Un jeune homme maladif qui voyage dans le temps jusqu'à la dynastie Song

Chapitre 22

She had only taken a few steps into the alley when Yang Hao, who had followed her from behind, grabbed her hand. Gu Zao quickly shook him off, glanced around to make sure no one was in the alley, and then complained in a low voice, "Didn't I tell you not to come? What are you doing here now? If my family sees us, won't we have to spend time explaining?"

Yang Hao stood in front of her, looked down at her, sighed and said, "Second sister, am I really so shameful that I have to sneak around to see you?"

Gu Zao sensed the sourness in his words, paused for a moment, then suddenly realized what he meant. She spat lightly and said, "Don't talk nonsense. What do you mean by 'shady business' or 'secretly'? I never promised you anything. Besides, even though you haven't come these past few days, those three guys around you always show their faces near my house every day. Do you think I don't know that?"

Yang Hao was stunned. Using the dim light from the alleyway, he carefully examined Gu Zao. Seeing that her expression didn't seem like she was being coquettish, he felt a pang of sadness and couldn't help but say, "I wanted to see you, but I was afraid you were busy and wouldn't like me bothering you, so I've held back for so many days. When San Dun came back, he mentioned that a new young man had come to your shop. I didn't believe it at first, but I saw it with my own eyes just now. You were all smiles and laughter towards him. When have you ever been so kind to me before?"

Gu Zao looked up and glanced at him. She noticed his beard was gone, and his gaze held a hint of dissatisfaction, but upon closer inspection, it seemed to carry a touch of grievance. A smile crept across her face, and she couldn't help but purse her lips.

When Yang Hao saw that Gu Zao was actually laughing, her eyes curving into crescents, he thought it was because she was happy to hear about the young man with red lips and white teeth. He felt a surge of bitterness in his heart and wished he could immediately pull her into his arms and force her to submit. However, he was afraid of upsetting her, so he didn't know what to do with her and could only stand there and stare blankly.

Gu Zao couldn't help but raise her hand, and with one fingertip, she poked his forehead hard, saying, "You're really ridiculous. Yue Teng is just a stranger who came to the capital to take the martial arts exam. He only worked in my shop to make a living because he encountered some inconvenience. I was just delivering a late-night snack that my third sister made for him, but you're making a big fuss about it with me. What kind of logic is that?"

Gu Zao's few words were nothing short of melodious to Yang Hao. Overjoyed, he took the hand that Gu Zao had used to poke his forehead and brought it to his lips, saying, "Second Sister, the Dragon Boat Festival is coming soon. I'd like you to make me a sachet so I can carry it with me."

Gu Zao was taken aback, then quickly shook her head and said, "If you want a sachet, just ask your family. Do you think they'll shortchange you? Don't count on me."

Yang Hao was unwilling to comply. He gently rubbed Gu Zao's palm with his chin and whispered, "I only want what you make. No matter how good other people's are, I don't care."

Gu Zao felt an itch in her palm from the stubble on his chin, so she pulled it back and hid it behind her back before saying seriously, "Second Master Yang, to tell you the truth, the needlework I make is absolutely shameful. If you actually hang it up, people will laugh their heads off."

Seeing that Gu Zao had withdrawn her hand and refused to make the sachet, Yang Hao took a step closer and said, "If you don't make it for me, I'll come to your house every day starting tomorrow. Anyway, your family runs a restaurant, so there's no reason for you to kick people out."

Seeing that he was starting to act shamelessly, Gu Zao realized that he had forced her against the wall of the alley, and she could feel his breath on her forehead, which made a few stray hairs flutter and feel itchy. Her heart was pounding, and she hurriedly put her hands against his chest and tried to push him away, but she couldn't budge him. Helplessly, she looked up at him and said, "I really can't do it."

Yang Hao refused to believe it. He lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "Last year when I accompanied you to Chanlin Temple, I saw the shoes you were wearing. The flowers on the shoes were so beautifully embroidered that they looked like they were attracting bees and butterflies. Why can't you embroider a sachet for me now? As long as you make it for me, I won't complain even if it's not perfect."

Gu Zao was about to say that it was made by her third sister when she heard Fang Shi calling her from outside the alley. Startled, she pushed Yang Hao away and ran two small steps away, but he still grabbed her hand relentlessly.

