Chapter 6: Rumors

After properly arranging the many matters concerning the Changping Earl’s residence, Chu Jiuli carefully examined her elder brother’s health once more. Then, taking Baoling with her, she boarded the marquis’s carriage, which swayed gently as it headed toward the silver jewelry shop on the bustling street.

Chu Jiuli had not strolled through the streets like this in quite some time. Sitting in the carriage, listening to the lively sounds of the marketplace outside and watching the passing scenes through the window, she felt her nerves, taut for days, ease somewhat.

She noticed that compared to previous years, the streets of the capital seemed somewhat wider, yet the once-familiar lively atmosphere appeared altered.

Many young women veiled their faces with light gauze, only their eyebrow contours faintly discernible. They moved gracefully along the roadsides, exuding a unique charm, yet there was an indescribable sense of unfamiliarity.

Baoling, sharp-eyed, saw Chu Jiuli’s slight frown and perceived her puzzlement. Leaning closer, she whispered, “Miss, do you find the behavior of the women on the street somewhat strange? It’s all because the Princess Royal has recently been advocating the ‘Instructions for Women.’ She keeps insisting in all sorts of gatherings that women should strictly observe ancient teachings, obediently staying at home to support their husbands and educate their children, and must not show their faces lightly before outsiders. Although the court has not officially mandated this, most families in the capital tend to follow trends. Seeing women from prominent households do so, many have blindly imitated them. Now, many ladies wear veils when they go out, as if it has become a new fashion!”

Upon hearing this, a flicker of surprise crossed Chu Jiuli’s eyes, quickly replaced by disdain. “Hmph, the Princess Royal is indeed meddlesome. The so-called ‘Instructions for Women’ ostensibly advise females to uphold propriety, but in truth, they are shackles binding women. The Princess Royal treats them as sacred law, turning even showing one’s face in public into a taboo. It is truly archaic. In my view, some people only use this as an excuse to flaunt their so-called ‘virtue’ and win a good reputation.”

Baoling nodded in agreement. “Miss is absolutely right. Someone as free-spirited and easygoing as our Lady Princess would find such restrictions unbearable. She lives her life with such ease and independence, never caring what others say.”

A faint smile curved Chu Jiuli’s lips as a vivid image of her eldest sister, Chu Jiuxiao, brandishing sword and saber with heroic grace, appeared in her mind. She sighed softly, “Eldest sister’s nature is such that she would never heed these outdated rules. We women can revel in the world and hold our country dear, carving out our own place in this life. Why must we be confined to the inner chambers, supporting husbands and raising children? The so-called ‘Instructions for Women’ ought to be discarded. Women should empower themselves and write a different destiny with their own hands.”

As they chatted, a carriage slowly emerged from the imperial palace. Its appearance was low-key, yet its luxurious essence could not be concealed.

Inside the carriage, a pale-faced chief eunuch leisurely sipped tea, the fragrance subtly rising.

The eunuch driving the carriage was solemn and spoke little, holding the reins firmly as he guided the horses steadily.

Eight guards armed with blades sat tall on their steeds, upright and disciplined, escorting the carriage from front and rear.

The horses were vigorous, neighing proudly, their hooves striking the ground with thunderous force, as if infused with immense power.

The procession was grand and imposing, commanding respect and causing all who saw it to avert their eyes. The extraordinary aura radiated like waves, spreading freely.

Who would have thought that such a dignified convoy would carry only a eunuch? Truly, “low-key luxury with substance; even a eunuch’s journey is extraordinary.”

...

About half an hour later, the carriage carrying Chu Jiuli arrived at the capital’s busiest marketplace.

As she prepared to alight, Baoling swiftly pulled her back and handed her a veil, whispering, “Miss, you are so beautiful. With so many eyes on the street, it’s better to cover your face.”

Chu Jiuli hesitated briefly, then thought of the marquis’s household now standing at a precarious point. It was indeed wiser to keep a low profile. She took the veil and gently placed it over her face, leaving only her deep eyes visible. The intelligence and resolve shining within were not diminished—instead, the veil lent an added air of mystery.

Baoling deftly lifted the carriage curtain and stepped down first, then steadied Chu Jiuli as she followed.

Before them stood the silver jewelry shop, grand with flying eaves and ornate beams, the vermilion doors looking both ancient and solemn. Above the lintel hung a plaque inscribed with the three bold characters “Jade Pavilion,” written in vigorous script. Stone lions flanked the door, sitting with imposing dignity, like loyal guardians protecting this realm of wealth.

