Rebirth of the Excellent Daughter of the Marquis Household (REDMH) - Chapter 158

At dusk, the afterglow of the setting sun shone into the bridal chamber, casting a warm golden hue over the red decorations in the room. The pair of thick and tall dragon and phoenix candles were still burning. Today was a day of great joy, and they could not be extinguished. They had to burn until tomorrow.

Gu Yu Qi sat in the room with some unease. Although she held The Local Records of Rouran in her hands, her mind had wandered far away.

She had loved this book so much that it was hardly ever out of her hands.

By now, her stomach pain had already disappeared. The imperial physician’s medicine was effective, and the plain congee and light dishes brought by Dai Mei had eased her hunger. Speaking of which, in her previous life she had been cold and hungry in the Cold Palace, and in the end had also suffered from stomach pain. She had never expected that in this life, even when pampered and well-fed, her stomach would still hurt.

“This concubine”, “Your Ladyship”, these titles that were once distant in her memory had all returned today, like nails being hammered into her mind one by one.

Gu Yu Qi was not worried about tonight. After all, there was still a primary consort present. No matter what, Yun Ke would have to spend the night with the primary consort. But what about after tonight? There were countless days and nights to come. Could he really let her off the hook?

She had thought about dragging Yun Ke down with her in total ruin, burning both jade and common stone, going all in even if it meant death to break off all relations with him. In her past life, she had even killed herself. In this life, dragging him down with her would not be such a big deal! But what about her mother?

Let alone that the Tianhua Pill was given by Yun Ke. She already owed Yun Ke a massive debt. In the previous life, the Tianhua Pill had been used to save Yun Ke’s life.

And he had only that one pill. Gu Yu Qi knew that clearly.

In this life, without even hesitating, he had given the pill to save her mother. Was he not afraid of being assassinated again?

Yun Yi would not let him go. Neither would the Virtuous Consort.

Gu Yu Qi remembered clearly that in her past life, Yun Ke had nearly lost his life to the Virtuous Consort’s hands. It was that very pill that had pulled him back from the brink.

Even if she hardened her heart and truly shared a bed with him, Gu Yu Qi could not pass that hurdle in her heart.

It really was so hard.

While Gu Yu Qi was frowning and deep in thought, Bai Fu walked in with a beaming face. She curtsied towards Gu Yu Qi and said, “Congratulations, Your Ladyship. Many congratulations, Your Ladyship.”

Her address made Gu Yu Qi’s brows furrow, “What are you doing? Why are you calling me Your Ladyship?”

“Your Ladyship has already entered Imperial Prince An’s palace. Naturally, we must change how we address you now,” Bai Fu said with a smile. “Your Ladyship, this servant has some good news to share.”

“Continue calling me ‘Miss’ in the future,” Gu Yu Qi frowned. She truly disliked being addressed as Your Ladyship.

“Yes.” Bai Fu did not insist. Among all the maids, she was undoubtedly the happiest about her young miss marrying into Imperial Prince An’s household. Today was Miss’ wedding day, and she had taken the time to tidy herself up nicely. Radiant and glowing, she had caught the eyes of many of the guards in the prince’s residence. The maids who came with the marriage in Ding Yuan Marquis’ mansion were all so beautiful. It was indeed a striking thing.

“What is there to congratulate?” Gu Yu Qi asked.

Bai Fu told Gu Yu Qi about Yun Ke’s treatment of Aunty Li, then said with a smile, “His Highness’ heart still leans towards Young Miss. It seems like Her Ladyship the Primary Consort will not be able to stir up any trouble.”

Gu Yu Qi was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this, but quickly let it go. True, in her previous life he had even killed the heir of the Xia family. Naturally, in this life he would not show any kindness to them either. Most likely, Xia Shuang Cheng’s good days would soon come to an end. Yun Ke would almost certainly take action. Suppressing the Xia family was tantamount to weakening one of the Virtuous Consort’s greatest sources of support. Yun Ke would be more than happy to do such a thing.

In her previous life, he had spent his entire reign contending with the aristocratic clans, at least, while Gu Yu Qi was still alive. For the sake of balance, he had no choice but to take many daughters of noble families into the palace. For money, he had taken in many merchant daughters as well. Come to think of it, the Yun Ke of her past life was practically a cowherd. Just thinking about it now gave Gu Yu Qi the creeps.

However, Gu Yu Qi also had to admit that Yun Ke had been a very capable emperor. Under his rule, the Qi dynasty gradually emerged from the ravages of war, began to recuperate, and the people lived in peace and contentment.

“Is this not a joyous thing?” Bai Fu, seeing Gu Yu Qi dazed, was not sure whether her words had registered, so she added, “As long as His Highness’ heart is with young Miss, that primary consort is nothing more than an empty title.”

Gu Yu Qi found Bai Fu’s words rather amusing. After all, she was still just a little maid who had never seen the world.

So long as she was the primary wife, crushing a favoured concubine was as easy as turning over a hand. The only difference lay in whether it was done openly or in secret.

To do it openly meant tearing all pretence apart with one’s husband and casting everything aside. To do it covertly meant still caring a little for one’s own reputation, leaving her husband some dignity, and maintaining a less hostile facade between husband and wife.

