Rebirth of the Excellent Daughter of the Marquis Household (REDMH) - Chapter 129

Yun Ke was indeed a man of swift action and never delayed in doing things. Gu Yu Qi had barely returned to the Marquis’ residence when he sent a carriage to park discreetly at the back gate.

She felt completely assured in placing her mother in Yun Ke’s care.

Yun Ke was not one to make promises easily, but once he did, he always kept his word. Gu Yu Qi knew this well. Besides, keeping Liang Huai Yu safe was also in Yun Ke’s best interest. Otherwise, why would he have travelled so far to deliver the Tian Hua Pill to Gu Yu Qi?

The carriage Yun Ke sent bore no identifiable markings. So, after Gu Yu Qi placed her mother inside, even Chun Xing and the others had no idea where Gu Yu Qi was going to hide Liang Huai Yu, let alone the spies that Liu Yue had dispatched.

The secret guards were ruthless and Liu Yue’s men were no match for them. Those who attempted to follow were knocked out and left unconscious in an alley.

It was only when they reached Ximu Alley that Chun Xing realised Liang Huai Yu was going to be hidden here.

Gu Yu Qi did not trust others, but she trusted Chun Xing and her group implicitly. She did not even inform Bai Fu about hiding Liang Huai Yu in Ximu Alley. The fewer who knew, the better. She left Chun Xing and Dong Xue behind in Ximu Alley to care for her mother, then took a separate carriage back to the Marquis’ residence.

Upon returning to the residence, Gu Yu Qi saw Gu Huai Zhong sitting in her front hall, his face dark with fury. Bai Fu, Yan Zhi, and all the other maids and guards were kneeling on the floor.

“What is the meaning of this display?” Gu Yu Qi removed her weft hat and handed it to Yan Zhi, then said casually, “You don’t need to kneel to him. Your food, clothing and expenses are all paid for by me. What does he have to do with any of you?”

Hearing this, Bai Fu was the first to leap up. Then Dai Mei also stood up, rubbing her sore knees, and smiled at Gu Yu Qi, “Young Miss is always considerate of us the most.” When they stood, the other maids and servants stood up as well, retreating to the side.

Gu Huai Zhong was furious. His authority as the Marquis was being repeatedly challenged by this rebellious daughter, Gu Yu Qi. Not only did she defy him, but she also emboldened the servants to ignore his commands. In truth, Gu Huai Zhong had forgotten that the servants of Danxia Courtyard had never been under the control of the Marquis’ residence.

“Where did you go just now? What did you take out of the residence?” he shouted, slamming his hand on the table in anger, “And where is your mother?”

“Oh you’re this angry?” Gu Yu Qi strolled leisurely to the table and sat down. Yan Zhi quickly prepared a cup of fragrant tea and brought it over to her.

The fragrance of the tea filled the air, soothing and refreshing. Gu Huai Zhong had been waiting for quite some time, but no one had even offered him a cup of tea. His anger flared.

He had just returned to the residence, wanting to ask Gu Yu Qi why she had publicly beaten the An Le Marquis’ heir. The story had spread like wildfire, with vivid and detailed retellings that made it seem like everyone had witnessed it firsthand. On his way to Danxia Courtyard, Liu Yue had rushed up to him, crying about Gu Yu Qi transporting things out of the residence. She had sent someone to follow, only for them to be knocked out and left in a corner. Hearing this, Gu Huai Zhong had stormed into Danxia Courtyard, venting his fury.

Liu Yue, ever narrow-minded, had seen Gu Yu Qi sneaking things out. Her first thought was that Gu Yu Qi was transporting money and valuables out, which would not do! Taking anything from the Ding Yuan Marquis’ residence was akin to tearing out her heart! If that half-dead woman, Liang Huai Yu, was sent away, that was fine, but if Gu Yu Qi was taking treasures from the Ding Yuan Marquis’ residence, it was entirely unacceptable. Coupled with the report from the knocked-out servant, Liu Yue was convinced that Gu Yu Qi was quietly syphoning off valuables! And she did not want her to know either.

She was already feeling heartbroken over the large dowry that would accompany Gu Yu Qi’s marriage into Prince An’s palace. Now that this had happened, she absolutely could not tolerate it. She immediately went to Gu Huai Zhong to complain.