Inside, the shop bustled with customers—wealthy daughters carefully selecting jewelry, refined gentlemen purchasing tokens for their beloved—all amidst a lively yet refined atmosphere.

The shop assistants, seeing distinguished guests, immediately beamed smiles and warmly greeted them, “Ladies, please come in. We have just received many exquisite pieces. I’m sure you’ll find something to your satisfaction.”

Chu Jiuli nodded slightly and stepped inside.

Her eyes swept over the dazzling display of gold, silver, jade, and ornaments—some splendid and radiant, others simple and elegant.

She moved slowly along the counter, her gaze lingering on each piece, contemplating which would best suit her soon-to-be-delivered eldest sister and the unborn nephew.

Baoling was equally attentive, asking the assistants about the materials and meanings of various items, occasionally picking up pieces to show Chu Jiuli and offering her opinions.

After careful consideration, Chu Jiuli thought of her eldest sister’s fiery spirit and chose gifts that were both exquisite and practical.

She selected a small golden longevity lock, engraved with auspicious mythical beasts. The craftsmanship was exquisite and lifelike, full of blessings. She also picked a pair of uniquely styled gold bracelets, adorned with several smooth jade beads, strikingly beautiful.

Baoling smiled approvingly at the choices. “Miss, you have such good taste. When the Lady Princess and little master see these, they’ll be overjoyed.”

Chu Jiuli smiled faintly, looking at Baoling, reflecting on how devoted Baoling had been over the years, always attentive and hardworking. Now was the time for her to be properly adorned.

Her gaze wandered among the numerous ornaments again, finally resting on a jade hairpin. The flower carved on its head was vivid, the petal textures delicate, as if one could smell the fragrance.

She picked up the hairpin and smiled softly. “Baoling, you’ve worked hard all these years. This hairpin suits you well. I will give it to you today.”

Baoling was surprised and delighted, waving her hands. “Miss, this is too precious. I can’t accept it.”

Chu Jiuli took her hand, gently placed the hairpin in her bun, and, after examining it, said, “It looks good. Don’t refuse.”

Baoling lightly touched the pin, tears welling in her eyes, voice trembling slightly. “Miss, you treat me too well. I will serve you even more wholeheartedly.”

Chu Jiuli laughed, patting her hand teasingly, “Stop crying. Let me see if the pin is set right.”

She studied the pin carefully and adjusted it slightly before nodding with satisfaction. “Now it looks even better. Wear it today.”

Baoling obediently nodded.

Just as they prepared to pay and leave, a group of women’s gossiping voices drifted from outside. The voices grew closer, and faintly, the name of the marquis’s residence was mentioned.

Chu Jiuli frowned slightly, pricked up her ears, and listened closely.

“Hey, have you heard? The Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household really lost face yesterday. They were forcibly broken off from the marriage by the Changping Earl’s residence at the mourning hall. How will they ever hold their heads high in the capital again? Sigh, how cruel the world is.”

“Hmph, if you ask me, the Changping Earl’s family went too far. They were close as could be before. When the marquis’s family hit hard times, they turned their backs immediately and even went to break the engagement during the funeral. So heartless.”

“Exactly. The Changping Earl’s family looks respectable, and the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s family helped them plenty in the past. Now they do such a thing, not afraid of retribution.”

“Still, in this world, everyone goes with the wind. The Loyal and Brave Marquis’s family lost six male heirs at once and is weak; it’s no surprise they get bullied. I also heard the marquis’s heir was disabled after his injury. The Changping Earl’s family probably fears their daughter becoming a widow and thus hastily broke off the engagement.”

“Ah? Is that so?”

Chu Jiuli listened quietly to the idle chatter, her heart a tangle of emotions, but her face remained calm and composed. Only her tightly clenched fist trembled slightly, and a faint, fleeting gleam of coldness flashed in her eyes, barely perceptible.

She knew well that the marquis’s household had become a common topic of gossip, and the actions of the Changping Earl’s family were openly scorned.

Baoling, standing nearby, caught the brief flash of anger on her mistress’s face and felt a surge of indignation herself. Her cheeks puffed out as she raised her delicate brows and tossed her head, rolling up her imaginary sleeves. Then, with a gust of energy, she surged forward, muttering angrily, “Hmph, I want to see which gossipmonger dares to slander our young master like this!”