“Forget it, it’s just a matter of not interfering with each other.” Gu Yu Qi did not wish to hear more of what Bai Fu had to say. She waved her hand and cut off the topic. She only wanted to close her door and live her own life. Whether the primary consort was good or bad had nothing to do with her.

She glanced at Bai Fu and suddenly felt the girl looked a little different today. Taking a closer look, she realised that Bai Fu’s make up had been done carefully. Bai Fu had always had a good base to begin with. When Gu Yu Qi first purchased her, she had named her Bai Fu because her skin was as white as snow. Now that she had grown up, coupled with this meticulous dressing, she was indeed a beauty as radiant as a flower.

“You are quite well dressed today,” Gu Yu Qi said lightly.

Bai Fu was delighted to hear this, though a trace of unease also crept into her heart.

She had dressed up for the Imperial Prince An. What if Miss did not like it and insisted she change her clothes?

“Bai Fu, there is something I have long wanted to say to you.” Gu Yu Qi felt that she had already warned her once back at Hu Guo Temple, but clearly Bai Fu had not taken it to heart.

“Please speak, Miss,” Bai Fu lowered her head, her heart thumping wildly.

“Some people are not as simple as they appear,” Gu Yu Qi took a deep breath. “You might feel he is wonderful at first glance, even fall madly in love with him. But you may well have to pay a heavy price for your actions.” Just like she had.

The last time she spoke to Bai Fu, her tone had been quite harsh. This time, however, her voice was as gentle as could be. Whether Bai Fu took it to heart or not, this was the last time Gu Yu Qi would speak to her about it.

As her mistress, she had already done all she could. As a friend who had grown up alongside her, she had offered heartfelt advice. Once a person became obsessed, there was no reasoning with them, just like how she herself had been in her previous life. She had plunged in headfirst, unable to extricate herself.

No matter what others said, it was all in vain. Only when one saw clearly for oneself could things truly change.

“Miss!” Bai Fu immediately dropped to her knees with a thud, kneeling before Gu Yu Qi. “Miss, this servant is not trying to compete with Miss for anything. This servant…”

“That’s enough.” Gu Yu Qi raised her hand and interrupted Bai Fu, “Whether or not you’re trying to compete with me, I don’t care. I’ve said all that needed to be said. As for the rest, you can think it through on your own. If you insist on having your own way, then whatever consequences befall you in the future will have nothing to do with me. Bai Fu, you grew up with me. I don’t want you to meet a tragic end. That’s all I have to say. With your talents and martial skills, you could easily find a respectable family to marry into. Wouldn’t that be better?”

“Miss,” Bai Fu suddenly threw her arms around Gu Yu Qi’s knees. “Miss, you said it yourself, we grew up together. Please take pity on this servant. This servant truly likes His Highness. This servant promises not to compete with Miss for his favour. This servant only wishes to help Miss keep the Prince’s heart by your side.”

After speaking, she put her face against Gu Yu Qi’s knee.

Gu Yu Qi let out a long sigh, raising her hand to gently stroke her soft, smooth hair. Silly girl. A man’s heart is not something that can be won over by a beautiful maid. You are far too naive. Even in her previous life, she had never thought of relying on others to secure Yun Ke’s favour. If one loves, then one loves. If one cares, then one simply cares. If a man’s love must be fought for with a maid’s beauty, then such affection was something she would rather do without.

She knew that Bai Fu had already become trapped in her own stubbornness. No matter what Gu Yu Qi said now, she would not take it to heart.

“If you truly like him, then go fight for it yourself,” Gu Yu Qi said calmly. “I won’t help you.”

Bai Fu bit her lip hard, then straightened her back from her kneeling position and kowtowed three times to Gu Yu Qi with solemn respect.

“You may go,” Gu Yu Qi waved her hand, not wanting to see her any longer.

Bai Fu bowed and quietly left. Gu Yu Qi sat in silence, staring blankly at the door that had closed behind her.

From this day forward, Bai Fu would likely walk further and further down a path of no return. Gu Yu Qi could only hope she succeeded, and pray that she would not stray too far from the right course.

After Bai Fu left, Dai Mei came in, her face full of anger.

“Miss, why did you allow Bai Fu behave so recklessly? Please do not blame this servant for eavesdropping outside, this servant truly did not mean to. But Bai Fu has gone too far!” Dai Mei set down the dessert she was holding and immediately began to scold Gu Yu Qi. “She… How could she be like this!” Dai Mei said bitterly. “To think we treated her like a sister for nothing!”

“When one is in love, foolishness is inevitable,” Gu Yu Qi sighed softly. “But don’t completely isolate her. That said, from now on, don’t mention any of our matters to her. Whether in the Prince’s palace or in the Marquis’ residence, since she has already drifted away in heart, don’t let her participate or know of things. Go inform the others later. And from now on, I don’t need her to attend me personally either. Rearrange the duties accordingly.”

“Yes, Miss!” Dai Mei bowed and took her leave.

Looking at the desserts left by Daimei, they were made very delicately, but she had no appetite at all.

Hearing a soft sound at the door, Gu Yu Qi thought it was Dai Mei returning and said, “Take them away for now. I still don’t have much appetite yet. Let’s talk later.”

After speaking, she looked up, only to suddenly spring from her seat. “Your Highness?”