Volume One, Chapter 11: Shen Family Cousin, Shen Yujiao

Gu Nanxiao took Yun Xi and boarded the carriage bound for the Wang residence. They visited each of his dozen or so shops in turn, where he introduced Yun Xi to all the shop managers and smoothly completed the handover. Watching Yun Xi remain composed and engaging in lively conversations with the managers, Gu Nanxiao suddenly felt that her plan to manage the shops might actually succeed.

After visiting all the shops, Yun Xi grew somewhat weary. Seeing the fatigue in her expression, Gu Nanxiao suggested they dine at the nearby Ruyi Pavilion to rest before returning home.

At that moment, a guard from the Wang residence approached Mo Yu, who was by Gu Nanxiao’s side, delivering a message. Soon after, Mo Yu came forward and said, “Master, the Empress Dowager has just sent word, requesting that you come to the palace for a talk.”

Upon hearing that his imperial grandmother summoned him, Gu Nanxiao dared not delay. He turned to Yun Xi and instructed, “Have Qianyu rent a carriage to take you back to the residence. I will take you to Ruyi Pavilion another day.”

Yun Xi nodded in agreement, and Gu Nanxiao quickly ordered Mo Yu to drive the carriage towards the imperial palace.

Lately, the Empress Dowager’s health had been deteriorating, often requiring medication and care. Hence, whenever she summoned him, Gu Nanxiao’s heart was filled with worry.

Now, his feet seemed to fly as he hurried toward the Cihang Palace. Yet before he could enter the hall, laughter drifted out from within.

Though he couldn’t discern who was laughing, the joyous atmosphere eased Gu Nanxiao’s concerns, suggesting his grandmother was not unwell.

Palace maids waiting outside led him directly into the hall. Passing through the beaded curtains and screens, he saw the Empress Dowager seated on her throne.

Today, the Empress Dowager was especially well-groomed and upright, unlike her usual habit of reclining on the couch. Her face bore a notably cheerful smile.

Her gaze then landed on Gu Nanxiao, and at the sight of him, her smile deepened. She quickly instructed a palace maid beside her, “Bring the heir here to sit.”

The Empress Dowager always addressed Gu Nanxiao as “the heir,” though the emperor had yet to officially confer the title upon him. In her eyes, the concubines the empress had placed by her younger son, and their two illegitimate sons, could never compare to her legitimate grandson.

Thus, regardless of the official decree, Gu Nanxiao was the heir to the Duke of Yong’s estate in her mind.

Others dared not challenge the Empress Dowager’s choice of title—who would risk offending her over such a trivial matter?

After Gu Nanxiao bowed and took his seat, a pleased expression on his face, he inquired, “Grandmother, you look well today. There must be some happy news to bring such joy.”

The Empress Dowager chuckled softly, then reached out to stroke the hand of a young woman behind her who was massaging her shoulders. With a tender look, she said, “Indeed, it is joyous news. Since Jiao Jiao returned to the capital, she has stayed by my side every day. How could I not be delighted?”

After speaking, she nudged Shen Yujiao with a meaningful smile and said, “Why don’t you go offer your cousin a cup of tea? Though it’s been many years, there’s no need to be distant. Didn’t you two often play together here in the Cian Palace when you were children?”

At this, Gu Nanxiao finally looked up to examine the young woman. She shyly accepted the tea offered by a palace maid and approached him gracefully.

The small, crimson mole beneath the corner of her eye seemed to stir a memory in Gu Nanxiao. He asked, “Grandmother, is this the Shen family cousin?”

The Empress Dowager’s smile broadened. “Yes, yes, this is your Shen cousin, Shen Yujiao. I brought her here from the Shen household precisely because she is gentle and considerate, just to my liking. In a few days, I plan to arrange for her to enter your estate as a concubine.”

Though Gu Nanxiao still wore a polite smile, it faltered upon hearing this. He quickly objected, “Grandmother, please do not hastily pair me with anyone. A noble lady like my cousin deserves a husband of equal standing to be her lawful spouse. How can she be taken into my inner court as a concubine? Besides, I have been betrothed since childhood. How can I introduce a concubine before marrying my rightful wife?”

In truth, Gu Nanxiao had no intention of marrying soon, but his father and mother opposed breaking off the betrothal. So he had to delay matters indefinitely.

Presenting his fiancée was merely a means to block his grandmother’s attempts to impose others upon him.

Though his words were tactful, the Empress Dowager was not fooled. Her smile faded as she said gravely, “What good daughters could the Empress’s family possibly have? I don’t know how the emperor was so bewitched by her to place a Xu family girl in the Duke of Yong’s household. How could I rest easy with such a woman as your lawful wife? Look at the chaos in your father’s harem—all caused by a Xu family woman.”

“You must trust that your grandmother knows what’s best for you. The women I choose for you are naturally the finest.”

Her tone softened, tinged with teasing. “That concubine living in your estate now was also chosen by me. You resisted fiercely before, but lately, you seem quite fond of her.”

Thinking of how, ever since growing close to Yun Xi, he behaved recklessly day and night, Gu Nanxiao felt his ears flush with embarrassment. He awkwardly agreed, “Whatever grandmother chooses for your grandson must be the best.”

The Empress Dowager burst into hearty laughter, tapping him lightly with her hand. “You mischievous monkey, you finally understand my painstaking care for you.”

“Since that’s so, you should listen to me once more—bring Jiao Jiao into your household without delay.”

Ordinarily, men having multiple wives and concubines was commonplace, and Gu Nanxiao knew that though he disliked the Xu woman, marriage was inevitable.

Yet, for some reason, the thought of being intimate with any woman other than Yun Xi filled him with resistance.

So he refused again. “Grandmother, I know you mean well, but for now, I truly don’t wish to add anyone else to my inner court. Please don’t hinder my cousin’s prospects. It would be better to find her a worthy match.”

The Empress Dowager understood her grandson was stubborn and knew success wouldn’t come at once. After all, it had taken four years just to persuade him to accept a concubine.

Fearing that repeated refusals might embarrass Shen Jiao Jiao and cause lasting discord, she sent her to the side chamber to rest.

Once Shen Jiao Jiao had left, the Empress Dowager’s expression grew serious. “Have you heard the rumors outside? Since you refuse to take Jiao Jiao into your household, then you must quickly ensure your concubine becomes pregnant.”

“But one concubine alone has no right to bear your eldest son. Once she is visibly pregnant, take her to some banquets. Let everyone know your heir is secure.”

“Then give her a bowl of abortion medicine. If she terminates the pregnancy, so be it. In this way, no one can spread rumors about your succession.”

Gu Nanxiao listened silently, the weight of his grandmother’s words settling heavily upon him.