While he could yell at the servants of Danxia Courtyard, he could not yell at Gu Yu Qi herself.

He cleared his throat, signalling his presence, but Yan Zhi was a simple-minded person. After serving the tea, she quietly retreated to stand behind Gu Yu Qi. Gu Huai Zhong’s cough was entirely in vain.

Gu Yu Qi knew in her heart, but did not bother to address it, finding the situation somewhat amusing.

“I have already sent my mother away,” Gu Yu Qi replied indifferently, “To spare her from the prying eyes of certain unscrupulous people.”

What did she mean by unscrupulous people? Gu Huai Zhong frowned but said nothing further because he knew in his heart he was guilty.

“Concubine Liu claims you have moved things out of the residence without permission,” Gu Huai Zhong began, only to be interrupted by Gu Yu Qi’s cold laughter.

“You believe everything she says?” Gu Yu Qi rolled her eyes at Gu Huai Zhong, “I did not realise that the Ding Yuan Marquis’ residence was now under the control of that woman.” She had never expected Gu Huai Zhong to care about Liang Huai Yu and now that he had not asked, it was actually a relief for her.

“You…” Gu Huai Zhong was left speechless, his chest tightening in frustration.

“Don’t ‘you’ me,” Gu Yu Qi said with a cold smile. She turned to Dai Mei, “Go fetch the account books.”

“Yes.” Dai Mei hurried into the inner room and soon returned with five account books. She handed them to Gu Yu Qi, who tossed them onto the table in front of Gu Huai Zhong. “See for yourself.”

Gu Huai Zhong opened the account books with a mixture of scepticism and curiosity. As he flipped through the pages, his face gradually turned pale. The books spanned the last four years, meticulously detailing every expenditure in the household down to the smallest detail. The first three books had been recorded by Qiu Yue, while the last two had been maintained by the household accountant.

When Gu Huai Zhong compared the two sets of records, his chest tightened in discomfort.

Liu Yue’s bookkeeping was disastrous. The monthly expenses alone showed a discrepancy of several hundred taels between what Gu Yu Qi had recorded. And this was just the regular expenses. When it came to festivals, with their associated hosting and gifting, the differences became even more alarming. Furthermore, the income from the various shops owned by the Marquis’ residence varied greatly. The amount Liu Yue had reported was consistently short by several thousand taels compared to Gu Yu Qi’s investigation. This did not even take into account the income from the Marquis’ residence’s farmlands, which was more difficult to track, and which Gu Yu Qi had only briefly mentioned.

“You should have a clear idea of who has been syphoning off the residence’s money by now,” Gu Yu Qi said softly, noticing how Gu Huai Zhong’s expression had become increasingly unpleasant. “Instead of coming here to question me, you would be better off asking your Concubine Liu where the Marquis’ residence’s money has gone.” She paused briefly before adding, “Ever since Mother and I returned from Kuizhou, all of the expenses in Danxia Courtyard have been covered by me. None of it has come from the Marquis’ residence.” With a glance, Gu Yu Qi signalled Dai Mei, who promptly brought another small booklet and handed it to Gu Huai Zhong.

“This is the monthly allowance from your beloved concubine, all recorded,” Gu Yu Qi laughed lightly. She motioned for Yan Zhi to bring out 20 taels of silver, which she placed in front of Gu Huai Zhong. “I am returning it to you now. 20 taels, how generous of Marquis. There are so many people in my Danxia Courtyard, and we were allotted only 20 taels to cover their salary, including meals and cosmetics. Those who know the situation might praise Concubine Liu for her frugality. But those who do not might think that Marquis is being unreasonably stingy toward me.”

Gu Yu Qi’s words were casual, but Gu Huai Zhong’s face darkened further.

As he looked at Gu Yu Qi, his gaze deepened. When had this girl started paying such close attention to the affairs of the residence? She had managed to grasp everything, large and small, with remarkable clarity. This level of insight made Gu Huai Zhong shudder. He had always assumed that Gu Yu Qi was just a girl who was more clever and diligent than others, but he had never imagined she could operate at such a level.

The account books were written in black and white, with everything clearly documented. There was no need for him to take anyone’s word for it. With a little investigation, he could easily confirm whether it was Gu Yu Qi or Liu Yue who was deceiving him.

