Chapter Seven: Returning Home

Qianqian stood alone outside the door, unnoticed by those bustling in and out of the room, everyone’s attention fixed on Gu Qiulan, who lay on the bed. Both the matron and the lady had sent experienced senior maids, who ceaselessly praised the young madam’s virtues and urged Doctor Ning to take utmost care in nursing her back to health.

Seething, Qianqian twisted the handkerchief in her hands, her eyes red with anger. Suddenly, a familiar figure approached.

“Well, if it isn’t Qianqian! Why aren’t you inside attending to things?” Yue’er smirked, but then feigned concern. “Oh, silly me. With all those experienced senior maids in there, there’s hardly any need for us. Still, this is quite the opportunity to learn a thing or two from them—someday, I hope to be a truly useful maid. Don’t you agree, Qianqian?”

“Hmph.” Unwilling to linger and be the subject of ridicule, Qianqian flung her sleeve and left. Silly girl—she’ll never be anything but a lowly servant!

Qianqian was a second-class maid in the Duke of the Nation’s household, and though this noble house was never harsh with its servants, and her quarters, though modest, were always kept clean and tidy, she found them a far cry from the lavish chambers where Gu Qiulan resided.

Gazing into the bronze mirror at her beautiful face, Qianqian’s brows furrowed even tighter. In just a single day, she had been dismissed from serving indoors by the young master. All this talk of noblewomen and their virtues, and yet even a humble maid like herself was not tolerated. To resort to such lowly tricks as fainting to win the young master’s favor—Gu Qiulan was truly cunning and vicious!

If Gu Qiulan was allowed to continue being so triumphant, what place could Qianqian ever hope to have?

The next day, Gu Qiulan rose, dark circles beneath her eyes. Qin Muchuan was deeply worried; seeing her so listless, he wondered how her family would interpret this once she returned to the Gu household. It was said that Lord Gu and his own father were close, serving in the same court. If Lord Gu, in his affection for his daughter, spoke even a few careless words to his father, that would spell trouble for him!

Since morning, Qin Muchuan had been bustling around her side, making himself useful—yet unable to touch her, let alone anything more intimate. Six more days of this! Even the lovely Qianqian had been sent away; her voice was so sweet, and Gu Qiulan had hoped she might sing a little tune to amuse her. Alas! The bitterness in her heart grew.

“Husband, you needn’t trouble yourself with these small matters. Let Qianqian and the others handle them.”

Qin Muchuan froze, alarm bells ringing in his mind—what did Gu Qiulan mean by this?

“Is my lady reluctant to part with Qianqian?” he probed.

Gu Qiulan replied, “Qianqian has always been gentle, beautiful, and attentive. See, with her gone for just one day, you had to fetch your own clothes. Let’s have her return.”

Did she really think this was a ploy to lure him into a trap? As if he, son of a great general and the legitimate heir of the Duke of the Nation, would fall for such a trick! Qin Muchuan scoffed inwardly.

“Nonsense. Would the sky fall for want of a single maid?” he retorted.

“I…” Gu Qiulan hadn’t expected Qin Muchuan to turn so cold so suddenly. Did men also have their “times of the month”? “That’s not what I meant, husband…”

“Enough!” Qin Muchuan cut her off, turning to the maids. “Qianqian was not diligent enough in serving the young madam. The rest of you had better be alert from now on!”

Linglong, terrified, shrank toward the corner, wishing she could disappear. She had been right—this young madam was a smiling tiger. For merely helping the young master change his clothes, she had been scolded harshly; yet Qianqian, for merely serving a bowl of soup, was banished outside! As Gu Qiulan’s puzzled gaze swept over her, Linglong blanched, nearly bursting into tears.

“Linglong, what’s wrong?” Gu Qiulan noticed her reddened eyes and suddenly remembered that she and Qianqian had always served Qin Muchuan together—they might be close friends in private. Ah, is this like a fox mourning the death of a rabbit? Qin Muchuan, truly, had no mercy for beauties.

Gu Qiulan had always been particularly gentle toward those blessed with beauty; she approached Linglong slowly, who trembled like a withered leaf in the autumn wind.

