DBB – Chapter 47: A Visit

“…I brought Li Fu with me to serve as your attendant. Have you chosen your ceremonial sponsor and hairpin inserter yet?” Madam Li asked Gu Lan.

But Gu Lan first turned to Li Fu and praised her warmly, “This is my first time meeting Second Miss Li—you’re truly lovely!”

Li Fu offered a reserved smile, saying nothing.

“Father chose my elder sister to be my ceremonial sponsor,” Gu Lan continued, glancing calmly at Gu Jinchao, who was quietly sipping her tea nearby.

“You chose Eldest Miss Gu?” Madam Li sounded surprised.

Jinchao nearly choked. Why can’t they just let me enjoy my tea in peace…?

She looked up and saw that both Madam Wen and Madam Li had stiffened their expressions. It was clear they both found her character unworthy of serving as sponsor.

But this decision had come from her father—as if she had even wanted the role.

Setting down her teacup, Jinchao replied coolly, “If Lan’er is unwilling, I can speak to Father and have someone else take my place.”

Gu Lan’s expression turned slightly aggrieved. “Please don’t misunderstand, Elder Sister. I never said I didn’t want you as my sponsor. You mustn’t think that…”

Her voice trembled just enough to appear fragile, as if she feared Jinchao might devour her whole.

Before Song Yiniang could interject, Madam Wen had already stepped in, her face darkening. She gently patted Gu Lan’s hand and said to Jinchao, “Please don’t take offense, Eldest Miss. Our Lan’er meant no harm—she simply isn’t very skilled with words. There’s nothing more to it.”

Jinchao smiled at Madam Wen. “How could I hold it against Lan’er?” She then leaned in and affectionately wrapped an arm around Gu Lan’s shoulders. “We’ve always been close, haven’t we?” she said, and even winked at her.

Gu Lan’s body stiffened. She found Jinchao’s hand on her shoulder insufferably invasive, but couldn’t lash out in front of others. She forced a nod.

Jinchao withdrew her hand, lifted the lid of her tea cup, and gently blew on the surface before taking a refined sip.

Gu Lan and Madam Wen were left momentarily speechless by how quickly Jinchao had turned the situation around.

At that moment, Baiyun arrived from the corridor. She bowed to the madams and concubines before addressing Jinchao directly: “Eldest Miss, Old Madam Ji has arrived.”

Jinchao put down her teacup, surprised and delighted. “Grandmother came in person? What brings her here?”

Baiyun replied, “Old Madam Ji came specifically to deliver a gift for Second Miss. She said she would also stop by to see you and Madam. She’s currently in Madam’s courtyard.”

“Old Madam Ji? The Matriarch of the Ji family in Tongzhou?” Madam Li asked in astonishment.

Baiyun nodded. “Yes, that’s her. Eldest Miss’s maternal family is the Ji family of Tongzhou.”

The expressions on both madams shifted at once.

They had never paid much attention to the legitimate Madam of the Gu household. To them, she had long seemed like little more than a ghost of a woman—Song Yiniang had practically taken her place already.

Who would have thought… the Madam was from the Ji family of Tongzhou! No wonder Song Yiniang had never mentioned it.

If she was indeed from such a powerful house, then the chances of Song Yiniang being elevated to principal wife dropped significantly…

Jinchao turned to Gu Lan with a smile. “Since Grandmother personally came to deliver a gift for you, you must go greet her properly.” Then she added, addressing the two madams, “If you’re willing, why don’t you come with me to pay her a visit?”

The two women, of course, were eager.

Even if Jinchao hadn’t extended the invitation, both Madam Wen and Madam Li would have found a way to get there. Making a connection with Old Madam Ji could only benefit them. The Ji family in Yanjing was among the wealthiest households in the capital, with vast holdings in shops, estates, and real estate. Their transport lines stretched north to south, and their annual profits from freight alone exceeded tens of thousands of taels of silver.

Song Yiniang’s face had grown noticeably tense, but she couldn’t openly stop the two madams from visiting Old Madam Ji. Instead, she sent her trusted maid Qiaowei to accompany them, saying it was to ensure their comfort on the way.

When they arrived at Xiexiao Courtyard, Xu Mama was already waiting under the covered corridor. She informed them that Old Madam Ji and Madam Gu were speaking privately inside, while Moyu and Momei waited outside. She asked Moyu to escort the two madams to the western side room to wait.

It had been a long time since mother and daughter had spoken, and they surely had much to say.

As the group made their way to the western room, they passed the Covered Hand Corridor, where they saw more than a dozen maids and matrons standing quietly, along with three stewards. All of them stood with heads bowed, facing the doorway—silent and unmoving.

Madam Wen whispered to Moyu, “These are all your Madam’s attendants?”

Moyu smiled. “Oh no, Madam misunderstood. These belong to Old Madam Ji.”

Madam Wen couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. “Judging by their attire and manner, they’re certainly not ordinary servants…”

She was privately stunned. For servants of Old Madam Ji to include stewards—and for them to enter the inner courtyard without restriction—meant they were bound servants, sold into the household. It was said that Old Madam Ji’s authority within the Ji family was absolute. And now, it certainly seemed to be true.

Madam Li glanced at Madam Wen.

They waited less than a quarter hour before Xu Mama returned and personally escorted them inside.

Jinchao first introduced Madam Li and Madam Wen as Song Yiniang’s elder sisters. Old Madam Ji, Ji Wu Shi, did not offer them much warmth. She simply nodded with a faint smile in acknowledgment.

