Chapter 9: Why Not Hurry and Cling to the Big Shot?

A master and a servant quickly arrived outside the courtyard of Madam Song.

Luncheon was being served in the flower hall.

The head of the household, Gu Zhijing, Madam Song, and their legitimate eldest daughter, Gu Yingying, were dining together.

Gu Xingwan instructed the young servant at the gate to inform them, then quickly came out with a smiling face:

"Second Miss, Master and Madam have requested that you join them for lunch."

By tradition, as a concubine’s daughter, Gu Xingwan was not entitled to dine at the same table with them.

However, since she was soon to marry into the Minister's household, her status had risen significantly, and both Gu Zhijing and Madam Song had to regard her with more respect.

Gu Zhijing was in the prime of his life, and having good relations with the Minister’s household would be a tremendous boost to his career advancement.

"Very well."

Upon entering the small courtyard’s flower hall, Gu Xingwan first respectfully greeted her parents and elder half-sister.

"Father, Mother, and Sister Ying, I hope you are all well."

Gu Zhijing and Madam Song did not rise to welcome her; as parents, they must maintain their dignity. Although she would marry into a noble family, she was still their daughter, and she must show them respect and deference.

They naturally accepted her courtesy.

Yet, unlike their usual icy demeanor, their faces held smiles, with eyes bright and pleased.

Gu Yingying, seated beside them, only cast a slight glance at Gu Xingwan, but her eyes hardened instantly.

The two were half-sisters, sharing the same father but different mothers, yet the difference in beauty was striking.

Gu Xingwan had blossomed into a stunning and graceful young woman. Even dressed simply in a modest pale yellow gown with no fine jewelry, she still drew the admiration of men and the envy of women.

Gu Yingying was not unattractive, but she bore sharp triangular eyes, giving her a harsh, unkind appearance.

In the parlance of this era, such a visage was said to bring misfortune to one’s husband and doom the family.

In her previous life, Gu Yingying’s fate was indeed tragic. She married the third-place scholar of the upcoming spring imperial examination, a seemingly prestigious match.

Yet, little did anyone know, her husband was a violent man who routinely abused his wife.

After Gu Xingwan became Empress, she no longer needed to intervene; justice was served when Gu Yingying was beaten to death by her own husband.

“Wan Niang, please, sit and join us for lunch.”

Gu Zhijing beckoned her to sit beside him.

This concubine’s daughter was unlike any other, even different from Gu Yingying.

Gu Xingwan was his hope for the future!

“Thank you, Father.”

Gu Xingwan accepted without hesitation and took her seat gracefully.

When her gaze met Gu Yingying’s, the latter’s eyes blazed with hatred that could have killed.

“I heard there was an incident last night after you went to the Lantern Festival?”

Gu Zhijing had never paid much attention to Gu Xingwan before; his concern was always for his legitimate children. It was only that morning that Madam Song mentioned the previous night’s event.

“It’s nothing serious. I encountered a group of drunken scoundrels causing trouble. Fortunately, Nurse Qin loyally protected me, and Aozhu came to help. Your daughter is unharmed.”

Gu Xingwan responded calmly.

“Hmph!” Gu Zhijing lightly struck the table. “Such lawless scoundrels, daring to commit murder and assault in Shengjing City, right under the Son of Heaven’s nose. I will speak with my colleagues and make sure they pay.”

“Thank you, Father!”

Gu Xingwan knew her father well; his promise of “I will” never led to any real action.

Anyone with half a brain knew that those who dared kill in the capital were backed by powerful and influential families, and Gu Zhijing, cautious and careful in his official duties, would never dare offend such mighty households.

Moreover, she was unharmed—just harassed a bit. The only casualty was a lowly nursemaid.

Madam Song smiled politely beside them. “General Jian’s daughter is quite loyal. Wan Niang should cultivate a friendship with her. Friends like that in the capital are rare and valuable.”

A third-rank military general’s concubine daughter was indeed not someone an ordinary family could associate with.

Gu Xingwan nodded obediently. “Mother, rest assured. Aozhu is a good sister of mine, and we will get along well.”

“That’s good to hear. Look how sensible our Wan Niang is,” Madam Song said affectionately.

The lunch was lively. Gu Zhijing and Madam Song chatted casually, occasionally offering her food.

Gu Xingwan felt a wave of nausea in both body and soul, as if a school bully suddenly learned her father was a powerful man and began fawning over her with sycophantic smiles.

“I’m full!”

Gu Yingying, sitting uneasily, felt as if another second would be unbearable.

But just as she rose, Madam Song’s sharp gaze forced her back down.

This fool, knowing full well that Gu Xingwan was no longer the same as before, dared to show attitude and provoke her.

From now on, Gu Xingwan would become the young mistress of the Minister’s household; she should quickly cling to that advantage.

Gu Xingwan had no interest in the subtle schemes between mother and daughter. When most of the meal was finished, she finally turned to the main matter.

“Father, Mother, I have something I wish to discuss with you.”

“We are family; there is no need for formalities. Speak plainly,” Gu Zhijing and Madam Song said with bright smiles.

Gu Xingwan nodded. “Then I won’t be polite.”

“I want to ask you both to accompany me to the Minister’s residence to cancel my engagement.”