Rebirth of the Excellent Daughter of the Marquis Household (REDMH) - Chapter 117

Leave everything to him? What was he planning to do?

Gu Yu Qi furrowed her brows deeply. Had he left just like that? He came and went in such a hurry, like a fleeting dream, leaving no trace behind.

She had not had a nightmare in a long time, and she had no idea when Yun Ke had even left last night.

The Gengzi Rebellion would begin in just over a month. They could reach the capital before the Gengzi Rebellion in about ten days if they set off immediately. However, the road was more dangerous than usual due to the rampant bandits in various places, which could delay their journey.

The following day, Gu Yu Qi was hesitating about whether to follow Yun Ke’s instructions. In principle, they were allies, and since he had instructed her this, she should probably obey. Yet, having gone through so much trouble to leave the capital, why should she go back again?

Gu Yu Qi had not gone to Gu Huai Zhong, but Gu Huai Zhong came to find her with his entourage. He first went to check on Liang Huai Yu, who remained unconscious. Gu Yu Qi had Yan Zhi apply powder to whiten Liang Huai Yu’s lips. Gu Huai Zhong, distracted as he was, did not notice anything amiss.

After seeing Liang Huai Yu, Gu Huai Zhong then limped and pulled Gu Yu Qi to the room in the side wing. There, he told Gu Yu Qi what His Majesty’s intentions were and mentioned that returning to the capital would allow imperial physicians to treat Liang Huai Yu. While Gu Yu Qi was uninterested by other considerations, she was really interested in the imperial physicians.

Yes, if she accompanied Gu Huai Zhong back to the capital, she could invite the imperial physicians to treat Liang Huai Yu.

Although the old physician in Kuizhou was skilled, he was still not on par with the imperial physicians.

Gu Huai Zhong knew that mentioning the imperial physicians would persuade Gu Yu Qi. He could not help but feel smug.

After much contemplation, Gu Yu Qi decided that she would return to the capital for the sake of Liang Huai Yu. No matter what, it would be good to see the imperial physicians.

Liang Huai Yu’s condition had stabilised with the Tian Hua Pill and as long as she was carefully looked after, and with five stalks of millennia-old ginseng in her possession, there should be no serious issues. Even so, Gu Yu Qi decided to consult the local physician whose surname was Luo. After discussing it with the old physician, she then paid him a hefty sum to accompany them to the capital.

The elderly physician had never left Kuizhou in his life. Initially, he was quite hesitant, but when Gu Yu Qi said that she wanted to invite the imperial physicians, he immediately decided to accompany Gu Yu Qi to the capital. As a physician, if he could meet those at the pinnacle of the medical profession, then his life would not have been in vain.

Li Da could not go with them so he chose to stay behind. Gu Yuq Q spent an entire afternoon in deep discussion with him, handing over plans and materials for the future.

Gu Yu Qi also decided to leave Zhang Lan and the others in Kuizhou. Li Da would need someone to assist him.

The Gengzi Rebellion would break out in just over a month. Although Kuizhou would be relatively less affected, small groups of Rouran would likely take advantage of the chaos in the Qi dynasty to cause trouble. Gu Yu Qi instructed General Li to mobilise part of their forces from Jiangxia City to protect the merchants who were planning to set up in her commercial district. If manpower was insufficient, he would recruit local militia from Kuizhou.

Li Da now deeply admired Gu Yu Qi, so much so that he readily agreed to her requests. He immediately penned a letter and sent it to Jiangxia, instructing his sworn brothers to come to Kuizhou.

Under the protection of the Jiangbei military camp, Jiangxia would survive the Gengzi Rebellion safely. This was one of the reasons Gu Yu Qi had chosen Jiangxia as the location for her logistics hub.

Although Yun Qing was not a particularly good person, he was quite successful in suppressing bandits.

Gu Yu Qi was arranging for the protection of the merchants who had signed lease agreements with her, so after the turmoil of the Gengzi Rebellion, these merchants would be her loyal supporters. Was there any other landlord in the world who would be as considerate and meticulous as Gu Yu Qi? Who would not want to rent a place that also provided protection?

Li Da envisioned countless silver ingots with wings flying towards him. He could not be bothered to question why Gu Yu Qi was so certain of a massive uprising in the Qi dynasty in a month. To him, Gu Yu Qi was no longer merely a young woman. She had become a revered goddess.

