The Cloud Feather of the Red Chamber: A Marriage Arranged with Gong Yuanzheng at the Start

When Gong Shangjiao and Gong Yuanzheng arrived at the Zhiren Hall, Gong Huanyu was already there.

"Shang Jiao, you must be tired from your journey." Gong Huanyu was the first to step forward and greet him.

Gong Shangjiao nodded, not saying much to Gong Huanyu, and led Gong Yuanzheng to bow to Gong Hongyu.

"Hold the blade."

Gong Shangjiao's manners were always impeccable. Gong Yuanzheng simply lowered his head casually and stood behind Gong Shangjiao, his eyes lowered so that no one could see his expression.

Gong Hongyu nodded, his gaze towards Gong Shangjiao and Gong Yuanzheng quite complex.

He already knew about yesterday's events, and he had also heard about Miss Lin's appearance, demeanor, and behavior.

It's such a pity once again. With such a good family background and such a good girl, how could she have married Gong Yuanzheng? She would have been such a good match for Gong Ziyu. If he had such a beautiful woman by his side, Gong Ziyu probably wouldn't have been running to the brothel so often.

If I had known, I should have sent Gong Huanyu and Gong Shangjiao to the capital together.

"I've already heard about what happened yesterday from Huanyu. It was thanks to the cooperation of the expedition that we were able to capture the Seamless Assassin so easily."

Gong Yuanzheng only slightly curled the corners of his mouth, without giving Gong Hongyu any reaction.

Gong Hongyu saw this and guessed that Gong Yuanzheng was still dissatisfied with the matter of Lin Qingyue. He paused and continued, "It was my oversight that Miss Lin was involved. The apology has been prepared and I will send someone to deliver it to Zheng Palace later."

Gong Yuanzheng snorted lightly, showing no respect for Gong Hongyu. He was about to say something sarcastic when he met Gong Shangjiao's gaze and shut his mouth, but the expression on his face said it all.

If you really cared, you should have sent it over earlier. What's the point of saying it now?

Gong Hongyu looked embarrassed; it was indeed his mistake.

I originally thought that once Gong Shangjiao returned to the palace gates, he would first come to Zhiren Hall to report to him about the marriage alliance with the court.

He could explain his mistake from last night to Gong Shangjiao in person, and then send the apology to Zheng Gong.

Unexpectedly, Gong Shangjiao went directly to Zheng Palace and stayed there for the entire morning, naturally forgetting about sending apology gifts.

Gong Huanyu bowed to Gong Yuanzheng and took all the blame upon himself. "This is my fault. I should have personally watched the guards escort Miss Lin out of the bride's procession. Brother Yuanzheng, I apologize to you."

"The apology was prepared last night and I originally planned to send it over first thing this morning, but I was busy with the trial of the Wufeng assassin and it was delayed. I will personally deliver it to Zheng Palace in a little while to apologize to Miss Lin."

Gong Yuanzheng accepted Gong Huanyu's bow without any qualms; this was what Gong Huanyu owed Gong Yuanzheng!

Gong Shangjiao waited until he finished bowing before speaking: "Zhi Ren, the trial of the Wufeng assassin, is of great importance and cannot be delayed."

As he spoke, he bowed to Gong Hongyu, “However, Miss Lin has a special status. She is not only the fiancée of the expeditionary force, but also a princess of the imperial court. We must also consider the face of the imperial court.”

Gong Hongyu's expression changed slightly; he immediately understood the meaning behind Gong Shangjiao's words.

The most crucial thing in this matter is to gain Lin Qingyue's understanding. If it is reported to the court and the emperor thinks that the palace is dissatisfied with the marriage alliance and is deliberately targeting Lin Qingyue, the palace may also be in danger after Wufeng is wiped out.

Gong Hongyu pondered for a moment, glanced at Gong Shangjiao's expression, and hesitated before saying, "This matter happened inside the palace and has not spread outside. If we don't report it to the court, it shouldn't be a big problem."