Gu Zao heard Fang Shi's voice getting closer and closer, and broke out in a cold sweat. In a panic, he nodded haphazardly and then shook off Yang Hao's entanglement. He ran to the alley entrance and blocked Fang Shi, who had just come looking for him. He didn't let Fang Shi stay, grabbed her, and dragged her towards the entrance of his shop.

Fang had just vaguely seen a tall, dark figure in the alley and wanted to take a closer look, but Gu Zao suddenly appeared and dragged her back, which startled her. She had come out to look for Gu Zao, so seeing him come out, she naturally didn't think much of it. She just complained as they walked, "I just saw you in the shop, how come you disappeared in the blink of an eye? I called you but you didn't answer. I wondered where you went."

Gu Zao laughed, "It's nothing, just a stray cat darted in, I chased it away." She then stepped into the shop, and seeing that Fang Shi didn't suspect anything and was busy clearing the dishes, she breathed a sigh of relief. Secretly turning her head, she saw Yang Hao standing again at the entrance of the original fried dough shop, grinning smugly at her. She felt both annoyed and amused, and ignored him, going into the backyard.

After being pulled back from Gu Dajia's house by Gu Zao that day and given a lecture, Fang Shi had hoped to get the latest news about Gu Dajia from the neighboring shops. She thought that it was only two streets away; if it were back in the countryside of Yangzhou, even a trivial matter would spread throughout the village in a few days. Now, with something like this happening, the news would probably spread even more rapidly. However, she hadn't expected that in the capital city these days, every household seemed focused solely on their own business. Gu Dajia's matter was only mentioned briefly for the first two days, and then news of it disappeared. Knowing that Gu Zao was keeping a close eye on her and she couldn't go back to Gu Dajia, she felt a pang of anxiety.

Before she knew it, it was the seventeenth, and tomorrow would be Xiu Niang's wedding day. Fang Shi was still unaware that Hu Shi was going to break off the engagement. Although she was at home, her mind was wandering several streets away. She kept bringing up Xiu Niang in front of Gu Zao and also grabbed her third sister to ask about the bed-making. Her third sister only said that her uncle's family hadn't come to invite her and that she knew nothing about it.

Seeing that Gu Zao was indifferent and barely paying attention to her, Fang Shi suddenly walked towards the door, laughing as she went, "Second Sister, tomorrow is Xiu Niang's big day. As her aunt, it wouldn't be right for me not to go and see her today. I'll be right back." As she spoke, she had already stepped out the door, but Gu Zao quickly stopped her. Fang Shi was displeased, her eyebrows furrowed, and she was about to scold Gu Zao when she suddenly saw Hu Shi holding Xiu Niang's hand, hurrying towards her house.

When Gu Zao saw that Madam Hu had brought Xiu Niang to his house, he was somewhat puzzled, but he knew it must be related to Hu Qing, so he hurriedly welcomed the two of them to the backyard. Although Madam Fang was completely confused, she saw that Madam Hu looked unwell and seemed to have aged several years in just a few days. She thought that Madam Hu had come looking for Gu Da and the widow, so she was not going to fall behind and hurriedly followed.

Hu entered the backyard but didn't sit down. Knowing that Gu Zao was now the de facto ruler of the household, she ignored Fang and grabbed Gu Zao, saying, "Second Sister, you must help my Xiu Niang. That boy surnamed Hu wants to back out of the marriage, and his two shameless old wives are in cahoots with their son, even threatening to come and force her to marry him tomorrow. Do you think there's any justice in this world?"

Gu Zao was taken aback. She glanced at Xiu Niang and saw that she was already pale. She hurriedly asked her third sister to take her to the room to rest before letting Hu Shi continue.

It turned out that after Hu Qing became a white-robed official, Madam Hu knew that her son-in-law had fallen through. Hu Qing's family was a distant relative, and she knew their financial situation all too well. She was unwilling to marry Xiu Niang into their family, disregarding her daughter's reputation and only wanting to annul the engagement. However, she and Gu Da had visited several times, but Hu Qing either avoided them or flew into a rage. His parents, who had just arrived in the capital to welcome their daughter-in-law, were even more unwilling to accept their son's misfortune. Pressed by Madam Hu, they produced the marriage certificate and threatened to sue the Gu family for breaking off the engagement. Madam Hu knew she was in the wrong, but she was determined not to accept the marriage. In desperation, she came up with an idea and hurriedly dragged Xiu Niang to their door.

"Second sister, tomorrow is the wedding day. That down-on-his-luck man has threatened to come and force me to marry him. Xiu Niang can't stay at home, so she'll stay at your house for the next couple of days to avoid trouble," Madam Hu said to Gu Zao after a long and enthusiastic speech.

