At Huang Jinfeng’s sharp rebuke about undermining a military marriage, Xu Zhenzhu fell silent. Though seething inwardly, she dared not utter another word.
Standing nearby, Lu Qiqi listened and gained a far clearer picture of the dynamics within the Gu household. This large, bustling family was nowhere near as harmonious as it appeared on the surface. The Second Sister-in-law, in particular, was clearly no easy person to get along with. Still, Lu Qiqi had no intention of intervening. As a new bride and a stranger to the home, it was wisest to keep a low profile for now.
Gu Mufeng then led Lu Qiqi and Lu Chuan to the room that had belonged to Gu Muyan. It was modest in size yet spotlessly clean and neatly kept.
“Qiqi, rest here for a while,” Gu Mufeng spoke gently. “Ours is a big household with much going on. The others are decent enough—only watch out for Second Sister-in-law. She is grasping and quick to take advantage; pay her no mind. As long as Father and Mother preside over this home, there is little mischief she can make. Eldest Sister-in-law and Fourth Sister-in-law are kind souls; seek their company should you grow bored. And my younger sister shares Mother’s forthright nature—fiery and fiercely protective of her own. Truth be told, we shall not be staying here long. Yet should anyone give you trouble, do not hold back. Simply ensure you are not the one to suffer harm. It is still early. Tend to Xiao Chuan’s injuries and rest awhile longer.”
Lu Qiqi nodded. Weariness had settled deep in her bones after the jolting journey. She called Lu Chuan to the bedside and set about dressing his wounds. After three days of careful care, his injuries had healed considerably, most now crusted over. Each day she had quietly added a measure of water from her spiritual spring to their drinking supply—never too much, lest the sudden improvement draw suspicion. Once the medicine was applied and Lu Chuan settled to rest, she too felt heavy-eyed. After days of constant vigilance, she could finally let her guard down. She lay beside him, closed her eyes, and drifted off.
Some time later, she awoke to the sound of voices and bustle. Opening her eyes, she found Gu Mufeng standing beside the bed, watching her.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, still dazed.
“Nothing at all. I merely came to see how you are resting,” he replied with a gentle smile. Glancing over at Lu Chuan, who was now blinking awake, he lowered his voice. “It is growing late. Come, wash up and join us for a meal.”
Lu Qiqi nodded—she was indeed quite hungry. The brother and sister freshened up and followed Gu Mufeng to the kitchen hall. The table was already laden with hearty, simple country dishes.
“Qiqi, Xiao Chuan—come, sit and eat!” Gu Guoming, her father-in-law, called out warmly upon seeing them approach.
Huang Jinfeng appeared just then, carrying a basket of mixed-grain steamed buns. “Qiqi, Xiao Chuan—from now on, look upon this as your own home. Do not stand on ceremony, and never suffer neglect or grievance here.”
Xu Zhenzhu, who had toiled over the meal while Lu Qiqi rested, looked on with open displeasure as chopsticks were placed directly into the newcomer’s hands. “Mother,” she remarked pointedly, “it seems Third Sister-in-law arrived only to sleep and wait upon others. I wonder if she means to be of any help at all.”
Lu Qiqi had just accepted a pair of chopsticks from Gu Mufeng; at Xu Zhenzhu’s words, she paused. Gu Mufeng gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, signaling her to pay it no heed.
Huang Jinfeng settled into her seat and fixed Xu Zhenzhu with a look. “Second Daughter-in-law, are you so hungry today that even food cannot keep you silent?”
Xu Zhenzhu forced an ingratiating smile. “Oh, Mother—surely you know I am famished! I have labored all day for work points and then cooked this very meal. I have not been blessed as Third Sister-in-law is, it seems—spared the kitchen, waited upon hand and foot.”
Gu Mufeng cast her a cold, steady gaze. “Second Sister-in-law, Qiqi has traveled for days and is weary. Is it such a fault that she rests a little? Say no more on the matter.”
“Unwell?” Xu Zhenzhu muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes. “She looks perfectly hale to me. Where is the least sign of illness?”
“Second Sister-in-law!” Gu Mufeng’s voice sharpened.
Huang Jinfeng shot her a withering glare. “That will be quite enough of your carping! One more word in this vein and you shall answer to me! Qiqi has endured days of travel and needs repose. Cease manufacturing grievances.”
Xu Zhenzhu said no more. She lowered her face sulkily and fell to pushing food around her bowl.
Lu Qiqi looked from Gu Mufeng to Huang Jinfeng, and her heart warmed. To be cared for and defended in this new home gave her a deep sense of safety. Gu Mufeng picked up a piece of braised chicken and placed it into her bowl.
“Here, try this,” he said softly. “Mother’s own cooking—stewed until tender, most delicious.”
Lu Qiqi looked down at the meat, a soft, grateful smile touching her eyes. “Thank you, Mufeng.” She lifted it to her lips, chewed slowly, and wore a look of quiet delight. Seeing her thus content brought a quiet joy to Gu Mufeng as well.
Gradually the meal unfolded in easier spirits, and Lu Qiqi began speaking with those around her. She realized that for all its size, each member of this household possessed a distinct character and way of life. She resolved to adapt, little by little, and take her place among them.
That fragile peace did not endure long. When the meal was finished and no instructions regarding household duties had been given, Xu Zhenzhu spoke up once more.
“Mother,” she began loudly, “in the past the housework has fallen in rotation to myself, Eldest Sister-in-law, and Fourth Sister-in-law. Now that Third Sister-in-law has joined us—ought she not take her turn alongside us?”
Huang Jinfeng fixed her with a look of growing exasperation. “Second Daughter-in-law, must you ever rest from contention? Qiqi has but just arrived and knows not our ways. Moreover, the wedding is but days away—and once wed, she will depart with Third Son to his garrison. She will scarcely spend more than a handful of days beneath this roof. Let her be spared household duties for now. If she has a mind to lend a hand now and then, that shall be enough.”
“What? She is to join him at the garrison?” Xu Zhenzhu’s voice rose sharply. At this revelation, all eyes turned toward Lu Qiqi in astonishment.
“Precisely,” Huang Jinfeng affirmed with an air of plain fact. “Third Son serves in the military and holds the rank of Deputy Regiment Leader. Entitlement to spousal quarters has long been his. Now that he takes a wife, it is only proper that Qiqi—his spouse—should accompany him.”
“But Mother!” Xu Zhenzhu protested, plainly aggrieved. “If she dwells elsewhere thereafter… have we taken her into this family for nothing at all?”
“Watch your tongue!” Gu Guoming spoke up, his brows drawn together in stern displeasure. “She is one of us now—what nonsense is this about ‘taken for nothing’? Mufeng serves the nation; it is right and fitting that his wife should stand beside him and support his service. Cast no idle words, or folk will say you seek to undermine a military marriage!”