FBC – Chapter 44 A Big Scoop

A maid helped a noble young lady, dressed in a brilliant red embroidered ruqun, alight gracefully from the carriage. The two walked along, chatting and giggling.

“You’re entering the palace tomorrow. You’ll get to meet Duke Yong. Aren’t you excited, Miss?”

The noble lady responded coyly, “Don’t talk nonsense. It’s just that Imperial Grand-Aunt wants to meet me, that’s all.”

“But who you want to see, that I can’t say,” the maid giggled.

“Shut up. You have no sense of restraint.”

“I’m just happy that you’ll soon become the Duchess of Yong.”

“We haven’t even gotten to the matchmaking stage yet. Don’t go shouting nonsense.”

“But Her Majesty the Empress Dowager said it herself — sisters marrying into the same household is a wonderful thing.”

The young lady blushed demurely. “I can help care for my brother-in-law and comfort my elder sister’s spirit in heaven. I’m willing.”

“Miss, you’re truly kind-hearted. I heard Duke Yong is departing again in ten days. The Empress Dowager said things should be rushed. The marriage decree will surely come tomorrow, and it’s best if the wedding happens before the Duke sets off.”

The noble lady smiled shyly. “Goodness, you chatter like a sparrow. So noisy.”

As they talked and laughed, attendants from Linlang Pavilion came out to greet them.

“The County Princess has arrived. Please, come in. The shopkeeper is waiting for you.”

Their voices gradually faded into the distance.

Gu Hua tilted her head.

Duchess of Yong?

County Princess Jiang?

Brother-in-law?

In her past life, she never heard of Mu Junyan marrying again.

If the Empress Dowager had issued a marriage decree, Mu Junyan would have had no choice but to comply.

Dong Hua, who had also overheard, looked curious. “The Empress Dowager is marrying our lord to another Miss Jiang?”

Suddenly bestowed with a new wife — what would happen to that Second Miss Gu?

Dong Hua looked at Gu Hua, worried.

Gu Hua caught the key words: “Again marrying into the Jiang family.”

“Was the late madam also from the Jiang family?”

“Mhm,” Dong Hua lowered her voice, “You probably didn’t know, Miss, but the late madam was the granddaughter of the Empress Dowager’s own younger sister.”

When it came to the future mistress of the household, her own ambiguous status — neither official concubine nor maid — meant she had to pay close attention.

She hadn’t yet gained the power to counter Pei-shi. For now, she still needed to rely on Mu Junyan.

But what if the new wife didn’t tolerate her?

Thoughts whirled in Gu Hua’s mind as she exchanged a glance with Dong Hua. They both recognized the mutual intent: juicy gossip must be devoured.

The two turned around in unison and followed the others into Linlang Pavilion.

Ahead, the second shopkeeper personally welcomed the noble lady with enthusiasm and led her into the private lounge at the back.

Inside, the store maids saw Gu Hua and her companion enter on their own.

Though unfamiliar, one glance at the jewelry on Gu Hua’s head — clearly crafted by Master Qiu — revealed that this young lady held considerable status.

They quickly stepped forward. “Esteemed guests, we apologize for not welcoming you sooner.”

Gu Hua smiled. “I wanted to see if Shopkeeper Qiu has recently released any exquisite new pieces.”

The maid did not dare be negligent. “May I ask which household you’re from, Miss?”

“Duke Yong’s residence — the Mu household,” Gu Hua answered directly.

The maid’s eyes widened. So it’s the Duke Yong’s residence! Coincidentally, the same as the Jiang young lady’s future in-laws.

Her tone became even more respectful. “Please wait a moment. County Princess Jiang just went in. I’ll go fetch Shopkeeper Qiu for you.”

“Thank you,” Gu Hua nodded.

She slowly looked around, admiring the dazzling array of jewelry on display.

Another maid brought tea and snacks. “Miss, please have a seat and enjoy some refreshments.”

“Thank you.”

Through a flowered window, Gu Hua looked into the inner courtyard. She saw the second shopkeeper presenting jewelry boxes for Miss Jiang to select from. Before long, Shopkeeper Qiu appeared as well.

The maid who had gone to announce Gu Hua’s arrival whispered something to her, and Shopkeeper Qiu immediately came out.

“Second Miss Gu.”

As always, Shopkeeper Qiu didn’t smile much, but her tone when greeting Gu Hua held a hint of delight.

She noticed the jade hairpin on Gu Hua’s head and her expression subtly changed. “That jade hairpin…”

Wasn’t that the one Concubine Pei had liked? Her husband had bought it, saying it would be her birthday gift.