Gu Zao frowned slightly. Hu Shi, with her sharp eyes, thought that Gu Zao was afraid of trouble and was unwilling. She said with displeasure, "Second sister, aren't you usually on good terms with Xiuniang? Why are you unwilling to step forward for such a small matter?"

Gu Zao shook her head and looked at Madam Hu, saying, "Aunt, I will certainly help with Xiu Niang's matter. However, now that Hu Qing has the marriage contract in his hands, even if Xiu Niang can hide for a while, how can she hide forever? Even if it goes to the yamen, I'm afraid you will be the one in the wrong. Xiu Niang can hide for the next two days, but we need to think of a solution. Hu Qing refuses to break off the engagement because he has his eye on the dowry. Since you are the one who wants to break off the engagement first, why not give him money? Once Hu Qing has the money, he will naturally break off the engagement."

Madam Hu spat and said, "I'll hide Xiu Niang first, and tomorrow when that good-for-nothing comes, I'll catch him and make a scene, then go to the yamen to accuse him of marriage fraud. He's here to extort money. I'd rather send the money to the yamen than let that good-for-nothing get away with it!"

Seeing the commotion that Madam Hu had put on, Gu Zao felt it was inappropriate. However, with the situation urgent and their demands being met, the most pressing matter was to help Xiu Niang avoid tomorrow's farce. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Auntie, my house is too close to yours, and the neighbors all know about our relationship. It would be best if nothing happened tomorrow, but if a commotion breaks out and they come here, then things will be in trouble."

Upon hearing this, Madam Hu was at a loss for what to do. Gu Zao had just thought of a place and was about to speak when Fang, who had been listening with her mouth agape, suddenly slapped her thigh and said, "If your house at Ranyuan Bridge is currently empty, it would be good to go there and hide for a couple of days."

Seeing that his parents had come to the same conclusion as him, Gu Zao nodded and said, "My mother is right. Aunt, your house must be an old house from many years ago. Not many people know about it. There are also many alleys in the area, so it's easy to slip away if someone gets wind of it. Why don't I accompany Xiu Niang tonight to hide there quietly, and we'll talk about it after things have calmed down?"

Fang was overjoyed to receive Gu Zao's praise for the first time and immediately offered to accompany her. However, Madam Shen, who was listening nearby, dissuaded her, saying that she would take care of things herself and that too many people would only attract attention. Fang then gave up the idea. The group discussed the matter further and decided that Gu Zao and Third Sister would go to the old house at Ranyuan Bridge that evening with Madam Shen under cover of darkness, while Fang and Liu Zao would remain at home. Gu Zao repeatedly reminded Fang not to say anything, and only after Fang patted her chest and agreed did Gu Zao feel relieved.

Seeing that Gu Zao's family was genuinely helping her, Madam Hu felt a little ashamed and awkwardly thanked them. Before Gu Zao could reply, Madam Fang interjected, "Even family members are still connected by blood. Although you don't usually treat my family well, we still share the same fate. I didn't want to get involved in your Xiu Niang's affairs, but since you've come to me for help, I should at least lend a hand to avoid being gossiped about behind my back."

Gu Zao, initially surprised by her mother's sudden change of heart after hearing her seemingly reasonable words, was now at a loss for words when she heard the second half of her sentence. She refrained from speaking, but seeing Hu Shi's face flush and paling with embarrassment, she secretly sighed that her mother and Hu Shi, being brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, were truly evenly matched. She imagined that their home must have been quite lively back when they lived together in Dongshan Village, Yangzhou.

Chapter 53

After the group discussed and agreed on the plan, Madam Hu felt a little relieved and left first, saying that she would personally come back in the evening to take Xiu Niang there. Gu Zao told Xiu Niang to hide in the back room for now, and that her family would continue doing business as usual. When evening came, they simply closed a little earlier than usual. The two girls packed some bedding and personal belongings, and then they heard a knock at the small gate in the backyard. When they opened the door, Madam Hu had already come over with a large bundle, and Gu Da was also there.

Gu Zao and the others, along with Xiu Niang, quietly slipped out through the back door with Madam Shen. Once outside, they flagged down a carriage. Madam Shen told Hu and his wife not to go, saying that too many people would only attract attention. Hu then grabbed Xiu Niang and wiped away her tears, saying, "Xiu Niang, my poor daughter, I was hoping you'd marry well, but who knew you'd end up with such a scoundrel? It's just that you're not destined to be a lady. Once this period passes, I'll give you a bigger dowry and find you a good family..."

