FBC – Chapter 238 Killing’s Quite Quick, Too

Qian Peiqin finally responded, scoffing coldly, “It’s because my younger sister’s temperament is gentle; she just endured that humiliation.”

Qian Peizhu’s face went ashen. She hurriedly tugged at her sister’s sleeve and whispered, “Don’t talk nonsense.”

She hadn’t wanted to follow Qian Peiqin and Jiang Ruoxi. After all, the Jiang family had been suppressed; Jiang Duo was a condemned minister, and the family’s fortunes were bleak. Her husband had just been unusually promoted to Vice Minister of the Household — getting too close to them could harm his career.

But Qian Peiqin had pulled her along, insisting that family must share hardships and that she would support her widowed sister. Qian Peizhu, constrained by her own mother being manipulated by the head wife, couldn’t refuse. She had no choice but to come along with them, though she deliberately did not join in their conversation.

Qian Peiqin grew furious, swept her sleeve, and her voice sharpened. “What are you saying? Is it not the truth? The Pei family sent provisions across a thousand li and all the credit went to Gu Hua. What did you get? She received an imperial commendation, and you heard nothing. If you don’t keep a closer eye on your husband, someone else will steal him away — then you’ll end up abandoned like Gu Wanru!”

Qian Peizhu was embarrassed and stepped back two paces to put some distance between them. “Are you questioning the Emperor?” came a cool voice.

Everyone turned and saw a handsome man in deep purple official robes approaching. Gu Hua’s eyes brightened. Pei Yi. Had he been promoted to the third rank? That was fast.

Pei Yi caught her gaze and smiled at her gently.

Qian Peizhu, furious that they dared exchange glances in front of her, twisted her handkerchief until it looked like a braid, then turned away in anger, refusing to see it.

Suddenly a shadow fell over her and a fair, large hand appeared before her. A gentle voice said from above, “Madam.”

Qian Peizhu looked up abruptly and met Pei Yi’s warm eyes. Her eyes reddened and she hurriedly placed her hand in his palm.

Pei Yi took her hand and then turned to look at Qian Peiqin, his expression darkening. “You dare speak recklessly about state affairs and slander His Majesty — do you know that’s a grave crime? Haven’t the mistakes made by the Jiang and Yuan families recently taught you anything? Haven’t you learned to be careful with your words?”

The ladies of the Jiang and Yuan households’ faces changed slightly. The other women who had been close to them immediately stepped back and put distance between themselves and the troublemakers.

Qian Peizhu’s palms sweated with anxiety. Feeling Pei Yi squeeze her hand tighter, she relaxed a little, lifting her head to look at her handsome husband, then secretly glanced at Gu Hua. Gu Hua smiled and her gaze was clear and open. Maybe she’d been overthinking things?

Pei Yi didn’t stop. “His Majesty’s rewards to the Pei household are vast; our family has never received such honor. When there was an opportunity to send provisions a thousand li to support Lord Mu’s army in reclaiming the land, contributing to the victory, it was because Madam Mu gave the chance.”

“If Madam Mu had asked any household to supply grain, anyone would have offered generously. Our Pei family is grateful to Madam Mu. Are you accusing His Majesty of poor judgment?”

Qian Peiqin’s chest heaved with anger. She pointed at him and shouted, “You’re turning your elbow outward — I think you have your eyes on that little bitch! How can you be faithful to my sister?”

Pei Yi roared, “How dare you! Not only do you slander the wife of Duke Yong, but you also insult the court’s officials! Your husband is a condemned man but was spared being implicated because of His Majesty’s mercy. I think you need some correction to learn your lesson! Tomorrow at court I will petition His Majesty!”

“You—” Qian Peiqin was blasted into silence by her brother-in-law’s public rebuke; her eyes reddened with fury. Scowling at Qian Peizhu, she spat, “You married well, didn’t you? I underestimated you and your lowly mother!”