Whatever the goddess said was the truth!

Why concern oneself with so many reasons? For a mere layman like him, following her instructions was enough.

Gu Yu Qi had laid a strong foundation in Kuizhou, which should not be wasted. She tasked Li Da with arranging someone to look after the Garrison Commander’s residence as well.

Once the turmoil began, it was likely that the Garrison Commander would become overwhelmed and neglect his own wife. The Garrison Commander’s wife, after finally becoming pregnant, would be around six months along by the time the Gengzi Rebellion happened. If the Garrison Commander’s negligence led to a miscarriage, it would be a grave misfortune. So, Gu Yu Qi instructed Li Da to assign someone to watch over her closely. If there were really thieves from the Rouran or from the Qi dynasty, their priority would be to protect the Garrison Commander’s wife and ensure that she came to no harm.

Li Da nodded vigorously, acknowledging the orders. Heavens, if such a scenario unfolded and he were to rescue the Garrison Commander’s wife in a crisis, it would be a deed of great merit. Afterwards, he could walk through Kuizhou with his head held high and no one would dare challenge him.

Li Da’s admiration for Gu Yu Qi’s meticulous planning grew even stronger.

However, Li Da still had a little doubt. Why did Gu Yu Qi place such trust in him? Being straightforward by nature, he voiced his thoughts without fear of displeasing Gu Yu Qi.

Gu Yu Qi valued this very trait in him. She simply stated that she trusted those she employed and did not employ those she did not trust.

This simple statement left Li Da startled at first, and then moved to tears. His expression gave Gu Yu Qi quite a start. What was wrong?

Li Da rose and bowed to Gu Yu Qi solemnly. With a voice thick with emotion, he said, “We who roam the martial arts world have always relied on honour and righteousness! But outsiders often see us as rough and inferior. Even if we are rich, they still look down upon us. But today, Young Miss’ words have really made me grateful. Trust those you employ and do not employ those you do not trust. Young Miss regards me as one of your own, and I will definitely live up to Young Miss’ trust! I will do everything in my power to carry out Young Miss’ tasks!”

Gu Yu Qi finally understood and felt a wave of melancholy.

In the Qi dynasty, aristocratic families held sway and they looked down on commoners. Even among commoners, there were different social classes with scholars naturally being at the top, while peddlers and hawkers stood just above the lowest ranks, such as prostitutes. Li Da came from a poor background. Since young, he had worked his way up through manual labour to where he was today. He might have gained wealth, but he still held little social status. How could those aristocratic families have taken him seriously?

Although no one had directly inquired about Gu Yu Qi’s identity, they had all known it in their hearts. Given that she was in close contact with the likes of princes and marquises, it was likely that she hailed from a distinguished family and was probably the legitimate daughter of the Ding Yuan Marquis. For someone like Li Da, to be regarded as an equal by such a noble lady, filled him with immense pride and emotion.

Moreover, this noble lady was not only well-versed in both literature and martial arts but also possessed a sharp mind. If Li Da did not follow this kind of person, who else would he follow?

Gu Yu Qi also agreed on some matters with Li Da, such as symbols in their correspondence that would signify Gu Yu Qi’s intentions or the opposite of her intentions and so on.

Yun Ke had just left, but Gu Huai Zhong was in a hurry to return. Gu Yu Qi found this highly suspicious. She sent Wang Yan out to investigate, only to discover that Gu Huai Zhong had been attacked the previous night.

The original injury on his leg was superficial and should have healed long ago after so many days of care. Otherwise, how could he still indulge in the company of the two Rouran women? However, when he visited the Liang residence today, he was limping, indicating a fresh wound from last night.

Gu Yu Qi speculated that the assailant was likely Yun Ke himself.

Despite her reluctance, Gu Yu Qi had to admit that Yun Ke’s actions were effective this time. Whatever his true motives were, he had managed to vent some of the anger she harboured.

Having decided to take Liang Huai Yu to the capital to see the imperial physicians, Gu Yu Qi wasted no time. Within two days, she had settled all the affairs of the residence. Ignoring Gu Huai Zhong’s preferences, she directly arranged a carriage and set off with Liang Huai Yu back to the capital.

