Chapter 33: Provocation Before the Poetry Gathering

Wei Qingmei had completely resigned herself; if she were sent back for this reason, she would surely be beaten to death. No matter what, she was now Gu Dao’s maidservant. Informing Dou Tuo was an act of betrayal, going against the Wei family’s values—death was inevitable. The only choice left to her was how she would die.

Those blinded by love see nothing but their beloved and act recklessly. Now, firmly held in Gu Dao’s grasp, she had truly become a mere maidservant.

The scandal of Dou Tuo losing his beloved dog and brandishing a sword had not spread. Gu Dao had not publicized it; the others present were of such high status they refused to meddle in juvenile affairs. Naturally, no one spoke out. Yet, with Dou Tuo’s notorious dog gone missing and no action from him, everyone understood—Dou Tuo had been dealt with.

Dou Tuo fell ill out of sheer anger upon returning home and only reluctantly emerged for the National Academy’s poetry gathering. Literary gatherings and leaving one’s name in the records were always welcomed events, but this time it was different. The organizer was the Princess, of royal blood; fame here could reach the throne itself.

Moreover, Yuan Cong was secretly pushing to revive the National Academy. Many eminent scholars had promised to attend. At least Mr. Jingjie had remained and agreed to preside. The King of Chu, bored as ever, might also attend his niece’s poetry gathering. Additionally, Yuan Cong had invited several great scholars from the National Literature Institute who were currently revising classic texts.

Most excitingly, it was said the renowned scholar Huayang Jushi might also attend. As these rumors spread, the academy’s students stayed up all night with their books, bitterly regretting their past laziness. Now, the chance to gain fame in one stroke was right before them.

It was said that privately, the price for ghostwriting poems had skyrocketed to unbelievable levels.

The sky was clear as polished jade, the breeze gentle and the sun bright. Rows of desks were arranged in a semi-circle around a raised platform, with students seated according to their disciplines. Atop the platform would be the invited great scholars.

Students gradually took their seats, and Gu Dao casually chose a corner desk. Wei Qingmei quickly set out the ink, brushes, paper, inkstone, and a brazier for warmth.

Many students whispered disparaging remarks about her appearing as a maidservant, some mocking her. Yet most spoke of Gu Dao’s ingratitude, dredging up past disputes between the Xu and Wei families.

Wei Qingmei was both humiliated and secretly pleased—killing a thousand enemies but losing eight hundred herself, she accepted this. Thus, she fully embraced her maidservant role outwardly.

Gu Dao ignored the chatter, enjoying her service with calm composure, even deliberately directing her work.

As he settled, a delicate, fragrant scent drifted to his side—it was Jin Se, dressed in male attire.

“Why aren’t you over with the mathematics group? What are you doing by me? Aren’t you afraid your sister will punish you?” Gu Dao asked.

Jin Se’s delicate face flushed a soft pink. “I’m afraid, but I want to watch Brother Xiu Zhi write poems,” she whispered, mustering courage.

Watching was a pretense; she truly wished to intercept Gu Dao’s calligraphy.

“Go back quickly. I promise you, all the drafts from today’s poems will be yours,” Gu Dao said, intending to send her away. He wasn’t afraid of gossip, but Jin Se, a well-behaved little princess, should not be troubled by rumors.

Jin Se pouted and protested, unwilling to leave.

As they spoke, a commotion arose near the entrance. Gu Dao looked up—it was Lu Zhang.

Still bearing the noble visage of a jade-like youth, his sword-like brows and starry eyes exuded an unpretentious elegance that made others feel ashamed in comparison. A white forehead ribbon inset with red jade brightened his handsome face, and his light blue camelhair cloak made him stand out among the students like a crane among chickens.

The bustling students eagerly flocked to greet him, willingly escorting him to the desk nearest the platform under the watchful eyes of the great scholars.

Lu Zhang remained composed and serene, as if he belonged there. A handsome page attended him, placing a gilt incense burner and lighting rare fragrant woods.

The four treasures of the study before him were all elegant and luxurious; a single brush made of jade and purple weasel hair could feed an ordinary family for years.

“Like a jade lord indeed, so handsome,” Jin Se murmured, eyes following Lu Zhang’s figure.

Gu Dao scoffed silently—am I not as handsome?

Jin Se, quick-witted, immediately recalled Gu Xiu Zhi beside her and shyly smiled, saying obediently, “Of course, he’s nowhere near as refined or reserved as Brother Xiu Zhi.”

Gu Dao glanced at her. “I know you’re lying, but I like to hear it, so I forgive you.”

As they laughed, another stir rippled through the crowd—Gu Ling arrived.

His black hair glossy, jade hairpin flawless, features clear and bright like a breeze under the moonlight, his quiet smile carried the cultivated grace of a thousand-year noble lineage.

Wearing a black-purple sable cloak, he was the epitome of a refined scion in a chaotic world.

He too was surrounded by admirers but stopped right before Gu Dao.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Gu Ling maintained his image of cultured propriety and bowed politely.

“Greetings, brother,” he said.

Gu Dao remained seated, lazily waving a hand. “Go on with your business.”

The academy’s students viewed the two brothers differently. Gu Ling was gentle, respectful, and dutiful; Gu Dao was crude, rude, and utterly lacking in brotherly affection—infuriating to all.

After the greeting, Gu Ling did not leave but lowered himself, pleading:

“Brother, Miss Qingmei has done no great wrong; the bet was merely a joke. Why must you truly make her a maid?”

