Rebirth of the Excellent Daughter of the Marquis Household (REDMH) - Chapter 105

When the last person walked in, Liang Huaiyu’s eyes lit up.

It was nearing dusk and the residual glow of the setting sun shone through the window, casting bright spots of light on the floor. He entered calmly, dressed in a blue robe that seemed to be coated with a layer of golden light from the evening sun. His features were handsome and picturesque, like a vivid calligraphy artwork of the misty rain in the Jiangnan region. His lips were slightly upturned, revealing two dimples on his cheeks, exuding a strong scholarly aura.

“Greetings, Madam,” he greeted with a bow that was neither humble nor condescending after entering.

“Is this gentleman also here to apply for the teaching position?” Liang Huai Yu could not help but feel refreshed.

The humble demeanour of the young master in front of her was nothing like an ordinary scholar. He possessed an extraordinary elegance even compared to some young masters from prestigious families.

“Indeed,” the young master in blue replied with a gentle and charming smile.

“Where is Young Master from?” Liang Huai Yu asked.

“I am Lou Xiao, a native of the capital city of Daliang. I am 20 years old this year and have been travelling and studying abroad for many years,” replied the applicant, who turned out to be Lou Xiao, the master of the Reincarnation Pavilion.

Satisfactory! Liang Huai Yu examined Lou Xiao from head to toe once again, with only this word in her mind.

“Madam, this is the Young Master who helped our Young Miss out on the street today,” Zhang Lan whispered from the side.

Oh? Liang Huai Yu became even happier when she heard this. There was no need for further questions. He must be proficient in the Rouran language, otherwise how could he have helped her daughter so easily with just a few words? In her heart, Liang Huai Yu’s evaluation of Lou Xiao became even higher.

“Does Young Master have any family members?” Following convention, Liang Huai Yu carefully inquired. In fact, she actually had some ulterior motives.

Gu Yu Qi was about to turn 15, which meant she would be considered a grown woman in the Qi dynasty. If they were in the capital, she would already be of marriageable age. However, in Kuizhou, where would they find young men who could catch Liang Huai Yu’s eye?

Yet, the man in front of her was gentle as jade, humble and courteous. No matter how she looked at it, he was likeable from the bottom of anyone’s heart. His appearance need not be mentioned, and his character could be observed over time. If he turned out to be good, he could indeed be a match for Gu Yu Qi.

It was just that she did not know where he came from. If his family background was humble, then it would be a great joy if he was willing to marry into their family. However, if his family background was prestigious, then it would be a bit tricky. After all, Gu Yu Qi’s identity was too embarrassing.

“My family background is quite good, and we lead a comfortable life in the capital of Daliang with no worries about food and clothing. I have never been engaged or married, and I have several brothers and sisters. Since I am not the eldest son, I can afford to travel freely and gain experience,” Lou Xiao said. “I enjoy travelling and studying, and I came to apply for the position here with some personal motives,” he added with a smile, “In all honesty, Madam, the conditions here at your residence are undoubtedly the best in Kuizhou City. If I could stay here during my time in Kuizhou, it would be a hundred times better than staying at an inn. However, Madam, rest assured that I will do my best to teach what I have learned and will not make things difficult for Madam.”

Liang Huai Yu could not help but laugh when he said this. The more she looked at him, the more she felt that this young man was quite good. He did not speak a lot of empty words but was straightforward. The conditions at the Liang residence were indeed thousands of times better than those at the inns outside.

He will be the one! Liang Huai Yu made up her mind on the spot.

She had Lou Xiao bring his clearance documents for her to inspect carefully to confirm that there were no discrepancies and that he was indeed a good citizen of Daliang. Only then did she sign an agreement with him. He would teach Gu Yu Qi for six months at first and stay at the Liang residence, and would receive ten taels of silver per month.

Liang Huai Yu had a small courtyard specially cleaned and prepared for Lou Xiao to live in. Then she asked Zhang Land to find a servant to attend to his daily needs.

The next day, when Gu Yu Qi was brought to the study, she was genuinely shocked. She had never expected that the tutor her mother hired for her would be Lou Xiao.

Seeing him looking serious, Gu Yu Qi felt too embarrassed to joke around. She wanted to pay her respects as a disciple, but Lou Xiao stopped her, saying that he was just temporarily staying at the Liang residence and could not accept the title of being her master.

Gu Yu Qi had no choice but to address him as “Young Master.”

Lou Xiao’s classes were incredibly lively and interesting, capturing Gu Yu Qi’s full attention from the first day.