Xiu Niang had been in a much better mood after spending the afternoon with Gu Zao and her third sister, but Hu Shi's indifferent words brought tears to her eyes again. Fang Shi, who had followed them out, continued her tirade, "Now you know what hardship is. You didn't say this when you came to my house to show off before..." Gu Zao stopped her before she could finish.

Madam Hu was furious. Normally, she would have already lashed out, but she held back and pretended not to hear. Gu Da came up and comforted Xiu Niang for a few words, then thanked Gu Zao and the others before pulling Madam Hu back and looking at the carriage.

The group arrived at the old house near Ranyuan Bridge. Because of the darkness, they didn't attract much attention. They quietly went in, cleaned up, and laid out their bedding. Madam Shen stayed with them for a while before closing the door and going home. At this time, they heard the sound of a clapper outside, indicating that it was already past midnight. Gu Zao and the other two then went to bed.

The next day was the eighteenth, and Madam Shen prepared some food and sent it over early in the morning before going to Gu Zao's restaurant. Gu Zao's third sister and Xiu Niang simply bolted the door and hid inside the room. Although it was small, they had lived in similar places before, so they weren't uncomfortable. However, Gu Zao noticed that Xiu Niang was restless and wanted to distract her, so she asked her third sister to bring out the needlework she had brought the night before and had the two of them sit by the small window and do needlework while she watched.

Xiu Niang was embroidering a round fan, which looked like a pattern of broken branches and flowers scattered on the ground. Third Sister, on the other hand, seemed to be making a purse. Seeing Gu Zao looking at her, she looked up and smiled, "The Dragon Boat Festival is approaching. I'm making a sachet for you, sister. I'm thinking of embroidering some patterns of the five poisonous creatures on the sachet, but I don't know what shape you like?"

Gu Zao asked, "What kinds of shapes and sizes are there?"

Third Sister glanced at Gu Zao and said to Xiu Niang with a smile, "Look at you, sister. It's one thing to not do needlework, but you've even forgotten what the Dragon Boat Festival sachets look like."

Xiu Niang smiled and covered her mouth, saying, "Second cousin, there are many shapes for Dragon Boat Festival sachets, but most of them are tiger-shaped, chicken-shaped, ruyi-shaped, peach-shaped, or woven-out shapes, which are meant to symbolize fortune, prosperity, longevity, happiness, and good luck."

Gu Zao then feigned sudden realization, casually choosing a bat-shaped sachet and recounting a few jokes she remembered, making the two women laugh heartily. Seeing that Xiu Niang seemed to have gradually forgotten the unpleasant matter, she breathed a slight sigh of relief. Suddenly, she remembered the sachet she had hastily agreed to when Yang Hao had been pestering her a few days ago, and felt a pang of bitterness. Her third sister was making ready-made sachets, and those must be exquisite, but they couldn't be given as gifts. Since she had nothing else to do, she might as well try making one herself. If the result was truly unpresentable, and Yang Er kept pressuring her, she could simply buy one from the street and pass it off as a substitute.

Gu Zao had already decided, so she picked out a piece of black velvet from the sewing box her third sister had brought. She asked her third sister in detail how to make it before she started sewing, choosing only the simplest diamond shape. She sewed it carefully, turned it inside out, and added a silver trim. She thought it looked pretty good, and was examining it when her third sister glanced at it and said it was so cheap that even a cat or dog wouldn't bother to smell it if it fell on the ground. Helpless, she had to take it apart and sew it all over again, but her third sister still disliked it and personally taught her how to sew. She sewed until late afternoon, her eyes aching from staring at the work, before finally producing a purse that her third sister could barely nod in approval. She also learned how to make knots, carefully braiding a cord with silk thread, and adding a cloud knot at the bottom corner, with a tassel hanging down.

Gu Zao held it in her hand, looking at it from left to right with great satisfaction, but her third sister only glanced at it and laughed again, saying, "Sister, this is too plain. Not to mention the black background and silver trim, have you ever seen anyone use a white purse? Even if there are no patterns, you should at least embroider some words on it, so that it looks nice."

Reminded by her, Gu Zao chuckled to herself. She could manage a little sewing with a bit of effort, but embroidery was a complete waste of her time. Seeing that dusk was falling outside, and realizing the day had passed so quickly, she tossed the purse onto the table, stood up, rubbed her back, and laughed, "I'm too tired to embroider this today; it's too strenuous. I'll leave it for now."

