Chapter 862: Kindred Spirits

Tong Huaqiong’s expression was indifferent.

She had already severed ties with the Tong Family, so naturally, she wouldn’t care about Tong Zhaodi.

“Who are you?”

In front of Old Mrs. Su, Tong Huaqiong showed no respect to Tong Zhaodi.

“Aunt, I’m Zhaodi.” Tong Zhaodi widened her eyes.

Tong Huaqiong sized up Tong Zhaodi.

Tong Zhaodi’s attire showed effort.

“Aunt, I’m now Lord Su’s concubine.” Tong Zhaodi shook her golden hairpin, a layer of bashfulness appearing on her face.

Tong Huaqiong slowly said: “Don’t come pretending to be my niece; my only niece is Tong Pandi. Besides, I remember I didn’t send an invitation to the Su Family, nor did I prepare utensils for you. Please leave.”

Tong Zhaodi opened her mouth, unsure of what to say.

She thought that mentioning Su Shihang’s name would earn her some face from Tong Huaqiong.

Unexpectedly, Tong Huaqiong wouldn’t even let her in.

Old Mrs. Su, standing beside Tong Zhaodi, looked livid; she was never someone with much decorum. Hearing Tong Huaqiong’s blunt words, she exploded in anger, shouting: “Manager Tong, this isn’t right. Taohua is a bride of our Su Family, what does it look like not sending us invitations? Unless you want to sever ties, don’t forget your son just entered officialdom.”

Wasn’t it a threat to Tong Huaqiong about Su Shihang, as Chief of Staff, possibly making things difficult for Gu Jingzhe, who had just entered officialdom? Sorry, but Gu Jingzhe joined the Hanlin Academy, dealing directly with the emperor. Who will make things difficult for whom in the future is uncertain.

Tong Huaqiong said: “And so what? Does the old lady intend for Su Shihang to dismiss my son? Does your son’s authority surpass the emperor’s?”

Old Mrs. Su gritted her teeth, consumed by rage but unknowingly giving Tong Huaqiong a handle.

“People didn’t invite you but you forced your way in, is Su Shihang’s salary not enough to support you? Do you have to come to Gu Family to beg?”

The voice of Mrs. Min, the old rival of Old Mrs. Su, made her tremble.

Mrs. Min approached, mixing sharp sarcasm with a caustic tirade against Old Mrs. Su.

The noblewomen attending the banquet joined in the critique.

Months ago, Old Mrs. Su had roamed Man Shengjing trying to arrange marriages between various noblewomen and Su Shihang, offending numerous prestigious families in Shengjing; they no longer invited the Su Family’s women.

Old Mrs. Su had vanished from Shengjing’s social circles.

Seeing Old Mrs. Su appear uninvited, everyone united to isolate her, forcing her to leave.

This marked the most united stand of Shengjing’s official wives.

With the unwelcome guests driven away, Tong Huaqiong’s banquet celebrating her son’s entrance into officialdom began warmly.

…

“Jingzhe in his official robe looks even better than when he became the Champion Scholar.”

“Indeed, Jingzhe might be the most handsome Champion Scholar since Dasheng’s founding. While they claim Investigator Lord Su is the most handsome, I think he’s far inferior to Jingzhe.”

“Lord Su is quite aged now; how can he compare to Gu Jingzhe?”

“Looking at his son, it’s evident; they say Chengmin and Lord Su resemble molded figures, but Chengmin isn’t as handsome as Jingzhe.”

“…”

After Gu Jingzhe became the Champion Scholar, guests filled the house.

After the banquet, the hustle lasting half a month finally quieted.

The Ministry of Rites sent a new official robe.

After taking off his scholar’s attire, Gu Jingzhe wore a brand new official robe. Thinking of his impending aspirations, he shone brightly like the rising sun.

Tong Huaqiong’s ear buzzed with chatter from Mrs. Zhao and Mrs. Hong about how Gu Jingzhe’s official robe fitted him, leaving her momentarily dazed, reminiscent of the powerful minister image in Tong Dajiao’s memories.

As the Champion Scholar and the emperor’s ordained auspicious sign, Gu Jingzhe’s career debuted at a high point in the Hanlin Academy, a place of reserve for prime ministers.

Tong Huaqiong had no particular advice for Gu Jingzhe.

