LC chapter 13

 

The night before departure, there was a sudden drop in temperature, followed by heavy snowfall. The wind whipped through the courtyard, bending the trees this way and that while the windows rattled and howled.

Old Tong Bo had caught a chill. Not wanting to visit others while ill, he decided not to accompany Zhan Xi.

Though he wasn’t going, he rose early to watch the family pack.

Outside, the sky was heavy with dark clouds. Large snowflakes drifted down. The moment the door opened, a blast of cold wind rushed in.

Lin Ruan descended the stairs, carrying Zhan Xi’s suitcase. Spotting him, Uncle Tong asked, “Did you pack all the clothes? Did you include a couple of warm jackets?”

“They’re packed,” Lin Ruan replied.

Uncle Tong nodded and instructed Lin Ruan to load the items into the car. He couldn’t sit still for long. Soon, he was checking the gifts meant for the Gu family.

Zhan Xi had few close relatives, but he was particularly close to one aunt. Because of this, the Gu family took precedence over the royal household.

Zhan Xi descended the stairs wearing a crisp suit under a long overcoat. A ring sat on his left hand—a circular band set with several diamonds—lending him an air of youthful abandon befitting his age.

Zhan Xi and Lin Ruan climbed into the car. Uncle Tong reminded Shining to drive carefully because snow was falling and making the roads treacherous.

Shi Ning nodded. Zhan Xi rolled down his window to talk to Uncle Tong. “You should go inside and rest. It’s cold out here.”

Uncle Tong agreed but only went back inside after watching them drive away.

The Gu residence wasn’t far from the Lan mansion. Similar to the Lan residence, their family home was a Western-style building, but with more family members, it featured two side wings flanking the main building, resembling a classical Western castle.

As the car slowly approached the Gu residence, Zhan Xi told Shi Ning, “I’m uneasy about leaving Uncle Tong alone at home. You stay behind to look after him. If his condition worsens, take him to see a doctor. Don’t indulge him when he insists that sweating it out will cure him.”

Shi Ning replied, “I understand.”

Zhan Xi stepped out of the car. Someone was already waiting at the entrance of the Gu residence. Spotting Zhanxi, they approached him with an umbrella.

Lin Ruan looked up and saw two girls under the umbrella. They looked identical and were wearing coats over their dresses, along with snow-white fur scarves around their necks. Their hair was styled in curls, giving them a chic, fashionable look.

“Cousin!” one of them called out.

They were the Gu family’s twins. The older sister was Gu Liufeng and the younger was Gu Huaixue. Their names come from Rhapsody on the Luo Goddess (洛神賦): “As drifting and whirling, like the flowing wind and returning snow[mfn]《洛神賦》 (Rhapsody on the Luo Goddess) is a famous poetic prose by Cao Zhi (曹植), describing the ethereal beauty of the river goddess. The line 飄搖兮若流風之回雪 means “drifting and fluttering, like the flowing wind and swirling snow,” painting an image of grace, elegance, and lightness. Gu Liufeng (流風) means “flowing wind,” and Gu Huixue (回雪) means “swirling snow.” Their names suggest grace, beauty, and a refined, poetic charm.[/mfn].”

Seeing them, Zhan Xi offered a rare smile and asked, “It’s freezing out here. What brings you running out?”

“We came to pick you up!” The sisters gathered close to Zhan Xi, flashing Lin Ruan a smile as they did so. “Hello, Brother Ruan!”

Zhan Xi ruffled the sisters’ hair and walked inside with them. Snow fell relentlessly, crunching beneath their feet.

The moment they entered the house, Madam Gu’s voice echoed, “Is that Zhan Xi?”

She emerged from the back dressed in a qipao with a gray silk shawl draped over her shoulders. Her hair was elegantly pinned up and adorned with two vivid green jade hairpins. Matching jade earrings graced her ears. She exuded grace and dignity without an ounce of arrogance.

Beside her stood a young boy in a suit, around ten years old. His face was set in a stern expression, and his hair was immaculately combed as he tried to look mature. This was Gu Ming, the youngest son of the Gu family.

Madam Gu spotted Zhan Xi and a smile lit up her face. She stepped forward, brushed the snow from his shoulders, and said, “It’s freezing out here. Come inside and warm yourself up with a cup of hot tea.”

Gu Ming bowed politely to Zhan Xi. “Hello, cousin.”

Gu Liufeng scoffed at his manner, but Gu Ming merely snorted in response and ignored her.

Zhan Xi had visited the Gu residence after returning to the country and had come to pay New Year’s respects on the third day of the Lunar New Year. However, the Gu household was filled with guests at the time, so Zhan Xi didn’t stay long.

Zhan Xi presented the prepared gifts to Madam Gu. She accepted them and had them put away. Gu Ming followed his mother’s lead and had his gifts stored as well. The two young ladies, however, paid little heed to etiquette and tore into theirs immediately.

Their gifts were identical. Besides the customary gold, jade, and emerald jewelry, there were also cosmetics, such as lipstick and perfume, that had been brought back from abroad—all things that young girls would adore.

Some items differed between the two sets. Gu Liufeng’s gift included an exquisitely designed necklace with a pendant shaped like the first bullet casing produced for a particular model of ammunition. Gu Liufeng adored such things and clutched it as if she couldn’t bear to part with it.

Gu Huaixue’s gift contained a gold-inlaid cloud-bat pendant. The golden bat featured large, plump Dongzhu pearls set at its head and tail, and rubies and emeralds were artfully embedded along its wings—a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Madam Gu instantly recognized it as imperial court workmanship.