Seeing the sky darken, Xiu Niang slowed her movements, her expression becoming somewhat dazed and uneasy. Gu Zao knew she was worried about home. Not only was Xiu Niang concerned, but Gu Zao herself was also worried. Seeing that Shen Niangzi hadn't returned yet, she told her third sister to stay and keep her company while she went to Ma Xing Street to inquire about the situation.

When Gu Zao was almost at the front door of his house on Ma Xing Street, he saw a crowd of people gathered there. He hurried a few steps forward and heard a series of shouting matches coming from inside. The loudest one was none other than Fang Shi. Knowing something was wrong, he desperately pushed through the crowd and squeezed in, only to be stunned.

The shop's main hall was deserted, except for a chaotic scene with seven or eight people arguing fiercely. On one side, Madam Fang and Madam Hu stood with their hands on their hips, shouting insults, with Gu Da, Liu Zao, and Madam Shen standing behind them. On the other side was a man in his twenties dressed in a wedding gown and wearing a flower-adorned turban, presumably Hu Qing. Several people stood beside him as well. Besides the two aunts of the Hu family whom Gu had met once before during the Xiu Niang's betrothal ceremony, the other two looked to be a couple of similar age to Gu Da and Madam Hu, and they resembled Hu Qing somewhat; these were presumably his parents. These people were also shouting insults at Madam Fang and Madam Hu. A woman dressed as a matchmaker in a yellow vest tried to mediate, but despite her efforts, she couldn't persuade them to stop. In a fit of anger, she gave up and moved to a corner to sit down, crossing her legs and watching the spectacle. The little black dog that my third sister brought over at the winter solstice before the Lunar New Year has grown much bigger by now, and it's squatting to the side, barking and causing trouble.

Gu Zao finally squeezed through the threshold of her own house, and Hu Shi saw her at a glance. Without saying a word, she pulled her over and said triumphantly, "Hu Shi, you said my niece hid with Xiu Niang. Open your dog eyes and take a look. This is my niece. Isn't she at home? Where did she hide?"

Hu Qing's mother glanced at Gu Zao and sneered, "Do you think I'm stupid? Of course she waited until Xiu Niang was hidden before coming back. My Qing'er's second aunt saw you bring Xiu Niang here yesterday, which is why we chased after you here. You'd better hurry up and call her out so she can get into the sedan chair herself. Otherwise, if she's found out and forcibly taken away, it will ruin the harmony between our in-laws."

Madam Hu glared fiercely at her second aunt, then spat out a curse, saying, "Your son has begged so much money from my family these past two years that it would probably be as high as a house if piled up. It's all been used to fill that concubine's hole. I'm afraid that hole is rotten to the core by now. Your family will be childless and without descendants. You still want me to marry my daughter to him? Dream on!"

Hu Qing had just seen Gu Zao enter when, upon suddenly spotting such a beautiful woman in this place, his lustful nature remained unchanged. He momentarily forgot his argument and simply stared at her. Upon learning that she was Xiu Niang's cousin, he felt a pang of regret, thinking to himself that if he had such a beauty by his side, even as a ghost, he would be content. Just as he was drooling, he suddenly heard Hu Shi scolding him.

Hu's insults were merely casual remarks, but unwittingly, they struck a nerve with Hu Qing. It turned out that he frequented brothels and, somehow, had developed a painful, itchy, and festering ailment there a few months prior. Unwilling to make a fuss, he secretly sought out a street healer for some unorthodox remedies, but they hadn't fully healed. Already feeling uneasy, Hu's words, hitting the nail on the head, enraged him. His lustful thoughts vanished, and he jabbed Hu in the face with a finger. Before he could even utter a curse, Hu twisted his arm, causing him to cry out and stumble to the side. His wedding turban, adorned with two fresh flowers, fell to the ground. Fang, quick-witted, stomped on it, instantly crushing the two pomegranate blossoms to pieces.

"Oh dear, the Gu family broke off the engagement first, and now they're trying to beat my son to death! I'll fight you to the death today!" Hu Qing's mother, seeing her son being taken advantage of, was heartbroken. She rolled up her sleeves, snatched her son back, and started fighting with Hu Shi. Hu's two aunts, not to be outdone, joined in after seeing that Fang Shi had been the loudest in her insults.

