extravagante

Capítulo 34

Seeing Gu Zao staring silently at the fire, Hui Xin was also speechless. Just as the two of them were standing there, Rong Cai suddenly pushed open the door and came in, saying, "Madam, the Empress Dowager has arrived at the mansion and has ordered you to go out and receive your title."

Hui Xin was startled and looked at Gu Zao, only to see that she merely blinked her eyelashes and remained sitting there motionless. She sighed, stepped forward, and gently called out again. Gu Zao then stretched, stood up, and smiled, "The Empress Dowager is here? I'll be on my way now."

Although Gu Zao had been staying at home these days, she still dressed up every day, saying that if the Second Master suddenly returned, she would be too flustered to dress up properly. Hui Xin saw that she was still quite neat, but her face looked a little pale. She wanted to apply some makeup to cover it up, but when she turned around, she saw that Gu Zao had already put on a fur cloak and left the room, so she hurriedly followed her.

When Gu Zao arrived at the main hall, he saw the old lady sitting at the lower end, with Yang Rui and Jiang Shi standing to one side, and the old woman in the center being the Empress Dowager. He then stepped forward, knelt down, and respectfully bowed.

The Empress Dowager carefully examined Gu Zao, noticing her dark eyes and pointed chin, and sighed inwardly. She then looked at the Old Madam and said, "The tribute delivery this time was uneventful, that's fine. But the real achievement is saving the Liao Emperor's uncle, the Prince of Anbei. Yesterday, the Emperor received a secret dispatch from the Liao Emperor, saying that he and the Prince of Anbei had captured Xiao Xian and placed Xiao Nuojin under house arrest. Now that the Liao internal strife has been quelled, they wish to continue the peace and harmony agreement with our Great Song."

Although the old lady looked somewhat haggard, she smiled and said to the Empress Dowager, "This is all thanks to the Emperor's wisdom. My son has only done his duty as a subject."

The Empress Dowager nodded, glanced at Gu Zao, and sighed, "It's just a pity about your little one..." Her voice trailed off for a moment, then she perked up and continued, "The Prince of Anbei specifically mentioned him, saying that he had already sent people to search in Beiguiyi County, but they didn't find him. They suppose he's already..."

The Empress Dowager's words were too painful for her to continue. The hall was completely silent. Gu Zao gritted her teeth, her eyes fixed intently on the distance ahead.

The Empress Dowager paused, nodded to the eunuch standing to the side, and saw the eunuch pull out a yellow silk scroll from his sleeve and announce loudly, "Everyone in the Yang family, kneel down and listen to the imperial decree."

The old lady hurriedly led Yang Rui and his wife, along with Gu Zao, to kneel down.

The eunuch unfurled the yellow silk and said: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Your virtuous name and auspicious virtues, the Gao family of Yang, are diligent and prudent in managing the household, wise and virtuous in educating their descendants, and your sons are accomplished and talented. Therefore, you are hereby granted the title of First-Rank Imperial Lady; Grand Commandant Yang Rui, skilled in both literature and martial arts, a pillar of the nation, is hereby granted the title of Duke of Lu; the Gu family of Yang, virtuous in ladylike conduct and dutiful in fulfilling their duties, retains the title of Princess of Anfu County. Now, by imperial grace, you are further granted the title of Lady Gong, with honors and blessings bestowed upon you. Respectfully yours."

After hearing the imperial edict read by the eunuch, Gu Zao knew that the Emperor and Empress Dowager assumed Yang Hao was dead, and that the body was simply not found immediately due to the freezing weather. They had issued this decree of reward to comfort the old lady of the Yang family and herself, the widow. Seeing from behind that the two beads on the side phoenix hairpin in the old lady's hair were trembling slightly, indicating that she and Yang Rui were about to bow in gratitude, Gu Zao felt a sudden pang of sorrow and instinctively said, "Thank you for your grace, Empress Dowager and Emperor. However, my husband's fate is still unknown, and I have no face to receive such imperial favor. If you are mindful of my husband's small contribution, please withdraw the reward and instead order the local officials along the route to conduct a more thorough search. On behalf of my husband, I express my deepest gratitude to the Empress Dowager and Emperor!" She then prostrated herself on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly.