Why was it now on Gu Hua’s head?

Gu Hua reached up to touch the hairpin. “This was a coming-of-age gift from my eldest cousin. We hadn’t seen each other in years, and when my aunt brought me to visit him, he was very generous. I saw your signature on the pin and figured it must be your work.”

So the recently wealthy Pei family was related to Second Miss Gu.

Shopkeeper Qiu’s eyes flickered. She didn’t press the matter. “Yes, I designed it. It suits you well. You’ve come at the perfect time — I just finished a set that would match you beautifully. Let’s take a look in the private lounge.”

Gu Hua was delighted. “I’m so lucky. I’ve always been fond of your designs.”

Shopkeeper Qiu gave a faint smile and led the way personally.

In the private lounge, Jiang Ruoxi had been admiring jewelry. When she looked up and saw Gu Hua, her gaze paused for a moment before she nonchalantly looked away.

Her maid, however, was displeased. “My lady is here. How can someone else be served at the same time?”

The second shopkeeper looked anxiously at Shopkeeper Qiu.

But Shopkeeper Qiu ignored the maid and led Gu Hua through the lounge into the eastern annex.

Jiang Ruoxi raised an eyebrow.

The girl looked unfamiliar — not one of the capital’s noble daughters — but judging from Shopkeeper Qiu’s attitude, she clearly wasn’t ordinary.

Her maid grew indignant and was about to speak up, but Jiang Ruoxi stopped her.

She asked gently, “Second shopkeeper, who was the young lady Shopkeeper Qiu just brought in? She’s so beautiful, but I don’t recognize her. Is she from an influential family outside the capital?”

The maid who had just delivered the message was still nearby. Since the County Princess asked, she had to respond.

“Replying to the County Princess, that young lady is from Duke Yong Mu’s household.”

Jiang Ruoxi was stunned. “From Duke Yong Mu’s household?”

That girl was clearly wearing an unmarried lady’s hairstyle…

And wasn’t Duke Yong known for not allowing women near him?

Her maid was equally shocked. “Where would Duke Yong have female kin? My lady is his future — and only — wife!”

The messaging maid jumped in fright.

She didn’t know the details either.

But the lady had clearly named Duke Yong and wore jewelry made by Shopkeeper Qiu — something only the most elite ladies in the capital could access.

Having such a seductress around Mu Junyan is dangerous…

Jiang Ruoxi became wary.

She glanced at her maid, who nodded and immediately headed toward the eastern annex.

Seeing this, the second shopkeeper and another maid exchanged a look of concern. The maid hurried ahead, rushing into the eastern annex.

“Shopkeeper, Miss Jiang—”

The Jiang maid pushed her aside and strode up to Gu Hua, her face full of arrogance. “May I ask, who exactly are you to Duke Yong?”

Gu Hua blinked and countered, “And who are you?”

Dong Hua wasn’t pleased. “Which household are you from, to be so rude in interrogating my lady?”

The Jiang maid lifted her chin. “I’m the personal maid of County Princess Jiang. My lady is about to marry Duke Yong. You dare impersonate someone from his household? Am I not allowed to ask?”

Gu Hua was speechless.

Is this County Princess lacking a few screws?

And her maid seemed equally dense.

If His Grace really had to marry such a noble lady, wouldn’t that be a massive injustice?

Dong Hua’s eyes went wide as gongs, her voice rising, “Who did you say is marrying our lord?!”

The Jiang maid frowned and looked down her nose. “Who are you to question me like that?”

Not all maids were created equal.

A maid of uncertain origin couldn’t possibly compare to the first-rank personal maid of a County Princess.

Dong Hua wouldn’t have it. “Hah, you’re still a servant, aren’t you? Same as me. You think you’re a rank higher?”

Seeing a quarrel was about to erupt, Shopkeeper Qiu observed quietly, saying nothing.

Gu Hua didn’t want to offend the County Princess without cause. If fate had shifted and she did end up the Duke’s wife in this life, then she would be a huge obstacle — one that could crush her at any moment.

She tugged Dong Hua’s sleeve and said politely, “There’s been a misunderstanding. I’m Gu Hua, the younger sister of the young madam at Duke Yong’s household. I’m just staying at the residence for a few days.”

The maid’s expression eased a little, but her tone remained disdainful. “Oh, the young madam’s sister. Well then, I suppose we’re family.”

Family, just like that?

Gu Hua almost laughed.