extravagante

Capítulo 25

Gu Zao just smiled and remained silent. He probably truly was seeing things through his lover's eyes.

Yang Hao glanced at Gu Zao and sighed again.

Gu Zao asked curiously, "What's wrong with you now?"

Yang Hao then leaned closer and whispered, "I haven't been to Guangzhou for several months. I have some business to attend to at the Maritime Trade Office. I'm leaving tomorrow, and I've been thinking of saying goodbye to you these past few days. I'll come back as soon as I'm done."

Gu Zao was taken aback, then nodded and smiled at him, "I understand, you should go if you have something to do."

Yang Hao had thought that Gu Erjie would be somewhat reluctant to part with him after learning that he was leaving the capital, but to his surprise, she was indifferent and showed no sign of reluctance. He felt depressed and just kept walking forward without saying a word.

Gu Zao thought for a moment and understood. She smiled to herself, leaned closer, and coaxed softly, "Second Master, when you go to Guangzhou, I will naturally miss you every day. You must also miss me, and don't get so captivated by those foreign women that you won't know to come back."

Hearing her speak to him so softly, Yang Hao felt a surge of sweetness in his heart. He stopped, looked around to make sure no one was watching, and grabbed Gu Zao's hand, pleading, "Second Sister, I haven't even seen you much in the past few months. I'm leaving on a long trip tomorrow, so please stay with me tonight."

After Yang Hao finished speaking, he looked at Gu Zao and saw her frown. He immediately lost his hope and hurriedly said, "Yes, you'll accompany me to stroll through the night market." After saying that, he stared at Gu Zao expectantly.

Gu Zao pursed her lips and smiled slightly. Yang Hao knew she had agreed, and he was immediately delighted. He wasn't even annoyed that Gu Zao had shaken off his hand; he just smiled slightly.

Gu Zao finally managed to coax Master Yang away before returning home. Third Sister was anxiously waiting, chatting idly with Liu Zao beside her. Seeing Gu Zao return, she took a few quick steps to greet her, but then suddenly stopped, turned, and ran swiftly back to her room, leaving Liu Zao completely bewildered.

Gu Zao followed her into her room, then took out the piece of jade and placed it in her hand, smiling, "I've already given you the little betrothal gift, so you can finally rest easy now, right?" Third Sister sat there blushing, her head lowered, her face flushed, but she clutched the jade tightly in her hand.

Gu Zao relayed Yue Teng's words to her third sister. Seeing her mixed feelings of joy and shyness, she sighed at the bittersweet taste of young lovers' affections. Little did she know that another person in the Grand Commandant's mansion was also eagerly awaiting nightfall so he could meet his beloved for a night out.

Chapter sixty

Summer days are long, and it was almost dusk when the sun began to set. Gu Zao finished cooking the last pot of vegetables and sent them out. She told the Fang sisters that she had to go out for a while. Fang sisters, who had been frequently away lately due to her involvement in acquiring a restaurant, didn't think much of it and simply told her to come back early before busying themselves with greeting the guests.

Gu Zao arrived at the backyard, drew water from the well, washed her hair and took a bath. After drying and combing her hair, she changed into a new summer outfit. Looking up, she saw that the half-moon was already hanging above the willow branches. Just as she was about to go out through the small gate in the backyard, she thought for a moment and went back to her room. She took out the bottle of rose water from the box, applied a little to the back of her ears and wrists, and then opened the door and quietly went out.

Because it was a summer night, the streets were bustling with people and vehicles, no less so than during the day. Gu Zao arrived at the street corner and saw Master Yang standing under a willow tree by the bridge, looking around. On a whim, he quietly slipped behind him and patted him on the back.

Yang Hao turned around and was momentarily stunned to see Gu Zao standing there so gracefully. It turned out she had dressed up carefully today. Her hair was styled in a loose bun, adorned with two green jade flowers. She wore a narrow-sleeved short jacket over a pale yellow long skirt, with a thin, light green shawl over it. A jade sash hung from the sash at her waist. A night breeze blew in, and Yang Hao seemed to catch a faint, delicate fragrance emanating from her. In that instant, his heart fluttered, and he could only stare at her, forgetting to say a word.

Seeing his dazed look, Gu Zao felt a little embarrassed and ignored him, turning around and heading towards the bridge. Yang Hao then caught up and asked in a low voice with a smile, "Did you put on the rose water I gave you?"