Madam Yang turned her head and stared at Gu Zao for a while before turning back to the Empress Dowager, whereupon she kowtowed and said, "I am grateful for the imperial family's favor to my Yang family. My daughter-in-law is right; as long as his body is not seen, he has not left. I ask that Your Majesty temporarily retain my title of First-Rank Imperial Lady, and that I may request further rewards after my son returns."

Seeing that his mother had said the same thing, Yang Rui hurriedly repeated it. Although Jiang was slightly disappointed, she did not dare to show it on her face and simply lowered her head.

The Empress Dowager was silent for a moment, then finally sighed and nodded, saying, "Good, good. It is a blessing for our dynasty to have witnessed such a loyal and filial family today. I will go back now and have the Emperor issue an order that all counties along the way must conduct a thorough search, even if it means digging three feet into the ground, to get to the bottom of this, so as not to betray your kindness!"

Chapter 82

The Empress Dowager comforted Old Madam Yang a few more times before returning to the palace, and everyone dispersed. Gu Zao returned to her room, only to feel as if all her strength had been drained away. She sat down in a chair and leaned back, unable to move. Hui Xin persuaded her to rest on the couch. Just as she took off her shoes, she saw Lan Xin, the head maid of the Old Madam's room, coming over with a box in her hand. Hui Xin hurriedly went to greet her.

Lan Xin glanced at Gu Zao, who was leaning against the couch, came over and bowed before saying, "The old lady asked me to send over this box of Korean ginseng, saying that it has taken on a human shape and is the best for replenishing qi."

Hui Xin's face lit up with surprise. She glanced at Gu Zao and quickly took the Lan Xin. Gu Zao smiled slightly and then had Hui Xin see Lan Xin off.

Huixin came in and saw Gu Zao's eyes fixed on the box. She went over and opened it herself, then sighed, "It really is a top-quality old ginseng. What a pity..."

Gu Zao knew that she was lamenting that the old lady had only recently begun to change her attitude towards her, but unfortunately it was a little too late, so she just smiled slightly.

Ten days have passed since the Empress Dowager's passing, and it's already the Little New Year. Those sent out to gather information return with long faces every day, making the atmosphere in the vast Grand Commandant's mansion grow colder with each passing day. Jiao Niang and Yang Huan had finally had a few days of peace, but a few days ago they had another argument for some unknown reason. In a fit of anger, she wanted to go back to her parents' home. Yang Huan merely watched coldly with disdain, offering no objection. Jiao Niang went to Lady Jiang to complain, but was severely reprimanded. In a fit of anger, she indeed took her maid and went back. Only today, on the Little New Year, was she brought back by Madam Xu in a carriage, where she offered many apologetic smiles to the Old Madam.

The old lady had caught a chill a few days ago, and coupled with her heart ailment, she suddenly found herself unable to get out of bed. When Madam Xu arrived, Gu Zao was sitting at the foot of the bed, massaging the soles of her feet. Seeing the old lady's seemingly impatient expression, Madam Xu knew her daughter had gone too far. She also heard from her husband that Grand Commandant Yang was now receiving considerable favor from the Emperor because of what had happened a few days ago, so she dared not say much. After sitting for a while, she took her leave, and Madam Jiang saw her out.

Gu Zao continued massaging the acupoints on the old lady's feet, and heard her mumble "Hao'er..." indistinctly. A surge of emotion welled up in her heart, and her hand stopped there. After a while, she heard a soft snore; the old lady had fallen asleep. Gu Zao gently put the old lady's feet back under the covers, then got up and returned to the south courtyard, preparing to visit her parents' home before the end of the year.

Gu Zao carefully dressed herself in front of the mirror, changed into a new outfit, and put on a satin mink cloak before getting into the carriage with Hui Xin and Rong Cai, and setting off with the various New Year's gifts that she had prepared.

Because the lease on the house on Ma Xing Street was about to expire in a few days, the Fang family had already moved into several empty rooms behind the restaurant. They had also acquired a new plot of land behind the restaurant, planning to build a few houses to settle down there after the weather warmed up next spring.