In truth, there was no need for further investigation. From Gu Yu Qi’s current expression alone, he could already guess that even if he investigated, the results would likely align with what was written in the account books. The reality of what Liu Yue had been doing was deeply chilling.

To think that over the past few years, the Marquis’ residence had been steadily drained behind his back by Liu Yue. His heart could only be described with one word, “cold”.

“Actually, I am about to be married. So whether this household prospers or declines, what does it have to do with me?” Gu Yu Qi glanced at her well-groomed nails and spoke lazily, “But, I thought about it, and it’s not easy for you either. You’ve been the Ding Yuan Marquis all these years. If in the end, you have no savings left and are instead controlled by a woman, would that not make you a laughing stock?” Of course, Gu Yu Qi was not truly concerned for Gu Huai Zhong’s well-being. She was deliberately trying to make things difficult for him.

Originally, she had intended to wait a few more days before presenting the account books, but with Liang Huai Yu safely hidden in Ximu Alley, she had no more reservations. She was very generous. She simply wanted to live her own life without seeking revenge, it was too exhausting. However, it seemed that even if she did not stir up trouble, trouble would come knocking on her door.

Some people were insufferable. If you ignored them, they would insist on being obnoxious right in front of you. Gu Yu Qi felt that she did not need to endure this anymore.

Liu Yue had attempted to harm her mother again and again. Her current response was more than fair.

Gu Huai Zhong let out a heavy snort, slamming the account book shut with a loud bang. He handed it to his loyal attendant who was standing behind him, “Take this.” He would investigate the matter thoroughly.

A trace of contempt flashed across Gu Yu Qi’s eyes.

Some matters merely required her to set things in motion. As for what came afterward, it would be more effective for Gu Huai Zhong to conduct his own investigation. He might uncover even more. Since Gu Huai Zhong had already begun investigating, he would probably ask where the money had gone, so then Liu Yue’s properties and secret bank savings would soon come to light.

Gu Huai Zhong was a man who cared deeply about his reputation. If he discovered everything, a rift between him and Liu Yue would inevitably form. When that time came, Gu Yu Qi would be ready to implement the second part of her plan.

In the past and present lives, she would slowly settle everything.

“Let’s set this matter aside for now,” Gu Huai Zhong said coldly. “Did you have a conflict with the An Le Marquis’ heir on the street today?”

“Yes,” Gu Yu Qi nodded, admitting it without hesitation.

“You unfilial child!” Gu Huai Zhong seized upon a new source of anger, slamming his hand on the table with a loud bang. The fruit bowls on the table rattled from the force. “Do you have any idea who backs the An Le Marquis’ residence?!”

“I couldn’t care less who is backing them,” Gu Yu Qi said unfazed. She just smiled faintly, “I only know that if I had not intervened, your precious son would have been dragged away by the heir of the An Le Marquis, who would have had his way with him. So, tell me, which is more important: your son’s virtue or the fact that I hit someone?”

Gu Si Yang had heard that Gu Yu Qi had returned and excitedly ran to Danxia Courtyard to find her. Upon learning that his father was in the front hall, he stopped short, thinking he should send a servant to announce his arrival first, lest his father reprimand him for lacking manners.

Just as he had paused, he heard the sound of Gu Huai Zhong slamming the table. He quickly stopped the servant and hesitated outside.

It was not that he intended to eavesdrop, but his father was clearly in a rage and he was a bit afraid to face him.

Hearing Gu Huai Zhong mention what had happened earlier that day, he could not help but listen more attentively.

Once again, Gu Yu Qi’s words had left Gu Huai Zhong speechless.

Gu Huai Zhong had heard about Gu Yu Qi’s public altercation with the heir of An Le Marquis, but he had not thought to ask for the reason behind it. Even if he had wanted to inquire, he had no idea how to frame the question. How could he ask them why his daughter beat up the son of the An Le Marquis? How could he say it out loud? Other families’ daughters busied themselves with embroidery or playing the zither. His own daughter, however, not only fought with him but also went out and beat up a marquis’ son until he could not get up. What kind of situation was this?

