Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 498 - 334 Ji Fuhu

Hua Lian had long since changed out of her brothel attire; now she was just a woman from an ordinary family, dressed very plainly. The material was not very good, and she wore only a silver hairpin.

Gu Chengyu’s gaze, however, was on the tray in her hands, with a bowl on top still steaming hot.

Hua Lian gave Gu Chengyu a slight bow, "I wanted to congratulate you yesterday, young master, but you were too busy, and I didn’t want to disturb. So I got up a bit early today and made some yam and chicken congee to express my feelings."

After speaking, she placed the tray on the nearby table.

Gu Chengyu felt rather embarrassed, as she was a guest after all—was it really right to have a guest cook for him? He also felt a bit awkward about having a woman lodging in the manor.

After all, he was the only male master in this house, and having a woman lodging there could lead to rumors, whatever might be said.

"Miss Hua Lian, your thoughtfulness is appreciated, but there’s no need for such formality. Ah! That’s right, since Miss Hua Lian has left the past behind, the name Hua Lian wouldn’t do anymore. Do you wish to change your name?"

Gu Chengyu thanked Hua Lian but didn’t reach for the bowl of yam and chicken congee. It seemed Hua Lian hadn’t saved much from her time at the brothel, whether in the clothes she wore or the congee—likely due to a lack of money.

In the household, everyone received a monthly allowance. Since Hua Lian was staying there, she would receive one as well, including clothing for each season—none of it costing much, and Gu Chengyu wouldn’t be stingy.

Hua Lian nodded in agreement, "I wanted to discuss this with you, young master, but I only know a few characters and couldn’t think of a good name. So I came to ask you, hoping you might think of a pleasant name for me."

"Oh! Have you forgotten your childhood name? Do you at least remember your surname?" Gu Chengyu set the practiced characters aside and looked at Hua Lian earnestly.

Hua Lian shook her head, "I only remember my family seemed to call me by the childhood name Juju, like the fruit, tangerine."

"Does Miss have a preferred surname?" Gu Chengyu knew she was young at the time and probably wouldn’t remember. Besides, in most farming or city families, girls were often not given formal names until four or five years old, usually going by childhood nicknames.

Gu Family’s daughters were named early on, but the names were given carelessly, like Gu Lian or Gu Lan or Gu Xing, with little thought.

Hua Lian just pinched her clothing’s edge, "Young master, just give me any name; whatever you decide will do."

Upon hearing this, Gu Chengyu felt a headache coming—when a girl says this, it’s like going out with girls in one’s past life, asking where to eat and getting the usual "Anywhere is fine," but assuming you can actually choose anywhere would be wrong. You had to name ten places or so before you could settle down for a meal.

Gu Chengyu thought for a moment, "Why not call you Ji Fuhu?"

Fuqu means a blooming lotus flower. In "The Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River," there’s a line "Shining like a lotus emerging from clear waves." It’s a lotus, fitting for a woman.

The name Hua Lian was a bit frivolous; Fuqu retained the subtlety of a woman’s grace and carried an air of dignity. Gu Chengyu planned to think of a few more names for Hua Lian to choose from.

To Gu Chengyu’s surprise, Hua Lian agreed, "I like this name very much; let it be this one!"

Gu Chengyu was astonished; he thought he’d have to come up with ten or more names, but not only was Hua Lian so agreeable, she immediately approved. Well, since she said so, he wouldn’t overcomplicate matters.

"Henceforth, I, this humble girl, will be known as Ji Fuhu, thanks to the young master’s naming," Hua Lian looked at Gu Chengyu with a smile in her eyes.

She had completely cast off her past and become a woman of virtue, all thanks to Gu Chengyu. Whispering her new name, joy filled her heart so much it seemed to burst forth. She pressed her bounding heartbeat and pressed Gu Chengyu to drink the yam and chicken congee.

Once Ji Fuhu cheerfully departed, Gu Chengyu called for Lichun.

"When the household distributes the monthly allowance, prepare a portion for Miss Hua Lian as well—five taels of silver a month. For other seasonal clothing, four sets per season, and during festivals, follow the wedding money distribution from yesterday. Also, Hua Lian has changed her name to Ji Fuhu; from now on, everyone in the household should call her Miss Ji."

Gu Chengyu’s words genuinely surprised Lichun—was she to live here long term? The young master had even given Miss Hua Lian a name; Lichun thought Hua Lian’s scheming wasn’t small. She seemed quiet and usually didn’t trouble the young master, yet she used subtle and imperceptible methods.

Did the young master know Hua Lian’s intentions? Lichun glanced at Gu Chengyu’s composed face, unable to discern his thoughts.

But how could Lichun know that Gu Chengyu was also troubled! Ji Fuhu staying in the manor wasn’t a long-term plan; he still needed to find a proper arrangement for her. For this, he hadn’t found a good solution yet.

Suddenly, inspiration struck. He thought of Guo Moruo and his sister; since household registrations needed to be done anyway, why not do them all together? They could look after each other, and he would find it easier to provide support.

The more he thought about it, the better the idea seemed. Now that he had a plan, Gu Chengyu didn’t worry anymore. In a few days, he would ask both parties about their opinions. If they didn’t mind, he would let them live together.

"Young master! Second Aunt is here!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Chengyu put down the bowl of yam and chicken congee. As he was getting up, he saw Gu Wan coming toward him briskly.

"I knew you’d be practicing calligraphy. Weren’t you supposed to hold a banquet today? Why hasn’t the manor started preparing? Without a female mistress, things truly don’t get done—look at all of you, clueless about what should be done."

Gu Wan entered the study carrying Xiao Bao, frowning at Gu Chengyu, who was still standing at the desk.

Gu Chengyu approached, taking Xiao Bao into his arms, his heart filled with endless joy at the soft, warm voice calling him uncle. Indeed, a fragrant, soft Xiao Baozi was the most lovable.

Gu Wan wasn’t unaware of manners; if Gu Chengyu were in the outer study, she wouldn’t barge in improperly. Since this was the inner study for practicing calligraphy and Ming Yan had announced her, that meant visitors weren’t unwelcome.

The three of them laughed and joked for a while. Gu Wan saw the yam and chicken congee on the table, still steaming hot, "Have you not yet eaten? Eat quickly!"

Just as Gu Chengyu was about to answer, Xiao Baozi interrupted, "Eat, eat, Baozi wants to eat."

Gu Chengyu laughed silently and scooped a spoonful of congee from the bowl to Xiao Baozi, watching him eat mouthful after mouthful. Gu Wan sat by the side, smiling as the uncle and nephew took turns finishing the congee.

Suddenly, she remembered something, "Xiao Bao! I heard you brought back a young lady the other day?"

Gu Wan wiped Xiao Baozi’s mouth with a handkerchief, her gaze fixed on Gu Chengyu’s expression.

Gu Chengyu set the bowl down on the table—could it be that Sun Xian and the others already knew about this matter? However, regarding Ji Fuhu, he already had plans. Thus, he spoke openly because he understood Gu Wan’s concerns.