Chapter 1662: Chapter 1662: Unwillingness (5)
âYueyue is not only uncomfortable, but also a bit scared.â Zou Qiuyue sniffled, âIf it werenât for Yueyue, the elder young master wouldnât have⊠Brother Sheng wouldnât have fallen out with the elder young master, and it wouldnât have dragged down the Gu Familyâs reputation⊠Yueyueâs death would not be worth regretting, itâs just that now Cheche is still young, Yueyue fears that if the elder young master harbors resentment and acts against Cheche, thenâŠâ
Honestly, after all these years, she was still very unwilling. Although she was now officially in charge of the Gu Residenceâs domestic affairs, in Beijingâs 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 husbandsâ 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 wasnât right.
But when would the timing be right?
Despite her dissatisfaction, she didnât 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 Manzhiâs death, they couldnât 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 didnât want that man to come back.
âRest assured.â Gu Sheng patted Zou Qiuyueâs back. âCheche is my son, naturally I wonât let anyone harm him.â He paused, âI know you were wronged back then, but itâs over now. Donât keep dwelling on it, with me around, no one would dare act foolishlyâŠâ
Zou Qiuyueâs greatest advantage was her ability to read peopleâs moods. Hearing Gu Shengâs impatience in his tone, she promptly stopped while she was ahead and raised her hand to wipe her tears with a handkerchief, âMm, Yueyue understands.â
Gu Shengâs expression also softened.
âBrother Sheng, why donât you sit for a moment, Iâll go freshen up.â 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. âBrother Sheng, there have been many social engagements lately, letâs rest tonight. Earlier, I had someone prepare fish soupâŠâ Then she had the fish soup from the small kitchen brought in and personally served a bowl with a spoon to Gu Sheng. âLet Yueyue serve you the soupâŠâ she said, taking a spoonful herself and then pressing her lips to Gu Shengâs.
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 ambianceâŠ