But what did she mean by having his way with him? Gu Huai Zhong did not entirely grasp the phrase, but even with little understanding, he knew it was not something good…

He had heard rumours about the reputation of the An Le Marquis’ heir, but as long as it did not involve his own family, he paid little attention. What did another person’s son have to do with him? Never in his wildest dreams did he think that one day the An Le Marquis’ heir would target his own son.

“Where is that worthless son?!” Gu Huai Zhong, rendered speechless by Gu Yu Qi’s retorts, now vented his frustration on Gu Si Yang. In truth, he was just shouting to give himself an excuse to leave and go investigate the matter properly. Little did he know that Gu Si Yang was waiting right outside the door.

Gu Si Yang was an honest child. Hearing his father yelling, he immediately responded from outside with a bowed head.

“Your son is here,” Gu Si Yang said as he entered, lifting the curtain and kneeling on the floor. His action left Gu Huai Zhong utterly flabbergasted.

Gu Yu Qi could barely hold back her laughter. She knew exactly what was going on in Gu Huai Zhong’s mind. Seeing her honest younger brother actually come in and kneel before their father, she almost burst out laughing but barely managed to hold it in. It took so much effort that she felt exhausted.

“Useless child!!!” Gu Huai Zhong was so angry that words failed him. He had noticed Gu Yu Qi struggling to suppress her laughter and felt utterly humiliated. He had been repeatedly outwitted by Qu Yu Qi, and he began to think that he and this rebellious child must be fundamentally incompatible!

Life was simply unbearable! All he could do was repeat his words, his voice trembling with rage.

Gu Yu Qi had calmed down by now, watching coldly as Gu Yu Qi seethed in anger while Gu Si Yang remained kneeling on the side.

Gu Huai Zhong had really gone too far. It was one thing for him to treat her poorly, but to ignore the plight of his only son? Did he truly not understand what his son had been through outside? When children encounter such things, should the parents not first ask about their children’s well-being and comfort them softly? His current behaviour was completely unfathomable.

Gu Si Yang was also feeling deeply wronged. He had no idea what he had done wrong to deserve such anger from his father.

“You! Why did you have to provoke the heir of An Le Marquis for no reason?!” Gu Huai Zhong finally managed to spit out, after holding back for some time.

Gu Si Yang looked up in shock at his father, wanting to explain, ” I didn’t provoke him.” It had all started with an accidental bump, which led to a series of events that still felt like a nightmare.

He shuddered to think what might have happened if he had not encountered his eldest sister today.

“You dare talk back?” Gu Huai Zhong saw that his usually obedient son was now arguing with him, surely due to the corrupting influence of that rebellious daughter of his! His anger flared even more.

Gu Si Yang, feeling more wronged than ever, lowered his head and dared not speak any further.

“He’s only telling the truth,” Gu Yu Qi could not stand to watch this any longer. Her younger brother was clearly a doormat. She could tell that their father was projecting the frustration he felt with her onto Gu Si Yang, so she intervened, “If you don’t believe him, you can send people to Zhuque Street to ask the shopkeepers and workers there. They’ll tell you the full story.”

“I’ll go check myself!” Gu Huai Zhong bellowed.

“Then go quickly,” Gu Yu Qi added.

Gu Huai Zhong was suddenly speechless. Was she giving him a clear dismissal? Fine, he had no intention of staying any longer anyway. He felt completely at odds with this place!

Rising abruptly and flinging his sleeves, Gu Huai Zhong stormed out in a huff, his personal attendants quickly following with the account books in hand.

“Get up,” Gu Yu Qi said softly as she walked over to Gu Si Yang, seeing Gu Huai Zhong leave. She bent down and personally helped him to his feet.

Her hand felt a slight wetness. Glancing down, Gu Yu Qi saw that it was a tear which had fallen from Gu Si Yang’s lowered face and landed on her hand. Gu Yu Qi sighed silently, her heart aching slightly at the sight.

“You all may leave,” Gu Yu Qi instructed the many maids and guards standing in the front hall.

Not until everyone had left the room did Gu Yu Qi pick up a silk handkerchief and gently lift Gu Si Yang’s chin, guiding him to look at her.