Years of corrective discipline had long straightened a piece of bad bamboo; now he’d entered the core circle of imperial power. Whether becoming a treacherous minister or a capable one was beyond Tong Huaqiong’s control.

If he entered officialdom and was twisted into corruption again, it wouldn’t be Tong Huaqiong’s responsibility.

If signs pointed wrongly, she would immediately distance herself from Gu Jingzhe.

She intended to enjoy her son’s glory but wouldn’t partake in any disaster he brought.

Should there come a day to return to the modern world, even better; she’d lived in this era for many years now. Having corrected a nest of bad bamboo from the Gu Family, fate should let her return to the modern world.

Heaven knows her daily prayers to awaken still in this era filled her with disappointment.

“… Mother, what’s wrong?”

Gu Jingzhe’s repeated calls brought Tong Huaqiong back to herself.

“Are you alright? Did I do something wrong?”

Seeing Tong Huaqiong’s face looking displeased, Gu Jingzhe felt uneasy.

The fear of Tong Huaqiong was engraved into his bones.

“Nothing, I was lost in thought.” Tong Huaqiong assessed Gu Jingzhe, her eyes revealing surprise, saying, “You look great in your official robe.”

Gu Jingzhe said: “Tomorrow, I officially enter the office. Do you have anything to instruct me, mother?”

Gu Jingzhe looked eager.

Tong Huaqiong waved her hand, saying: “No, I’ve said what needs saying before.”

Gu Jingzhe, however, always solemnly responded: “Thank you for your teachings, mother. I’ve remembered all you said in the past.”

Which parts he remembered wasn’t reiterated to Tong Huaqiong.

Gu Jingzhe assumed that after donning the official robe, Tong Huaqiong wasn’t as happy as he’d imagined, likely worrying that if he failed in the officialdom, innocent female members of the household would suffer, particularly disgraceful consequences.

Just like Su Qing’s brother failing, it was Su Qing who fell into slavery. Su Qing’s brother had just returned from Lingnan, and had Su Qing not been luckily bought by her mother, she’d likely never escape slavery her entire life.

With this realization, Gu Jingzhe broke into a cold sweat.

He understood his mother’s concerns.

While serving the country, he needed to protect the household’s women from being implicated.

Gu Jingzhe solemnly swore an oath.

…

Spring swiftly disappeared, ushering in the early summer winds.

After Gu Taohua’s marriage, she continued her business as Young Master of Tong’s Trading House. Gu Jingzhe ascended the Champion Scholar’s ranks into the Hanlin Academy, embarking on his career as Grand Secretary. Gu Dashu donned Customs Supervisor’s official robe, heading to the border.

This spring proved especially meaningful for Tong Huaqiong.

In late May, another joyful event arrived for her.

Lu Zhaozhao successfully gave birth to a girl.

The Gu Family now had four grandchildren, only Gu Yaozu as a grandson. Yet, no one ever dared say Yaozu was an invaluable sole heir, a notion of great worth. In Tong Huaqiong’s heart, her three granddaughters were equally cherished as her grandson.

The little granddaughter, upon birth, ate, slept, and cried. However, she stubbornly refused to open her eyes.

As if unwilling to face this world.

Lu Zhaozhao and Gu Jingzhe worried deeply, fearing their daughter’s eyes might be impaired. The couple crying over their daughter resolved to accept whatever she was, as she was their cherished treasure.

Tong Huaqiong took great pity on the little granddaughter, allocating time daily to cradle her.

A week after birth, the little granddaughter unexpectedly opened her eyes in Tong Huaqiong’s arms.

“The child opened her eyes.” Tong Huaqiong exclaimed in delight.

Lu Zhaozhao and Gu Jingzhe wept tears of joy.

Seeing the little girl’s eyes gleaming like black jewels, Tong Huaqiong felt a sudden sensation, seemingly sensing a kindred spirit.

“Are you also from that world?”

The little girl seemingly understood Tong Huaqiong, offering a sweet smile.

Tong Huaqiong hugged the little girl close, her lonely heart opening a crevice as if graced by a flowing spring.

Could she ever return to that world?

Countless times, she questioned herself.

Even now, she has no answer, nor anyone to provide assurance.

But even if returning proves impossible, these worlds still harbor kindred souls for mutual solace.