He had truly travelled to many places, almost covering all of the Rouran territories. Not only did he teach Gu Yu Qi simple Rouran language, but he also taught her the history of Rouran in detail. Gu Yu Qi had only encountered old-fashioned teachers in her previous life and after reincarnation, so Lou Xiao’s way of teaching completely ignited Gu Yu Qi’s interest in learning.

The two hours of lessons each day passed so quickly that when he finished, Gu Yu Qi felt a bit reluctant to let him go.

It had been a long time since she had enjoyed learning like this. Gu Yu Qi was still immersed, but she stood up nevertheless. They had been talking for two hours and their throats were dry. She could not treat him like cattle just because she thought he was good.

If Gu Yu Qi’s first impression of Lou Xiao was not good, now she had completely become a fan of Lou Xiao.

When Gu Yu Qi was in class, Liang Huai Yu stood outside quietly and listened. The more she listened, the more satisfied she became. Her insight was really good, she had found the right teacher!

Compared to the carefree and enjoyable life that Gu Yu Qi and Liang Huai Yu were living in Kuizhou, Gu Huai Zhong was living in panic all day long in the capital.

His letter to Liang Huai Yu should have arrived by now, but there was still no reply.

Having been accosted by Emperor Jing, he also knew that it would be unrealistic to not bring Gu Yu Qi back. Reluctantly, he set out on the journey northward.

However, Gu Huai Zhong was not the most frustrated person. There was someone else in the Ding Yuan Marquis’ residence who was growing angrier and that was Liu Yue. If Gu Huai Zhong went to retrieve that little vixen, it was inevitable that the big vixen would return to the capital with her as well. That mother and daughter were in the same boat. So if the daughter who had been kicked out the residence had to be found and brought back, then would the divorced Marquis’ Madam not have to come back too?

When she thought about how Liang Huai Yu would be returning soon and looming over her again, Liu Yue fumed with anger. She vented her frustrations by cursing Liang Huai Yu daily.

Her cursing was the least of it. Right now, she had the final say within the Marquis’ residence. Originally, when she cursed Liang Huai Yu, she had to hide it but now she became so arrogant that she no longer bothered to hide it at all. Several times, she even cursed about the mother and daughter in front of Gu Si Yang and Gu Si Yu.

Gu Si Yang and Gu Si Yu had both been saved by Liang Huai Yu and Gu Yu Qi when they were young, so they loved and felt close to them from the bottom of their hearts. Hearing their mother’s vicious curses, both felt deeply uncomfortable.

Especially Gu Si Yang, who had seen more, heard more, and understood more than Gu Si Yu. It was clear that Liang Huai Yu had never died, but his father had falsely claimed she had been burned to death in the Marquis’ residence by Gu Yu Qi. He had even sent out funeral notices in particular. At that time, he had been very puzzled by his father’s actions and really had not understood why his father did that, blaming everything on his eldest sister.

Intuitively, he sensed that there were dark secrets hidden within the family.

The departure of his eldest sister and Liang Huai Yu was not as simple as it seemed on the surface.

The more troubled he felt, the less he wanted to return home. After a few times, he became mixed up with Yun Yi. Yun Yi took him everywhere to play, drinking and visiting brothels, gradually leading the once well-behaved young man that Gu Yu Qi had painstakingly taught down a path of debauchery.

Yun Yi wanted to marry Gu Yu Qi, so he naturally favoured Gu Si Yang as his future brother-in-law. Moreover, Gu Si Yang was charming and presentable, and it made him look honourable for taking him out.

Time passed day by day and in a blink of an eye, another month went by.

The relationship between Gu Yu Qi and Lou Xiao grew increasingly harmonious. Gu Yu Qi rarely admired anyone, but she deeply respected Lou Xiao. His extensive knowledge not only spanned geography but reached many other fields. To Gu Yu Qi, he was like a walking encyclopaedia, always providing new insights.

Despite Gu Huai Zhong’s procrastination along the journey, he finally reached the border of Kuizhou.

When the Ding Yuan Marquis arrived, the entire garrison naturally mobilised to greet him at the gate. However, to their surprise, the Ding Yuan Marquis’ carriage only stopped briefly at the gate before heading straight for the Liang residence in the southern part of the city.

This unexpected turn of events caused a stir in Kuizhou City.

The Liang residence in the south of the city had always been viewed as mysterious, with only two women in charge who were known for their generosity. It was as if their house was inexhaustibly rich, like a bottomless treasure trove of gold and silver.

