21. The Marriage Alliance (Fifth Watch)

Gu Rou’s knowledge of the visit from the Qing Mo Court on the day of the Feng family’s ceremony was a mystery to Gu Fei. All she knew was that, from that day onward, Gu Rou came to visit her daily. Even if there was nothing to say, she would linger in the Qing Mo Court for at least half an hour before leaving.

Gu Fei was not the least bit curious. Whenever Gu Rou arrived, she simply had Danqing serve floral tea and exchanged some idle chatter typical of young ladies, nothing more. She listened and let it pass.

Three days went by in this manner, and with the Hidden Ink Gathering fast approaching, Gu Fei paid it no mind at all. It was only when Gu Rou came to Qing Mo Court that day that she could no longer restrain herself. After fidgeting restlessly for a while and finishing her tea, she smiled at Gu Fei and said, “The Hidden Ink Gathering will be upon us in a few days. Fifth Sister, have you made your preparations?”

Gu Fei blinked, serene and clueless, and asked, “Third Sister, is there anything I need to prepare?”

Hearing this, Gu Rou arched her delicate brows and replied with gentle patience, “I hadn’t seen you mention it these past days, so I assumed you knew everything. Who would have thought you had not the slightest idea? When the day comes, if you’re not prepared, I wonder how you’ll manage to save face.”

Gu Fei knew Gu Rou was finally about to speak her mind. After days of clinging to her, it was impressive that she had kept her composure for so long. So she followed suit, “Dearest sister, if you know something, don’t keep it to yourself. You know I’ve only recently returned home and am unfamiliar with all these customs.”

Gu Rou rose and circled Gu Fei a few times before pointing critically at the hem of her dress. “Your usual attire won’t do, Fifth Sister. All who attend the Hidden Ink Gathering are distinguished nobles from illustrious families. If you don’t dress formally, it’ll be seen as disrespectful.”

She then scrutinized Gu Fei’s face. “You’ve been going bare-faced these days—on that occasion, that won’t suffice.”

After critiquing every inch of Gu Fei’s appearance, Gu Rou shook her head and sighed, “You must understand, Fifth Sister, that behaving this way will tarnish Young Master Feng’s reputation. In the circles of the elite, he won’t be able to lift his head in the future.”

“What should I do, then?” Gu Fei asked, her face showing genuine anxiety.

A smile flickered in Gu Rou’s eyes; her emerald green dress made her porcelain skin even more radiant, and she exuded a warmth that made one instinctively want to draw near. She tapped Gu Fei’s forehead and chided her with a laugh, “Now you know to worry? Luckily you have me as your third sister. We share the same father from the second branch. Even if others don’t warn you, I can’t let you attend the Hidden Ink Gathering in such a state. Our fortunes are intertwined, after all.”

Her words were tender, and her voice gentle as a warm stream, touching the heart. If Gu Fei weren’t so shrewd, she might have been moved to confide in her.

“So, Third Sister, do you have a solution?” Gu Fei absentmindedly traced the fabric on her lap as she asked.

Gu Rou nodded. “There’s little time left; it’s impossible for the seamstresses to make a new dress. But I have a few new gowns I’ve never worn—I’ll bring them over for you to choose from. As for makeup, I have a personal maid who’s quite skilled. She’ll ensure you look as fresh as a peach that day.”

At Gu Rou’s words, Gu Fei smiled at just the right moment. She leaned forward, grasped Gu Rou’s hand, and said with sincere gratitude, “Thank you for being so considerate, Sister. I truly don’t know how to thank you enough.”

Gu Rou waved it off, showing she didn’t mind. Then, turning, she looked at Gu Fei with troubled brows and sighed.

Gu Fei’s eyes gleamed briefly. “Why do you sigh, Third Sister? Is there something amiss?”

Gu Rou nodded. “Those things are simple enough. But, Fifth Sister, you’re new to Yizhou. How many of those nobles do you know? Do you understand their preferences and dislikes? Or how to interact with them? And how much do you know about the etiquette and rules of the Hidden Ink Gathering?”

Gu Fei shook her head at each question. Her face betrayed nothing, but inwardly, she scoffed—Gu Rou’s fox tail was finally showing. She feigned panic, “Third Sister, you must help me.”

“Of course I’ll help you…” Gu Rou replied instinctively, but then shook her head, troubled, “But this won’t do, it won’t…”

“What’s wrong, Sister? Please, speak freely—I’ll follow your lead,” Gu Fei said, offering precisely the words Gu Rou most wanted to hear.

Sure enough, Gu Rou struggled with her expression before finally saying, “There’s only one way. Fifth Sister, do you know that each invitation to the Hidden Ink Gathering includes both primary and secondary tickets, and each pair allows for one additional guest? If Young Master Feng has no one else in mind, and since you’re new here, I could accompany you. That way, I can remind you throughout, so nothing goes wrong.”

This was the true aim behind Gu Rou’s recent closeness—the ultimate purpose she had been seeking.

Gu Fei paused, genuinely unaware of this arrangement. Her mind spun with countless thoughts. After a moment’s consideration, she spoke, “There shouldn’t be any issue with Li Zhi, but Third Sister, if both of us attend the Hidden Ink Gathering, what about Eldest Sister and Second Sister? Won’t Aunt be suspicious?”

Gu Rou seemed amused. She pinched her sleeve and covered her lips, laughing, “You still have a conscience, remembering your elder sisters. But you needn’t worry. Do you know who Eldest Sister’s future husband is?”

Gu Fei focused. Auntie Ku had never mentioned these matters, thinking they were of little importance.

“Our Eldest Sister’s future husband is Mo Yuhua, the future head of the Minor Mo family in Yizhou—the legitimate eldest son of the current family head. So Eldest Sister will certainly have a secondary invitation, and the guest she brings will be Second Sister,” Gu Rou explained lightly.

But Gu Fei heard nothing except the name “Mo Yuhua.” It struck her like an incantation, leaving her dazed for a long while, oblivious to Gu Rou’s repeated calls.

“Fifth Sister, Fifth Sister…” Gu Rou watched her with concern and gently shook her. “What’s the matter?”

“Mm, nothing,” Gu Fei quickly suppressed her emotions and forced a smile. “Since that’s settled, Third Sister will accompany me to the Hidden Ink Gathering.”

With Gu Fei’s assent, Gu Rou’s wish was fulfilled. Seeing Gu Fei distracted, she didn’t linger and left with the excuse of further preparations.

Gu Fei could hardly pretend any longer. She nodded, sent Gu Rou off, and immediately summoned Auntie Ku, her gaze cold. “Auntie Ku, why didn’t you tell me there was a marriage alliance between the Gu family and the Minor Mo family?”

Caught off-guard, Auntie Ku paused before replying, “It was my oversight. I’ll investigate thoroughly and give you an answer, miss.”

Gu Fei waved her hand tiredly. Watching Auntie Ku withdraw, she shrank into her wheelchair, heavy shadows falling over her, her face unreadable. Only her hands resting on her knees were pale and luminous.

Mo Yuhua…

She murmured softly, her voice calm, but beneath it surged a hidden tide that would not soon subside.