Gu Huai Zhong only learned of Gu Yu Qi’s departure after she and her entourage had already left the gates of Kuizhou. He was livid and jumped up and down, fuming in the Garrison Commander’s mansion.

This unfilial and rebellious girl just left without saying anything or giving him any time to prepare.

What was there even left to prepare? Gu Yu Qi had already departed. Gu Huai Zhong ordered his belongings packed. He abandoned the Rouran beauties, then took his guards and attendants, and chased after Gu Yu Qi towards the capital.

Gu Yu Qi was cautious along the way. Gu Huai Zhong’s cavalry quickly caught up and they merged with Gu Yu Qi’s forces into one convoy. Throughout the journey, Gu Yu Qi remained on guard against Gu Huai Zhong to prevent him from harming Liang Huai Yu. She never allowed anyone else to help her with food and drink and stayed with Liang Huai Yu at all times.

Initially, Gu Huai Zhong had planned to eliminate the ailing Liang Huai Yu during the journey to prevent future troubles. However, Gu Yu Qi was vigilant against him like a wolf so even if he wanted to, he had no chance to act.

Gu Huai Zhong had brought numerous guards for his journey. Although they encountered small bands of bandits, these unfortunate thieves faced the Qi dynasty’s mightiest general and the granddaughter of the former God of War. Their fate was predictable and they were defeated miserably.

Gu Huai Zhong was genuinely taken aback the first time he witnessed his daughter’s military prowess. She was even more formidable than that night in the capital. Her marksmanship with the spear was extraordinary and it was clearly the result of rigorous practice.

What Gu Huai Zhong did not know was that when Liang Huai Yu had taught him the Liang family’s spear techniques years ago, she had still held back a little and not taught him the five most critical moves. However, when it came to teaching her daughter, Liang Huai Yu was not reserved at all and imparted all her knowledge. As a result, in terms of sheer mastery of the spear, Gu Yu Qi even slightly surpassed Gu Huai Zhong.

Gu Huai Zhong’s feelings were in constant turmoil. If Gu Yu Qi was a man, with her exceptional spear skills and martial prowess, her future achievements would surely surpass his own. Yet, she was a delicate young woman, stunningly beautiful and her looks were enough to topple a kingdom. He was torn between wanting to eliminate Gu Yu Qi to eliminate his future problems and feeling reluctant to do so. It would be a pity if such a daughter of her calibre died in vain. Perhaps offering her to the imperial family might yield greater benefits.

He was very conflicted. He could see that Gu Yu Qi hated him very much now. If Gu Yu Qi ever truly made something of herself in the future, she would harbour no gratitude and might turn against him, which was a prospect he found unbearable.

Gu Yu Qi was unaware of Gu Huai Zhong’s inner conflict. All she knew was that this man had betrayed her mother in the past and later framed her. She would never forgive him.

For now, she needed the backing of the Marquis’ residence to summon the imperial physicians to treat her mother. Once she was strong enough, she vowed to oust Gu Huai Zhong from his position just as he had climbed to it!

Revenge was never too late whether for a gentleman or for a lady, even after ten years.

The journey was silent. Gu Yu Qi brought Liang Huai Yu back to the capital. By now, the Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching.

As usual, the capital’s streets and alleys were adorned with a myriad of colourful lanterns, and chrysanthemums and golden osmanthus flowers decorated the entrances of every household. The fragrance of osmanthus permeated the city, detectable from every corner.

The Marquis’ residence had received news long in advance of Gu Huai Zhong’s return with Gu Yu Qi and Liang Huai Yu. So, when they arrived, the main gate was opened wide. Liu Yue, dressed in mourning attire, stood on the steps with Gu Si Yang and Gu Si Yu, awaiting their arrival.

Liu Yue’s mood was indescribably terrible. She could never forget the humiliation she had suffered when Gu Yu Qi and Liang Huai Yu left the household. She had hoped that the mother and daughter would never return, but who knew that they would be back after only a few months. Rumour had it that His Majesty intended to bestow great rewards upon Gu Yu Qi, so she would likely be reinstated to be part of the family again. If Gu Yu Qi were to be reinstated, what about Liang Huai Yu?