For a Marquis from the capital, he was like a celestial being to this remote town. The fact that he headed directly for the Liang residence made it seem like his purpose for coming was solely for the people in the Liang family.

As the carriage halted in front of the Liang residence, Gu Huai Zhong felt a whirlwind of emotions as though his heart had been turned upside down. He sat inside the carriage for a moment, before finally pulling back the curtains and stepping out.

Zhang Lan, who was on duty at the gate, had never seen Gu Huai Zhong before. He only saw the grand procession approaching, with guards who did not seem like they were from Kuizhou City.

“Dare I ask…” Zhang Lan immediately went over to ask when he saw someone coming out of the carriage, but before he could finish, he was rudely shoved aside by one of the guards, “Move aside! Don’t obstruct the Marquis’ procession.”

In the capital where nobles were abundant, everyone maintained a certain level of politeness when walking in the city. However, outside the capital, the Marquis’ men could exercise their authority freely.

Pushed to the side, Zhang Lan felt a surge of indignation, “Which Marquis?” he demanded loudly, “Don’t try to intimidate us with titles. Even His Highness Prince An was polite to everyone.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Huai Zhong turned his head slightly and said, “You mentioned His Highness Prince An?”

Gu Huai Zhong’s presence was still imposing. A mere glance from him made Zhang Lan feel an invisible pressure bearing down on him.

Nevertheless, Zhang Lan gathered his courage, straightened his back, and nodded, “Yes, that’s correct.”

“Ah,” Gu Huai Zhong’s eyes flickered momentarily. In Jiangxia City, Prince An seemed to be close to that disobedient girl, Gu Yu Qi. His heart seemed to harbour some calculations. “Go inside and inform your Madam. Say that the Ding Yuan Marquis, Gu Huai Zhong, requests an audience.”

So he really was a marquis… Zhang Lan did not dare to neglect his duty when he saw him announce his title. He hurriedly ran into the residence.

The Garrison Commander had rushed over with officials of all sorts of ranking in Kuizhou City. While their visitor arrived in a carriage or on horseback, they dared not be disrespectful in front of the marquis. None of them dared to use a sedan chair and they all ran over. It was a pitiful sight for these officials who were used to being pampered in Kuizhou. They were practically sweating from running. Although it was already late summer, the sun was still scorching.

Meanwhile, Liang Huai Yu was embroidering pillowcases in her room. As summer was coming to an end, she wanted to prepare some thicker pillowcases for Gu Yu Qi to use in the winter.

When Zhang Lan entered and conveyed the message, Liang Huai Yu’s hand slipped and the needle pierced her fingertip, drawing blood.

Her heart tightened abruptly. Liang Huai Yu stood up and said, “Say that again?”

“Madam, a man at the gate claiming to be the Ding Yuan Marquis, Gu Huai Zhong, is seeking an audience,” Zhang Lan repeated.

Liang Huai Yu’s eyes flickered with a hint of panic. What was he here for? However, she quickly regained her composure. She raised her head slowly and said firmly, “We won’t see him! Close the main gate!”

“Yes,” Zhang Lan responded, not thinking much about it. If the Madam said she would not see him, then she would not see him. He hurried back out.

The man in black attire was still standing outside the gate with his hands behind his back, seeming somewhat impatient as he paced back and forth.

As Zhang Lan approached, the man stopped in his tracks and turned to look at him.

Zhang Lan bowed respectfully. “Marquis, our Madam said she will not see you!” With that, he turned and entered the residence, slamming shut the Liang residence’s two side doors that were usually left open during the day.

Damn you, Liang Huai Yu! He had travelled thousands of miles to seek her out, yet she was really heartless. Gu Huai Zhong cursed inwardly. Liang Huai Yu’s cold-heartedness was nothing compared to his cruelty and ruthlessness. She was merely avoiding him, but he wanted to kill her.

“Bring the cushion,” he said solemnly to his attendants.

“Yes.” A servant by his side fetched a thick cushion from the carriage and handed it to Gu Huai Zhong.

Gu Huai Zhong threw the cushion on the ground in front of the Liang residence’s gate and then knelt on it.

“Xiao Yu, if you won’t see me, I’ll kneel until I die at your doorstep today. I’ll never give up!” he declared loudly to those inside the gate.

His words stunned the Kuizhou officials who had followed behind him.

What to do? They looked at each other, speechless. The Marquis was kneeling in front of them, this… What were the local officials to do? Should they kneel too? It did not seem appropriate… But not kneeling also seemed wrong…

For a moment, these officials hated themselves for coming along. If they had known the Marquis would act so irrationally, they would have pretended to be sick at home and avoided welcoming him…

The officials in Kuizhou could not make up their minds, so they turned to their highest-ranking officer, the Garrison Commander.