Gong Shangjiao remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was scorning him. Did such a person deserve to be a wielder of a blade?

"Has Zhi Ren forgotten that the princess's father is the Salt Commissioner, a confidant of the Emperor, and has the right to speak directly to the Emperor?"

Gong Hongyu's expression froze. He had really forgotten about this. More than twenty years ago, he had traveled around and knew how much power the Salt Commissioner wielded.

Gong Huanyu once again came to his rescue, "Shang Jiao, Zhi Ren didn't mean it that way. He just wanted to appease the princess. It's best not to spread this matter."

"After all, this marriage is of great importance. If something goes wrong, I'm afraid the princess won't be able to explain it to the court."

Gong Yuanzheng's expression turned cold, his hand tightened around the knife at his waist, and his tone became aggressive, "What do you mean by that, young master? Does my fiancée deserve to suffer this injustice?"

“Brother Yuanzheng, that’s not what I meant…” Before Gong Huanyu could finish speaking, Gong Ziyu hurriedly led Jin Fan into the Zhiren Hall.

"Gong Yuanzheng, what right do you have to make things difficult for your brother? You should explain your own affairs first!"

Gong Ziyu looked at Gong Yuanzheng with eyes full of indignation and disdain.

Gong Yuanzheng sneered, "Explain? I neither frequent brothels nor drink wine and women, so what do I have to explain!"

Ignoring his sarcastic remarks, Gong Ziyu handed over the Angelica and Golden Herb Tea in her hand.

"Father, this is the Angelica dahurica and Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea that was delivered to the women's quarters today."

Gong Yuanzheng burst out laughing. "The women's quarters! What are you doing in the women's quarters so early in the morning, Brother Ziyu? Have you forgotten that the young master's brides-to-be live there?"

The words "young master" were emphasized.

Gong Ziyu was furious. "Gong Yuanzheng, get rid of your filthy thoughts!"

Gong Yuanzheng retorted, "Then don't do anything despicable!"

"Gong Yuanzheng!"

Seeing that the two were about to start arguing again, Gong Hongyu shouted sharply, "Enough!"

Seeing that the two of them had shut up, he looked at Gong Ziyu. Although he was displeased that Gong Ziyu had gone to the women's quarters without permission, he still patiently asked, "What exactly are you trying to say with that cup of tea?"

Gong Yuanzheng curled his lip in disdain. "Gong Hongyu, you could have shown even more favoritism."

Gong Shangjiao stared straight ahead, seemingly oblivious to everything happening around him.

Gong Huanyu had long been accustomed to Gong Hongyu's differential treatment.

"Father......"

"Call him Zhiren." Gong Hongyu interrupted him, his eyes filled with a hint of reproach.

In public, wouldn't this give others ammunition to criticize him? He was truly angry at his son's lack of ambition.

Gong Ziyu's hand holding the medicine bowl froze. He pursed his lips and continued, "The taste of this Angelica dahurica and golden herb tea is off. I suspect that Gong Yuanzheng changed the recipe."

Just because of this? Gong Hongyu looked at Gong Ziyu with disappointment, thinking that he could improve, but he was still so incompetent.

Gong Yuanzheng looked at Gong Ziyu with a mocking gaze and replied casually, "I changed the formula, so what?"

Gong Ziyu was completely enraged by his attitude. "Gong Yuanzheng! How dare you! You actually used the bride-to-be as a test subject for the drug!"

Gong Yuanzheng was utterly stunned by his words. He was just using the brides to test the drug on a different formula?

"Brother Ziyu, you should still provide evidence before you speak," Gong Shangjiao said calmly, without even glancing at Gong Ziyu.

"Evidence? The Angelica dahurica and Clematis chinensis tea in my hand is the evidence..."

Seeing that Gong Ziyu was getting more and more agitated, Gong Hongyu shouted again, "Enough!"

Seeing Gong Ziyu looking at him with resentment, Gong Hongyu's disappointment reached its peak.

