Jiang Zhiyu looked directly into Gu Huaiqiu’s eyes and smiled. “I’d like to have a talk with you, Young Master.”
Gu Huaiqiu did not respond; not even his expression changed. He merely stared coldly at Jiang Zhiyu.
As if oblivious to his indifference, Jiang Zhiyu turned her gaze to the chair opposite the desk and asked, “May I sit down?”
Without waiting for Gu Huaiqiu’s consent, she walked forward on her own and sat facing him.
“Bringing you Ginseng Tea is my duty as your wife. It’s only right that I care for my husband.”
“You certainly say that smoothly,” Gu Huaiqiu sneered, his gaze fixed on her. “Are you content to have a husband like me?”
“First Madame asked me the same question. But you must understand, Young Master, this matter isn’t about whether you or I are content. Whether we are or not, this is how it must be. Since that’s the case, why not make the best of our lives?”
“Meaning, you want to live with me?”
“Why not?” Jiang Zhiyu asked with a smile. “Why should you belittle yourself, Young Master? We are no worse than anyone else; we’re just in a difficult situation now. Since we’re both on the same boat, why not help each other?”
Gu Huaiqiu did not reply, but a trace of mockery flickered in his cold eyes.
Unbothered, Jiang Zhiyu continued, “Actually, I know a bit about medicine. I’ve already looked at the medicine you’re taking—it’s just ordinary restorative medicine that has no effect on your legs. I could try treating them.”
The mockery in Gu Huaiqiu’s eyes deepened. “Oh? Are you more skilled than the imperial physicians?”
“Each has their own expertise. I wouldn’t dare claim I’m better than the imperial physicians. But you’ve already seen every doctor available. Why not try treating a dead horse as if it were alive? It can’t get any worse, can it?”
Gu Huaiqiu fell silent, as if considering. “How confident are you?”
“That would depend on examining your legs, taking your pulse, and then—”
“How confident are you now?” Gu Huaiqiu interrupted.
Jiang Zhiyu thought for a moment and honestly raised two fingers. “Twenty percent.”
Gu Huaiqiu laughed. The laughter held no warmth; instead, it felt even more chilling and intimidating than his cold expression.
“Indeed, it’s just an attempt. It’s easy to be carefree when the injury isn’t your own. Why don’t you break your own legs first, heal yourself, and then come treat me?”
Though phrased as a question, his tone suggested he wouldn’t hesitate to break Jiang Zhiyu’s legs the next moment.
“Young Master knows perfectly well I can’t afford to break my legs now.” At this point, not only could she not break her legs, but Jiang Zhiyu couldn’t afford any delay at all, or she would repeat the mistakes of her past life.
“Can’t? Then please leave.”
Gu Huaiqiu lowered his eyes and reopened the book in his hands.
The servant beside him took a step forward. Previously standing silently and almost unnoticed, he now loomed large and imposing like a mountain as he approached.
“Young Mistress, please.”
Jiang Zhiyu looked at Gu Huaiqiu, who had once again ignored her as if she were air. She shrugged helplessly, stood up, and said, “Please reconsider, Young Master.”
There was no reply. Gu Huaiqiu acted as if he hadn’t heard a thing.
Jiang Zhiyu didn’t press further. She understood that coming empty-handed and claiming she could cure Gu Huaiqiu’s legs would be unbelievable to anyone, let alone him.
Especially since she was merely someone who “knew a bit about medicine.”
But there was plenty of time ahead. No need to rush.
The opportunity for her to prove herself would come soon.
But this opportunity arrived much faster than Jiang Zhiyu had anticipated.
Early the next morning, before Jiang Zhiyu had even gotten out of bed, the Marchioness sent someone to summon her to the main courtyard of the second branch.
Mama Cao, whose feet were still painfully swollen and sore, forced herself to wait outside the door. Seeing Jiang Zhiyu come out after getting ready, she smiled and said, “Young Mistress, the Marchioness has summoned you. Let this servant accompany you.”
Jiang Zhiyu glanced at Mama Cao. “You were exhausted the past few days. Rest for another day.”
“But—”
“You, come with me.” Without giving Mama Cao a chance, Jiang Zhiyu casually pointed to a young maid who was sweeping and walked out.