Gu Zao glanced at him, smiling but saying nothing. Yang Hao said, "It smells so good, let me smell it carefully," and then leaned closer.

Gu Zao saw that he was acting like a rogue in the street and, afraid of being seen by passersby, turned his head away. But he was still grinning and trying to get closer. Just as they were making a ruckus, a girl carrying a bamboo basket came along. When she saw the two of them, she stepped forward and said with a smile, "My lord, today is the beginning of autumn. Why not buy a catalpa flower for your wife to wear? It would be a nice touch."

Gu Zao was taken aback, but then she saw Yang Hao looking through the girl's basket. Finally, he picked out a twin flower with catalpa leaves hanging from its stem, examined it from left to right, and then pinned it to Gu Zao's temple.

Gu Zao saw that the flower was crimson in color, with long, fluffy hairs that spread out like dandelions. It looked gentle and graceful, but she didn't recognize it. After the flower girl left, she smiled and asked, "What kind of flower did you give me?"

Yang Hao looked Gu Zao up and down before smiling and saying, "The soul remains for eternity, forming a pair of blossoms on one branch. This was praised by Wei Zhuang of the previous dynasty, and its name is Night Hibiscus, also known as Night Joy."

Gu Zao was about to laugh at his pedantry, but was unexpectedly embarrassed by his mention of the mimosa tree. Just as she was about to scold him for being frivolous, she saw Yang Hao straighten his expression and smile slightly as he looked at her: "Legend has it that this flower is the fusion of the spirits of Ehuang and Nüying and Emperor Shun. The mimosa tree, with its twin blossoms, opens by day and closes by night, symbolizing mutual love and affection, has been a symbol of romantic love between men and women since ancient times. I only hope that you and I can have such a lifetime together, then I will truly have no regrets."

Gu Zao felt a touch of emotion. Seeing that they were in the dim light of the street, she stepped forward and gently took his hand. Yang Hao raised an eyebrow, about to squeeze it again, but Gu Zao shook off his hand and walked ahead to a more crowded area with a smile. Yang Hao followed behind, listening to her laughter, which was as clear and bright as a silver bell. His heart felt as if it were floating in the air, but then he remembered that he was leaving the capital tomorrow and it would be a long time before they could see each other again, and his heart sank again.

Gu Zao, usually preoccupied with her family's restaurant, rarely went out for leisure. In a good mood, she was oblivious to Yang Hao's fluctuating emotions, focusing instead on the various stalls along the roadside, finding everything appealing. Suddenly, she spotted a roasted nuts shop with a sign that read "Li He Ji." Remembering how famous this shop was for its chestnuts and water chestnuts—so famous even high-ranking officials and royalty came to buy them—she decided to go and buy some, intending to bring some back for her three sisters, Fang Shi and the others.

Gu Zao went to buy water chestnuts and saw that they were already wrapped in small pieces of fresh lotus leaves and tied with a small red string. They smelled like they had a little bit of musk mixed in. When he asked the price, the shopkeeper said it was ten coins a pack. Gu Zao took out five packs. Yang Hao, who was next to him, had already paid for them and helped Gu Zao carry the lotus leaf packs.

Gu Zao smiled and didn't try to take it from him. The two continued walking and strolling along. Gu Zao opened a pack, peeled off the shell, and saw tender white flesh inside. She put it in her mouth; it was slightly bitter at first, but the aftertaste was delicate and fragrant. After eating one, her mouth was filled with saliva, and the aftertaste was unforgettable. She turned to Yang Hao and called him to have some too.

Yang Hao shook his head. Gu Zao called out again, and he said somewhat embarrassedly, "It's a bit unseemly for a grown man like me to eat while walking in the street."

Gu Zao chuckled, peeled a finger herself, and brought it to his lips, looking at him with a smile. Yang Hao then opened his mouth, but took the opportunity to suck on Gu Zao's fingertip.

Gu Zao quickly withdrew her hand, glared at him fiercely, but saw that he just chuckled at her without showing any embarrassment. She could only curse him inwardly for being shameless.

After Yang Hao finished eating one, he found it somewhat delicious and asked Gu Zao to peel another one for him. Gu Zao ignored him and continued eating by herself. Yang Hao had no choice but to give up.

