Chapter 1662: Unwillingness (5)
"Yueyue is not only uncomfortable, but also a bit scared." Zou Qiuyue sniffled, "If it weren't for Yueyue, the elder young master wouldn't have... Brother Sheng wouldn't have fallen out with the elder young master, and it wouldn't have dragged down the Gu Family's reputation... Yueyue's death would not be worth regretting, it's just that now Cheche is still young, Yueyue fears that if the elder young master harbors resentment and acts against Cheche, then..."
Honestly, after all these years, she was still very unwilling. Although she was now officially in charge of the Gu Residence's domestic affairs, in Beijing's noble circles, she was just Mrs. Gu. Although some people would politely call her Madam Gu, she had no Imperial Edict title, which made her inferior to the other madams of second-rank high officials. In some occasions, after others have made grand entrances, she still had to salute.
This had always been a thorn in her heart.
The regulations of the Great Xuan Dynasty stated that the official wives of officials above third-rank would have an Imperial Edict title equal to their husbands' rank. Although it had no tangible benefits, it was a symbol of status. For example, at major events, those with ranked Imperial Edict titles had specific arrangements for seating.
Those with lower ranks had to salute those with higher ranks, and those without ranks had to salute those with ranks.
She had always been the one saluting others.
In fact, Gu Sheng was the Minister of Rites, so he was surely well aware of these rules, yet he never once mentioned requesting a title for her.
She had brought it up, but he said the timing wasn't right.
But when would the timing be right?
Despite her dissatisfaction, she didn't dare to mention it more, fearing that it might backfire.
However, she knew all these issues stemmed from the Shu Family. Although they retreated from the Court after Shu Manzhi's death, they couldn't be underestimated. Now that Gu Ye had returned, she must take precautions early.
As long as Gu Sheng continued to resent that son, her days would be comfortable; she didn't want that man to come back.
"Rest assured." Gu Sheng patted Zou Qiuyue's back. "Cheche is my son, naturally I won't let anyone harm him." He paused, "I know you were wronged back then, but it's over now. Don't keep dwelling on it, with me around, no one would dare act foolishly..."
Zou Qiuyue's greatest advantage was her ability to read people's moods. Hearing Gu Sheng's impatience in his tone, she promptly stopped while she was ahead and raised her hand to wipe her tears with a handkerchief, "Mm, Yueyue understands."
Gu Sheng's expression also softened.
"Brother Sheng, why don't you sit for a moment, I'll go freshen up." Zou Qiuyue smiled weakly.
Gu Sheng felt his heart itch slightly.
Soon, after having freshened up and adorned herself, Zou Qiuyue emerged with a faint fragrance. "Brother Sheng, there have been many social engagements lately, let's rest tonight. Earlier, I had someone prepare fish soup..." Then she had the fish soup from the small kitchen brought in and personally served a bowl with a spoon to Gu Sheng. "Let Yueyue serve you the soup..." she said, taking a spoonful herself and then pressing her lips to Gu Sheng's.
Although Gu Sheng was middle-aged, he was inherently charming. The reason he had been cherishing this woman for so many years was because, in matters of intimacy, she was uninhibited, making him feel as if he were still in his twenties.
Soon, after the bowl of soup was finished, the room filled with a romantic ambiance...