DBB – Chapter 49: Strategy

After Xiuqu returned, Yuzhu gave her the rest of the candy and told her to come by whenever she had time to play. Then she rushed off to find Jinchao.

Jinchao was practicing the qin.

Standing at the study door, Baiyun was already irritated. “You little rascal, what were you doing carrying Baopu off just now? I called for you and you didn’t even answer…”

Yuzhu quickly replied, “Sister Baiyun, it’s urgent. Please let me speak to the Young Miss.”

Before Baiyun could say more, Jinchao heard their voices from inside. She pressed down on the strings to still the sound and called Yuzhu in.

Yuzhu stepped forward and recounted the whole story about Xiuqu: “…This servant stood just outside the door, ear pressed to the panel, and heard everything clearly. She said Madam Li scolded Song Yiniang, and Song Yiniang took it out on her. Then she overheard Song Yiniang asking Gu Lan to go ‘persuade’ Madam Li… She was afraid if anyone found out, she’d be beaten and driven from the household, so she ran away. That’s the gist of it. The little maid was talking to Baopu, bits and pieces—it wasn’t exactly clear.”

Jinchao frowned slightly, deep in thought. Seeing her silence, Qingpu ventured, “It’s just as you said, Miss. Madam Li truly is petty. But what exactly did Song Yiniang say to Gu Lan to make that maid so frightened…”

Jinchao gave a soft laugh. “Whatever it was, it couldn’t have been good. That’s why she’s scared.”

What would Song Yiniang have told Gu Lan to say? With Gu Lan’s temperament, it was almost too easy to guess. Given what she already knew, Song Yiniang was likely trying to drive a wedge between Madam Li and Madam Wen, hoping to play both sides for her own gain.

And if Song Yiniang stood to benefit from both ends—then wouldn’t Jinchao be too useless if she just let that happen?

She thought of what Old Madam Ji had said: if Gu Lan were betrothed to the Mu family’s son, she would no longer be a threat.

A new plan was already forming in her mind.

Seeing the maids all staring at one another with wide eyes—and Yuzhu, in particular, blinking at her expectantly as if waiting for some astonishing command—Jinchao burst into laughter.

“What are you all standing around for? Qingpu, give Yuzhu a pouch of silver lumps—she’s done a great service today!”

Yuzhu laughed sheepishly. “Did I really do that well…? But Miss, I don’t want silver lumps. I used the sticky rice candy you gave me to bribe Xiuqu—could I have another box?”

Everyone laughed. Baiyun tapped her on the forehead. “Greedy little thing!”

Jinchao joined in with a smile. “All right. Sticky rice candy, zongzi candy, crispy sugar drops—every kind of sweet from our shop in Baodi, I’ll give you one box each. Just don’t rot your teeth!”

Yuzhu lit up. The candy shop in Baodi had the best selection in the city. She knelt and kowtowed in thanks, hurriedly promising that she absolutely wouldn’t ruin her teeth. The room filled with cheerful laughter once more.

—

Gu Lan had just returned to Cuixuan Courtyard when she saw Jinrong had already arrived with Qingxiu and Qing’an waiting beside him.

She smiled and hurried over, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You came back in person? You could’ve just sent the gifts…”

From the hurried journey, Gu Jinrong’s cheeks were still flushed. “How could I miss your hairpin ceremony, Second Sister?”

He took a blue silk box from Qingxiu and handed it to her. “A gift for your ceremony.”

Gu Lan noticed Qing’an held another box of the same size, in a rich sandalwood tone.

Her heart sank slightly, though her face remained composed. “I’m just glad you came. I wouldn’t expect gifts from you.”

Jinrong smiled. “It wouldn’t be right to come empty-handed. I’ll go greet Eldest Sister first, then come back and chat.”

Gu Lan nodded with a smile, watching his youthful figure walk away—her heart growing heavier with every step.

It seemed Jinrong no longer disliked Gu Jinchao as he once had.

—

After discussing the situation with Qingpu and the others, Jinchao went to have lunch with her mother. When Madam Gu lay down for her nap, a matron came to report that Gu Jinrong had returned and had gone to visit Second Miss first. She asked whether Jingfang Pavilion should be tidied for his stay.

After a brief thought, Jinchao replied softly, “No need. He’ll only stay a day. Just prepare a guest room for him—it’s not worth the fuss.”

Then she turned to Qingpu. “Come with me for a walk by the lake later. And tell Yuzhu to bring in the potted camellias I left outside this morning—have them placed back in the greenhouse.”

Qingpu smiled and nodded before leaving to carry out the errand.

She returned a short while later, and together they strolled along the lakeside walkway until they reached Linyan Pavilion. The flower platform was still under construction. Madam Wen, accompanied by two maids, stood nearby, giving instructions while admiring the blooms.

“Let’s replace the canna lilies with celosia. It may not be as showy, but it pairs better with the purity of the June Snow blossoms…”

She was advising the matron on floral arrangement.