The two strolled along, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the Liangmen area of the inner city. Gu Zao saw that the moon was already high in the sky, and it must be the end of Hai hour. Fearing that Fang would worry if they didn't return soon, he turned around and said that he had to go back.

Although Yang Hao was unwilling, he saw a slight tiredness on her face and felt sorry for her, as she had been standing all day and had accompanied him on this long journey. Fearing that her legs would ache, he hailed a car, and the two of them rode back to Ma Xing Street.

Fangtai Restaurant was already closed. Gu Zao had asked her third sister to leave a back door open for her when she came out, and then told Yang Hao to go back. He ignored her and escorted her all the way to the door of the alley behind her house before stopping.

Gu Zao took back the remaining packets of water chestnuts from Yang Hao, pushed open the door and went inside. The little black dog from home ran over and, seeing its owner, stopped there without barking, only wagging its tail.

Gu Zao stood inside the door and nodded slightly to him, about to say goodbye with a wish for a safe journey, when Yang Hao stepped in.

Gu Zao was somewhat surprised. She looked up to look at him, but he had already wrapped his arms around her waist, lowered his head, and kissed her lips tenderly. They had both eaten some water chestnuts earlier, so the kiss carried a faint, sweet aroma of the water chestnuts.

The lotus leaf packets in Gu Zao's hand had already fallen to the ground. Fortunately, it was a muddy ground, so it didn't make much of a noise, but it still woke Gu Zao up. Remembering that this was her own backyard, and that her third sister's and Fang Shi's houses were just a little further away, she was still quite frightened, even though the lights were off. She put her hand against Yang Hao's face and tried to push him out.

The man had been watching her all night, longing for this moment. He was unwilling to leave now, and instead held her even tighter, moving her behind the vine trellis and leaf wall, pressing her against the wall. He then lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "I won't be back for at least a month or two..." Before he could finish his sentence, he kissed her again, one hand around her waist and hips, pressing her tightly against himself.

Gu Zao's heart pounded wildly, and she dared not make a sound, afraid of startling Fang's third sister. She could only let him hold her and caress her tenderly for a long time before she felt him licking her earlobe and saying in a low, hoarse voice, "Second sister, you asked me to wait for you for a year or two... I'm afraid I can't wait any longer..."

Gu Zao wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning softly against him, panting heavily. Hearing him speak like that, she also felt her mouth go dry. Hiding it, she looked down and saw her little black dog squatting in front of her, staring blankly, making low whimpering sounds. She couldn't help but chuckle.

Gu Zao smiled and looked up at Yang Hao. He was looking at her, his expression gentle in the moonlight. Suddenly, she felt a surge of tenderness within herself and couldn't help but raise her hand to gently stroke his face. But then she heard Fang Shi coughing from inside her room. Startled, her thoughts vanished instantly. She pulled away from Yang Hao's hand and took a step back, accidentally kicking a small stone with a soft sound.

Seeing the lights come on inside, Gu Zao knew that Madam Fang had heard the noise and was coming out to see what was going on. Seeing that Yang Hao was still dawdling and unwilling to leave, Gu Zao hurriedly pulled him towards the door. Just as she closed the door, she turned around and saw that Madam Fang had already come out. She quickly straightened her skirt and called out to Madam Fang.

Seeing that Gu Zao hadn't returned so late, Fang was worried. Plus, the room was stuffy, so she was a light sleeper. Suddenly, she heard a noise in the courtyard and immediately woke up. She lit a lamp and went to check, finding Gu Zao standing by the door. She was relieved. Seeing that Gu Zao seemed flustered, she scolded, "Where have you been? Coming back in the middle of the night? And when you do come back, why aren't you inside? What are you doing standing there like you've seen a ghost?"

Gu Zao hurriedly picked up the lotus leaf packets that had fallen to the ground and handed them over with a smile, saying, "I finished talking to the seller at Qingfeng Tower, and seeing that the streets were lively, I wandered around by myself. Before I knew it, I was back this evening. I brought you a few packets of water chestnuts. Try them."

Fang took it, and her tone softened. She told Gu Zao to close the door and go to sleep early. Gu Zao hurriedly agreed and then went back to her room.

Gu Zao wiped the sweat from her forehead, turned around to bolt the door, but saw that Yang Hao seemed to still be standing outside. When she opened the door, she saw Yang Hao looking at her with a smug smile. She was about to close the door angrily when Yang Hao grabbed her hand.

