Su Qingwan didn’t notice the momentary loss of composure in his eyes, instead searching through her memories for the very limited impressions she had of the real Gu Yunci.
The number of times they had met could be counted on one hand.
Aside from their wedding night when she had been too overwhelmed with passion and hadn’t even known it was Gu Yunci at the time.
In all her other memories, Gu Yunci had been extremely aloof and cold, speaking very little.
If Gu Yunrui could be compared to an elegant gentleman like gentle breeze and clear moon, then Gu Yunci seemed like a shadow living in his elder brother’s wake.
Su Qingwan sighed softly, “Perhaps he didn’t want to become outstanding and overshadow his elder brother.”
Chong Jiu’s pupils suddenly contracted, his fists clenched tightly behind his back.
Unaware of the turmoil in Chong Jiu’s heart, Su Qingwan was instead thinking about how pitiful Gu Yunci’s life had been – neglected by Hou Manor since childhood, resented by the Marquis’ Wife, living like a ghost his entire life.
Those who are favored always act without fear, while those who are ignored and overlooked often lack confidence, believing everything is their own fault.
But fortunately, heaven hadn’t been completely unkind to Gu Yunci, giving him a child. Su Qingwan secretly vowed that she would definitely help Gu Yunci’s child inherit the Shizi position!
What Gu Yunrui owed Gu Yunci, let Gu Yunrui repay it to his child instead.
Chong Jiu seemed to have made a major decision as he said solemnly, “Madam, haven’t you noticed that the current Second Young Master is different from before?”
Su Qingwan looked at him and smiled self-deprecatingly, “So what?”
The personalities of the two brothers Gu Yunrui and Gu Yunci were vastly different. Now even Chong Jiu, who had only recently entered the manor, could see it – what about others?
Probably, those people were all pretending to be ignorant while knowing perfectly well.
Su Qingwan thought that probably throughout the entire Hou Manor, only Zhongyong Hou remained in the dark.
Chong Jiu was taken aback, “Since you clearly know, why don’t you confront him?”
Su Qingwan looked at him with gentle eyes, “The one who died was the Shizi, and the current Second Young Master is the Second Young Master. Chong Jiu, I don’t care about the truth anymore. All I care about now is whether I will give birth to a son, and whether this child will inherit the peerage.”
Chong Jiu’s brows furrowed tightly, as if he had found one answer only to discover more questions within it.
But Su Qingwan waved her hand, “Alright, no need to dwell on these matters. Just continue protecting me and protecting my child.”
Tired from standing, she turned and sat on the Arhat Bed, asking Qinxin to bring the Polo basket, intending to sew a few small clothes for the child while her belly wasn’t too big yet.
Qinxin helped nearby, whispering, “Miss, Chong Jiu glanced into the room several times earlier.”
Su Qingwan: “Although he’s quiet and reserved, he’s not foolish. He might have guessed the meaning behind what I said earlier.”
Qinxin: “Miss, aren’t you worried he might reveal this matter?”
Su Qingwan half-lowered her eyes, threading the needle, “Murong Jin, whom so many people want to befriend, suddenly treating me so well – this matter is already unbelievable to begin with, so I haven’t completely trusted Chong Jiu yet. If he reveals this matter, I naturally have ways to explain it away, but it would also prove he’s untrustworthy.”
Qinxin understood, “You’re right, this concerns the safety of you and the young master or young lady in your womb. Don’t worry, miss, we’ll also help keep an eye on Chong Jiu for you.”
Su Qingwan nodded.
She wasn’t targeting Chong Jiu specifically, but was accustomed to being meticulous and thorough in everything she did. After all, if a mistake occurred, she couldn’t afford the consequences.
**
The eighth day of the fourth month marked Grand Tutor Su’s sixtieth birthday.
Grand Tutor Su had students all over the world; even the current emperor was his disciple, and several princes, including the crown prince, had received his instruction.
Thus, his birthday celebration was exceptionally lively.
As Zhongyong Hou had limited mobility, Feng Shi brought her son and two daughters-in-law to offer congratulations. However, since both daughters-in-law were pregnant and also Su family daughters, they went to find their own parents upon arriving at the Su residence, leaving Feng Shi alone to exchange pleasantries with the noblewomen.
As for Gu Yunrui, he went to the front courtyard where the male guests were gathered.
Su Qingwan led her mother Baishi to sit on the large heated kang by the window in the rear courtyard. After dismissing the servants, Su Qingwan asked, “Mother, what did Aunt say?”
Baishi replied, “I hinted as you suggested, and then your aunt said, ‘Not contending is also contending.'”
Su Qingwan: “Aunt is favored; she’s only one step away from the position of empress. The crown prince is mediocre, and no matter how much the seventh prince tries to avoid suspicion by pretending to be a dissolute playboy, the crown prince still can’t feel at ease.”
Baishi grew nervous, “So your aunt means that even if they don’t want to contend, they’ll be dragged into the battle for succession?”
Su Qingwan: “Those in the royal family have no choice in such matters. Aunt and cousin are both clever and likely already have plans and intentions. What we must do now is ensure the Su family doesn’t get involved.Why did the emperors of all dynasties trust the Su family? Because they knew the Su family were pure ministers. Grand Tutor Su was upright and impartial, devoted to the country and its people, with disciples everywhere, supplying talent to the court.