When Gu Zao arrived, she saw the entire restaurant decorated with red and green, lanterns hanging everywhere, and colorful paper-cut window decorations, looking very festive. She stopped, put on a smile, and then went inside. When Fang Shi and her third sister Liu Zao saw her, they were overjoyed and surrounded her, asking her all sorts of questions. Qing Wu, who was also on holiday at home, was also very happy to see Gu Zao, just standing to the side chuckling.

Fang began by complaining, "Why haven't you come to visit for so long? You've only sent that Huixin girl back and forth." As she spoke, she looked up at Gu Zao and exclaimed, "Oh my goodness! I haven't seen you for a few days, and you've lost so much weight! Where's my son-in-law? Has he come too? Call him over so I can ask him. Is it possible that such a large mansion as the Grand Commandant's can't even feed you properly?"

When Gu Zao heard him mention Yang Hao, she couldn't bring herself to say the words she had prepared. However, Hui Xin, who was standing next to her, smiled and said, "The old lady asked about our second master. He went out a few days ago and was supposed to come back a long time ago, but the snowstorm blocked the road and he hasn't returned yet."

Mrs. Fang muttered, "Why is she running around outside instead of enjoying a good life? Tomorrow is almost the end of the year, and my daughter might have to keep watch all night by herself..."

Gu Zao pretended not to hear and forced herself to look at her third sister and the others. Seeing that they were all smiling at her, she felt a warmth in her heart.

Suddenly, Madam Fang clapped her hands and said with a smile, "Just a few days ago, I received a letter from that young man Yue, who asked someone to bring it. He said that he will be going to the capital after the New Year. Firstly, he will take the martial arts exam again, and secondly, he will send a matchmaker to propose marriage. His parents will also be coming with him."

Gu Zao glanced at her third sister and saw that although she was a little shy, she nodded generously. Hearing Qingwu say that Mr. Shi would also recommend her to take the imperial examination next spring, Gu Zao was even more delighted. She stayed until after dinner before reluctantly leaving.

The two returned to the Grand Commandant's residence, and it was already dark. They first went to the north room to check on things. Madam Jiang and the young lady who had just been sent back were also there. The old lady became short of breath after saying only a few words and waved for everyone to leave so that there would be some peace and quiet. Seeing her listless appearance, Huixin felt sad and went to the kitchen with Lanxin to brew medicine. Gu Zao then went to the south courtyard alone.

Lanterns still shone from the eaves and corners of the Grand Commandant's mansion, swaying in the cold wind and casting indistinct shadows on the ground, giving the place a somewhat desolate appearance.

Gu Zao felt a chill and, seeing that the South Courtyard was just ahead, pulled her fur cloak tighter and quickened her pace. When she reached the bamboo grove, she suddenly saw someone standing in the road. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was Yang Huan, and walked past him without stopping.

"Auntie..." Gu Zao suddenly heard Yang Huan call out from behind her. She paused for a moment before realizing that he was calling her. After hesitating for a moment, she stopped and turned around to look at him.

Yang Huan seemed a little flustered. He stammered a few times before squeezing out through gritted teeth, "Second Uncle... will definitely come back... you..." and then fell silent.

Gu Zao was somewhat surprised, then looked at him carefully, smiled slightly, and said, "Thank you for your kind words."

Yang Huan was delighted to see Gu Zao smile at him. He opened his mouth to chat for a bit more, but Gu Zao nodded at him and turned to head towards the moon gate. A maidservant came running out to greet her; she looked like Zhenxin from the old lady's former room. Yang Huan watched them for a while, and only after they both disappeared around the corner did he dejectedly lower his head and continue kicking pebbles along the way.

Gu Zao returned to her room, and the warmth from the radiator soon made her feel heavy, as if weighed down by lead. She just wanted to wash up and go to bed, but Rong Cai stopped her, saying it would cause indigestion. Seeing that Rong Cai and Zhen Xin were trying their best to get her to talk, Gu Zao couldn't bear to refuse their kindness. Considering it was indeed early, and worried that sleeping too early would make her feel unwell in the middle of the night, she asked for needlework to pass the time. Soon after, Hui Xin returned, and the group sat together around the heater.

"Madam, is this the rose water? I heard Sister Xiuxin say before that this water is very fragrant, and a few drops on clothes can make them smell good for a day or two."