She had endured for so many years and had finally grasped the coveted title of the Marquis’ legitimate wife, but then it felt like a brutal blow had been dealt to her. To top it off, while brushing her hair that morning, she discovered a white strand, which felt like her world was collapsing.

A white hair! She had suffered until her black hair turned white and yet, that wretched Gu Huai Zhong still denied her the position she deserved.

Internally, she was seething with rage, but outwardly, she maintained a humble smile. Firstly, the fighting capabilities of Gu Yu Qi and her mother were too intimidating. How could she possibly contend with them? She could not provoke them. Even if they wanted to kill her, it was as simple as notifying the authorities. Who told her to be a mere concubine?! Secondly, she was uncertain about Gu Huai Zhong’s intentions. Before Gu Huai Zhong left, their relationship had become awkwardly strained. Therefore, she did not dare to act too arrogantly now and could only stand by quietly, waiting.

Gu Si Yang and Gu Si Yu were very happy. Their eldest sister and mother were returning. Gu Si Yang had so much he wanted to say to his eldest sister. Being a young boy, he had many worries but no one to confide in.

As Gu Huai Zhong rode up on his magnificent steed, leading two incredibly opulent carriages, Liu Yue felt a surge of disgust as if she had swallowed a swarm of flies.

Those two black carriages were strikingly conspicuous. In the dusk, the huge carriages slowly approached, exuding an air of unspeakable luxury and flamboyance.

How much silver had that mother and daughter had taken when they left the Marquis’ residence to be living so lavishly outside?! Gu Huai Zhong was such a biased fool! He claimed he had handed over all the money to her! Then what about the carriages that mother and daughter now rode in? Were they free?

Gu Huai Zhong dismounted from his horse. Liu Yue suppressed her jealousy and hatred, then stepped forward with a smile to greet them.

“Welcome back to the residence, Marquis,” Liu Yue said, bowing with her most graceful posture. She had originally expected Gu Huai Zhong to come forward and help her up, as he had done in the past, but Gu Huai Zhong just snorted and walked straight to the two luxurious carriages. He personally lifted the curtain and gently said to those inside, “Ah Nan, we’re home.”

“Yan Zhi, since we’ve arrived, let’s get off the carriage,” Gu Yu Qi’s voice came from inside. She pointedly ignored Gu Huai Zhong’s words, giving him a subtle but firm rebuff.

After facing such snubs throughout the journey, Gu Huai Zhong had grown accustomed to it and was not particularly angry. He simply rubbed his nose, forced a sheepish smile, and stepped aside.

This wretched girl could be as arrogant as she liked for now. Once the Emperor’s rewards arrived, he would have plenty of time and means to deal with her in the future.

“Eldest Miss has returned,” Liu Yue, having found no favour with Gu Huai Zhong, stood up herself. She plastered a smile on her face and addressed Gu Yu Qi, “It’s good that you’re back. When Eldest Miss insisted on leaving the Marquis’ residence back then, I advised the Marquis against it. After all, we are family. How could we let anything happen to Eldest Miss? Eldest Miss has been away from home for so long, if anything happened, how could you face people in the future? It’s better to be back, everything will be fine now.”

Liu Yue’s words were laden with veiled barbs. She not only reminded everyone of the scene Gu Yu Qi had caused when she left the Marquis’ residence but also hinted that her reputation was likely tarnished after being away for such a long time. Even Gu Si Yang could not help but frown slightly, thinking his mother was being unnecessarily tactless.

Gu Huai Zhong did not reprimand Liu Yue. Instead, he watched Gu Yu Qi with a smile. He had endured enough rebuffs from her throughout the journey, so Liu Yue’s insinuations amused him.

If Gu Yu Qi blushed at Liu Yue’s snide remarks, she would not be called Gu Yu Qi.

She merely cast a cold glance at Liu Yue and said to Yan Zhi, “I thought that after being away for so long, some people might have learned to speak human words. Clearly, I had set my expectations too high.”

Yan Zhi was straightforward and naive. After hearing Gu Yu Qi say that, she innocently asked, “Miss, who are you referring to?”

Bai Fu had a sharp tongue and quickly chimed in, “Sister Yan Zhi, you’re so dense. Obviously it’s whoever was spouting nonsense just now, that’s who!”

