Chapter 15: Yi’s Choice

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Report from the Kangchen Daily, February 13, 3031: The scandal involving a confidential government official from nine days ago has been resolved. It was revealed to be a conspiracy schemed by a man surnamed Li and his lover. Thanks to the efforts of the police and the government, the truth has come to light—the photos were entirely fabricated.

The pale yellow wall covered in wisteria vines, the elegantly crafted eaves like flying birds, and the red-painted wooden door resembling that of an ordinary household—yet the door itself is made of centuries-old rosewood, emitting a faint, pleasant scent of timber upon close approach.

This is the Du Gu family residence, an old-fashioned yet exquisite Western-style mansion with an antique courtyard. Approaching the Du Gu home feels as if one has stepped back into the ancient times of a great noble clan.

The Du Gu family holds the most resources in the Ideal Nation and boasts the largest population among the four great families. For generations, they have adhered to principles of thrift and diligence. It was only in the era of Du Gu Yi’s mother, Du Gu Muqing, that subtle changes in lifestyle appeared—slight improvements in diet and attire that, while modest, reflected a greater appreciation for comfort than previous generations.

Du Gu Yi pushed open the door, still redolent with the aroma of wood, and stepped inside. There were no guards or gatekeepers, yet no one dared to trespass without permission. The reason for this was elusive, even to him.

The Du Gu estate is vast, centered around a main house surrounded by smaller suites. The main residence is occupied by the current head of the Du Gu family, Du Gu Muqing, and her husband Gu Yu.

Adjacent to the main house live Du Gu Muqing’s concubines, the Sun and He families. Despite the Ideal Nation’s claims of democracy and gender equality, among the nobility it remains common for women to keep lovers. Children born of such relationships may be recognized into the family lineage as long as the official husband acknowledges them.

This is perhaps the most archaic aspect of the Ideal Nation’s development, bearing a faint resemblance to ancient Japan.

Du Gu Yi is the legitimate eldest son. Though he has lived alone for years, he still holds considerable influence within the Du Gu family. Yet he despises leveraging his status and refuses to seek his mother’s approval through his rank.

Inside the main house’s courtyard lies a small flower garden, perpetually planted with several types of leafy plants that never bloom but remain lush green. These plants are his father Gu Yu’s favorites. He recalls once, as a child, breaking a leaf and being punished by his father.

Even then, he sensed his father’s dislike—not because he was a boy or mischievous, but because he resembled his father too much.

It is not so much that his father disliked him, but rather that his father disliked himself. To keep his father content, from the moment he could walk, he resolved never to return to the Du Gu home.

This time, summoned by his mother, he was prepared to resist fully. Yet unexpectedly, his parents stood united: either return and devote himself entirely to the Du Gu family’s affairs, or marry Duanmu Feng to contribute to the family’s cause. There was no third option.

He refused to accept his fate and could not believe that after all his efforts, he would be undone by a single accident. Duanmu Feng had already informed him that the incident involved Shangguan Luo, and the latter’s intentions were beginning to surface.

The Shangguan family had been reduced to a hollow shell by their reckless heirs over the years. Without renewed ambition, they risked falling into destitution. No one would think to revive the Shangguan estate unless pushed to the brink.

Thus, their hopes turned to the Du Gu family, choosing Du Gu Yi—after all, who would refuse both wealth and beauty? Only Duanmu Feng stood in their way.

Their repeated schemes against Du Gu Yi had failed, so this time they struck hard. Yet there is still no evidence linking the scandal’s mastermind to the Shangguan family.

Knock, knock—

After the crisp sound on the door, a somewhat hoarse female voice responded from inside.

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“Come in!”

Du Gu Yi pushed open the living room door and entered.

Inside, Du Gu Muqing and Gu Yu sat in the main seats sipping tea. They seemed to have anticipated Du Gu Yi’s return and did not rush to question him.

It had been two or three days since their last meeting. Both adults knew about his discomfort. Initially, they suspected he was pregnant, but the test results were unexpected. He thought that if the tests had been positive, they might have forcibly sent him to the Duanmu family. Fortunately, they were not, so he still had some room to maneuver.

Du Gu Yi calmly took a seat beside them. Being a good son had never been his goal, nor was it something they required. What they wanted was a son useful to them.

Seated next to Du Gu Yi was his father Gu Yu, who, though in his fifties, bore a youthful, wrinkle-free face much like his son’s, with short black hair that lent him an even younger appearance. Standing side by side, no one would guess Gu Yu was the father of a man in his thirties; some might mistake them for brothers.