The young man tried stubbornly to turn his head away, but Gu Yu Qi stopped him. He could only look at his eldest sister with tear-filled eyes, feeling that his current state was too shameful. However, his grievances overwhelmed him and his tears kept streaming down like beads falling off a broken thread.

“Alright. You did nothing wrong,” Gu Yu Qi gently wiped away the tears from the corners of Gu Si Yang’s eyes with the handkerchief, speaking gently.

“Eldest sister,” Gu Si Yang could no longer hold back his emotions. The warmth in Gu Yu Qi’s voice stood in stark contrast to Gu Huai Zhong’s earlier harshness, causing all his grievances to spill out.

He had been terrified today outside. If it had not been for Gu Yu Qi’s appearance, who knew what might have happened to him? Upon returning home, he did not dare to tell anyone about it and had kept it all inside. Then, when his father learned of the incident, instead of offering comfort, he had only blamed him. How could he not feel hurt and upset?

In this household, the only one who truly supported and cared for him was his eldest sister.

The boy’s shoulders were enveloped in a warm and comforting embrace. He leaned into a slender yet strong shoulder and sobbed silently, while a hand gently patted his back in consolation.

After he had cried his fill, he embarrassedly straightened his posture. He thought himself quite cowardly for crying for such a long time on the shoulder of his sister, who was half a head shorter than him.

Gu Yu Qi wiped away his tears and, seeing his eyes now red like a rabbit’s, could not help but playfully tap the tip of his nose, “You’re already this big, and you still cry like a baby.” Gu Y Qi’s teasing tone was so warm and familiar that it put Gu Si Yang at ease. Looking into Gu Yu Qi’s gentle eyes, Gu Si Yang could not help but chuckle.

“Eldest Sister knows how to tease!” Gu Si Yang said with a laugh, taking a deep breath.

“As if I would dare to tease you,” Gu Yu Qi responded with a smile, pulling him to sit beside her. “You’ve been so absorbed in your studies that you’re almost becoming a little scholar. It’s good to be diligent in your studies, but you also need to think about other things. Have you thought about how you would have handled the situation if I hadn’t happened to pass by today?”

Gu Yu Qi’s words caused the smile on Gu Si Yang’s face to slowly fade. He lowered his head in shame. “I’m really useless,” he mumbled.

“Alright, you’ve simply never encountered something like this before,” Gu Yu Qi encouraged him when she saw his dejected expression. “In the future, don’t panic when encountering such a situation. Think more, look more, and observe your surroundings. Find the conditions and reasons that are most favourable to you and use them to your advantage. And remember, don’t bear everything on your own, ask for help when you need to.”

“Mhmm,” Gu Si Yang nodded lightly, admiration shining in his eyes as he looked at his eldest sister, feeling that he had the best sister in the world.

Gu Yu Qi could easily read the emotions in Gu Si Yang’s gaze and it made her feel a little ashamed.

In truth, she had not planned on stepping in to help Gu Si Yang at first.

“By the way, Eldest Sister, why did you have the An Le Marquis donate money to the Lushan Academy in my name?” Gu Si Yang suddenly remembered the matter and quickly asked.

“You really should be more mindful,” Gu Yu Qi raised her slender finger and tapped Gu Si Yang on the forehead. “In this household, you are the only one I feel close to. But Eldest Sister cannot stay by your side for your whole life. You need to stand on your own in this world, using your own abilities. Noble families will inevitably decline. Relying solely on the power of your family is not enough to establish yourself in the court. You need to draw strength from those who come from humble origins.”

In fact, if Gu Si Yang had not pulled her back and shielded her with his own body in the street today, she would not have helped Gu Si Yang at all.

It was just that moment when Gu Si Yang had mustered his courage to pull her back and protect her behind him, that had softened her heart.

She would never forgive the Ding Yuan Marquis, Gu Huai Zhong, or Liu Yue.

Once Gu Huai Zhong and Liu Yue fell, Gu Si Yang and Gu Si Yu would inevitably be affected.

Gu Huai Zhong and Liu Yue were the ones she held a grudge against, not their two children.

In any case, the help she could offer Gu Si Yang was limited. Even if Gu Si Yang came to resent her in the future, she would not mind.

“Eldest Sister’s meaning…” Gu Si Yang seemed to vaguely understand what Gu Yu Qi meant.