"I had Yuanzheng change the formula. You idle away your days, never concerning yourself with palace affairs, so naturally you wouldn't have noticed. Your poisoning is getting worse, and the medicine you used to take is becoming less and less effective. I had Gong Yuanzheng research a new formula. Do you think all the children of the Gong family are as idle as you?!"

Gong Ziyu gripped the medicine bowl tighter and tighter, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Gong Yuanzheng crossed his arms and watched with great interest.

Gong Shangjiao stared straight ahead, his expression unchanged; he showed no interest in Gong Hongyu disciplining his son.

Gong Huanyu looked at Gong Ziyu with a worried expression, but her eyes were cold.

"Go down! Reflect on your actions in seclusion. You're not young anymore. Think it over carefully. If you continue to be so unambitious, you have no reason to stay in the Gong family!"

"I didn't really want to stay in the Gong family either!" Gong Ziyu retorted loudly, smashing the medicine bowl and running out of the Zhiren Hall.

Gong Huanyu wanted to call him back but it was too late, so she could only bow to Gong Yuanzheng again.

"It was Ziyu who acted rashly. I hope that Brother Yuanzheng will not hold it against him."

Gong Yuanzheng snorted and didn't reply. Gong Shangjiao said, "It's just a small matter. It's fine as long as it's explained clearly."

“It’s understandable that Yuanzheng is still underage and doesn’t know any better, but Ziyu is already an adult. He should think things through before acting.”

"They start by mentioning the Gong family. If this happens too often, it might damage the Gong family's relationships."

These words made Gong Hongyu's face burn. Gong Yuanzheng was several years younger than Gong Ziyu, yet he was able to shoulder the responsibilities of a palace, while Gong Ziyu was still indulging in pleasure and doing nothing all day long.

In comparison, it's simply a pile of mud that can't be plastered on a wall.

“Zhi Ren, if there’s nothing else, Yuan Zheng and I will head back now.”

"Wait, Shang Jiao." Gong Huanyu stopped him. "I heard that you brought an outsider into the palace today. I wonder what his identity is."

Gong Shangjiao looked at Gong Huanyu, and no matter how well he hid it, Gong Shangjiao could still see the wariness and vigilance in his eyes.

Gong Shangjiao smiled slightly, "Young Master, rest assured, he is a major customer who came to the palace gate only to purchase medicinal herbs and hidden weapons."

"I see." Gong Huanyu's suspicion remained undiminished. "But since Wu Feng has just infiltrated the palace, we should be more cautious."

"Young Master, rest assured, Shang Jiao understands."

Seeing nothing amiss, Gong Huanyu took two steps back and stopped blocking Gong Shangjiao and Gong Yuanzheng.

After bowing to Zhi Ren, Gong Shangjiao led Gong Yuanzheng out of Zhi Ren Hall. Just as they reached the door, they encountered Ming Wu Ji carrying a bowl of soup.

The two brothers' expressions changed simultaneously.

Gong Shangjiao was able to control his expression, but Gong Yuanzheng could not.

"Lower your head!" Gong Shangjiao didn't turn around and directly transmitted his voice to Gong Yuanzheng.

Gong Yuanzheng gritted his teeth, lowered his head, and tried his best to control his murderous aura.

Mingwu Ji was a little puzzled by Gong Yuanzheng's attitude, but she didn't pay much attention to it. She simply nodded slightly to Gong Shangjiao and then entered the Zhiren Hall.

"Lady Wu Ji." Gong Huanyu bowed to Ming Wu Ji, their eyes meeting in a way that only they understood.

"Zhi Ren, I'll go find Zi Yu first; he's also been wronged."

Gong Hongyu sighed helplessly and waved to Gong Huanyu.

Mingwu Ji put down the tray, walked behind Gong Hongyu, and rubbed his head. "What happened? I saw Ziyu running away angrily on the way. At the door, Gong Yuanzheng's expression didn't seem right either."

Mentioning Gong Hongyu made him feel exhausted. "This kid was manageable when he was young, but now he's becoming more and more rebellious. He does nothing all day and is not even as good as Gong Yuanzheng before he came of age."