Gu Zao was inside, while Yang Hao was outside. She held onto his hand tightly, and she could hear Fang Shi calling her from inside the house. Helpless, she could only stand on tiptoe and kiss his face again, pleading softly for a few moments. Only then did Yang Hao release her hand, and she pushed him away, turning back to look at him every few steps, reluctant to leave.

Chapter Sixty-One

When Gu Zao washed up and went back to her room to lie down, Fang Shi was already asleep. Thinking about the passionate moments she had shared with Yang Hao, Gu Zao felt a flush rise to her face again. He wouldn't be back for months; she hadn't felt anything then, but now a faint sense of loss stirred within her. As her emotions swirled, she suddenly thought of his family's Grand Commandant's mansion, and her mood plummeted. She lost all interest in Yang Hao, simply sighed softly, turned over, and went to sleep.

The next day, Gu got up as usual, busying himself with his family until noon before tidying up a bit and heading out again. This time, however, he genuinely had something to discuss with someone.

After things started going smoothly at the Fangtai Restaurant, Gu Zao turned her attention to the restaurant business. In recent days, she has been going out from time to time to check out the various restaurants in the city, and she has gradually come to a better understanding of what to look for.

It turns out that all industries in the city of Tokyo were thriving, but the most prosperous were the restaurants. There were countless restaurants, such as Baifanlou, Huixianlou, Helelou, Changqinglou, Zhuangyuanlou, Sanyuanlou, and Huayuelou. Most of these restaurants were built in densely populated areas of shops and residences, so the larger ones often extended upwards, often with several floors. Baifanlou, in particular, was said to have been so high that customers standing on the first floor of the west building could see down to the imperial palace. As a result, the government later prohibited people from climbing up to look out.

The restaurants in town were quite good, but despite countless visits to the brokers, Gu Zao hadn't found one she liked. Firstly, they were expensive, and secondly, they simply didn't suit her taste. Now, however, there was one. The broker said the owner was struggling financially and wanted to sell it. Gu Zao had visited a few days ago and thought it was quite good; now she was going to negotiate the price with the owner.

The restaurant that Gu Zao had chosen was located on the banks of the East Water Gate in the east of the city. Originally called Qingfeng Tower, it was quite different from the grand and magnificent restaurants that stood along the street in the city. Built along the Bian River, it consisted of two or three one-story pavilions connected by flying bridges and railings. Although the surrounding garden was not large, it was lined with bamboo groves, fragrant wildflowers, and beautiful trees, making it look more like a private residence.

When Gu Zao arrived at the broker's shop, the owner hadn't arrived yet. The broker was eager to make a sale, so he kept praising the restaurant and saying how good it was and how cheap it was, but he didn't mention that the place was remote. Gu Zao just listened with a smile and didn't respond.

The host arrived shortly after, dressed in a silk robe with a floral pattern, and appeared to be in his forties or fifties. Since the two had met once before, they exchanged a few pleasantries and then got straight to the point.

Gu Zao looked at the man and said, "Your restaurant is a bit remote, and the price you offered is indeed too high."

The man selling the restaurant, surnamed Wang and named Yousheng, was originally a merchant from out of town. He had taken over Qingfeng Restaurant from someone else, hoping to capitalize on the prosperity of Bianjing's culinary scene and make a fortune. However, after a few years, firstly, the restaurant had become too remote, and secondly, he wasn't an expert in the business. His dishes and drinks were merely imitations of those from the city's big restaurants, so business was naturally slow. Now, every day he stayed open, his money was going down the drain. Helpless, he decided to sell it. However, after the sign had been hanging for a long time, no one seemed genuinely interested in buying it. Just when he had given up hope, he overheard a broker say that someone had reluctantly taken a liking to it. He thought he had to get rid of this hot potato this time.

When Wang Yousheng first met the buyer, he was somewhat disappointed to find that she was a young woman of no more than twenty. However, after exchanging a few words with her, he noticed that although she spoke with a smile, her words carried a sharp edge and she was unyielding. Only then did he abandon his contempt and take her seriously. Now, hearing Gu Zao speak so eloquently, he smiled and said, "Young lady, you may not know, but although my Qingfeng Tower is located in a somewhat remote area, the buildings and pavilions still look brand new. The utensils and equipment inside were originally equipped to rival those of the top restaurants in the city. If it weren't for my current need for cash flow, I really wouldn't be willing to sell it at this price."