Zhenxin was going to get a pair of scissors from the cabinet when she spotted the half-empty bottle of rose water on it. She picked it up and started looking at it.

Gu Zao turned her head and looked, paused for a moment, then forced a smile and said, "It is indeed rose water. If you like it, I'll give it to you. Anyway, I don't really need it here, and most of the missing part probably just ran away on its own."

Zhenxin was overjoyed and was about to thank her when she suddenly noticed Huixin looking at her. She quickly put it back and said, "This was a gift from Second Master to Madam, wasn't it? I was just saying it casually; how could Madam have given it to me..."

Before she could finish speaking, Huixin coughed again. Only then did she remember that Huixin had previously instructed her not to mention the words "Second Master" in front of the Madam, for fear that it would trigger painful memories for her. Realizing that she had said the wrong thing again, she felt somewhat embarrassed and stood there motionless.

Gu Zao smiled and said, "It was indeed given to me by the Second Master before. But this one isn't new anymore. Next time I'll ask him to bring back a few more bottles, one for each of you. They'll smell so good that people will know we're from the South Courtyard just by smelling them..." As she spoke, she realized that her nose was starting to sting, and afraid that the others would notice, she quickly turned her head away to hide it.

The door was suddenly smashed open with a loud "bang." The group looked in the direction of the sound and saw that it was Abao, a new maid in the South Courtyard. She was one of the maids that Yang Hao had bought from the matchmaker along with Liu Zao. Abao was still holding onto the door, panting heavily.

Huixin frowned slightly, about to say something to her, when she heard Abao excitedly shout, "Madam, Madam, Second Master is back... The old woman outside just ran to the courtyard gate to deliver the message, saying that Second Master is back and is on his way to the Old Madam's..."

Huixin was overjoyed and could hardly believe her ears. Hearing Abao shouting again, she looked up at Gu Zao. She saw Gu Zao standing there motionless, her face as white as paper, her hands trembling slightly, and the embroidery hoop she had been holding had fallen to the ground, rolling and tumbling until it hit the wall before finally landing on the ground.

Hui knew she was too excited and was about to go forward to support her when she saw her run out of the house in a few steps and head out. The others hurriedly followed.

Gu Zao felt as if her heart was about to explode, and she could almost hear the booming sound of her blood rushing through her eardrums. Though her legs were weak, she ran incredibly fast, disappearing through the moon gate of the south courtyard in the blink of an eye. Just as she rounded the bamboo grove, she saw a familiar figure striding towards her. She abruptly stopped, her heart pounding and her breath catching in her throat. Yang Hao quickly reached her, scooped her up, and carried her into the inner room, leaving behind a group of smiling onlookers.

Gu Zao clung tightly to Yang Hao's neck, burying her head in his chest. Hearing his heartbeat, tears welled up silently. By the time Yang Hao carried her into the house and placed her on the bed, her face was streaked with tears.

Yang Hao reached out and gently touched Gu Zao's face, then suddenly smiled and said, "Looking at you now, I'm reminded of a dish you used to make that I ate before."

Gu Zao stopped crying and looked up at him.

Yang Hao laughed and said, "A complete mess. Doesn't your face look just like that 'completely messy' dish?"

Gu Zao chuckled and reached out to punch his chest, but he grabbed her hand. He looked at her intently for a moment before sighing, "You've gotten so thin in just two months..."

Gu Zao wiped her face, sat up, and carefully looked Yang Hao up and down again. Seeing that although he looked travel-worn, he seemed to be in good spirits, with bright, shining eyes, she finally felt relieved. She gritted her teeth and said resentfully, "What happened to you the other day? You didn't come back for so long. I thought you..." But she swallowed the rest of the words back.

Yang Hao didn't say anything, just stared at Gu Zao. Suddenly, he pulled her into his arms, and his hot lips kept landing on her forehead and eyes. Just as he moved to her lips, he heard a knock on the door outside the room. Then Hui Xin's voice, which was clearly suppressing laughter, rang out: "Second Master, Madam, the Old Madam is having a lively time right now and wants you two to come over."

