The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort (Chapters 1- 203)

Chapter 146 : A Graceful Lady, The Perfect Match For A Gentleman

Translated by : Mazu

Edited by : Anks & Ely

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Note: The title is from Guan Ju, the Book of Songs. Translated by Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang: "Gentle and graceful is the girl, A fit wife for the gentlemen."

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Trigger Warning: suicidal ideation.

Jiang Ruan was completely unaware of what had transpired in the Ci Ning Palace. Nonetheless, everything in the world had its own destiny and coincidences were commonplace, and so someone else also had the same idea as Xiao Shao.

In the Commander-in-chief fu, Gu Yi sent a manservant away. He was about to sneak out of the fu himself, and had just reached the courtyard's gate when he heard a familiar voice. "Yi'er, where are you going?"

Deflated, Gu Yi looked back sheepishly. Sure enough, Gu Furen was behind him. She took a few steps forward and reprimanded him, "Where do you expect to go now that things are so chaotic outside?"

Gu Yi rolled his eyes a few times and came up with an idea. "I...I want to go to the palace and see my biaojie[1]."

[1] 表姐 (biaojie) – older female cousin via female line.

Gu Yi's biaojie was also a talented woman in the palace. The two cousins had previously been on good terms, but since she had entered the palace Gu Yi hadn't seen her in a long time.

Gu Furen raised her brows, thinking that this reason was a little far-fetched. "Oh?Going to meet your biaojie? Aren't you really trying to meet Hong'an Junzhu?"

"Mother..." Gu Yi was worried. "I, regardless of what happens, she and I are friends. I can't overlook the fact that she's now in a difficult situation. I am merely attempting to show concern for her."

Gu Furen looked at him vexedly, hating iron for not becoming steel[2]. "Show your concern for her? We're now at the height of the storm. Don't court death. Even if you do, don't implicate the whole fu. Jiang Xin Zhi's situation is uncertain. Be cautious, don't let others pull you into trouble. Our fu is innocent. We can't get caught up in these things for no reason."

[2] 恨铁不成钢 (hèntiěbùchénggāng) – lit. disappointed that iron does not turn into steel (idiom) / fig. frustrated with somebody who has failed to meet one's expectations.

"All I want to do is comfort her. It's not as complicated as you think." Gu Yi said anxiously. "Mother, I can't be a villain who sees which way the wind blows, and then changes course."

Gu Furen let out a sigh and looked at her obstinate son, unsure whether to be happy or sad. Her son had matured and developed his own ideas, but Gu Furenwas fully aware of Gu Yi's thoughts- that he'd always had Jiang Ruan in his heart. She assumed it was just a passing fancy during childhood, but he still hadn't given up on it after all these years, which may not be a good thing for Gu Yi.

Gu Yi was delighted to see Gu Furen's expression softening and immediately curried favour, "Mother, my aunt and I are going to deliver some items to my biaojie. I'll be back soon."

Gu Furen remained silent, indicating her tacit approval. Gu Yi hurriedly instructed the manservant to get the horse ready, then turned around and left the courtyard.

The momo next to Gu Furen asked, "Furen, are you going to let Young Master leave like this?"

"Hong'an Junzhu is a wise person," Gu Furen said indifferently. "I let him go so that he can put an end to his thoughts."