might resent her. That’s why I hesitated to let her go…”
Seeing Second Sister so remorseful, Gu Jinrong’s suspicions eased.
After all, they had been close siblings for years. He knew what kind of person she was—so kind that she wouldn’t even step on an ant. How could she have deliberately mistreated a servant?
Relaxing, he reassured her, “Second Sister, don’t cry… You meant well in trying to help her. This isn’t entirely your fault. If you still feel guilty, I’ll prepare a gift for that maid—Elder Sister shouldn’t mind then.”
Once Gu Jinrong left, Jinchao was in Qingtong Courtyard, eating the pastries she had made. Though they had cooled, they still tasted good.
Qingpu massaged her legs—after standing too long in the snow, a dull ache lingered in them.
“Do you think the Young Master will start doubting Second Miss?” she asked.
Jinchao replied, “I don’t know… If he could be swayed so easily by just a few words from me, then he can just as easily be swayed by Gu Lan. He’s still young—how could he truly discern the truth? I only hope that a seed of doubt has been planted. Even a little is enough.”
Then she added, “I made two portions of pastries earlier. Pack the other one in a food box—we’ll take it to Mother.”
When they arrived at Xiexiao Courtyard, Madam Gu was still asleep. It was another half-hour before she woke and lay on the couch, chatting idly with Jinchao.
The new year was approaching. Last year, Madam Gu had overseen the household affairs, but this year, the responsibility would fall to Song Yiniang. Even so, Madam Gu instructed Jinchao to assist her, as she would need to learn these matters eventually to manage her future household properly.
“It’s time to have another set of silver hair ornaments made for you. You’ve been dressing so plainly lately—have you lost interest in your old jewelry?” Madam Gu teased with a smile.
Jinchao, knowing her mother’s indulgence, smiled back. “I just think too much extravagance isn’t good. Besides, I have plenty of jewelry in my storage. There’s no need for more.”
Madam Gu said, “Our family has a gold and silver shop in Changzhou. The craftsmen there are excellent—many noble families order their pieces from them. You’ve already had your coming-of-age ceremony, yet you don’t seem to care much for adornment. That won’t do… I have a box of flawless rubies, vibrant and translucent, of the finest quality. I’ll have two sets of gold-thread hair ornaments made for you, along with a pair of delicate filigree hairpins.” Her enthusiasm brightened her whole demeanor. “…We’ll use twelve taels of gold, with lotus and cloud patterns…”
Jinchao almost laughed—twelve taels of gold? Wouldn’t that be unbearably heavy to wear? But seeing her mother’s excitement, she didn’t refuse.
She had not seen Song Yiniang today, so she asked Xu Mama about her.
“With the new year approaching, Master Gu has fewer court affairs to handle. Song Yiniang has likely been keeping him company,” Xu Mama said with a knowing smile.
Jinchao’s heart tensed.
If Song Yiniang spent every moment with Father, it was only a matter of time before she conceived. If Mother’s health truly declined, and Song Yiniang bore a son, she would easily rise to the position of official wife. By then, bringing her down would be far more difficult.
Yet this was something Jinchao had no power to stop. If only there was a way to prevent them from being together so frequently…
But Madam Gu seemed unconcerned. “…Your father needs someone by his side, and Song Yiniang has a good temperament. There’s no need for her to come here often.”
Then she instructed Xu Mama, “Go to Juyliu Pavilion and let her know—since the new year is near, she should remain at Master Gu’s side and need not come here anymore.”
Jinchao’s brow furrowed. She grasped her mother’s hand.
“This must not happen.”
Madam Gu was slightly puzzled. Since she was unwell and unable to personally attend to her husband, it was only natural for a concubine to serve him.
Jinchao motioned for Xu Mama to take the maids outside and close the door before speaking softly. “Mother, if you were to choose a concubine for Father, do you have someone in mind?”
It was only in the evening that Jinchao finally left.
After seeing her out, Xu Mama called for a maid to replace the now-cold brazier. As she entered, she noticed Madam Gu sitting in quiet contemplation, her expression distant.
Concerned, Xu Mama stepped forward and tucked the brocade quilt around her. “Madam, it’s rare to see you so lost in thought.”
Madam Gu smiled. “Chao’er is growing up—she understands that some things can only be achieved through action.”
Xu Mama immediately sensed that Madam Gu was hinting at something. As expected, she continued, “Jinchao asked me to help her father select another concubine. Status and virtue need not be major considerations—what matters most is that she is obedient, gentle, and pleasing in appearance.”
Xu Mama was taken aback. The Young Miss truly was raised by her maternal grandmother—such boldness was beyond the imagination of most young ladies. What unmarried daughter would ever suggest choosing a concubine for her father? If this were to spread, it could affect her reputation.
However, Madam Gu did not appear angry.
So Xu Mama asked cautiously, “And what do you think, Madam?”
Madam Gu closed her eyes, exhaustion evident. “I do not fully trust Song Yiniang, but I do believe in her mild and respectful demeanor. It is rare to find someone so meticulous and attentive. But Jinchao does not trust her at all—she is entirely guarded against her… I do not know whether someone has been speaking to her in private, or if this is her own conclusion…”
Xu Mama hesitated. “Do you think… someone is influencing the Young Miss?”
Madam Gu nodded slightly. “She has become gentler, yet also sharper—more capable of strategy. If no one is guiding her, how could she have changed so much? I know my own child.”
Xu Mama hesitated before asking, “Shall I…?”
Madam Gu shook her head. “No need. This is something I am willing to see happen. As for the steward Jinchao wishes to meet, simply choose a suitable one for her.”