FBC – Chapter 80 Praying to Guanyin for a Child

Mu Junyan only took it as youthful impulsiveness and gave a stern reminder: “The autumn imperial exams are coming, and you haven’t even reached your capping ceremony. This isn’t the time to be distracted. Matters of marriage are decided by parental command and a matchmaker’s words—you cannot decide on your own.”

Mu Feng grew anxious. A girl like Gu Hua was sure to attract many admirers.

Before, she had been hidden deep within the inner residence, but now she was staying with her cousin-sister-in-law at the Duke Mansion—wasn’t that precisely to gain more opportunities to meet outstanding young men?

Since he had the chance to meet her early, of course he wanted to secure the match quickly.

“Second Uncle, you don’t need to worry. My mother and father don’t care much about a girl’s background. They’ve always said that good character is all that matters. If you could help put in a word, then there’d be no problem at all.”

Mu Feng’s tone carried a note of pleading.

Mu Junyan suddenly felt an inexplicable irritation and didn’t want to talk anymore.

He gave a distracted grunt of acknowledgment.

Mu Feng, seeing that his always-strict second uncle had actually agreed, was so excited he almost jumped.

He quickly leaned in and said in a low voice, “Second Uncle, your kindness—I will definitely repay it with all my heart. My father actually wanted to come today, but feared you’d be angry. Let’s find a time, I’ll host a gathering and invite you. Please, bury the hatchet with him.”

Mu Junyan gave him a sidelong glance. “Don’t meddle in matters between elders.”

Mu Feng chuckled sheepishly, “Yes, yes, I’ll listen to Second Uncle in everything.”

Even being scolded felt pleasing—he was practically bursting with joy, certain he would soon win the beauty’s hand.

The old madam, who had been listening the whole way, looked helplessly at her silly son.

She had been pretending to be senile and daft just to protect her child.

She knew very well why her son had split off the second and third branches of the family, and why he hadn’t married.

Wasn’t it all because of those greedy and selfish people in the imperial palace?

But as a mother, how could she not feel heartache?

Everyone could see the goodness in Gu Hua. If she didn’t care about her status and was willing to stay by her son’s side, then she wouldn’t let the girl suffer grievances.

But she also understood the inner turmoil in her son’s heart.

The old madam glanced secretly at her granddaughter-in-law. If only that girl didn’t have such a sister, things would be much simpler.

Mu Junyan supported the old madam in silence.

But inside, his emotions were tangled.

Mu Feng had only just met her, hadn’t even spoken to her properly, and already he was desperately eager to marry her.

Pei Yi had been the same—after just a few meetings, he’d trusted her, even sent her silver notes and a courtyard.

Could it be… Gu Hua had been intentionally seducing them?

Just like she had intentionally seduced him?

Gu Hua knew Pei Yi never intended to keep her as a mistress. She also knew Pei Yi had a formidable main wife.

If she knew this foolish Mu Feng wanted to marry her as a proper wife, wouldn’t she be moved?

He was a vibrant young man, around the same age as her…

And then there was himself—already older in both body and heart.

After decades of stormy battles, this was the first time he’d felt emotionally exhausted.

Listening to the excited chatter of the young man beside him, imagining his future, Mu Junyan suddenly wondered—

If Gu Hua could marry a passionate and youthful young man as a proper wife… wouldn’t that be better for her?

Following behind, Gu Wanru had heard the entire exchange. Her expression darkened, her eyes filled with unspeakable thoughts.

That little temptress Gu Hua staying in the Duke Mansion truly was a disaster in the making.

Everyone harbored different thoughts, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the Xuan Yun Hall in the front courtyard.

Jiang Ruoxi was dressed up like a peacock, and the moment she saw Mu Junyan enter supporting the old madam, her eyes lit up.

She completely ignored the old madam and rushed forward with eager sweetness. “Brother-in-law, I’ve been wanting to visit you, but Grandmother kept summoning me to the palace to keep her company these past few days. I couldn’t get away.”

Mu Junyan’s face immediately darkened.

The fourth young master Mu Yong and the sixth young master Mu Feng, who had followed behind, also frowned slightly.

Regardless of her status, since she had come to celebrate a birthday and was of the younger generation, shouldn’t she have greeted the old madam first?

Jiang Ruoxi’s eager steps froze under Mu Junyan’s cold and shadowy gaze. Only then did she seem to come to her senses.

She quickly curtsied to the old madam, “Ruoxi greets Old Madam. I specially chose a top-quality jade Buddha to celebrate your birthday. Grandmother also entrusted me to bring her gift.”