“What’s this? Why are you shaking so badly?” Gu Qiulan asked with concern, her hand gently tracing Linglong’s cheek—her skin was so smooth, such a delightful texture.

“M-m-miss…” Linglong stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.

“Could Linglong be ill? Is it a chill?” Yue’er asked, puzzled.

“Caught a cold?” Gu Qiulan inquired. Linglong’s condition was indeed peculiar.

“If you’re ill, why aren’t you resting indoors?!” Qin Muchuan barked. “Have you all forgotten your manners?!”

“M-m-m…” Linglong finally could not endure it any longer and fainted outright.

Gu Qiulan regarded Qin Muchuan with a piercing look—husband, your aura is far too lethal! Do you bear a grudge against beautiful women?

Everyone in the room was bewildered as Linglong was quickly carried away. Qin Muchuan, however, was still seething—these maids had no sense at all! Were they only good for causing trouble? His gaze swept toward Yue’er, who immediately straightened herself like a soldier at attention.

“Enough. It’s time to pay respects to Mother,” Qin Muchuan sighed. Too many women—what a headache.

Reluctant to part from the little beauties, Gu Qiulan resolved to have Madam Zhuang prepare a soothing prescription for Qin Muchuan as well. Her husband’s jealousy was far too intense; he grew angry at the mere sight of a beauty. This would never do!

The commotion from the previous night had already reached Lady Zhou, who was quite satisfied with her son’s conduct. For Gu Qiulan to have her monthly affliction during her wedding was… undeniably unfortunate. She could not help but resent the Gu household again—how could they not even keep track of their own daughter’s cycle? This daughter-in-law seemed such a frail thing, she would need proper guidance in the future.

Still, these were minor matters. Seeing the newlyweds so affectionate, Lady Zhou felt genuine happiness and, after a few words of advice, let them go.

At the Gu household, ever since Gu Qiulan’s marriage, everyone had been on edge, fearing the Duke’s family might send her back the very day she arrived. Now that the third-day homecoming had come, the entire household held its breath.

“Big Brother, do you think that ginseng I prepared for our little brother-in-law is too much?” the third Gu son asked anxiously.

The eldest brother glared at him. “Stingy as always. Is one root enough? With our little sister’s troublemaking abilities, you only prepared one? Father has already spoken with Lord Li at the Ministry of Justice. If anything happens, at least our sister will be taken care of.”

The third brother’s face grew even more worried. “I’ll go find a few more roots, fill a whole case to send over—that’ll have to do.”

Not long after, the wedding procession arrived at the gates.

Qin Muchuan dismounted and strode forward, personally lifting the sedan curtain. “Wife, please, come down,” he said softly.

Gu Qiulan extended her hand, which was instantly grasped tightly. “Ah—” With a stumble, she fell into Qin Muchuan’s arms. Warmth enveloped her—though, truth be told, his chest could be sturdier, and the feel of it… Husband, you really must train more in the future.

No, no, that was not the point.

Gu Qiulan looked up, utterly lost in Qin Muchuan’s gaze.

Outside the gates, petals fell in profusion, shadows flickered beneath the trees, dappled and fleeting, pouring down in the summer dusk. The wind whispered through the leaves, and all creation seemed to be entranced by that look—tranquil and still.

Suddenly, Gu Qiulan reached out her hand. Qin Muchuan paused in confusion, and she said, “Husband, look—a flower petal.”

“Oh, there’s one on your shoulder, too—let me get it for you. And here, one on your face as well…”

Qin Muchuan laughed heartily and tapped her nose. “You little mischief!”

A blush bloomed across Gu Qiulan’s cheeks, her heart fluttering with delight.

“Ahem!” Qiaoyun approached, expressionless. “Young Master, Young Madam—the Gu household awaits.”

“Oh, right, we must go greet Father and Mother-in-law. No more mischief.”

“Yes, I’ll do as husband says.”

With a rosy glow about her, Gu Qiulan followed at Qin Muchuan’s side, determined to go wherever he did.

Qiaoyun pressed a weary hand to her brow—these two fools were beyond hope!

The house steward had already come out to greet them, leading the newlyweds to the main hall to see Lord and Lady Gu. The eldest and third sons were waiting inside, but there was still no sign of the second son.