Yan Zhi scratched her head in confusion. She still did not understand who her mistress meant. Since Bai Fu had called her dense, she felt too embarrassed to ask further.

Gu Yu Qi sighed inwardly. Yan Zhi was straightforward like that and she also had a good temper. If it were another maid being told this by Bai Fu, they would likely have quarrelled.

Being scolded by Gu Yu Qi and her maids, Liu Yue felt as though a mouthful of blood rushed up. She trembled but still endured it.

“By the way, where is Madam Liang?” Liu Yue asked, looking towards the carriage at the rear. Why could she not see any trace of Liang Huai Yu?

She deliberately emphasised “Madam Liang,” as if to remind Gu Yu Qi that her mother was no longer the Marquis’ wife.

“Someone, help my mother out of the carriage,” Gu Yu Qi instructed towards the rear carriage.

Chun Xing and Xia He emerged from the rear carriage and approached, positioning themselves on either side of the carriage where Gu Yu Qi had been riding. They carefully lifted Liang Huai Yu out, with Dong Mei bringing over a stretcher and placing her gently upon it.

Upon seeing this, Liu Yue was very happy. The anger and frustration Gu Yu Qi had stirred in her moments ago seemed to dissipate.

Liang Huai Yu looked gravely ill, barely clinging to life. Go on, then, keep up your arrogance!

She rolled her eyes at Gu Yu Qi. If Liang Huai Yu had returned in good health, she might have been wary of her, but seeing her in such a half-dead state, what was there to fear? Once she became the official wife of the Marquis, Gu Yu Qi would be firmly under her control, would she not?

“Oh dear, what’s wrong with Madam Liang?”

Gu Yu Qi frowned. Liu Yue’s exaggeratedly concerned voice made her very unhappy.

“Let’s go inside,” Gu Huai Zhong interjected, feeling that his family standing and discussing at the doorway was making them look foolish to any onlookers. He waved his hand dismissively, “Take the Madam to Wan Xin Zhai.”

“Marquis!” Liu Yue’s voice shot up several octaves in protest when she heard this, “Wan Xin Zhai is my residence.”

Just as Gu Huai Zhong was about to respond, Gu Yu Qi quickly said, “Mother and I will stay at Dan Xia Courtyard.”

“Very well,” Gu Huai Zhong agreed immediately, eager to avoid further discussion on the street.

After all, considering Liang Huai Yu’s current condition, it did not matter much where she stayed. He did not believe that as long as she was within the Marquis’ residence, he would not be able to find a way to get rid of her. Besides, it looked as though she was breathing in less than she was breathing out, it was unclear how many days she could last. Maybe she would die on her own without him having to do anything.

Dan Xia Courtyard had remained unused and neglected since Gu Yu Qi had left.

As they moved back in, everything felt familiar. The only task was to replace all the bedding. In the capital, this was easily arranged. Even Liu Yue dragged her feet and refused to let the servants send over the new bedding, Gu Yu Qi had money. She sent Yan Zhi and Dai Mei out to purchase everything new from the marketplace.

When the new bedding arrived, Liu Yue became visibly agitated.

Gu Yu Qi’s blatant purchase of new items with great fanfare was a direct slap in her face. If word got out, people would talk about how a mere concubine had mistreated the legitimate daughter. Such a reputation would be disastrous, especially in a place like the capital where gossip thrived.

Liu Yue was still hoping to become the official wife of the Marquis. She could not afford to have her reputation tarnished at this time.

While Gu Yu Qi sent people to buy new things, Liu Yue hurried over with her maids and attendants. She asked about Liang Huai Yu’s health with feigned concern, and also took the chance to scrutinise Liang Huai Yu with a few more glances.

Gu Yu Qi did not stop Liu Yue from visiting Liang Huai Yu. She was watching from the side anyway and Liu Yue could not do anything.

Watching Liu Yue, a thought flickered in her mind.

In her previous life, her mother’s illness had begun as a result of emotional distress and the inability to adapt to the local climate. However, her condition had deteriorated sharply, likely due to Liu Yue’s interference. This time around, Gu Yu Qi had been careful to prevent Liu Yue from getting close enough to harm her mother. If she gave Liu Yue a chance, what would she do?