The little maid looked fearfully at Mama Cao, who, despite her grim expression, nodded. Only then did the maid hurriedly put down her broom and follow Jiang Zhiyu.
Watching Jiang Zhiyu’s retreating figure, Mama Cao gritted her teeth so hard they nearly shattered.
Jiang Zhiyu had caused her to lie in bed for several days, unable to do anything. Now she couldn’t even follow her to the second branch. If the Marchioness no longer had any use for her, she would truly be stuck in this wretched place as a lowly servant.
No, she had to do something to show the Marchioness that she was still useful.
By the time Jiang Zhiyu arrived at the main courtyard of the second branch, it was almost Chen hour. The Marchioness was having breakfast in the side hall, accompanied by Gu Jin’s younger sister, the Marchioness’s own daughter, Third Miss Gu Qingqing.
“Ah Yu, you’re here. You haven’t had breakfast yet, have you? Come, sit down and have some.” The Marchioness greeted her warmly, and a serving maid immediately added a set of bowls and chopsticks.
Jiang Zhiyu sat down without ceremony and began eating. After all, the food in the first branch couldn’t compare to that of the second branch. If there was good food to be had, she would eat her fill.
Seeing her act so casually, as if there were no barriers between them, Gu Qingqing frowned in disdain.
Under the table, the Marchioness tugged at Gu Qingqing’s sleeve, signaling her to hide her expression. With concern in her voice, she asked, “Ah Yu, you’ve been in the first branch for a few days now. How are you faring?”
“Quite well. The First Madame is easy to get along with, the eldest young master treats me well, and the servants are all very polite.” As she spoke, Jiang Zhiyu popped another shrimp dumpling into her mouth.
“Eldest sister-in-law must be speaking sarcastically,” Gu Qingqing sneered. “It’s alright, you can tell us the truth. We won’t laugh at you.”
“Qingqing, don’t speak nonsense,” the Marchioness warned. Then, reaching out to pat the back of Jiang Zhiyu’s left hand, she said gently, “But Qingqing does have a point. If you’re not doing well in the first branch, don’t hide it from us out of pride. After all, we’re still family. I understand—you were angry before, which is why you insisted on moving to the first branch. Now that your anger has subsided, if you want to come back and live here, that’s possible too.”
“Really? Then if I come back, where would the Marchioness arrange for me to stay? Ruanyan Ge?” Jiang Zhiyu asked.
The Marchioness’s expression faltered for a moment before she smiled and said, “Naturally, I would arrange a better courtyard for you. Ruanyan Ge… is no longer suitable.”
“Didn’t the Marchioness say before that I could continue living in Ruanyan Ge? Why is it no longer suitable now?”
The Marchioness was left speechless.
She had only said it casually back then. Not to mention that Ruanyan Ge could no longer be given to Jiang Zhiyu—now, Ruanyan Ge no longer even existed.
After Jiang Zhiyu voluntarily moved to the first branch, the Princess Royal felt that Gu Jin still had feelings for Jiang Zhiyu and was displeased. Gu Jin then ordered Ruanyan Ge to be torn down and burned to ashes.
“If it’s not Ruanyan Ge, then forget it. I’d rather stay in the first branch,” Jiang Zhiyu said.
“You’re being picky now, being allowed to return is already good enough, if not…” Gu Qingqing’s impatient words were cut short by a look from the Marchioness.
“Ah Yu, Ruanyan Ge is indeed no longer suitable for you to live in, but there is a better courtyard, such as Fenglin Yuan. It’s close to the main branch, and when the time comes, we can break down the wall to connect them. It could be said to belong to the main branch, but in essence, it remains part of the second branch. After all, you are ultimately going to the main branch, and your name will be registered there. This is the best solution. However, expanding the land requires a pretext, but fortunately, there happens to be a good opportunity right now.” The Marchioness’s voice was enticing, as if this were an excellent arrangement.
From a practical standpoint, it truly was a good thing.
Jiang Zhiyu could remain with the second branch, her status would be justified, and she wouldn’t even lose face. There was no reason for Jiang Zhiyu to disagree.
“What good opportunity?” Jiang Zhiyu indeed put down her chopsticks and asked.