Yang Hao seemed to ignore her, pressing his lips to Gu Zao's and refusing to let go, his rough hands already reaching inside her blouse. There was a moment of silence outside the door, then the knocking started again. Gu Zao finally couldn't help but push him away slightly, her hands against his chest, but she heard a soft "hiss" as a look of pain flashed across his face.

Gu Zao was startled and pulled him closer, about to unbutton his shirt to take a closer look, but her hand was already pressed down. Yang Hao looked at her and smiled, "It's just a flesh wound, it's almost healed."

Gu Zao ignored him and forcibly unbuttoned his clothes, only then did she see a wound the size of a wine cup on his chest. It looked like it should have scabbed over, but now it was slightly cracked and oozing some blood.

"It was wounded by a stray arrow, and it was already fully healed. I was just afraid you would worry, and I wanted to get back before New Year's Eve, so I was traveling a bit too fast on the road. It was jolted and then it reopened. It will be fine in a couple of days."

Seeing Gu Zao staring intently at his wound, her lips turning pale, Yang Hao hurriedly explained.

Without saying a word, Gu Zao turned around and walked towards the door, but Yang Hao grabbed her arm.

Gu Zao turned her head and said urgently, "The wound is still bleeding, yet you still have the mind to dawdle here. Why don't you ask someone to call a doctor to take a look..." Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly felt nauseous, hurriedly covered her mouth and rushed to the spittoon. She bent down and vomited violently, even bringing up bile, before she felt a little better.

Yang Hao was shocked and rushed forward to pat Gu Zao's back repeatedly. Suddenly remembering something, he hurriedly went to open the door himself, and Hui Xin and Rong Cai, who had been waiting outside, came in. Seeing Gu Zao's disheveled appearance, they exchanged glances, then one fetched water and the other handed out towels, bustling about in a flurry.

Gu Zao finally straightened up, took the water Hui Xin handed him to rinse his mouth, and then smiled somewhat embarrassedly.

"Second Sister, are you alright? Why did you suddenly vomit so badly?" Yang Hao was still worried. He turned to Huixin and said, "Go and tell my mother that Second Sister is feeling unwell. I'll go over later." He then said to Rongcai, "Go and fetch a doctor quickly."

Gu Zao's heart stirred, and after thinking about it carefully and calculating the days, he suddenly realized something. Seeing that Hui Xin and Rong Cai were about to turn around and leave, he hurriedly called out to them.

Yang Hao said somewhat displeasedly, "Second Sister, I've already been to Mother's place. It's alright if I go a little later. Your health is the most important thing." As he spoke, he urged the two of them to get up.

Gu Zao was both happy and a little apprehensive, but she couldn't say it for a moment. She stood there hesitating when everyone suddenly heard a voice from the doorway. It was A Bao, who had been watching the commotion with Zhen Xin, who said with a grin, "Is Madam pregnant? Before I entered the manor, the new bride next door was vomiting non-stop for the first two months of her pregnancy, just like Madam is now."

83. The Finale

Ah Bao's words were like a drop of water splashed into a hot oil pan, causing the pan to boil over. Although Hui Xin and Rong Cai were both grown-up maids, they didn't usually think about such things, so they didn't immediately understand. But after Ah Bao reminded them, they suddenly realized and happily congratulated Gu Zao.

Yang Hao initially just stared blankly at Gu Zao, but when he saw Hui Xin and the others rush over to congratulate her, he finally reacted, put his hand on her shoulder, and carefully asked, "You...are you really pregnant?"

Gu Zao saw the mix of nervousness and joy in his eyes. Remembering her own delayed period, she realized she hadn't been able to think about it before because she was so anxious. Now, she figured she must be pregnant. However, without a doctor's confirmation, she couldn't be entirely sure. Unable to answer immediately, she simply smiled and said softly, "I'm not entirely sure myself..."

Despite her words, Yang Hao's eyes lit up, and he suddenly became flustered, standing there not knowing what to do, just rubbing his hands and grinning foolishly at Gu Zao.

Seeing her second master lose his composure in front of others, Huixin was already laughing so hard she could hardly contain herself. She barely managed to hold it in before asking, "Should I go and tell the old lady so she can be happy too?"