The Garrison Commander was sweating profusely, unsure of what to do.

What was this? When a Marquis visits, he naturally should be received with honours. After all, he was the one who saved His Majesty twice and was also the son-in-law of the former God of War, a hero of Qi dynasty. Wait, the God of War’s family name was Liang, from the Liang clan in Jiangnan. And the Madam of this residence was also surnamed Liang… The Garrison Commander only just came to his senses. The Madam Liang was not just any Madam Liang, she was actually actually Madam Gu, which was why her daughter’s surname was also Gu.

His stupid pig brain, how had he not realised this earlier? The owners of this Liang residence were actually the wife and eldest daughter of the Ding Yuan Marquis!

Oh my god! It was fortunate that while the mother and daughter were in Kuizhou, there had been no ill intent from him or his officials towards them…

When the Garrison Commander thought about this, he was drenched in sweat. He was both scared and anxious.

“What should we do now, sir?” one of the officials with more courage stepped forward and asked the Garrison Commander.

“How should I know?!” the Garrison Commander snapped back in a low voice. This was a quarrel between a husband and wife. How could these people meddle in it?

Yet, this was a Marquis after all. They were local officials here to greet him. It was unthinkable to ignore a dignified Marquis kneeling at someone’s door. However, kneeling along with him would be ridiculous.

“Stand here!” the Garrison Commander wiped his sweat and said, “We’ll wait until the Madam of the residence opens the door, then we’ll see!”

They could only stand there.

Meanwhile, Zhang Lan behind the door heard Gu Huai Zhong’s shouting. He could only rush back to report Gu Huai Zhong’s words to Liang Huai Yu again.

Liang Huai Yu was already feeling uneasy, and as she listened, she made two consecutive mistakes in her embroidery. She decided to put her needlework down altogether.

“Is he really kneeling at the door?” Liang Huai Yu asked a little absentmindedly.

“Yes,” Zhang Lan nodded. He did not know the true identities of Liang Huai Yu and Gu Yu Qi, but in Jiangxia, Prince An had resided in their home and now the Ding Yuan Marquis had appeared. No matter how much Zhang Lan did not know, it was clear that his Madam and Young Miss were of no ordinary background. “What should we do, Madam?”

“What should we do? Let him kneel there for now.” Just as Zhang Lan finished asking, Gu Yu Qi’s floated in through the door

She had just finished her lesson when Bai Fu rushed in flustered. Before Lou Xiao and Gu Yu Qi could put away the paper and brushes they were using, Bai Fu had started babbling, “Miss, not good, the Marquis is here.”

Gu Yu Qi had been taken aback, “Which Marquis?”

“Our master, the Ding Yuan Marquis,” Bai Fu had replied urgently.

Upon hearing the news, Gu Yu Qi immediately curtseyed to Lou Xiao, then dropped everything and rushed towards Liang Huai Yu’s courtyard. As soon as she entered, she heard Zhang Lan saying that Gu Huai Zhong was kneeling at the main gate.

Unable to hold back, she interjected.

“This…” Should he listen to Young Miss or Madam? Zhang Lan looked towards Liang Huai Yu.

Liang Huai Yu, seeing her daughter’s angry expression as she entered, sighed quietly to herself. “Ah Nan, you’re here. Sit down, I have something to tell you,” she said. After that, she said to Zhang Lan, “You go out first, I’ll call for you later.”

“Understood, Madam,” Zhang Lan said, then immediately left the room.

“Mother, you’re not really going to change your mind, are you?” Gu Yu Qi calmed down and asked. She was pulled by Liang Huai Yu to sit beside her.

“First, take a look at this letter,” Liang Huai Yu said, retrieving the letter Gu Huai Zhong had sent earlier from beneath her pillow and handing it to Gu Yu Qi.

Gu Yu Qi sighed inwardly as she saw the letter.

She took the letter silently, casting a deep glance at Liang Huai Yu.

Even without reading the letter, Gu Yu Qi could guess it was from Gu Huai Zhong. Otherwise, Liang Huai Yu would not have hidden it from her and kept it beneath her pillow. In her heart, it was likely that Gu Huai Zhong still held an irreplaceable position.

Gu Huai Zhong’s move was ruthless, kneeling before Liang Huai Yu… Gu Yu Qi faintly felt that she would have to return to the capital again.