White Deer Academy was founded by Su Qingwan’s great-grandfather.
Baishi: “How has Hou Manor been lately? Have they been bullying you?”
Su Qingwan: “They can’t bully me. At least before I give birth, nothing major should happen. Mother, later you should speak more with Grandfather and the others, and be sure to be cautious of Gu Yunrui.”
Baishi nodded, then suddenly sighed with emotion, “When I first learned that he had pulled a switch, abandoning you for Xi Yue, I was furious. But now it seems, with his sinister intentions, him not being your husband might be a blessing in disguise.”
Su Qingwan nodded, “Yes, in a way, I might have ‘profited from a misfortune.’ So, what I need to do is make sure Gu Yunrui ‘dies’ thoroughly and cleanly, with absolutely no chance of revival!”
Meanwhile, Gu Yunrui was eagerly trying to win Grand Tutor Su’s favor. But no matter how humble he acted or how extravagant the gifts he prepared, Grand Tutor Su remained cool toward him.
Previously, Grand Tutor Su had held Gu Yunrui in high regard. Yet now, merely under a different name, his treatment had plummeted?
On the way back, he was sullen and frowning.
“Could it be that Grand Tutor Su has found out something?”
Su Xiyue, sitting beside him, asked in confusion, “Husband, what do you think my grandfather has found out?”
Gu Yunrui: “He used to hold me in high regard, but today he was indifferent and very cold. I’m wondering if he recognized me.”
Su Xiyue: “Your performance was flawless. Could Grandfather’s poor attitude be because of Su Qingwan?”
Previously, rumors circulated that after Su Qingwan became pregnant, she obstructed the second branch’s path to inheriting the peerage. Later, her carriage was hit, and everyone said it was the second branch’s doing. Grand Tutor Su had always doted the most on Su Qingwan, his eldest granddaughter from the primary wife.
His resentment spreading to ‘Gu Yunci’ was understandable.
Gu Yunrui thought it was highly likely, but it would make conquering the Su family even harder.
Therefore, targeting Su Qingwan remained the shortcut.
He reached out and pulled Su Xiyue into his embrace, gently kissing her hair. “Xiyue, you have to help me…”
In another carriage, Su Qingwan suddenly sneezed. Chong Jiu, riding alongside the carriage, immediately lifted the curtain. “Miss, have you caught a chill?”
Inside the carriage, Qinxin quickly handed a handkerchief to Su Qingwan, who shook her head. “I’m fine. Perhaps someone is cursing me behind my back.”
Seeing her say this so seriously, Chong Jiu was taken aback.
His stunned expression was so obvious that it piqued Su Qingwan’s curiosity. “What, are you surprised that someone would curse me?”
Chong Jiu remained silent for a moment before speaking. “Madam is so kind. If anyone curses you, it must be their fault.”
Qinxin, sitting nearby, burst into laughter, and Su Qingwan’s lips also curved into a slight smile.
Who would have thought that Chong Jiu, usually as silent as a gourd, could be so good at comforting others?
Su Qingwan had been in a good mood all day—she had celebrated her grandfather’s birthday, learned that her Imperial Concubine aunt and cousins were prepared, and even managed to frustrate Gu Yunrui.
But her good mood came to an abrupt halt when she returned to Hou Manor.
Gu Yunrui and Su Xiyue, who had arrived first, were standing at the entrance arguing about something. Only when she drew closer could she hear them clearly.
Su Xiyue bit her lip and pointed at Gu Yunrui’s waist, complaining, “Husband, which woman embroidered this pouch for you?”
Her exclamation drew everyone’s attention to the pouch, and Su Qingwan recognized her own stitching.
It was the embroidered pouch she had made for Gu Yunrui on his birthday after they were engaged. Exchanging gifts between engaged couples was not considered improper.
But now, Gu Yunrui, disguised as her brother, was openly wearing a pouch embroidered by Su Qingwan, his sister-in-law?
Or was it deliberately revealed in such a public setting…
She tightened her grip on the handkerchief in her hand.
Meanwhile, Gu Yunrui continued his act with Su Xiyue. He glanced subtly at Su Qingwan and coaxed helplessly, “Xiyue, don’t make a fuss. It’s just a pouch made by a maid. If you don’t like it, I won’t wear it anymore.”
With that, he untied the pouch and tossed it directly into the nearby lake.
Su Xiyue seemed somewhat appeased, then placed a hand on her waist and began coquettishly clinging to Gu Yunrui.
Gu Yunrui whispered soothingly to her.
The two gradually walked away, but the servants left behind were still discussing the pouch.
“The embroidery on that pouch was exquisite—the stitching looks somewhat familiar!”
The servants whispered among themselves, stealing glances in Su Qingwan’s direction.
When Su Qingwan first moved into Linglong Yuan and learned of Gu Yunrui’s feigned death, she swiftly and decisively relocated the longtime servants—Gu Yunrui’s trusted aides—by finding excuses to send them elsewhere.
Thus, it was inevitable that some might recognize Su Qingwan’s embroidery work. Or perhaps these gossiping servants were arranged by Gu Yunrui himself?
Su Qingwan’s gaze turned icy. What was he scheming now?
Just then, a sudden “splash” sounded nearby.
Su Qingwan looked up and saw Chong Jiu leaping directly into the lake!