“Has Zhongyun not returned yet?” Lady Gu asked, displeased.

“I heard Second Brother has already reached the capital,” the third son replied.

Lady Gu’s brow furrowed slightly. At that moment, a lively commotion sounded outside, and a beaming matron entered. “Master, Madam, the young master and young lady have returned!”

Lady Gu’s earlier worries vanished as she stood, then quickly sat again, realizing her lapse in decorum. Her face was alight with joy. “At last, they’re home!” she said, then covered her face with her hand. “My poor Lan’er has suffered so…”

“Second Brother must not be Mother’s child,” the eldest muttered.

“Say no more! If you cause trouble for your little sister today, Mother will have your head,” the eldest warned.

“…Frankly, maybe none of us are truly Mother’s children,” the third replied.

“Son-in-law greets Father and Mother-in-law!” Qin Muchuan knelt and performed a most respectful bow.

“Good, good, stand up quickly,” Lady Gu replied, her smile nearly splitting her face.

Lord Gu stroked his beard with a smile. “Excellent, excellent. Was your journey smooth?”

“Thank you for your concern, Father-in-law. The journey was uneventful.”

Father, it’s only a short ride between our house and the Duke’s residence…

Gu Qiulan felt that Lord Gu’s question was a slight on her abilities. With her around, who could possibly steal Qin Muchuan away? Hmph!

Qin Muchuan then exchanged pleasantries with his two brothers-in-law. The elusive second brother, Gu Zhongyun, was still missing, leaving Qin Muchuan uneasy. He was determined to make a perfect impression on the Gu family, but this mysterious brother-in-law was a wild card.

On the third day after the wedding, as was custom, Lady Gu pulled Gu Qiulan aside for some private conversation, while Qin Muchuan was led away by the three men for scrutiny.

“It’s so good to be home,” Gu Qiulan said as she walked along the gravel path, taking in the familiar scenery with a sigh. Beneath a distant locust tree stood a tall figure in black. She stopped, staring for a moment, then dashed forward—“Second Brother!”

“Ha… you’re back,” he replied.

Overflowing with excitement, Gu Qiulan forgot all about her private talk with Lady Gu.

“Second Brother, take this!” she cried, launching an attack.

“Hey now, Qiulan, mind your movements! Not so rough!”

Meanwhile, Qin Muchuan, accompanied by the eldest and third Gu sons, was wandering the garden. Though he was well-acquainted and jovial, and had already arranged to share drinks with the brothers, he was still nervous.

“Little sister has always been spoiled at home. I hope you’ll be patient with her,” the eldest said tactfully.

“I’ll treat her well,” Qin Muchuan promised earnestly. “Besides, Qiulan is gentle and quiet by nature.”

The third brother, who had been silent, whispered, “Brother, what about the ginseng…?”

“Enough!” the eldest snapped.

“…Right.”

“I wonder what Qiulan is doing now?” Qin Muchuan fretted, worried she’d reveal something about their wedding night.

The eldest grinned. “You newlyweds are so close—why, you’re already missing her after such a short time apart?”

“You jest, brother. I was just—hmm?” Qin Muchuan halted—there, ahead, two figures lay sprawled on the path.

The girl seemed to be draped over the man. Was this the kind of unrestrained conduct permitted in the Gu household? Qin Muchuan gaped—Gu! Qiu! Lan!

“Brother, should we still prepare the ginseng?” the third asked.

“Silence!” the eldest hissed, staring at the “shameless couple” before him. Heaven help him—let lightning strike him dead.

“Husband?”

At the sound, Gu Qiulan scrambled off Gu Zhongyun. Her brother’s blows were truly merciless; what was meant as a simple bout had nearly knocked her to the ground. Thankfully, Gu Zhongyun had the decency to cushion her fall, or her clothes would have been soiled—imagine having to change after just one visit home!

Gu Zhongyun was even taller than Qin Muchuan, and though not as handsome, he carried himself with a certain charm.

“Husband, this is my second brother, Gu Zhongyun,” Gu Qiulan said happily, tugging at Qin Muchuan’s sleeve.

“Se…Second Brother…”

“Hey there, brother-in-law!”