Like Pearl and Jade

Chapter 25

"Was your trip to the Duke of Dingguo's Establishment successful?" Gu Chang Ling handed a teacup to Yang shi and asked.

"So-so." Yang shi took the teacup and smiled at Gu Chang Ling. Then she took a sip, holding the cup in her hand. She turned to look at her daughter who had moved next to her second son to talk. She did not speak of how the Yang Ducal Establishment wanted to have a marriage. "Mistress Yang is a kind person. Their young masters and misses are all polite people."

"People usually cannot pick any flaws in their conduct." Gu Chang Ling had a good opinion of the family so his words carried some reverence. "While I do not know about the juniors, Duke Yang is a rare gentleman."

"It isn't important if he is a gentleman." Yang shi smiled and turned to say to Gu Ru Jiu, "Jiu Jiu, did you interact harmoniously with Miss Yang today?"

Gu Ru Jiu had been talking with Gu Cun Jing about what was happening in the Dragon Guards. Hearing her mother mention her name, Gu Ru Jiu hurriedly turned around and said, "MIss Yang has a steady personality and does not speak much."

"When one speaks too much, they make mistakes. It is good for Miss Yang to be so steady," Yang shi said with a smile. "She is better than you."

"There are millions of good girls in the world. If I compete with every person, I fear I will have no face to stay in the capital," Gu Ru Jiu gave a fawning smile to Yang shi. "As long as you and Father think I am good, that's enough."

"It cannot just be that your father and I feel you are good." Yang shi smiled. She was used to her daughter fawning and currying favor. "You played an entire day; you should calm yourself. Go return to your yard."

Gu Ru Jiu stood and bowed to her parents. Then she said, "I will no longer disturb Mother and Daddy."

Gu Cun Jing saw this, and stood up to bid farewell, chasing after her.

"Jiu Jiu." Gu Cun Jing called out to his younger sister. "Wait for me, I want to talk to you."

"Second Brother?" Gu Ru Jiu stopped walking, and looked in puzzlement at Gu Cun Jing. What matter did he have that he would pursue her out here?

Gu Cun Jing said a few words off-topic before finally guiding the topic to the emperor. "I heard His Majesty frequently call you Junior Sister in private?"

"Yes." Gu Ru Jiu nodded. "What about it?"

What about it? Why did he not hear His Majesty call him or Eldest Brother "Senior Brother"?

"Nothing, I just saw His Majesty seems to be concerned about your matters so I asked." Gu Cun Jing smiled and said, "I cannot ask His Majesty so I can only ask you."

"There is nothing strange. He calls me Junior Sister to give Father face. Calling me Junior Sister is better than calling you and Eldest Brother, who have already entered court, Senior Brother." Gu Ru Jiu felt that even if the emperor was very good to her now, when he first started calling her Junior Sister, the biggest reason was her father.

Seeing that his young sister could see clearly and had not misunderstood something due to the emperor's special treatment, Gu Cun Jing was reassured. He immediately said, "Sister, you see clearly. This brother is too stupid."

Gu Ru Jiu covered her mouth and laughed softly, "When did Second Brother become so stupid?"

"Hmph." Gu Cun Jing put his hands behind his back, pretending to be angry as he walked away swaying.

Gu Ru Jiu looked at his back, her smile fading after a long time. After returning to her courtyard, she thought in puzzlement, why had Second Brother suddenly asked about this?