Jinchao stepped closer. “I agree—canna lilies are too garish.”

The matron saw her approaching and quickly bowed. “Madam and Eldest Miss both have refined taste. I only know that red is festive—I’d never think of matching hues. Thank you both!”

Madam Wen’s face stiffened slightly. “Eldest Miss, what a surprise to see you here.”

Jinchao smiled. “You’re too formal, Madam Wen. I really do prefer celosia…”

Jinchao could guess what kind of poison Song Yiniang had poured into Madam Wen’s ear—surely painting Gu Lan as a sweet and gentle girl, while portraying Jinchao as some monstrous villain.

But Madam Wen was the kind who couldn’t stay angry for long—show her a little humility, and her heart would soften.

“I suppose the canna lilies are a bit too much,” Madam Wen conceded.

She recalled the accusations Song Yiniang had made—how Eldest Miss mistreated Lan’er—and had been furious, swearing she would stand up for the girl.

But now, looking at Gu Jinchao—gracious in manner, proper in speech—Madam Wen began to hesitate. Doubt crept into her heart.

Speaking with Madam Wen about flowers, Jinchao said with a smile, “It seems you’re very fond of flowers…”

Madam Wen nodded. “When I have time to spare, some enjoy embroidery or playing the qin and pipa. I prefer flowers and plants. Though I don’t like to grow them—I just enjoy admiring them. I’m far too lazy to tend to them myself.”

Jinchao chuckled lightly. “Then you must come visit my courtyard sometime. I grow quite a few varieties—camellias are most abundant, but I also have orchids and peonies. They’re not rare specimens, but they’re blooming beautifully this season…”

Song Yiniang had asked her to assist Gu Lan in choosing hair ornaments later that evening.

Madam Wen hesitated. She worried she might not have enough time. Still, with Eldest Miss Gu inviting her so warmly, refusing seemed ungracious. And besides, her maternal family was the Ji family of Tongzhou—building a good relationship with her couldn’t hurt.

“Well, I suppose I’ll enjoy a treat today,” Madam Wen said with a smile, agreeing.

Jinchao led her toward Qingtong Courtyard. Outside, a matron was sweeping the stone steps. The bodhi tree, planted the previous year, had just shed its leaves, and the pale green buds of new shoots were scattered across the ground. Beneath the tree stood Gu Jinrong, quietly gazing down the stone path.

Seeing Jinchao return, he stepped toward her—though his stride was hesitant, as if afraid she was still angry.

So he came back after all, Jinchao thought with a quiet sigh. Then she smiled and asked, “What brings you to my courtyard?”

Relieved that she was speaking to him, Gu Jinrong’s expression relaxed. “I came to bring you something.”

Jinchao ignored his words for the moment and turned to Madam Wen. “This is my younger brother, Gu Jinrong. He’s here for Lan’er’s hairpin ceremony. Madam Wen is Song Yiniang’s second elder sister.”

Boys were rarely seen in the inner residence, but Madam Wen, noting his identity, showed no surprise—after all, he was the Gu family’s eldest son.

Jinchao invited Madam Wen into the west side room, where a maid quickly brought tea. Gu Jinrong followed them in, but seeing Jinchao speaking cordially with Madam Wen while ignoring him completely, he pursed his lips and sat down without a word.

When Jinchao felt she’d left him to stew long enough, she finally asked, “What is it you brought me?”

Gu Jinrong signaled to Qing’an, who stepped forward and handed over a sandalwood box.

Opening it, Jinchao found a jade ruyi puzzle ball about the size of a clenched fist. Intricately carved, the outer sphere was delicate and detailed, housing a smaller inner ball, and within that, a tiny jade bead.

“I went to Jade Market Lane with the Marquis of Zhenwei’s heir,” Jinrong explained. “We found a fine piece of jadeite and had it carved into two pieces—a ruyi puzzle ball and a qilin paperweight. I brought them for you and Second Sister. Since tomorrow is Lan’er’s hairpin ceremony, I also thought of how I missed yours last year…”

Jinchao drew a breath. So this was his way of making up for not attending her hairpin ceremony?

She remembered clearly—last year, at her own coming-of-age, Gu Jinrong hadn’t even sent a single gift, let alone returned home. Now, in preparing for Gu Lan’s ceremony, he conveniently remembered to bring her something as well. Jinchao had Caifu store the gift away. She felt neither touched nor disappointed.

She didn’t believe Jinrong had truly seen through Gu Lan—only that his deep concern for Lan’er still left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Turning to Madam Wen, Jinchao said with a smile, “I’ve already gifted Lan’er a set of gold-thread hair ornaments—she loves them. She even asked Father for some last time. I also prepared gold bug brooches and matching bangles. I chose them all carefully—I just hope she likes them.”

Madam Wen smiled politely. “Lan’er is gentle and easygoing—I’m sure she’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness.”