Gu's father died young. His greatest wish in life had been for someone in the Gu family to pursue an official career through the imperial examinations and make a name for himself in the history books.
As the eldest brother, Gu Wanghuai took full responsibility for supporting his younger brother, Gu Qingchuan, and helping him pass the exams.
But then the academy head sent a letter, saying that Gu Qingchuan had been distracted at the academy lately and would surely fail the imperial examinations if he kept it up.
After investigating the whole matter, Gu Wanghuai concluded that the culprit was Taoxian, the pretty little maid with alluring eyes who was always by his younger brother's side.
A tender young maid, leading a man's heart astray!
Gu Wanghuai coldly took her away from his younger brother's courtyard, cutting off all contact between them.
Gu Qingchuan knelt outside the study for a long time. "Elder Brother, I beg you. Don't make Xianxian leave me."
Unable to bear his pleading any longer, and knowing he shouldn't extinguish his younger brother's hopes, Gu Wanghuai finally replied coldly:
"If you pass the examinations, I'll give her back to you."
When Taoxian first arrived at Gu Wanghuai's courtyard, she was cautious and careful, not daring to loiter in front of him.
Then one day, Gu Wanghuai's old illness flared up. He developed a chilling cough and a high fever that wouldn't go down, while his personal attendant happened to be away on an errand.
Hearing the muffled coughs and labored breathing from the inner room, Taoxian hesitated for half the night before finally pushing the door open with gentle steps. But she saw that he wasn't sick at all. He was...
The long years of studying through cold and hardship finally came to an end.
Gu Qingchuan lived up to expectations. He passed the imperial examinations at last, riding high on the spring breeze.
He raced joyfully toward his elder brother's courtyard and pushed the door open, only to see:
His elder brother, once so cold and dispassionate, holding that familiar, charming figure by the hand.
Taoxian's expression was gentle, but her belly was already beginning to swell...
Gu Wanghuai turned his head, his gaze deep as he looked at his younger brother, frozen in place.
His voice was calm and detached:
"Little brother, come over and greet your sister-in-law."
*Feudal patriarch and honest, sweet little sister
Theme: Live life earnestly
