Chapter 6 - Blood Related Father’s Interrogation

Gu Qianxue did not have a slightest amount of favorable impression towards this cheap father, only because just a moment ago he had without the slightest hesitation used her as a sacrifice to get out.*

*get out (of the situation/problem they were in)

But at the same time, towards Minister Gu himself anyways, * feels this is not worth anything and is beneath one’s dignity– this Gu Qingze come from an official family background, his ancestors all served as officials, yet all served as small officials of the city, and finally Gu Qingze is unexpectedly in this generation has been given the post and the duties of the Minister, it could even be said it is an unprecedented glory. However, it really isn’t because of Gu Qingze’s own strength, rather it was his own thick skin.

*^ he / [he regards GQX as someone below himself and is “not worth anything”]

Gu Qingze, that year became well known as a male beauty*, his whole body gave off a scholarly and cultured temperament, in which caused many well-bred young ladies from prestigious families within the city to place their admiration (at him), and among them the first one, (one) must count Gu Qian Xue’s idiot mother, Zhao Shi.

*beautiful man

The Zhao family’s past generations were very devoted, loyal, and kind, Zhao Yuanzheng, the Marshal* of Zhenyuan also had grasped on massive military force, and his daughter was *a pearl in the palm, Zhao Ruo Lan, it is exactly (why) marrying the Prince to become a Princess is also enough and is spare*, however the looked upon small city official, Gu Qingze, life or death* she must marry. Marshal Zhao was helpless, he can only do just that to comply to Zhao Shi, at the same time also have provided a Ten Miles Red Adornments* (at least 10 miles of) dowry.

*Marshal: the highest military officer in ancient times

*pearl in the palm idiom; beloved person (especially daughter); eng idiom: apple of his eyes

*enough and to spare idiom; is more than enough to be spared/in comparison to the value of her father’s love for Zhao Ruo Lan, she deserves to become the Princess Consort and it was lucky that the position was spared

*life or death: no matter what

*Ten Miles Red Adornments/Makeup十里红妆 shilihongzhuang: a marriage custom in Eastern Zhejiang Province= dowry that included everything from bed furniture to needleworks so that the dowry will stretch for ten miles.

Similarly, Gu Residence’s backyard’s Pei Shi (maiden), her father was the Prime Minister, her aunt was the current Empress, it was an even more distinguished family, if it was not a step later in the residence, (one is) afraid that the position of Gu Madam, will conveniently fall onto Pei maiden– Pei Yu Rui’s head. The dowry (and) aside from the tremendous dowry adornments, furthermore (one) will have an enormous power backing support.

Aside from these two famous high ranked well-bred young ladies, the Gu Residence’s backyard furthermore has other young misses who are daughters of court counselors. Many women *falls and the next follows, they all were enchanted by Gu Qingze’s appearance, and grovels themselves beneath his imperial robes.

*qiánpūhòujì前仆后继: one falls, the next follows (idiom); stepping into the breach to replace fallen comrades; advancing wave upon wave– [used and replace]

Even if one arrives at their middle years of age, Gu Qingze is still as handsome as before, his scholarly, refined spirit floats as if he is an immortal.

And for Gu Qianxue’s appearance, also resembles to this cheap father.

It can be said that Gu Qingze arrived at this step, mainly all relying on favoring on people of influence*, this is also a point that Gu Qianxue looks down on him.

*nepotism

“Excuse me, Minister, Your Excellency, do you have any other matters (for me)? It seems like there are no other matters, Qianxue will then go first to rest.” Gu Qianxue’s face wore a faint smile, but her smile however did not reach the bottom of her eyes.

“Rest? You still have the face to rest?” Minister Gu was furious beyond bounds.

Gu Qianxue lowered her head and thought for a moment, then raised her head, her face was full of at a loss (confusion). “Qianxue does not understand, why is Minister, Your Excellency angry?”

Minister Gu really wanted to strangle this daughter of his who suddenly awaken with a big change with his own hands , “You still have the face to ask? If it is not you who pushed Prince Li, His Highness down into the water, would Gu Residence be in danger in this way?”

“Who said that I pushed Prince Li down the waters? Is it Minister Gu, Your Excellency who saw with your own eyes?” Gu Qianxue did not reply and answered with a question.

“Under the eyes of others, you’re still quibbling*?” Minister Gu loudly exclaimed.

*quibbling: slight objection, criticism about a trivial matter

Gu Qianxue bitterly grinned while slowly getting up, she patted her wet flowy skirt, “Who saw with their own eyes this young lady push Prince Li down into the water, step out.” With this said, she raised her eyes sweeping it over the surrounding crowd.

People were all quickly muddled by this question that was asked, unexpectedly not a single person answered, only in their hearts they secretly were bewildered, today Eldest Young Miss, how is she different compared from the previous days? On an ordinary day, the Eldest Young Miss is simple minded, has an irritable temperament, and curses page after page (constantly), however today’s Eldest Young Miss, every word/sentence she says all made them feel like it has other special profound meaning, (it is very) strange*.

*qíleguàile奇了怪了: the way it is written is to emphasize how strange it is

The whole entire crowd was silent. The situation happened too suddenly, everyone indeed did not see clearly how Prince Li fell into the water.

At this time, at the end of the crowd there were two people whispering to each other’s ear, their gaze were secretive and sneaky.

Gu Qianxue looked with the corner of her eyes sweeping over at the two people for a moment, taking her time said, “from beginning to end, Prince Li His Highness, and myself have not yet said anything about who pushed him down into the water, let me advise ladies and gentlemen, before you say anything, consider the consequences, weigh the outcomes, and whether or not you are able to assume the responsibility that comes with it.”

With a word, it warned the two people who were beginning to stir*, furthermore it gave Minister Gu hope.

*idiom 蠢蠢欲动 chen chen yu dong: get restless/to become threatening

“Xue’er, how did Prince Li fall into the lake?” Minister Gu suddenly changed the way he addressed her.

“By slipping.” Gu Qianxue *spread her hands (shrugged).

Everyone started to discuss spiritedly (idiom: tongues are wagging).

“Are you sure?” Minister Gu narrowed his eyes and continued to ask.

Gu Qianxue nodded her head, “Believe it or not, it’s up to you.”

Minister Gu did not know what else to ponder about, (he thought) for quite awhile then he finally said, “Okay, Xue’er you were also startled, go back and get a good rest, change to another outfit, this matter we will talk later.”

“Very good, very good, your father he forgives you.” Minister Gu’s voice barely fell, and Zhao Shi already started to rise with great joy.

“……” Gu Qianxue held her forehead and had a sort of desire to faint, “Mother, don’t tell me you don’t see (the problem), Minister, he whether or not forgives me is not important, the important thing is if Prince Li will forgive me?”