Resplendent – Chapter 574

Chapter 574: Attending the Banquet

Gu Ye gave a few nervous chuckles. “Dad! I truly have no intention of marrying so young! Think about my status now! As the first and only female Grand Pharmacist in the history of the Apothecary Realm, how could I possibly marry off myself so casually

“Besides, what’s so great about marriage? Once married, where would I find the pampering, indulgence, and freedom my parents give me? Serving a husband and raising children; that’s not my ambition! If I could choose, I’d rather remain unmarried, stay by my parents’ side forever, concoct potions in my spare time, and treat a few difficult cases when bored… Isn’t that just fine?”

“Nonsense! No matter how good your parents are, can we stay with you forever? We will grow old, and your brothers will marry and have children of their own. In the end, the one who stays by your side will be your husband!” The Duke knew his youngest daughter was always the most headstrong. He truly feared she might be so stubborn that she never intended to marry at all.

Chu Xiaowu retorted indignantly, “Father, I disagree with what you’re saying. We brothers agreed long ago: anyone who treats our sister poorly won’t be allowed to marry her. My wife must treat my little sister like her own flesh and blood. If she shows her the slightest bit of disrespect, I’ll send her packing… Father, why are you glaring at me? Am I not right?”

Chu Mutong tapped his foolish younger brother on the head with his fan. “Father’s angry with you. Are you cursing your own sister to remain unmarried?”

If their sister truly chose not to marry, they would never neglect her or treat her differently because of their own wives and children. But the world imposed such heavy constraints on women. If she chose that path, the pressure she’d bear was unimaginable. That was absolutely not the outcome they wanted!

“I didn’t! I… would naturally respect Sister’s choice.” Chu Mubai also realized his words might have been slightly inappropriate. He turned to Gu Ye and said, “Sister, don’t feel any pressure. Whatever you choose, your brother will support you all the way!!”

“Even if my choice is wrong, would you still support me, Fifth Brother?” Gu Ye widened her big eyes, looking at him with a smile.

“How could my little sister’s choice ever be wrong?” Chu Mubai sometimes felt that his youngest sister didn’t act like a thirteen-year-old girl at all. He had a blind trust in her decisions.

“Fifth Brother, that’s not how you show affection for your little sister! Supporting her when she’s right and advising her when she’s wrong—that’s what makes a proper big brother!” Chu Mufeng patted his younger brother’s shoulder, speaking with earnestness.

“I understand the principle! But if my little sister looks at you with tear-filled, pitiful eyes, I doubt even you could resist persuading her!” Chu Mubai declared with righteous conviction.

Chu Mufeng pictured his sister gazing at him with that helpless, hopeful expression—and he couldn’t honestly say he’d be able to resist either.

Gu Ye found it somewhat amusing, yet she also sensed the genuine, selfless affection her father and brothers held for her. Unwilling to see them so troubled, she smiled and said, “I was just joking, and you took it so seriously. With me being so sought after, how could I possibly not find a husband? You really underestimate your little sister, don’t you?”

Chu Xiaoliu hurriedly clarified, “We weren’t saying you couldn’t find a husband, but that we worry you might not want to marry! As you said, where in this world would you find someone like us—who unconditionally cherishes you, dotes on you, and imposes no restrictions or constraints? Aren’t we afraid you’d look down on those men?”

The Duke nodded solemnly. “If Prince Ning could continue to cherish you as he always has, then he wouldn’t be so unbearable…”

A man who willingly lets a woman lord it over him, happily serving her as ox or horse, and remains steadfastly devoted—that must be true love, right? The Duke had cherished his wife his entire life, yet he couldn’t be certain he’d dare risk ridicule to carry her on his shoulders. But Prince Ning… he did it…

“Father! Prince Ning is from the Yan Kingdom!” Chu Mubai quickly interrupted his father.

Shengjing was a thousand miles away from Fanjing. If his sister married there, who knew how long it would take her to return home? If she were mistreated in the Yan Kingdom, they’d be powerless to help. He’d much rather she marry someone under their watchful eye, where they could protect her. Who would dare cause her the slightest bit of hardship?

Seeing her fifth brother pacing anxiously and her father looking troubled, Gu Ye quickly interjected, “Enough! Let’s not dwell on such heavy topics! My marriage is still a distant prospect. Worrying about it now is just inviting trouble.”

Wen Sheng entered from outside and curtsied to those in the hall. “Madam requests Miss accompany her to Rong’an Garden to discuss tomorrow’s banquet arrangements…”

Gu Ye instantly felt as if Wen Sheng were a little angel sent from heaven. Beaming, she said, “Let’s go see what clothes Mother has prepared for me and what jewelry she’s paired with them. After all, this young lady is a ninth-level pharmacist in public. My attire mustn’t be too flashy.”

In truth, Lady Jun did intend to dress her daughter to outshine all others. The gowns she selected were not only vividly colored but also adorned with intricate patterns and elaborate designs. The headpieces and jewelry she chose would likely break one’s neck if worn together.

