“Yes.” Lüguo picked a few books with worn edges that seemed to be Gu Qingniang’s favorites.
Gu Qingxin lay on the bed, looking at the three books: “Chronicles of the Ancient Kingdom”, “Biographies of the Yuan Dynasty”, and “Trial Bride’s Memoirs”. They looked good, and she could read the ancient traditional characters. Fortunately, she had taken an elective in ancient Chinese language and literature, so it wasn’t difficult.
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She roughly read “Chronicles of the Ancient Kingdom” and “Biographies of the Yuan Dynasty”, discovering she was now in the Yuan Dynasty, with the current emperor surnamed Yuan. Neighboring countries were Gong Yue and Yun Qiong, with surnames Yue and Yun respectively.
The previous dynasty was called Da Yan, with an emperor surnamed Yan. She flipped through more pages but found no familiar historical stories, suggesting this was an unknown space.
Gu Qingxin found the historical texts dry and opened “Trial Bride’s Memoirs”, written by a woman in the first person. She first read about the origins of trial brides.
Da Yan had an old custom: “To marry, first exchange heart-shaped gold rings as betrothal, and send three maids to test; those unsuitable would be rejected in marriage.”
Before marriage, the woman’s side would send three maids to the man’s home to test his character and bedroom abilities. If satisfied, they would marry, with the trial maids moving to the man’s home.
Previous attempts ended badly: some had their legs broken or were disfigured, others became lowly concubines without peace. Men who accepted trial brides were typically promiscuous and would quickly discard them, a fate worse than being a trial bride.
At least trial brides, while mimicking the lady’s life, enjoyed luxuries, fine food, and jewelry. Though base in private, they maintained a good appearance.
“Miss, shall you rest?” Lüguo asked, seeing her yawn.
“Mm.” Gu Qingxin softly responded, already falling asleep.
Early the next morning, Gu Qingtong felt her head heavy and dizzy, with no strength in her hands. She vaguely heard Hong Jie talking to someone: “It seems she heard that Young Master Hua is marrying Miss Wen and became so angry that she developed a high fever.”
“Serves her right for ruining herself,” came an unfamiliar female voice, sounding proud.
“But I heard that the matter with Hua family’s second young master was actually a plot by Liang Qingniang. I saw her yesterday and she didn’t seem too miserable, so I’m not sure if it’s true.”
“Regardless of whether it was a plot, Young Master Hua truly had feelings for her. I heard the neighbors discussing it this morning when I went out to buy rouge.”
“What were they discussing?”
“Young Master Hua threatened to die and refused to marry Miss Wen. The old lady favors the second young master, so the matter was dropped.”
“But the Hua family had already discussed the engagement,” Hong Jie exclaimed.
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“Fortunately, they hadn’t done the betrothal ceremony. If they were to break the engagement later, that would be quite a spectacle,” the woman said, reaching out to feel Gu Qingtong’s forehead. “Still no fever, little girl. Be quick about it.”
“Yes,” came Lü Guo’s low voice.
“The master may be disappointed, but still loves her. Now he’s arranged a new maid for her.”
“Could Xia’er have helped Liang Qingniang with the plot?”
“You’re asking me? Who am I supposed to ask?” The woman spat. “The master has invited a theater troupe today to teach the girls downstairs. I need to keep an eye on things. Take good care of Gu Qingniang.”
“Understood.”
Gu Qingtong listened to their chatter, gradually gaining more understanding. From what they said and considering Liang Qingniang’s behavior yesterday, it seemed this Liang Luoxi was not the original Liang Luoxi, but they were still enemies.
Hong Jie and Lü Guo had nothing more to discuss, and the room fell silent. Gu Qingtong’s fever gradually subsided with Lü Guo’s cool water, and after being forced to drink a bitter medicinal soup, she fell into a deep sleep again.
“Miss?” Green Fruit was also awakened, rubbing her eyes.
She looked at the empty bed and saw that Gu Qingtong had already lifted the bead curtain and gone out.
“Tong’er, Tong’er.” Young Master Yu Qing kicked past the doorkeeper and burst in, seeing the red candle lit in her room, and began calling for her.
Green Fruit rushed forward a step: “Miss, the Master said that during your recovery, no outsiders are allowed to meet you.”
“I want to see my master. He is not an outsider.” Although Gu Qingtong had not fully recovered, she had slept for a long time and was now full of energy. She quickly dodged Green Fruit and opened the door.
“Tong’er!” Young Master Yu Qing looked at the beautiful woman standing in the doorway, his eyes bright and fixed on her, delighted.
“Master.” Gu Qingtong looked at him curiously, having expected her master to be an older man, but he appeared to be just over twenty, much younger than Master Han.
“Tong’er, I heard Han Ruan’an hit you, truly without reason. How is your body now?”
“I’m fine.”
“That’s good. I will certainly seek justice for you later.”
“What justice is Young Master Yu Qing seeking?” Han Ruan’an’s deep voice carried a hint of teasing displeasure, even before entering the courtyard.
Gu Qingtong was completely bewildered by the current situation. She had wanted to pretend to have amnesia, but she could already call out Liang Luoxi’s name and had behaved that way in front of Hong Jie.
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Therefore, when Han Ruan’an approached, she could only steel herself and act well-mannered, lowering her eyes and calling him: “Adoptive father.”
Han Ruan’an had no particular fault to find with her and nodded. He was only wearing a cloak, seemingly attracted by the commotion. Gu Qingtong realized he wasn’t very old, probably around thirty-four or thirty-five, but his preference for dark robes made him appear much older.
“Of course not. Recently, everyone has been working hard, so we’re letting you go out to enjoy the spring and relax for a bit.”
Gu Qingtong heard this as something like an enterprise benefit – working overtime for a period and then going out to play for a day or two before returning to continue working hard. She thought this and smiled slightly.
“Tong Tong, the previous matter has been dropped by your adoptive father. You should forget about it. Today, I’m taking you out, firstly to show others that you have a clear conscience, and secondly to let people see your capabilities.”
“Lüguo, get ready and accompany the young miss out.”
“Yes.” Lüguo responded, packed a small box, and stood behind her.
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Gu Qingtong didn’t know what the small box was for, but it contained some rouge and powder. She guessed it was a makeup case as she left the courtyard.
This was her first time going out, so she was careful not to make a mistake, walking cautiously and looking around to remember the way out.
“Miss Gu, the carriage is waiting outside. What are you looking at?” An older woman entered from the side gate, somewhat impatient but still respectful.
“I know.” Gu Qingtong smiled softly and followed the woman.
The servants and maids around passed by, holding their breath and keeping silent.
Gu Qingtong felt something was off – did she look like she would eat someone? Or was the original Gu Qingtong someone they feared?
Unable to figure it out, she had already reached the gate.
“Oh, Tong’er, you’re finally here.” A girl in blue clothes waved at her, “Come quickly, we’ve been waiting for you.”