Madam Wen quickly offered flattery: “I’ve long heard of your reputation, Old Madam Ji. It’s an honor to finally meet you in person.”

Madam Li merely smiled faintly, but said nothing.

Old Madam Ji lay on the heated kang bed, a brocade quilt with cloud-and-wild-goose patterns covering her legs. Her health remained frail. Though early summer had arrived, she still couldn’t keep warm and needed a hand warmer at night. Rising was difficult, so she simply greeted them with a smile.

Gu Lan stood behind, observing her two aunts without expression—until she heard Old Madam Ji speak:

“Lan’er, child… it’s only been a year since I last saw you, and you’re looking at me like I’m a stranger…”

Though her tone was gentle, her eyes were sharp as knives.

It was a rebuke—for failing to offer a proper greeting.

Jinchao gave her a tug, prompting her to step forward and pay her respects. Gu Lan was thoroughly reluctant. Old Madam Ji was Jinchao’s grandmother—what did that have to do with her? She had no desire to call her Grandmother.

Grinding her teeth, she forced out, “Wishing Grandmother good health…”

Old Madam Ji smiled. “Lan’er has grown more and more graceful. With your hairpin ceremony coming up, we ought to begin speaking of marriage prospects, shouldn’t we?”

Ji Shi smiled gently. “Nothing has been arranged yet. If you know of any suitable prospects, perhaps you could help us find a match for Lan’er?”

Gu Lan replied softly, “Mother needn’t worry. Father will handle my marriage himself. How could we trouble Grandmother over such matters? Besides, Eldest Sister’s marriage is still undecided. I’ve always thought that she should marry first—only then should I be wed. Otherwise, wouldn’t I be showing her disrespect? If Grandmother truly worries over someone’s future, she should look after Eldest Sister’s. Her situation is far more urgent than mine…”

Old Madam Ji’s face darkened.

Was Gu Lan mocking Jinchao for not having a good match—implying she couldn’t get married?

Jinchao had no intention of letting Old Madam Ji take offense. What was a few clever jabs? They meant little to her. What mattered was not letting her grandmother’s kind intentions be ruined by petty remarks. With a smile, she reached for Old Madam Ji’s hand and said, “Don’t worry. If I never marry, I’ll just move in with you.”

Old Madam Ji chuckled. “What nonsense. What girl doesn’t marry…”

But as soon as the words left her lips, she turned coldly toward Gu Lan once more.

Under that gaze, Gu Lan’s scalp tingled. Old Madam Ji was stern to begin with—when she unleashed her full authority, even the most imposing household matron would seem timid by comparison.

After a long pause, Old Madam Ji turned back to Jinchao, her expression easing. “Of course I must worry over your future. You’re my granddaughter. I can’t bear to see you married off to some dull and foolish man.” She beckoned to Mama Song. “Go, tell Steward Zhu to bring in the gift I prepared for Lan’er.”

Gu Lan’s heart skipped.

What did that mean? Did Old Madam Ji know about the Mu family’s marriage proposal? How did she find out?

She looked toward her mother. Madam Gu must have told her—after all, the two had been speaking alone for quite some time. Had they been talking about her all along?

While Gu Lan tried to piece it together, four matrons arrived, carrying two shoulder-poles’ worth of gifts.

On one side was a tall jade Buddha, more than a foot in height. On the other, an array of ornate hairpins—gilded with gold, inlaid with gemstones, and silver pieces set with bright jewels. Altogether, the offerings easily exceeded a thousand taels in value.

Madam Wen and Madam Li were both wide-eyed. They had never seen such an extravagant gift for a hairpin ceremony.

The jade Buddha alone was remarkable—not just in size, but in quality. If carved into bracelets, it would have made high-grade pieces. As a single sculpture, it was truly outstanding.

And the hair ornaments—each was a masterpiece, carefully arranged in embroidered boxes, glittering and dazzling to the eye.

Madam Wen turned to Gu Lan with a smile. “Your grandmother really treasures you. Just look at all she’s given you.”

Old Madam Ji said mildly, “It’s nothing much. I only noticed that Lan’er dresses so simply most days and thought she could use some fine accessories. Since she’s often chanting and praying, the Buddha will bless her. If she can do more good deeds, all the better.”

Gu Lan looked at the dazzling display—but instead of gratitude, she felt deeply uncomfortable. These weren’t gifts—they were weapons.

Was she being bought off like a beggar? Or was Old Madam Ji mocking her, implying she dressed poorly or had a poisonous heart?

Old Madam Ji caught all their expressions with practiced ease. Gu Lan, she thought, was still too narrow-minded. If it had been me, I would’ve received the gifts with grace and thanked her with poise.

Turning slightly, she spoke to Jinchao: “Now that I’ve visited your mother and brought a gift for your sister’s hairpin ceremony, it’s time I head back. There’s always work to be done at home. If you miss this old woman, you must come visit me.”

Jinchao smiled warmly. “Then I suppose I’ll have to travel to Tongzhou every day.”

Both Old Madam Ji and Madam Gu laughed.

Naturally, Madam Wen and Madam Li rose to take their leave. As they walked with Gu Lan down the flagstone path, Madam Wen continued to gush, “Your grandmother really dotes on you—so many gifts! You must be very filial in return.”

Gu Lan, already burning with frustration, found her words unbearable. She turned a cold glance toward Madam Wen.

This aunt of hers might have a warm disposition—but honestly, she lacked any sense.

Fortunately, Madam Wen continued talking to herself, oblivious to Gu Lan’s expression.