Qian Peizhu went pale. “Sister—”

Pei Yi pulled Qian Peizhu behind him and said in a serious tone, “Very well. Tomorrow I shall speak to my father and sort out right and wrong.”

Qian Peizhu’s face stiffened.

Gu Hua stepped forward and, addressing the first woman who had spoken ill of her, inclined her head slightly. “I have kept largely to myself and have not met this lady before. Madam, I cannot agree with your words. My late husband died heroically protecting the territory of Daliang and safeguarding the people. I too fought for this campaign and shed blood for it. I was rewarded by His Majesty — so why am I unfit to be seen?”

The noblewoman went white.

Gu Hua turned to the second woman. “My imperial commendation was personally bestowed by His Majesty. If you have objections, have your family petition the Emperor to adjudicate.”

Gu Hua cast a cool glance around at the women beside Jiang Ruoxi. “If any of you want to continue enjoying your wealth and honor, behave yourselves. Do not let a moment’s sharp tongue bring you disaster.”

No one could retort.

Jiang Ruoxi sneered. “Oh? A few months gone and you’ve developed a sharp tongue.”

Gu Hua returned a modest smile. “Mock a few scoundrels enough and you’ll get good at it. I’ve not only honed my words — I’ve improved my fists too. A delicate beauty like County Mistress Jiang would swell if I slapped her. If you don’t believe me, try it.”

Jiang Ruoxi’s expression changed. “You dare lay a hand on me?”

Gu Hua sneered contemptuously. “Anyone who dares slander my late husband, I’ll deal with!”

She slowly lifted her chin and enunciated each word: “My dagger kills quite fast too. After killing a few, I got better at it.”

The assembled noblewomen stiffened at that remark.

Jiang Ruoxi trembled with anger and pointed at her. “You are outrageously insolent! I am of the imperial clan, and I will soon enter the palace as a consort! You dare defy me — you should be caned to death!”

Gu Hua pushed her slightly rounded belly forward and arched a brow. “First, you haven’t even entered the palace yet. Second, do you think being of the imperial clan lets you cane people at will? Do you think you made Daliang’s laws yourself?”

She raised her voice. “I am carrying the posthumous child of Duke Yong. Dare you touch a single hair of mine and see what happens!”

Mu Junyan’s words had allowed her to use his reputation like a banner. Besides, the Emperor supported her — what did she have to fear?

“Fine—very well. I am the County Mistress; my great-aunt is the Empress Dowager. Who dares strike me?” Jiang Ruoxi waved her hand. “Guards! Slap her!”

“Who dares?” The Empress breezed over with a retinue, casting a cold glare at Jiang Ruoxi. “County Mistress, Madam Mu is a meritorious lady personally commended by His Majesty, and she is my goddaughter. In rank you are equals; in deed, you cannot compare.”

Jiang Ruoxi scoffed. “Is that so? When I enter the palace as Noble Consort, will my rank not exceed hers?”

The Empress smiled. “We’ll see when you enter the palace as a Noble Consort.”

Gu Hua bowed to the Empress, who stepped forward to support her. She looked at Gu Hua with affection and smiled gently, “His Majesty has already excused you from bowing; you need not be so formal before me. Let’s go; there is a poetry gathering by the flowers. I want to see your poems shine.”

Gu Hua nodded, “Your servant obeys.”

Jiang Ruoxi and Qian Peiqin glared at Gu Hua’s retreating back, seething with a desire to stab her a thousand holes.

Jiang Ruoxi turned to the noblewomen beside her and whispered, “That low-born girl was raised as a concubine’s daughter — she doesn’t know how to write poetry. Go on, make sure she makes a fool of herself.”

“We will, County Mistress,” they replied.

“With us there, we may not win the crown, but we can trample her easily.”

The noblewomen followed haughtily.

Jiang Ruoxi’s eyes darkened. She asked her maid, “Where is my brother? I must see him.”