Qingfeng Courtyard was located in the northwest corner of the Marquis's mansion. As its name suggested, it was bare and simple, like a life of integrity.
Inside the room, besides a bed, a cabinet, and a desk, there wasn't even a decent decorative item to be found. Not only Lu Nianfu, but even Qingya was astonished. "Young Master? Are you sure you're not in the wrong place? Even the room I live in is better than this."
Gu Yanchen ran his hand over the tabletop and said, "It's not bad. At least it's been cleaned, and we can actually walk around."
Lu Nianfu had already accepted the fact that her "golden thigh" was merely a庶子 (shùzǐ - son of a concubine) of the Marquis's mansion. Seeing how poorly he lived within the estate now, she felt a pang of heartache. "You didn't live in a place like this since you were little, did you?"
"No, I moved in after my concubine mother lost favor. Look, there's a door there that leads directly to the street. It's quite convenient for coming and going."
"Did your father not assign anyone to serve you?"
"There are only these two rooms. If a servant came, wouldn't they be deliberately trying to take my territory?"
When Gu Yanchen was sensible, his concubine mother had already lost favor. He hadn't lived a good life, so he didn't think the courtyard's conditions were that bad before. But now, facing the empty and simple room, and then looking at the light purple cloak with white fox fur edging his wife was wearing, he suddenly understood what it meant to be out of place.
Lu Nianfu walked around the two rooms. "If we're really going to live here, we'll need to have someone send over some bedding and charcoal. Otherwise, we won't be able to sleep at night."
Gu Yanchen took her hand. "How can anyone live in a place like this? When my father returns, I'll ask him for a new courtyard."
"What if he's not willing to give one?"
"Then we can just move out. How about the house on Hulu Street?"
"I think it's alright, but it can't compare to the Marquis's mansion." The Marquis of Guangling's mansion had also been glorious. This mansion was a gift from the late emperor, with pavilions, carved beams, and painted rafters. As they walked, they had already passed through four covered corridors.
Gu Yanchen said, "What does the Marquis's mansion have to do with me? It's enough if it's better than my Qingfeng Courtyard."
Lu Nianfu smiled. "That is indeed much better than this."
Qingya said, "Just standing here isn't going to do anything. Young Master, may I search the room for something to cushion this chair?"
Gu Yanchen replied, "Do as you please, but I'm afraid there's nothing like that in my room."
"Why be so particular?" Lu Nianfu pulled over a chair and sat down. A chill immediately pierced through her two cotton trousers. Her expression stiffened. This darned capital, how could even the chairs feel like they had been frozen?
Gu Yanchen suppressed a laugh and pulled her up. "Sit on the bed. Xiao Wuzi, go wait outside the main gate. If you see my father, come back and inform me."
Xiao Wuzi acknowledged briskly and was about to leave when Lu Nianfu called out, "Qingya, give Xiao Wuzi a few silver ingots. The weather is so cold, if he waits at the door, don't let him catch a cold. There are many servants in the Marquis's mansion; if you give them some money, someone will surely help run errands."
Xiao Wuzi quickly waved his hands and patted his chest, boasting, "No need, I'm in good health."
Gu Yanchen said, "Listen to your young lady. If you get sick, where will I find a new stable boy?"
"Thank you, Miss." Xiao Wuzi took the purse and ran out in a flash. Qingya looked around and finally found a kettle and a stove, but there was no charcoal. "Miss, I guess we can't have hot water."
Lu Nianfu looked at Gu Yanchen with sympathy. "You really had a tough childhood, didn't you?"
Gu Yanchen thought for a moment. "When my concubine mother left, I was already attending school. The academy provided unified accommodation and meals, so I usually only returned to the mansion during holidays. Other than that, I didn't feel much, except for a strong craving for meat."
After Lu Fei got into Lumen Academy, he also lived and ate there. Every time he came back, he would complain to her about the poor food at the academy. But this fellow felt that life at the academy was good, which showed how miserable he had been before.
She said, "When we get home later, just tell Aunt Cui whatever you want to eat. As long as it's not dragon's liver or phoenix's gall, she can make anything you desire."
"Why doesn't Madam cook a dish for me herself?"
Lu Nianfu gave him a look. "Mainly because if I cooked it, I'm afraid you wouldn't dare to eat it."