Gu Huaixue was fascinated by traditional Manchu attire and often imitated how her mother dressed as a princess in her youth. She had a particular fondness for antique jewelry and heirlooms.

The two young ladies were delighted, sweetly calling each other “cousin” repeatedly. Gu Ming grew restless, eager to return to his room and unwrap his gifts.

“Your uncle and Gu Ji had business this morning. They said they’d be back soon, but they still haven’t returned. Really?”

“It’s fine,” Zhan Xi said. “I know they’re busy.”

Mrs. Gu nodded with a smile. Spotting Lin Ruan nearby, she remarked, “Little Ruan seems more mature than last year—almost like a grown-up now.”

Though Zhan Xi lived abroad, Uncle Tong brought Lin Ruan to the Gu residence every year to offer New Year’s greetings, so the Gu family all recognized him.

Madam Gu pulled Lin Ruan closer and asked, “Why did Zhan Xi say you were ill when he visited after the New Year? Are you fully recovered now?”

Lin Ruan glanced at Zhan Xi and replied, “I accidentally caught a chill in the snow, but I’m perfectly fine now. Thank you for your concern, Madam.”

Madam Gu smiled and patted Lin Ruan on the shoulder. “Good child.”

Madam Gu had a room prepared for Zhan Xi, so Lin Ruan went ahead to put away his things. As soon as he went upstairs, Gu Liufeng and Gu Huaixue followed. Gu Ming stood up and nodded slightly. “Then I’ll retire to my room as well.”

“These children really…” Madam Gu laughed and scolded, “I wonder where they picked that up.”

Zhan Xi sipped his tea and chuckled. “Quite amusing.”

Madam Gu smiled and asked about the prince’s household. “I heard something about a secondary concubine at the prince’s residence…”

Gu Liufeng and Gu Huaixue followed Lin Ruan upstairs. As they watched him tidy his room, they asked, “Our cousin brought us gifts. What about you, Brother Ruan?”

Lin Ruan glanced at them, then pulled a sketchbook from his trunk and handed it to Gu Huaixue.

The pages were filled with drawings of Manchu-style garments. Since Lin Ruan was going to accompany Zhan Xi to the prince’s residence, Gu Huaixue had asked him to sketch various Manchu robes and accessories. She wanted to recreate them for fun later.

Gu Huaixue flipped through the pages and smiled. “Thanks, Brother Ruan!”

Gu Liufeng showed no interest, glancing at the sketches briefly before turning away. She demanded, “What about mine? What about mine?”

“My dear lady, you asked for guns! Where on earth am I supposed to get those for you?”

Gu Liufeng’s mood instantly soured. “You could ask our cousin!”

“Why didn’t you ask your cousin?” Lin Ruan retorted. “Master never mentions guns or explosives at home. How could I ask him?”

Though the Gu family were warlords, they never allowed their daughters near such things. Gu Ji had told Gu Liufeng that guns were no good—once you picked one up, you could never put it down again.

Gu Liufeng pouted, his expression full of grievance. Lin Ruan sighed helplessly as he rummaged through the box and pulled out a handful of unused bullets.

“I got these from Shi Ning. I really don’t have any more.”

Gu Liufeng’s mood instantly shifted from sorrow to joy. “Brother Ruan, you’re the best!”

Lin Ruan smiled. He looked at the two sisters. Though they shared a resemblance, their tastes were distinct. This difference did nothing to diminish their beauty; it only made them more unique.

Lin Ruan asked himself, Is there anything I truly love? Is there something I desperately want, something I absolutely must have?”

Leaning against the door, Lin Ruan’s gaze fell upon Zhan Xi below.

Soon after, General Gu returned. He was a tall, imposing middle-aged man whose stern features carried the seasoned aura of a battlefield veteran. Behind him followed Gu Ji. His military uniform lent him an air of command, even when he was unsmiling. The father and son both wore uniforms, and their broad shoulders and narrow waists radiated an extraordinary presence.

General Gu spotted Zhan Xi, patted his shoulder, and gave him an approving look. At home with his family, his battle-hardened edge softened. In those moments, he was just an ordinary husband and father, like any other man.

General Gu led Zhan Xi and Gu Ji into his study. Lin Ruan, Gu Liufeng, and Gu Huaixue came downstairs to keep Madam Gu company. Gu Ming was there too, but insisting that he was a mature man, he avoided topics about women, choosing to sit only beside Lin Ruan.

After a while, Gu Ming coughed twice. Lin Ruan, sitting closest to him, noticed first and asked, “Are you feeling unwell?”

Gu Ming shook his head. Lin Ruan poured a cup of hot water and placed it in front of him.

Soon after, Gu Ming coughed again. Lin Ruan glanced over and saw him casting a wistful look, shifting his gaze between Gu Liufeng and Gu Huaixue, and then back to him.

Realizing the situation, Lin Ruan suppressed a smile and produced a small box. “This is my gift for you.”

Gu Ming tilted his head as he accepted it, his eyes silently said, “That’s more like it.”

He quietly opened the box and found a ginkgo leaf–shaped brooch inside.

“This is the brooch Master wore at his graduation ceremony,” Lin Ruan whispered.

Gu Ming looked pleased as he pinned the brooch to his chest. He turned to Lin Ruan.

“It looks beautiful,” Lin Ruan remarked.

Gu Ming cleared his throat, stepped down from the sofa, and walked nonchalantly around in front of Madam Gu and the others. Unfortunately, no one noticed anything different about him, which infuriated Gu Ming.