After Gu Ye expressed her preference, Lady Jun agonized over the choice once more. Ultimately, she settled on a moon-white silk gown woven from heavenly silkworm silk. However, she felt this gown alone was too plain for the banquet, so she added a crimson-red short jacket adorned with a butterfly-and-crabapple motif. For jewelry, she chose a rare aqua-blue glass hairpin, a beaded floral hair ornament, and a blood-jade bracelet. Any more, and Gu Ye would have protested!

Lady Jun couldn’t help but sigh to Granny Ge, “What young girl doesn’t love dressing up? Asking her to wear one more piece of jewelry is like asking for her life.”

Granny Ge was Lady Jun’s dowry attendant, having served her lady for most of her life. She remained steadfast even during the exile, and understood her lady’s thoughts quite well. The Young Miss had just been found, and having endured so much suffering in her childhood, the madam felt deeply remorseful. She wanted to compensate her daughter with everything she considered the best, all at once.

“Madam, this is precisely what makes our Young Miss unique. After this convention, her status is established. How could she be like ordinary girls, spending their days only on food, clothing, adornment, and melancholy musings? In this servant’s humble opinion, Young Miss’s future attire should prioritize simplicity and practicality.” Granny Ge couldn’t help but offer her counsel.

Lady Jun pondered for a moment before nodding. “You’re absolutely right! When Bao’er moves through the world of apothecaries, her attire truly shouldn’t be too ornate. Moreover, once the pharmaceutical factory is built, she’ll spend most of her days there. Overly elaborate styles would only become a burden! No, this afternoon I must summon the embroidery workshop. They must rush to make several comfortable, practical outfits for my daughter.”

Seeing the lady jump to conclusions so readily, Granny Ge felt a flicker of joy mixed with amusement, as if the lady had momentarily reverted to her girlish self. She gently advised, “Madam, perhaps we should first ask Young Miss’s opinion.”

Though the girl had only been back at the estate for a little over a month, she could sense she was a young lady with her own mind. Despite her daily habit of charming her mother with sweetness and affection, she proved decisive and resolute when matters demanded it. 

This wasn’t surprising as capable individuals often carried themselves this way! While outwardly resembling her mother, the young lady’s spirit mirrored that of the Chu family.

The next day, Gu Ye dressed appropriately and, escorted by her fifth and sixth brothers, set off for Liuquan Manor. 

Upon reaching the estate gates, Gu Ye dismounted from the carriage. Chu Xiaoliu gave her a final reminder, “Your brothers will return for you at dusk. Stay put. Yue Yuan, Meijing, serve your lady well. And Sister, if you encounter any blind fools, show them no courtesy. Our Defender Duke’s Manor has never feared anyone…”

“Got it, Sixth Brother! Your little sister here isn’t some dough you can knead however you please!” Gu Ye waved her claws at her two brothers before following Princess Anya’s personal maid, who had been waiting outside the gate, into the mountain villa.

True to its reputation as a renowned scenic spot, Liuquan Manor boasted ornate carvings and painted beams, with exquisite landscapes visible everywhere. Walking along paths paved with colorful pebbles, the air was filled with the subtle fragrance of flowers and trees lining both sides, creating a most pleasant atmosphere.

Princess Anya herself, having received the news and came out to greet her, shot Gu Ye a reproachful glare. “You’re taking your sweet time! This princess was waiting anxiously!”

“How dare I trouble Your Highness to greet me personally? I am deeply humbled!” Gu Ye feigned flattery, bowing repeatedly to Princess Anya.

Princess Anya tapped her with her folding fan, suppressing a smile. “You’re such a mischief-maker. Come, let me introduce you to some young ladies!”

The two strolled leisurely through the garden. Along the way, they passed through flower-filled paths and willow-lined lanes. Within the garden, pavilions nestled among blossoms, pavilions stood by tranquil waters, dense bamboo groves stood tall, and ancient cypresses stood lush and green. The vibrant greenery framed the vermilion structures, while dancing shadows of flowers beckoned, making one pause and linger, captivated by the scenery.

They paused frequently, prompting Zixuan, the capable maid accompanying Princess Anya, to remind them that today’s gathering wasn’t just for Miss Chu. Several distinguished young ladies from the capital’s prominent families were waiting in the reception hall.

Princess Anya felt thoroughly disheartened. She glared and snapped, “Let them wait! Why all the fuss? You’re such a killjoy!”

It was Gu Ye who came to the maid’s rescue, “Your Highness, as the hostess of this gathering, leaving guests waiting is rather discourteous. Didn’t you say you wanted to introduce some young ladies to me? Come on, the scenery is right there. We can come to admire it anytime. It’s not going anywhere!”

“If I’d known, I wouldn’t have invited so many uninvited guests. To be honest, this princess really can’t stand those pretentious young ladies!” Princess Anya wore an expression of deep regret.

Gu Ye had thought she had arrived early enough, yet three or four young ladies of similar age already occupied the hall. Among them, a young noblewoman in a peony-colored brocade robe adorned with jewels and pearls, her face bearing a hint of haughtiness, was someone Gu Ye recognized—the Fu’an County Princess.

Upon seeing Princess Anya enter, she tempered her haughty expression with a perfectly measured smile, pursing her lips as she said lightly, “I wondered who could command such favor that the princess would personally come to greet them. I never imagined it would be you, Ye’er. Please, come sit. Today’s pastries are quite good. Do try some…”