Upon hearing this, Gu Zao smiled slightly and said, "Master Wang, you're being uninformed. Not only is your Qingfeng Tower located in a remote area, but if I were to buy it, I would definitely have to renovate it inside and out. Even if your furniture and utensils were of the best quality back then, they're not worth much now after all these years. What I want to buy is simply the land and the roof frame. This price is far too high; no wonder it's been listed for so long without selling. I genuinely want to buy it. If you keep trying to squeeze out more money, the deal will be difficult to close."

Wang Yousheng was speechless after Gu Zao's words. He gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, since you're sincere, I'll offer another price: five thousand taels. That's the price I paid when I bought it from the previous seller. I absolutely cannot go lower."

Gu Zao considered it for a moment, then nodded and said, "Since Master Wang has made a concession, then I won't haggle. Five thousand taels of silver is just a drop in the ocean for Master Wang, but I don't have that much money on hand right now. I have a plan, and I'll tell you about it. Please consider it carefully. If you're willing, we can sign a contract in black and white. If you're not willing, then just pretend I didn't say it."

Wang Yousheng frowned slightly, but still nodded as he looked into the woman's bright eyes.

Gu Zao smiled and said, "I'm thinking of paying two thousand taels first, and then agreeing on the amount and timeframe for repayment of the remaining three thousand taels. I will pay you a sum each time the due date arrives, including interest, of course. It will be paid off within one to two years. What do you think?"

Gu Zao's words surprised not only Wang Yousheng, but also the broker beside him. He laughed and said, "I've been doing matchmaking for so many years, and this is the first time I've heard of a business involving young ladies."

Gu Zao smiled but did not answer, only looking at Wang Yousheng opposite her.

Wang Yousheng was initially surprised and instinctively wanted to shake his head, but then he thought that his restaurant was losing money every day, and there seemed to be no other buyers interested. If he lost this deal today, he didn't know when he would be able to sell it again. Besides, he wasn't in a hurry to use the money right now. If the deal were to be completed this way, it would be almost the same as lending the money out. Thinking this way, his expression relaxed somewhat.

Gu Zao carefully observed his expression and saw that his brows gradually relaxed, so she knew that there was hope. She didn't say anything, but just sat there and watched with a smile.

Wang Yousheng had made up his mind, and then nodded slightly.

The broker was overjoyed to have his money in hand and was about to draw up a written agreement when Gu Zao stopped him. Gu Zao took out a document he had prepared beforehand and smiled at Wang Yousheng, saying, "This document contains details about the agreed repayment method and interest. Mr. Wang can take a look at it carefully. If there are any points that need to be discussed, please feel free to raise them. If you think it is satisfactory, then we can come back here on another day to formally draw up the agreement."

Wang Yousheng was also a seasoned businessman. Seeing that Gu Zao was organized and efficient, he was satisfied and accepted the task. The two agreed on a date for their next visit before parting ways.

Gu Zao's greatest wish used to be to open her own private restaurant, a place hidden away in a narrow alley, yet one that would attract gourmets drawn by its enticing aromas. This dream, once unfulfilled, was now within reach, filling her with immense joy. What she valued in this business was the lush greenery and simple, elegant charm of Qingfeng Tower. She believed that with her culinary skills and some advertising, she wouldn't have to worry about attracting countless cultured literati and scholars from the capital.

After the shop closed in the evening, Gu Zao gathered the family and recounted the day's events. The reactions varied. Third Sister nodded with a smile, Liu Zao clapped her hands in delight, but Fang Shi, upon hearing of the large sum of money and the remote location near the water in the east of the city, became somewhat displeased. She frowned and said, "Second Sister, I'm not trying to criticize you, but running a restaurant like this is incredibly profitable. While it may not be a fortune, it's certainly enough to fill our stomachs. If you think the profits are too low, you can open another one; the capital required isn't much. All the successful restaurants in the city are located on the main street. This business is like an embroidered bedsheet covering a chicken coop—it looks good, but inside it's empty."