Princess Mingwu didn't like hearing these words; she had never had a good impression of Gong Yuanzheng.

She walked to Gong Hongyu's side and massaged his arm.

"You're wrong. Ziyu has always been simple-minded and pure-hearted, much better than Gong Yuanzheng."

Gong Hongyu didn't want to argue with her about these things, so he just sighed.

"You can see that Gong Yuanzheng looks unwell. I guess it's because of Miss Lin. To be honest, Miss Lin was wronged, so it's no wonder he feels resentful."

Mingwu Ji had heard about what happened last night. She knew that Gong Huanyu was making a big show of apologies, and she even prepared part of the apologies herself.

Mingwu Ji continued working, and tentatively asked, "Just who is this Miss Lin? Why do you all value her so much?"

Gong Hongyu grabbed Mingwu Ji's hand and pulled her in front of him.

"I didn't mention this to you before because the matter was unresolved, but now that the imperial decree has been issued, it's fine to tell you."

Mingwu Ji's heart skipped a beat. An imperial edict? This is actually related to the imperial court?

Gong Hongyu, oblivious to her expression, told Mingwu Ji everything about the marriage alliance with the imperial court.

Mingwu Ji's feelings were also quite complicated. "You actually told me about something so important."

"It's nothing." Gong Hongyu said dismissively. "You left Wufeng ten years ago. Now that Miss Lin is about to marry into the palace, she will have to deal with you in the future. I'm telling you now so you can prepare in advance."

Mingwu Ji remained silent, but Gong Hongyu couldn't help but complain, "It's a pity she wasn't betrothed to Ziyu. If she had married Ziyu, given Miss Lin's family background and status, I wouldn't have to worry about Ziyu's future."

Mingwu Ji's expression shifted slightly, and she tentatively asked, "Is this Miss Lin really that good?"

Gong Hongyu nodded, "Leaving aside her family background, her appearance and character are also rare in this world."

Mingwu Ji couldn't help but wonder, was this Miss Lin really that outstanding?

"I'll deliver the compensation to Miss Lin myself. I'll apologize to her in person on behalf of the Feather Palace."

Seeing that Gong Hongyu's expression softened, Mingwu Ji pressed on, "Miss Lin comes from a noble family. Such families are very particular about etiquette and rarely see outsiders. If we send some servants to deliver it, I'm afraid it will not show our sincerity. Why don't you let me go instead?"

Gong Hongyu agreed as promised, and he looked at Mingwu Ji.

"Then I'll trouble you to make the trip."

Inside the palace, Qiulan was excitedly decorating Lin Qingyue's boudoir.

As soon as she entered the young lady's boudoir, she felt that the decorations were too dark and gloomy. She feared that if she stayed here for too long, she would become depressed.

Qiulan renovated the room without hesitation.

Fearing that his daughter might not be happy, Lin Ruhai prepared an exceptionally generous dowry for Lin Qingyue.

It has gold and silver artifacts, silks and satins, and home decorations, more than enough to decorate a room.

Lin Qingyue wanted to join in, but Qiulan pulled her directly onto the soft couch.

“Miss, please rest here. Don’t worry, we grew up together and I know what kind of style you like. I will definitely decorate this place to be almost like Yangzhou.”

After saying that, he didn't forget to bring Lin Qingyue some fruit and snacks, and also gave her a travelogue to help her pass the time.

She herself was bustling about in her room, and the servants of the Zheng Palace were being directed around by her.

"Remove this bed curtain and replace it with that silk gauze curtain."

"We don't need this screen; we'll just have a four-panel screen made of rosewood inlaid with seashells and flowers!"

"Go and cut a few plum blossoms and put them in this vase."

"Replying to Miss Qiulan, there are no flowers in the Zheng Palace."

"No flowers? Never mind then, let's put this plum vase away first."

Since Qiulan was in such high spirits, Lin Qingyue didn't disturb her. Leaning against the soft couch, she flipped through the travelogue in her hand and unknowingly fell asleep.