Two attendants behind her stepped forward carrying a large brocade box. When they opened it, they carefully lifted out a half-human-tall white jade Guanyin.

Another maid opened a smaller box containing a century-old ginseng root.

For a gift from the Empress Dowager, this was hardly impressive.

Mu Junyan wasn’t bothered—it made no difference whether they sent anything or not.

But Mu Yong’s eyes flickered subtly.

Before they left, his father had told him to observe who else came to celebrate. This could reflect the imperial family and other noble clans’ attitudes toward the Duke of Yong.

The old madam seemed not to notice the Empress Dowager’s gift. She pointed at the jade Guanyin and clapped happily.

“Oh wow, it’s Guanyin! Praying to Guanyin for a child! My son’s going to have a child? I’m going to have a grandchild!”

Jiang Ruoxi’s face flushed bashfully. She walked to the old madam’s other side, reaching out to take her arm, speaking softly: “If Old Madam wishes for a grandchild, your wish will surely come true soon.”

But before she could even touch the old madam’s sleeve, the old lady suddenly spun around with animated gestures.

Pa!

A crisp slap landed directly on Jiang Ruoxi’s face.

Everyone was stunned.

The hall fell into silence for a moment.

“O-Old Madam… why did you hit me?”

Jiang Ruoxi clutched her finely made-up face, both humiliated and furious, yet unable to lash out.

“Where’s my little fairy? Quick, bring her to pay respects so the blessing works!”

The old madam seemed oblivious to having just slapped someone and spun around, dragging Mu Junyan with her to search.

The cold expression on Mu Junyan’s face cracked into a slight smile as he played along with the act.

“Mother, slow down, be careful. Who are you looking for?”

The old madam stomped her foot like a child throwing a tantrum. “Quick, bring the little fairy here to offer incense, or it won’t work!”

No one in the room showed the slightest concern for the slapped princess.

Those in the know guessed she meant Gu Hua. The others were merely curious who this “little fairy” might be.

Jiang Ruoxi’s face turned red with anger, but curiosity and jealousy still crept in. Gritting her teeth, she asked, “Brother-in-law, who is this ‘little fairy’ Old Madam mentioned?”

Mu Junyan glanced at her. “Likely the younger sister of Mu An’s wife. She’s been spending time with Old Madam lately.”

Gu Wanru froze.

Gu Hua often accompanied the old madam?

Could it be she really wanted to become the legitimate mistress of the Duke’s household?

Jiang Ruoxi’s eyes widened. “That little vixen!”

Mu Junyan’s face immediately darkened. “Watch your words.”

This time, Jiang Ruoxi truly lost her temper. That vixen had actually seduced her brother-in-law!

“Brother-in-law, she’s Mu An’s wife’s sister—how could you possibly be interested in—”

“Princess, watch your words.” Mu Junyan’s cold, threatening voice sent a chill down her spine.

“I… I only meant well for you,” she mumbled.

Mu Feng looked at his second uncle in confusion.

That innocent and pure second cousin of his—how could she possibly be entangled with Second Uncle?

Impossible… right?

Meanwhile, Zhou Zhilian had gone to the kitchen to handle birthday banquet arrangements. Gu Hua had only just returned to her room and hadn’t even warmed the seat when a maid came to summon her, saying the master requested she dress more formally to meet a guest.

Gu Hua was stunned.

Dress formally… to meet Jiang Ruoxi?

What did that mean?

Dong Hua and Dong Qing, hearing it was the master’s order, immediately got to work.

Gu Hua didn’t know what had happened in the front hall, but as a man’s tool, she had no reason to refuse.

She obediently let the two maids dress her up.

She already had fine makeup on—she simply changed into a more elegant and luxurious ruqun, added some jewelry and new earrings. After a quarter hour of preparations, she headed out.

Inside the hall, everyone’s expressions were varied, waiting for the “little fairy” the old madam had mentioned.

Mu Feng looked a bit pale, staring nervously at the entrance.

Gu Wanru sensed danger.

She had guessed Gu Hua had already climbed into Mu Junyan’s bed, but she hadn’t expected that not only did she gain his favor, he was now openly protecting her—and even the old madam was on her side.

That same old madam had slapped her before. Now, she had slapped a princess. But Gu Hua—she was completely different.

And Mu An… he wasn’t even hiding his greed for Gu Hua, even knowing full well that his father had slept with that woman.

Gu Wanru’s heart filled with fury, glaring toward the doorway.

As everyone’s thoughts churned, three figures slowly appeared behind the carved wooden screens.