The head of the Du Gu family had never valued appearance but talent. Gu Yu was not only striking but possessed wisdom rivaling that of the ancient strategist Zhuge Liang. His combination of intellect and looks had maintained his position as the male head of the Du Gu family for decades, unchallenged.

To be the Du Gu family’s patriarch required sacrifices far beyond what outsiders could see.

“Yi, your return—should I understand that you are willing to follow the plans your mother and I have arranged?” Gu Yu set down his teacup, his narrow, clear eyes unreadable. Outsiders could never discern his emotions, and even those closest found it impossible to know his true thoughts.

From a young age, Du Gu Yi had stopped trying to decode his father’s words. If there was a problem, it was better to speak plainly, perhaps leaving room for negotiation.

Du Gu Muqing, who had been quietly drinking tea, lifted her head. Her appearance was also striking, but compared to Du Gu Yi, her face held a softer quality. She lacked his icy demeanor but was not as stern or rigid as Gu Yu. Her tea-colored eyes carried an undercurrent of detachment, even towards her own children.

“Yi, we understand your desire to be independent. But with your talent, not returning to the company system would be a waste,” Du Gu Muqing smiled gently, her maternal expression warm but the sincerity failing to reach her eyes.

Du Gu Yi straightened his back slightly, meeting their gaze evenly. He knew he was not particularly important to his parents, yet for himself—and for Gu Xinyao—he would persist.

“Father, mother, I have decided. I will resign from my secretary position and return to the company. But I have one condition: my marriage must be my choice.” He lifted his chin. How many years had it been since he learned to negotiate with them? He had long forgotten—seemingly since he could understand, he had always done so.

Few children of the Du Gu family, unless genuinely loved by their parents, know true happiness. He knew some of his decisions were rash—like impulsively proposing when Gu Xinyao was distressed, or dragging her into this mess.

But he could not help it. If selfishness was the word, so be it. He never expected anyone to erect statues or sing his praises.

Gu Yu was somewhat surprised by his son’s resolve. His lips curved into a faint, graceful smile, never losing composure despite his beauty. Yet he had never been so visibly moved.

Du Gu Muqing showed little surprise, but a complex emotion flickered in her eyes.

“Yi, do you think you still have a choice in marriage? Although the media now say the scandal was fabricated, with those glaring photos on the newspapers, who will still believe you are innocent? You say you will resign as secretary, but have you thought about how many will mock you if you return to government work? Though the Du Gu family controls most of the Ideal Nation’s energy, many eyes are watching us like hungry wolves. The Du Gu family cannot afford another mistake.”

Du Gu Muqing’s earnest words made Du Gu Yi flinch slightly, but he quickly regained composure. His mother’s long lectures never ended, and the reason she spoke was always for herself.

“Mother, I’ve been through much outside. I know what is good and bad for the Du Gu family. I am willing to sacrifice everything for it, but marriage—please grant me the right to choose.” His voice carried both resolve and plea.

“Yi—”

“Have you already chosen someone to marry?” Gu Yu’s clear, ethereal voice made it difficult to tell if his question was more concern or reproach.

Du Gu Yi had grown accustomed to his father’s tone and attitude. After a pause, he decided to confess the truth about Gu Xinyao.

“Yes! I like her, and she likes me. She says she will do anything for me.”

Gu Yu turned to sip his tea, while Du Gu Muqing’s expression darkened slightly. She had intended to crush Du Gu Yi’s foolish hopes completely, but Gu Yu had preempted her.

“Yi, do you know her background, education, family members? Have you considered these?”

Du Gu Yi was momentarily stunned by his mother’s questions. Although they had known each other a long time, he only knew her name was Gu Xinyao and that she worked in a grocery store. He did not know her family background or who else lived with her.

Was he confused? Not really. They were like two magnets attracted by opposite poles, drawn together without questioning why.

“I don’t know,” he answered softly, fully aware of the consequences but unable to lie. One lie would require many more to cover it.

“No!” Du Gu Muqing exclaimed.

“Bring her here for us to see.”

Du Gu Muqing and Gu Yu voiced completely opposing views.

As Du Gu Yi prepared to argue, Du Gu Muqing suddenly changed her mind with a sigh.

“Fine. As your father says, bring her here, and we will discuss the rest later.”

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