Yang Hao nodded, but hesitated for a moment before stopping him, saying, "It's not a very reliable matter yet. It wouldn't be good to spread this around like this. Let's see a doctor first. Second Master's wounds are more important, let's..."

Before she could finish speaking, she heard a voice from outside saying, "You finally got home, and I only kowtowed once before rushing here in a hurry. Is there some precious treasure that has bewitched you?"

Gu Zao looked in the direction of the sound and saw that the old lady had actually gotten up and was being supported by Lan Xin and several other maids. She and Jiang Shi Jiao Niang were walking over shakily. Gu Zao hurriedly stepped forward to greet her and offer her a seat, but saw that the old lady's eyes were staring straight at her abdomen. Then another person came out from behind her. It was Doctor Zhang from the medical academy who had been coming to the mansion morning and evening to examine the old lady these past few days.

Gu Zao was taken aback, but when she saw Zhen Xin standing behind the group with a grin, she understood. Zhen Xin must have overheard something, and the quick-tongued Zhen Xin couldn't hold back, so she must have run off to the north room to spread the good news, which attracted the old lady and her entourage.

The old lady looked at her for a while before raising her eyes and smiling at Doctor Zhang, saying, "Please take a look at my wife."

Doctor Zhang chuckled, asked Gu Zao to sit behind the table, and then sat down himself. He gently placed one fingertip on Gu Zao's right pulse, stroked his goatee with the other, and closed his eyes slightly.

The room was quiet. Although Gu Zao was seventy or eighty percent confident, she was still a little nervous. She looked up at Yang Hao and saw that he was staring at the doctor with wide eyes.

"The pulse is smooth and flowing, like pearls rolling on a plate. I can tell that this is definitely a pregnancy pulse, indicating that the pregnancy is more than two months along but less than three months along."

After a while, Doctor Zhang finally opened his eyes and shook his head.

Upon hearing this, Gu Zao herself only breathed a slight sigh of relief, but the expressions of everyone else in the room varied. Yang Hao was overjoyed and immediately went to Gu Zao's side, not caring about the many people around, and took her hand with a smile; Hui Xin and the others were naturally all smiles as well; the old lady, leaning on her cane, didn't say anything, but a hint of joy flashed in her eyes, and she nodded slightly; Jiang Shi, however, glared at the beautiful woman beside her, probably because she had entered the family earlier and yet there was still no sign of pregnancy. The beautiful woman was naturally dissatisfied, but since she had only been sent back by her mother today, she didn't dare to do anything, only lowering her head resentfully, cursing inwardly, "Your son and I have hardly ever slept together, how am I supposed to get pregnant?"

After taking the pulse, Doctor Zhang added, "The pulse is slightly weak, indicating a deficiency of qi and blood."

As soon as he spoke, the relaxed atmosphere in the room immediately became heavy again. Yang Hao's smile froze, and he asked cautiously, "My wife was indeed overly worried some time ago. Does Lord Zhang have any way to help her?"

Dr. Zhang chuckled and said, "Don't panic. I'll prescribe a formula to nourish your pregnancy. Just follow it for a while, and be careful when you go out and about, and avoid falls and collisions."

As soon as he finished speaking, Huixin brought over a pen and ink. Doctor Zhang picked up the brush and quickly wrote out the prescription. He also gave some instructions on daily precautions. Then, the old lady had someone give him a generous reward and send him out.

Seeing her son's face, which clearly wished for them to leave as well, the old lady sighed inwardly. She instructed Huixin and the others to take good care of them in the future before leading her people away. Yang Hao hurriedly went to see him off, but before he had taken two steps, the old lady turned around and scolded him, "You spineless wretch! If I, this old woman, don't leave, you'll probably think I'm tactless."

Yang Hao chuckled, then stopped and watched as everyone left. Hui Xin and the others also retreated, closing the door behind them. He then turned around and gazed at Gu Zao, who was still sitting behind the desk.

Gu Zaochao smiled gently at him and was about to stand up. Yang Hao had already rushed to her side and supported her.

Gu Zao shook her head and said, "It's not that precious. I know what I'm doing."

"It's always good to be careful. You heard what the doctor said earlier. I'll carry you to the bed to lie down and rest for a while."