Madam Shen rushed forward to try and break up the fight, but was bumped by someone and stumbled back a few steps, landing on the ground. Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Gu Zao also tried to pull Fang Shi away. However, Fang Shi, having been lying low for over half a year since arriving in Tokyo, finally had something to vent her anger on, and was in no mood to stop. Gu Zao, on the other hand, suddenly felt a sharp pain in her neck amidst the chaos. Touching it, she found it bleeding; she didn't know whose fingernail had scratched her so deeply.

Seeing the cut on her neck, Liu Zao screamed and rushed over to pull her behind. Gu Zao, annoyed that Gu Da was still standing there motionless, was about to order him to separate the tangled group when Yue Teng suddenly appeared at the door, pushed aside the onlookers, and rushed inside. With both hands, he easily separated the tangled group into two groups, like picking up chicks. Looking closer, apart from Fang Shi, who was brave and had a few strands of hair loose, the others had either bruises on their faces or torn clothes. Hu Qing, in particular, was pushed back six or seven steps by Yue Teng, crashing into a table before falling to the ground. There was a half-bowl of soup left on the table from the earlier meal, which spilled over and soaked Hu Qing's brand-new wedding dress, dripping water continuously, making her look quite disheveled.

It turned out that today was the day of the preliminary review for the martial arts examination registration, and Yue Teng had asked Gu Zao for leave a few days ago. After finishing his work at the registration review office set up by the Ministry of War, he remembered what he had vaguely heard yesterday and felt uneasy, so he made a special trip back to check. Unexpectedly, he encountered this scene and immediately stepped in to pull the person away.

Seeing Yue Teng appear, Gu Zao finally breathed a sigh of relief as the situation was brought under control. Just as she was about to urge everyone to close the shop, Fang Shi noticed the bloody scratch on Gu Zao's neck. She screamed and rushed over. After a quick glance, she stamped her foot and shouted, "My goodness! Those women scratched your face like this! You're definitely going to be disfigured this time! I'll fight those women to the death!" As she spoke, she turned around and looked like she was about to pounce on them again.

Gu Zao angrily said, "Enough! Stop making a scene!"

Fang was taken aback, turned her head and saw Gu Zao's angry face, and then reluctantly stopped.

Hu Qing had already gotten up from the ground. Gu Zao glanced at him with disgust and coldly said to the Hu family members, "Xiu Niang did come to my house yesterday, but she only sat for a short while before leaving through the back door. I have no idea where she went today. Do you all think we're dead? If you think you're in the right, go to the yamen and file a complaint. Now get out of here, and don't you dare step into my house again and defile this place!"

Hu Qing was certain that Xiu Niang was hidden here, and he was determined to find her by force and take her back for the wedding ceremony. If he got her, wouldn't the dowry follow? Relying on the marriage certificate, he hired musicians, brought a flower basket, and even called the matchmaker from before. Unexpectedly, he didn't find her and instead ended up in this embarrassing situation. The woman in front of him, though young and beautiful, spoke with a firm and authoritative tone, telling him to go to the yamen to file a complaint. This was precisely the last thing he wanted to do. First, he had no money to use connections in the yamen, and the outcome was uncertain. Second, he had just been implicated and punished; to file a complaint now would be like hitting a brick wall. As he hesitated, he noticed the young man standing next to the woman, his hands clenched into bowls, glaring angrily at him. He was a bully who preyed on the weak and feared the strong. Knowing that continuing the commotion would only lead to trouble, he immediately called his parents. After a brief discussion, they murmured a few words and then, after parting from the crowd at the door, hurriedly left.

The matchmaker was called over today, expecting to receive some dowry money, but she ended up being ignored after her words went astray. She had no choice but to put her feet down and stand up to leave. She glanced at the turban that Hu Qing had just dropped on the ground. Although it had been stepped on and had a few black marks, it looked brand new. She picked it up casually and left dejectedly.

Seeing that everyone had finally left, Gu Zao smiled and asked the onlookers to disperse at the door. Liu Zao also came over to help close the door. Then, she turned to Hu Shi and Gu Da and said, "Uncle, Aunt, that Hu Qing seems to be someone who won't let go. Even if he doesn't sue you for breaking off the engagement, as long as he has the marriage certificate, Xiu Niang won't have a moment's peace. If you really care about your daughter, you should spend some money to get rid of this kind of person as soon as possible!"