“Have mercy on your younger brother and release her.”

These words sparked indignation among the onlookers.

“Gu Xiu Zhi, you actually made the general’s daughter your maid—are you really ashamed? Are you even a man?” someone seized the chance to scold.

“Gu Xiu Zhi, your Wei family once saved your maternal grandfather’s life, yet you treat Miss Qingmei so heartlessly. Truly ungrateful, a white-eyed wolf. The Wei family deserves better,” another added, striking at his heart.

Gu Dao was not angered. Gu Ling, the little green tea, never missed an opportunity to stir trouble—painting others dirty while playing innocent or even the victim to gain sympathy.

So Gu Dao smiled indifferently, paying no mind.

But Jin Se grew anxious. Gu Dao was not as they said. Her face flushed with passion, ready to retort, but Gu Dao stopped her and calmly replied to Gu Ling:

“Second brother, in public like this, sullying your elder brother’s reputation must have been unintentional.”

“Don’t speak recklessly again, or others might think you’re deliberately undermining me to seize my legitimate position.”

The simplest way to deal with a green tea was to give them no face—better yet, slap their face outright.

At these words, Gu Ling’s expression darkened; he dared not touch that topic.

Stammering, he said, “Brother, I had no such intention. I only spoke on the matter at hand. How can you slander me?”

With nothing better to do, Gu Dao thought to deal with this green tea little brother who had come to him on a silver platter—it would be entertaining.

Since you’re handing yourself over, and Wei Qingmei is here, let’s see how you perform.

Gu Dao sneered and loudly rebuked:

“Just on the matter at hand, is it? Miss Wei has been my maid for some time, and you never spoke to me. Now that many are watching, you dare to act?”

“Do you take all of Jingcheng’s people for fools with your petty schemes?”

Whoever sided with Gu Ling was a fool.

And Gu Dao had reason—everyone in Jingcheng knew the Wei matriarch had sent her granddaughter to the Yuan household.

“You never said a word before; what’s with this sudden act now?”

Gu Ling regretted provoking him at this time. He valued his reputation and dared not stay silent.

“Brother, with the poetry gathering imminent, I was preparing in seclusion and unaware of this matter. Why do you read your own heart into mine and press me so?”

His veiled accusation that Gu Dao was dark-hearted was clear.

Gu Dao glanced disdainfully at Gu Ling, thinking to show him what manipulating public opinion really meant.

In an utterly contemptuous tone, he said:

“Indeed, the poetry gathering is your chance to gain fame. Naturally, Miss Wei is less important.”

“But pity Miss Wei, who adores you so deeply she’s willing to endure humiliation and risk, only to be a disposable pawn to you.”

Wei Qingmei had been silently watching, eager for Gu Dao to be condemned by all and ease her own bitterness.

But the mood abruptly shifted—the gossip now turned on her.

“Oh…” the surrounding students buzzed excitedly.

Though Gu Dao’s ingratitude was hateful, the scandal between the Wei heiress and the Moonlit Gentleman was far more thrilling.

Wei Qingmei felt as if her heart had been ripped to pieces, abandoned and helpless.

She was in a turmoil.

She hated Gu Dao for publicly exposing this—it was disgraceful.

Yet she also hoped Gu Ling would step forward and confess his feelings for her.

She clutched her chest, hiding behind Jin Se, stealthily watching Gu Ling’s reaction.

Lu Zhang was stunned—something was wrong. Wasn’t he supposed to be the one condemned? Why were all these eyes now fixed on him?

He saw Wei Qingmei’s gaze and guiltily looked away.

His target was the princess; he would never openly admit any relations with Wei Qingmei. He knew of her affection for him and enjoyed it—but would never admit it. Compared to the princess, the Wei family was beneath notice.

Suddenly, he flicked his sleeve and said coldly:

“Brother, you are a grown man yet so irresponsible. How can you ruin a lady’s reputation?”

“It’s a shame to call you my brother.”

After speaking, Lu Zhang swept his sleeve dramatically, turning to leave.

Wei Qingmei felt utterly hollowed out, as if her soul had vanished.

Gu Dao would never let him off so easily.

Grabbing Lu Zhang’s wrist, he pulled him back fiercely and asked with a cold face:

“Second brother, how do you speak to your elder brother? Where are your manners?”

“Father is gone; the elder brother is in charge. How dare you show me such disrespect? You’ve shamed the Gu family.”

The crowd gasped, thinking: How dare this useless Gu Ling lecture the Moonlit Gentleman?

But no one dared interrupt—it was an internal Gu family matter.

Lu Zhang never expected Gu Dao to be so bold—daring not only to scold him but also to touch him.

In the Gu family, he was the favored son; what was Gu Dao? A worthless dog, despised even by servants. Yet he dared to touch him—disgusting beyond words.

If not in public, he would teach him a lesson.

Angrily, he shook his arm hard and said:

“Brother, such nonsense is disgraceful. Let go of me.”

But Gu Dao’s strength was great—no weak scholar like Lu Zhang could break free.

“What do you want?” Lu Zhang snapped in frustration.

Gu Dao held him, letting him struggle, and sneered:

“Nothing. I just want to ask—do you have feelings for Miss Wei?”

“If you do, say so openly. Though you are a son of a concubine in the Gu family, there’s no need to be ashamed.”

“If the feelings are mutual, then she would be my sister-in-law. How could I ever let her be a maid?”

Though Gu Dao appeared to be rambling, he deliberately stabbed with the words “son of a concubine.”