Gu Zao smiled and said, "Mother, there are advantages to the city and advantages to that place. If it's a place like this in the city, you can't take it without tens of thousands of men. Since I've set my sights on that place, I know what I'm doing. I'll see when I start. Don't worry."

Fang didn't believe it and kept nagging. When she finally finished reading, she saw that her sister, Liu Zao, was surrounding her and asking her about Qingfeng Tower. It seemed that none of her words had penetrated her mind. Helpless, she had no choice but to shut up.

Gu Zao's thoughts, however, had already turned to the two thousand taels of silver for the down payment. Although the amount didn't seem like much, she herself only had a little over a thousand taels on hand, and she still needed to find a way to raise the remaining amount. She had considered borrowing from Gu Dajia, but then she remembered hearing from Xiu Niang, who had recently come to visit, that Gu Dajia, disregarding Hu Shi's nagging, had forcibly kept the heavily pregnant widow Li in the house, and that she was now having no peace every day. She immediately abandoned the idea.

Gu Zao was preoccupied with the money, and this inevitably showed on her face. Seeing this, Fang Shi was angry that Gu Zao didn't listen to her, but she also felt sorry for Gu Zao's hardships. After thinking it over, she finally took out all her private savings while Gu Zao was sleeping that night and angrily threw them in front of her.

Gu Zao was surprised to see the pile of silver coins on the bed, amounting to more than two hundred taels. After asking, she learned that it was her private savings from when Gu Er was still alive, plus the money she had saved after going to the capital. She had kept it hidden all this time, but now that she saw that she was in trouble with money, she had taken it all out at once. Moved, she couldn't help but step forward and hug Fang Shi's large body.

This was the first time in Fang's life that her daughter had held her like this. Although she was a little unaccustomed to it, her heart immediately softened. However, she still stubbornly said, "Now that you've coaxed me into handing over all my savings, I'll have to rely on you to support me in my old age."

Gu Zao wiped her eyes and said with a smile, "Mother, don't worry, I will make sure you ride in a sedan chair when you go out and sit on the kang (heated brick bed) when you come home. You won't even have to lift a finger to eat; a spoon will be brought to your lips."

Fang spat and said, "Aren't you cursing me to be a cripple?" As she spoke, she couldn't help but laugh, watching Gu Zao happily put away all the silver coins.

The next day, after being informed of the news by Madam Fang, Sister Gu personally delivered two hundred taels of silver. Even Madam Shen and several of Gu Zao's former aunts from the Ranyuan Bridge days, upon hearing the news, also contributed two hundred taels to send over. Gu Zao knew that they didn't earn money easily, and this donation was truly a great gift. Looking at the silver, she hesitated for a long time before saying, "I, Sister Gu, appreciate your kindness today. Once the new restaurant opens and generates income, I will repay you double."

Madam Shen exchanged glances with the neighbors and said with a grin, "If you really value our meager savings, then let us all invest in your restaurant. With you here, we can just sit back and wait for our dividends every year."

Gu Zao smiled and said, "I am very grateful that you think so highly of me. I will definitely live up to your expectations in the future."

Madam Shen and the other neighborhood aunties had come specifically to contribute money. They were initially a little apprehensive, worried that Gu Zao might not be willing to help them. But now that they saw her agree so readily, they were all beaming with joy and chattering, "With your skills and methods, we've been hoping for such a good thing."

When Madam Fang saw that her daughter was being valued, she was overjoyed and forgot her displeasure from the past few days. She joined in and chatted with the other women for a few minutes.

The group was chatting and laughing when suddenly they saw several people on horseback, heads held high and chests puffed out, stop at the main gate facing the street. They looked like they came from the palace, but they were pale and beardless. When they spoke, it was revealed that they were eunuchs from the palace's inner palace.

The leading eunuch dismounted and immediately asked, "Is there a Miss Gu here who can cook?"

Fang Shi, Shen Niangzi, and their entourage initially thought these eunuchs had gone to the wrong place, but when they heard the other party call out Gu Zao's name, they were all dumbfounded, wondering how Gu Zao had attracted the attention of people from the capital.

Although Gu Zao was also very surprised, seeing no hostility in the man's expression, she parted the crowd and approached him, bowing in response.

The eunuch glanced at Gu Zao and smiled, saying, "So you are the second sister of the Gu family? We have been instructed by the Empress Dowager to invite the second sister of the Gu family to the palace for a chat."