Hu wanted to argue, but Gu Da stopped her. He must have noticed the wound on Gu Zao's neck and felt a pang of guilt. She responded a few times, then asked Madam Shen to look after Xiu Niang after returning home, before pulling Hu out the back door. Madam Shen told Gu Zao not to go there that night, saying she would go and keep the two maids company. Gu Zao thanked her, then saw Yue Teng still standing there and went to thank him as well. Yue Teng's lips moved as if he wanted to ask something, but he ultimately didn't. Gu Zao knew he was concerned about her third sister, but she wasn't in the mood to say anything at the moment, and simply smiled as she watched him leave.

After everyone had left, Fang suddenly remembered the wound on Gu Zao's neck. She scolded her for being nosy and then hurriedly went to the backyard to find sesame oil, saying it would prevent any marks. Gu Zao stopped her, telling her to tidy up the front shop, and went to the backyard herself. Back in her room, Fang loosened her collar and looked in the mirror by candlelight. She saw that the scratch was a full three inches long, running diagonally from under her jawline down to below her collar. She hadn't felt much pain before, but now that things were quiet, it felt burning and painful. Thinking about it carefully, she vaguely remembered that it was from the long fingernails of one of Hu Qing's aunts.

Gu Zao sighed, put down the mirror, went to the kitchen to make a cup of warm salt water, brought it into the house, and then loosened her collar. As she was wiping herself with a clean cotton cloth in front of the mirror, enduring the pain, Liu Zao suddenly squeezed in from the doorway and said in a low voice, "Sister, a high-ranking official asked me to pass on a message, saying he's waiting for you at the alley entrance in our backyard."

Gu Zao's hand trembled, and his movements became a little heavier. He let out a soft snort and looked at Liu Zao, only to see her looking at him with a sly smile in her eyes.

Gu Zao said "Oh" and just sat there without moving. Liu Zao became a little anxious and came over to say, "Sister, just now, the little black dog in the house took my shoe and ran out. I chased after it and ran into that man, the same man who bought me from the matchmaker. Although he doesn't have a beard now, I recognized him at a glance. He said if you don't go out, he will come in by himself."

Gu Zao sighed inwardly, had no choice but to put down what he was holding, pull up his collar, and whispered to Liu Zao not to let Fang Shi know. Only then did he calm himself down and leave through the small door of the back room.

Yang Hao had been invited by several old friends in the capital today, and unable to refuse their invitations, he went. Upon entering the grand restaurant, he saw that the main corridor, stretching over a hundred paces, was brightly lit with candles in the private rooms on both sides, and rows of over a hundred prostitutes lined the walls, waiting for customers. When he entered a private room, he saw that each of his friends already had one or two prostitutes beside them, drinking and playing games with great relish. Upon his arrival, the host immediately summoned seven or eight prostitutes for him to choose from. In the past, this wouldn't have been a problem, just a formality. However, seeing that row of heavily made-up, fragrant women today, the image of Gu Erjie's crescent-shaped eyes when she smiled suddenly flashed before his eyes. Remembering that he hadn't seen her for several days, he had no desire to socialize. He only sat for a short while before claiming he had to leave, and was only released after being forced to drink several large cups of wine.

Yang Hao dismissed the three squatters and headed towards Ma Xing Street, intending to take a quick look from afar. However, upon approaching, he found the gate to her house closed, and several people were standing in front of the nearby shops, discussing the situation. He inquired and learned of the commotion that had just occurred. He overheard someone lamenting that the second sister of the Gu family had suffered a long gash on her face. Shocked and angry, he immediately wanted to knock on the door to see what had happened. But remembering his sister's past attitude, he hesitated, fearing he might displease her. He turned into the alley behind her house, only to find the door closed there as well. Worried about her, he disregarded everything else and was about to knock when a dog darted out from under the door. The door creaked open, and a little girl ran out. Upon closer inspection, he recognized her as Liu Zao, whom he had seen before. He quickly called out to her and asked her to deliver a message. After the girl turned and went inside, he stood in the alley and waited.

Yang Hao was getting a little anxious when he suddenly saw a figure coming out of the door. Knowing that it was her, he hurriedly went to greet her.

Chapter 54

Gu Zao stopped a few steps away from him and said softly, "Second Master, what brings you here?"

Yang Hao was already in front of her in a few steps, looking down at Gu Zao. Gu Zao took another step back, but he had already grabbed her shoulder.

Using the moonlight, Yang Hao carefully examined Gu Zao's face. He didn't see the injuries he'd heard about earlier, assuming it was just a rumor. Just as he was about to let go, he noticed Gu Zao awkwardly tilting her neck, as if avoiding his gaze. Suspicious, he gently pulled her towards him, revealing the scratch on her neck. Even in the dim light, a closer look revealed that the scratch had extended into her collar.

"It's all my fault. I didn't come sooner, and you got scratched like this. It must hurt a lot, right?" Yang Hao looked at Gu Zao, feeling both heartache and pity. "Who scratched you like this?"

Hearing the last sentence from him, Gu Zao seemed to have a hint of anger in it. She quickly broke free from his hands that were still gripping her shoulders, took two steps back, and then smiled faintly, "Thank you for your concern, Second Master. It's just a small wound. I've already treated it myself, and it will be fine in a few days. There's no need to be so delicate. Second Master, you should leave quickly, or people will probably start gossiping tomorrow."

Hearing her nonchalant tone and seeing her eager to get rid of him as soon as she opened her mouth, Yang Hao frowned even more. Suppressing his anger, he said, "You have such a long cut on your neck, and you say it doesn't hurt? I know a clinic that has ointment specifically for these kinds of external scrapes and abrasions. Come with me to have it taken a look." As he spoke, he reached out to take her hand again.

Gu Zao dodged his hand and sighed, "Second Master, I'm really fine. Why do I need to go to the clinic? You should go now. I'll go in now." With that, she walked towards the small gate in her backyard.

Yang Hao didn't stop her, but his voice carried a hint of anger: "Fine, you don't have to go. If you don't like it, I'll come again. I'll have San Dun bring it to your door later and leave it there for you to apply to your wound. As for the person who hurt you..."

Gu Zao sensed a chill in his voice and, fearing he might actually take drastic measures, quickly stopped and turned back to whisper, "That family is just greedy. Once my uncle and aunt have dealt with it themselves, everything will be fine. Don't make a big fuss."

Yang Hao didn't answer, only giving a faint "hmm." A few steps away, Gu Zao couldn't see his face clearly in the dim light, only sensing a chill emanating from him. After hesitating for a moment, she finally reached him, looked up, and said softly, "Second Master, my injury is really nothing serious, you don't need to worry."

Even if Yang Hao was furious, he was quickly melted by her soft address of "Second Master," and his heart softened so much that he couldn't utter a single word.

Gu Zao nodded and smiled at him, then turned and went inside. He immediately noticed Liu Zao eavesdropping from behind the door.

Seeing that she had been discovered, Liu Zao grinned, stuck out her tongue, and slipped into the front hall. Gu Zao shook her head and went to the front to help Fang Shi tidy up. Fang Shi noticed the wound on Gu Zao's neck and became displeased again. She scolded Hu Qing's family and then Hu Shi and Gu Da for being heartless. Gu Zao just silently let her grumble. By the time everything was settled, more than half an hour had passed. Suddenly remembering what Yang Hao had mentioned about delivering medicine, she hurriedly went to the backyard, opened the door, and sure enough, saw a small box in the corner of the door. She picked it up.

Gu Zao entered the room, opened the lid of the medicine shop bearing the old name of the clinic, and saw a white ointment inside, which smelled quite pleasant. Thinking that it was ultimately a kind gesture from him, he washed his hands, picked up some, and applied it to his neck. Sure enough, he felt a cooling sensation, indicating that it was indeed a good medicine.

Meanwhile, Gu Da returned home and immediately flew into a rage. He pointed at Hu Shi's nose and cursed her for a while, then stomped his foot and said bitterly, "I've thought it over and over, and because of that marriage certificate, my daughter can't just hide away every day like this, and it's dragging my second son's family down with her. Tomorrow I'll go and talk to Hu Qing, give him some money, and have the marriage certificate canceled, and that will be the end of it!"

Firstly, Madam Hu was heartbroken for her daughter; secondly, she had indeed orchestrated the whole affair, and Hu Qing was a distant relative. Now that things had escalated to this point, seeing Gu Dazhen's anger and outburst, although she was distressed about the money, she dared not voice her objections any further. She and Gu Dazhen agreed on the amount of money they could contribute before they went to bed. Madam Hu noticed that although Gu Dazhen was sleeping in the same bed as her, he had turned his back, and only the back of his head was visible. Her mind was torn between worrying about Xiu Niang, feeling the pain of the money, and thinking about Gu Dazhen's mistress. She sighed incessantly and couldn't close her eyes for a long time.